Meet Our Administrative Team
Dr. Michelle Barton
Head of School
Dr. Michelle Barton has served as Head of School at The Shlenker School since 2018. With a deep belief in the power of Jewish education, she is committed to fostering a warm, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment where students thrive intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA. She also completed her bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Political Science at UCLA, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her teaching credential and Jewish Day School certification through the DeLeT program at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion.
Before joining Shlenker, Dr. Barton served as Elementary School Principal at Pressman Academy in Los Angeles. A proud graduate of a Jewish day school herself, she brings a lifelong passion for Jewish learning and a commitment to nurturing each child’s unique potential. In addition to her leadership at Shlenker, Dr. Barton is also proud to serve on the Board of Advisors for the Houston Holocaust Museum, where she helps support and advance its vital educational mission.
She and her husband, Brandon, are the proud parents of two Shlenker students, Georgia and Simone.
Casey Suter
Elementary Division Head
Casey Suter brings decades of experience in education and leadership to her role as Elementary Division Head at The Shlenker School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Phillips University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Prior to joining Shlenker in 2010, Casey spent 16 years in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, where she served in various roles including Assistant Principal, Instructional Specialist, and Reading Recovery teacher. At Shlenker, she is known for her expertise in curriculum and instruction and her leadership in implementing research-based programs such as Reading and Writing Workshop and Envision Math. She is deeply committed to supporting both student growth and faculty development.
Evan David
Early Childhood Division Head
Evan David leads The Shlenker School’s Early Childhood Division with a deep commitment to nurturing each child’s unique development. A Shlenker alumna, Evan brings both personal connection and professional experience to her role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Houston.
Before returning to Shlenker in 2022, Evan served as Assistant Principal at Horn Elementary in Houston ISD. She is actively involved in the Jewish community. Evan and her husband, Brandon, are members of Congregation Beth Israel and parents to two Shlenker students, Avery and Logan. Her thoughtful leadership and dedication to best practices help create a joyful, supportive foundation for lifelong learning.
Merav Sternthal
Director of Integrated Jewish Learning
Merav Sternthal serves as the Director of Integrated Jewish Learning at The Shlenker School, where she blends deep Jewish knowledge with a love of teaching. Originally from Jerusalem, Merav brings a global perspective shaped by her academic and professional experiences. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Art History from Hebrew University, graduating summa cum laude, and a master’s degree in Art History from the University of Texas at Austin.
Before joining Shlenker in 2019, Merav taught Hebrew across a wide range of settings, from elementary schools to university classrooms. Her passion for Jewish learning and commitment to meaningful integration of Jewish studies across the curriculum enrich the school’s culture and student experience. She and her husband, Daniel, are proud Shlenker current and alumni parents.
Joel Bruff
Assistant Elementary Division Head
Joel Bruff supports The Shlenker School’s Elementary Division with a focus on instructional leadership and student success. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas. He also completed Texas’s “Principal as Instructional Leader” certification program.
Prior to joining Shlenker in 2022, Joel worked in Houston ISD for 13 years, where he served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, teacher development specialist, and administrator. His collaborative leadership and dedication to high-quality instruction make him a valuable member of the academic leadership team.
Karen Miller
Director of Counseling and Family Services
Karen Miller has supported students and families at The Shlenker School since 2007. With over four decades of experience in education and mental health, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role. Karen earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from Southern Methodist University and her master’s degree in School Psychology and Counseling from Texas State University. She has also completed post-graduate studies at Houston Baptist University.
Karen is licensed as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, specialist in school psychology, and psychological associate. Her diverse background includes work in speech pathology, educational psychology, private counseling, and school-based mental health. She is also a trained ROPES facilitator. At Shlenker, Karen helps ensure that students and families feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Sharon Ellerin
Business Manager
Sharon Ellerin has been a valued member of The Shlenker School’s Business Office team since 2008, serving in a variety of roles that support the school’s financial operations and daily administration. She brings a strong background in accounting, having spent two decades working in her family’s food service business and nine years in reinsurance accounting in New York.
Sharon holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Her deep connection to the school extends beyond her professional role—she is also a proud Shlenker grandparent to Ellie and Jake. Sharon’s commitment, institutional knowledge, and warm presence make her an integral part of the Shlenker community.
Tara Gassett
Director of Admissions and Development
Tara Gassett leads admissions and development at The Shlenker School with a deep sense of purpose and personal connection. A lifelong member of the Shlenker community, Tara began her educational journey at the school and is a proud Shlenker alumni parent.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and brings over 20+ years of experience in admissions and enrollment management. Prior to joining Shlenker in 2017, she served as Director and Regional Director of Admissions in proprietary education, overseeing recruitment, financial aid, events, and student services. Tara’s warmth, enthusiasm, and strategic leadership help guide families through every step of their Shlenker experience.
Lisa Sachs
Director of Marketing and Advancement
Lisa Sachs brings more than two decades of experience and deep institutional knowledge to her role as Director of Marketing and Advancement at The Shlenker School. She joined the school in 2004 and has been a dedicated member of the community ever since. Over the years, Lisa has taught fourth grade and served as the Math and Technology Learning Specialist before stepping into her current leadership role.
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the University of Houston and later completed her teaching certification through HISD’s Alternative Certification Program. She also holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Passionate about storytelling, community building, and promoting the mission and values that make Shlenker such a special place to learn and grow, Lisa is committed to advancing the school’s vision. She and her husband, Michael, are also proud Shlenker alumni parents.