THE CAMP BRANDEIS TEAM

Mirza brings over 20 years of experience in K-8 education to his role at Brandeis. He was previously the Afterschool and Summer Camp Director at Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, a preschool - 8th grade independent school in the East Bay, where he was responsible for  developing vibrant, engaging, and child-centered programs throughout the school year and summer. He takes a holistic approach to working with students, recognizing the importance of social, emotional, and spiritual learning. An accomplished musician and avid record collector, Mirza is also a father of four and a longtime Bay Area resident.

Zindzi has been with Brandeis for 3 years in multiple capacities. The past year she has been the resident teacher for 3rd Grade and this coming year, she will be the Librarian for Brandeis. She has  experience in the classroom as well as helping students individually and in small groups. “I help students with literacy, writing proficiency and spelling. I also teach math and Hebrew. I have two children at Brandeis, a rising 3rd and 6th Grader. I aspire to provide my students with a sense of adventure and exploration. I believe that the journey to learning begins with a feeling of safety and from there we can play and become curious about the world around us.”

Giovanna is currently a student at San Francisco State University. She is an English Education major with a minor in Latina/o studies. She enjoys working with kids as they are creative, intelligent, and joyful. She is excited to be a camp counselor at Camp Brandeis again this year and is looking forward to this Summer.

Alayah has worked as the Kindergarten Aftercare teacher at Brandeis since January 2025. This will be her second year as a Summer Camp Counselor at Camp Brandeis. She just graduated from Spelman College with a degree in History. She plans to acquire her master's in Librarian Science and is currently applying for Masters programs. Alayah is passionate about education and working with children. She enjoys drawing and reading in her free time.

Halle attends Occidental College. She has not yet declared her major but is interested in Sociology and Urban and Environmental Planning. On campus, Halle is a member of Book Club, Hillel, and tutors neighborhood children. In her free time, she likes to read, go to the beach, and hang out with her friends. She looks forward to meeting you all at Camp Brandeis!

Jonnay aka Jojo, is super excited to be a part of the camp staff this summer. Jojo is enthusiastic, energetic, and skilled in the theater arts. She is an active listener, a creative thinker, and always ready for a challenge. She is a reliable and fun-loving camp counselor with a knack for connecting with kids. Skilled in group activities and is always eager to help campers learn new things. I am excited to create lasting memories and make a positive impact on campers' summer experiences, and can't wait to make this a summer filled with fun and friendship! 

 

Nate Smith just graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cinema. He has spent the last several months as the PM instructor for middle school at Brandeis. In his spare time he loves to hike, see live music, play baseball with his friends, and go to the local San Francisco independent movie theaters to catch a film. His favorite color is green.  He is looking forward to a very fun summer! 

Remie Ritz is a 10th grader at Drew School, heading into 11th. She’s focused on strong grades and college prep, while being involved in the DrewJew club for two years and being an active part of the Drew Community. Outside school, she’s a counselor-in-training at summer camps, babysits kids ages 3–9, and volunteers at The Chabad of the Neighborhood in West Portal. In her free time, she loves hiking, knitting, digital art, and if you ask about cars, she might surprise you with some fun facts.

Lawrence is a Summer Camp Science teacher and Lower School Resident Teacher at Brandeis. He recently completed his first year of his Masters in Education/ Teaching credential with the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute. After completion, Lawrence hopes to work as an early elementary teacher with 1st- 3rd grade. Prior to working with Brandeis, Lawrence worked at Charles Armstrong as an Assistant 2nd grade teacher and in SFUSD as a Paraeducator during the school day and in the after school programs. During his past summers, Lawrence worked as a Camp Naturalist with Tree Frog Treks here in the city at their Golden Gate Park location. Some of his favorite activities to do in his off time include urban exploration, hiking, trying new foods, and making art. "

Ella is excited to be part of Camp Brandeis this summer! She recently finished her first year as a resident teacher at Brandeis and is currently working toward her Master of Arts in Teaching and teaching credential through the BATTI program. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2023 with a degree in Primary Education. Before moving back to the Bay Area, Ella worked as a reading and writing specialist at a Waldorf school in Oregon, supporting students in grades 1–5. She also has over five years of experience working with young children in preschool and as a nanny. Ella is excited to be teaching art this summer and looks forward to giving campers a chance to express themselves and learn through creative outlets. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on hikes, baking, and being with her family.