Directory

Faculty & Staff Directory

Department

Last Name

Mrs. Louisa Elers Savarese

Middle School Science Teacher

2014

(832) 204-5900

University of Houston - B.S.
Alternative Certification Program - Teacher Certification

Bio

Louisa joined EWS in 2014. She currently teaches eighth grade Integrated Physics and Chemistry. Louisa graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s of Science degree and a minor in theater. Prior to moving to Houston with her family in 1986, Louisa lived in Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida: Tucson, Arizona continues to have the biggest pull at her heart. Luckily, her parents live in Tucson so she and her family get to visit often. Prior to working at Emery/Weiner, Louisa taught at Roberts Elementary in Houston, Texas. She worked as a classroom teacher in fourth and fifth grade for several years before she and her family moved to New York. They returned back in 2008 (just in time for Ike) and Louisa returned to Roberts Elementary and became the school's kindergarten through fifth grade science lab teacher. It was then that she found her love for teaching science; finding ways to foster the excitement, interest, & love of science for all ages! Louisa was adopted as an infant by the most amazing parents ever, and recently, with the support of them, found her biological siblings and went from having one brother to ten siblings in total! She loves watching her newfound family bond with her children, Ciro, Luca, and Clara. On her downtime she loves to read, run, binge watch Netflix and Amazon original series, reconfigure her furniture in her house, and eat sushi with her friends. She looks forward to being at Emery for a long time to come!
Ms. Jaclyn Schwing

Middle School Learning Support Specialist

2023

(832) 204-5900

Bio

Upon earning her School Psychology Specialist degree, Jaclyn provided counseling, assessment, and consultation services in the public-school setting from 2011 to 2023. During her time as a school psychologist, Jaclyn’s career focused on psychological assessment where she specialized in Autism, Other Health Impairment, and emotional behavioral disability conditions. One of Jaclyn’s passions includes consulting with school staff members and teachers on students’ education plans, and making recommendations for individualized education plans, as well as working as an intern supervisor to master-degree level students entering the school psychology field. Ultimately, it was Jaclyn’s drive to provide direct services to students which fueled her career change to becoming a Learning Support Specialist in the private sector.
Rabbi Laura Sheinkopf

Director of Jewish Life and Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher

2017

(832) 204-5900

Columbia University - B.A.
Hebrew Union College-JIR - M.H.L. and Rabbinic Ordination

Bio

Rabbi Sheinkopf joined EWS in 2017 as a Judaic Studies Teacher. Rabbi Sheinkopf grew up on Cape Cod, attended Northfield Mt. Hermon School, and graduated from Columbia University with honors in religious studies where she was a New York State Scholar. Rabbi Sheinkopf attended Hebrew Union College where she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. She has more than a decade of teaching experience in a variety of different settings.
Ms. Rachel Silton

Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher

2013

(832) 204-5900

Vassar College - B.A.
The Jewish Theological Seminary - M.A.

Bio

Rachel joined the Middle School at EWS in 2013 and taught there for nine years until moving to the Upper School in 2022. Before joining the EWS staff, Rachel participated in the OTZMA Fellowship in Israel and had the opportunity to attend a Hebrew ulpan, volunteer in a small community in the Negev, and learn as an intern at the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem. Earning a full scholarship, she also studied Jewish Education, with a focus on Jewish day schools, and Jewish history, with a focus on ancient Judaism, at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. Rachel currently teaches 9th-grade Judaics as well as Holocaust and Memory for Upperclassmen. When outside the classroom, Rachel loves spending time with her husband, two dogs, and daughter, Libby. She loves exploring Houston’s amazing Chinatown, baking Challah, and continuing her passion for Jewish learning.
Mr. Austin St. Denis

Middle School Social Science Teacher

2023

(832) 204-5900

University of Oklahoma - B.A.

Bio

Austin previously taught for four years at Pin Oak Middle School teaching 8th grade US History. He is excited to be a part of Emery!
Ms. Rebecca Starr

Director of Advancement

2007

(832) 204-5900

San Francisco State University - B.S.
San Francisco State University - M.S.

Bio

Rebecca joined EWS in 2006. Her entire professional career has been dedicated to leading non-profit efforts. Prior to her commitment to The Emery/Weiner School, Rebecca served children and adults with disabilities, and unhoused individuals. She is proud of her past affiliation with San Francisco General Hospital, The Janet Pomeroy Center and Toolworks, based in San Francisco, and Texas School for the Deaf in Austin.

As Director of Advancement, Rebecca oversees all fundraising efforts at Emery. During her tenure, she has successfully completed three capital projects (2009, 2017, 2021) and she is leading the current $30M campus expansion, The Elevating Excellence Campaign. In addition to development and philanthropic goals for the school, Rebecca uses her creativity, marketing skills, and personal approach to oversee the Communications Department.

When not raising money for Emery, Rebecca enjoys time outdoors. Her most favorite moments include early morning sunrises, walks on the beach, and all time spent with her two children.

The Emery/Weiner School

9825 Stella Link Road Houston, TX 77025
Phone: (832) 204-5900 Fax: (832) 204-5910

A private, pluralistic Jewish, college-preparatory middle and high school serving grades 6-12.
Click here for more information.