Meet the Arts Department

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Meet the Arts Department

Sally Shatzkes, Director of the Arts
Ever since she was a young child, Ms. Shatzkes loved to perform. As a YOF alumnus, Ms. Shatzkes made her home on the very stage upon which she directs now, and it was there that she discovered the profound socio-emotional impact that theater can have on students. Wanting to fuse her love of theater with her love for helping people, Ms. Shatzkes became a Drama Therapist. With a BA in Theater from Columbia University, an MA in Drama Therapy from NYU, and a NYS license in Creative Arts Therapy, Ms. Shatzkes returned to her alma mater in 2007. Since then she has developed and facilitated multiple creative arts based counseling initiatives as well as theater based educational programs, including the Witness Theater program at YOF. In 2017, The Jewish Week recognized Ms. Shatzkes as one of the esteemed "36 Under 36" and in 2019 she was awarded the 2019 Covenant Award for excellence in Jewish Education. Now a parent of 5 YOF students and the Arts Director at the High School, Ms. Shatzkes is dedicated to elevating and developing the arts at YOF in every way possible. She believes strongly that it is through the arts that students learn how to be good human beings.
Jason Novetsky, Visual Arts

Jason Novetsky is a veteran teacher who holds a bachelor's degree in fine art from The Cleveland Institute of Art and a master's degree in fine art from Cranbrook Academy of Art, as well as coursework in Florence, Italy. Prior to joining the faculty at Yeshivah of Flatbush, he taught at the college level and worked as a studio manager to several international artists. Mr. Novetsky has exhibited work in museums and galleries including an exhibition in Kanazawa, Japan and the National Academy of Design. As a teacher, he challenges his students to explore the visual world as a vast resource for ideas and endless avenues for artistic expression. It is his strongly held belief that when young people are taught to see the world through the lens of creativity and expression, they are more inclined to be passionate, life long learners who embrace new ways of thinking and seeing.
Lilly Mauskop, Instrumental Music and Music Appreciation
Ms. Mauskop began her studies in the former USSR with Professor Alexander Eydelman, receiving her BM in Class of Piano and Concertmeister from Uzghorod State Music College; she continued her studies at the Manhattan School of Music with world renowned pianists Garry Graffman and John Browning, where she received an MM in Piano Performance. An accomplished pianist, Ms. Mauskop's recitals have been broadcast nationally on radio (WQXR) and television. She has won national music awards such as the National Association Collegiate Artist Competition in Ithaca, New York and has been a finalist at numerous others, such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Competition, and the MTNA Competition in Phoenix, Arizona. Currently, Ms. Mauskop teaches AP Music Theory and Music Appreciation courses at Yeshivah of Flatbush, where she inspires students to appreciate the value of classical music. Ms. Mauskop hopes to enrich the lives of everyone in our community through the study of classical music, and to have a significant role in the education of future professional musicians and patrons of the arts.
Carolina Cohen. Graphic Design

Ms. Cohen is a graduate of Universidad Anahuac Mayab (Merida, Yucatan, Mex). She holds a degree in "Diseno de la Comunicacion Grafica" - Graphic Design and Communication. Her work as a designer has always been guided by a strong belief in design as a problem-solving tool - a way of forming relationships between ideas and reality - and as a method for improving the connections between people and the products they use. In her work as an educator, Ms. Cohen has developed a passion for discovery and cultivating human connections; she finds it fascinating that a creative outlook plays a vital role in life. She says, “A great meal, a hit song, an inspired building, a business card that’s a conversation – this is what spirits me to dream up and inspire my students in the pursuit of great ideas.”

Shelley Kaplowitz,Theater Arts

Ms. Kaplowitz started her Arts career early, by taking summer classes for HS students at the famed Actor’s Studio in NYC. She is an undergraduate and post-graduate of The Ohio State University, where one of her majors was Theater and Film. During her college years, she acted on campus and also in professional productions in and around Columbus. Upon completing her education, she returned to NY where she performed in off (and off-off) Broadway shows, did some small parts in films, and also summer stock in upstate NY and New England. In addition, she directed at the renowned drama camp, French Woods, and ran the NJ YM-YWHA’s upper camp theater division. Using her other degree in Social Studies education, she began her long career at the Yeshivah of Flatbush, where she created the Drama/Public Speaking course—which she still teaches--directed the Senior play for a number of years, and produces and directs student contributions to various productions, such as Book Day and Evening of the Arts. (occasionally acting in the latter as well) Ms. Kaplowitz is driven by the idea that theater and acting and public speaking are not just for those who enjoy performing, but are a critical tool to help students gain confidence , feel comfortable in their own skins, and to develop the ‘soft skills’ (communication, leadership, problem-solving, quick-thinking, etc.) that are keys to success in one's personal AND professional life.
Mia Erdos, Visual Art
Ms. Erdos was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated from Yeshivah of Flatbush. She then studied at Fashion Institute of Technology; graduating after 4 years with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts with a Minor in Art History. Ms. Erdos has experience working as a teaching artist for the Children's Museum of the Arts. When it comes to her personal work, Ms. Erdos is interested in the way color, form, and space relate. She focuses on creating abstract paintings, and nature is her main source of inspiration. As an educator Ms. Erdos believes that everyone is creative, but they have to learn how to channel it in their unique way
Mordy Weinstein, Vocal Music and Music Technology
Mr. Weinstein graduated from Yeshiva University with degrees in Psychology as well as Music. His work in music education grew out of his passion for singing - a passion which he actively pursues, performing with numerous bands and a cappella groups (including the world-renowned Six13). Mr. Weinstein believes that there is music inherent in all people and he works tirelessly to help his students access their own voices by creating environments conducive to creativity, comfort, and community. After all, the voice is the only instrument with a soul.