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Meet The Team

At Hila, our educators serve as mentors and guides who create the structure within which meaningful growth can take place. We uphold high standards while nurturing independence and individuality, striving to be clear keilim for the young women entrusted to us. As educators, we are committed to our own ongoing growth, seeking to model leadership rooted in Torah.

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FOUNDER, DIRECTOR & TEACHER

Chaya Michels

Chaya brings over a decade of experience teaching Limudei Kodesh to young women in Johannesburg, with a particular focus on the high school years — a stage she sees as critical for identity formation and personal growth. She also has experience in teaching adults in innovative techniques in Israel.

She founded Hila out of a conviction that meaningful education must be personal, structured, deeply rooted in Torah, and responsive to the whole person. She leads Hila with a commitment to leadership education, high standards, and the development of young women who are capable, self-governing, and deeply connected to themselves, to others, and to Hashem

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CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF SELF GROWTH

Shira Spitalnik

Shira leads Hila’s Self-Growth and Leadership Development programme. Drawing on her experience in education, coaching, and personal development, she guides students in building self-awareness, communication skills, emotional resilience, cultivating a strong sense of identity and personal responsibility.

She has trained in psychodrama and courses in art and movement therapy, bringing a deeply experiential and embodied approach to her work. In addition, Shira home educated her children for several years, grounded in the principles of Leadership Education—an experience that continues to shape her understanding of how young people grow into confident, self-directed individuals.

Through structured sessions and ongoing mentorship, Shira helps young women develop the inner clarity and strength needed to lead themselves with confidence and integrity.

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KODESH TEACHER

Tammy Asseraf

Tammy is an experienced Jewish educator and the Rebbetzin of Sandringham Shul, with a deep love for Torah and Yiddishkeit. She helps students develop a meaningful connection to their Yiddishkeit.
Tammy has a natural ability to connect with teenagers, and students are drawn to her warmth, authenticity, and engaging teaching style.

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