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Judy Battaglia
Director
Judy Battaglia comes to The Spot with a unique and diverse background as a Professor of Philosophy at California Lutheran University. She has been a Jewish educator for more than 20 years and was a beloved teacher at the Jewish Learning Center at HAMAKOM for the past three years. Judy has a passion for bringing concepts of Jewish justice, values, and beliefs such as chesed (caring), tzedaka (fairness), achrayut (responsibility), kehillah (community), and tikkun olam (healing the world) to her students in engaging and creative ways.
Maya Rooks
Teacher
Maya Rooks comes to The Spot with deep roots in the HAMAKOM community, having been part of it since its days as Temple Aliyah and Shomrei Torah Synagogue. With over 10 years of experience as a teacher assistant and substitute, Maya brings a decade of dedication, care, and creativity to her work with children. She has a passion for the arts in all forms—including cooking, writing, and music—and loves finding imaginative, hands-on projects that spark curiosity and keep young minds engaged. Maya is especially inspired by the joy of nurturing each child’s unique spirit through fun, connection, and meaningful experiences that reflect the values of kehillah (community), chesed (kindness), sakranut (curiosity), and yetziratiut (creativity).
Kaelyn Sabal-Wilson
Teacher
Kaelyn Sabal-Wilson comes to The Spot with a decade’s experience as a cultural worker and educator. For the last five years, she has served as a Professor of English and African American Studies at Loyola Marymount University. She has a master’s degree in Creative and Life Writing from Goldsmiths University London. In her spare time, she practices photography, sketching and collage, and appreciates art in all its forms. Kaelyn is deeply excited to be able to bring these gifts and interests to The Spot, to engage, teach and learn with students of different ages, and to bring Jewish values of uniqueness, chesed (loving-kindness), ometz lev (courage), herut (freedom) hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) and lomed m'kol adam (learning from everyone) to life in her teaching practice.
Penni Burns
Teacher
Penni Burns joins the team at The Spot with five years of progressive experience as an educator dedicated to early childhood development. She holds degrees in both Early Childhood Education and English Literature and is currently furthering her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling. In her free time, she finds balance through her passions for nature, yoga, and mindfulness, embracing a lifestyle rooted in creativity and authenticity. An avid sports fan, she especially enjoys cheering on her Los Angeles Dodgers. Having been raised in the Jewish faith and attending Hebrew school, Penni is deeply knowledgeable in Jewish culture and traditions. She is excited to bring her warmth and kindness to The Spot, integrating her interests in counseling and mindfulness to nurture students' well-being and bring Jewish values such as Sakranut (סקרנות) – Curiosity: Having a deep interest and desire to explore and discover new topics and Yetzirah (יצירה) – Creativity: Thinking of novel ways to conceptualize and solve problems. She is thrilled to be joining the team at The Spot.
Jonathan “JT” Thomas
Teacher
Jonathan “JT” Thomas is a teacher with over five years of experience working with children. He has worked with elementary students at Cambridge Elementary in San Antonio and with youth ages 6–16 at Young Ambassadors Leadership Academy. JT is also a Defensive Line Coach at Chaminade High School, where he emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and respect. Known for being calm, patient, and fun, JT creates a positive, structured environment where students feel supported and encouraged to grow.
Kristy Harrison
Teacher
Professionally speaking, Kristy has spent most of her life in the realm of assisting. Working in a dental office and as a personal assistant, she learned how to quickly adapt to all kinds of people and places. These experiences taught her to always pay close attention to what people need without them asking—a skill that is especially essential when communicating with children of various ages.
She loves art in all its forms, and is always drawing and painting. Kristy also sings, writes songs and plays guitar. She is endlessly fascinated by the wonders of life and loves to think outside the box. More than anything, Kristy enjoys helping others develop their own passions and talent and helping them to see the beauty in their uniqueness.
Jalen Fisher
Teacher