AABC's Team
Michal Leshem
Head of School
Lead Guide, Journey Studio
Michal is a modern educator with an extensive background in science and cyber technology. After working for more than 15 years in cyber intelligence, Michal pursued her lifelong dream of becoming an educator. She obtained her master's degree in education in parallel to co-founding Israel's National Cyber Education Center.
During her time in Israel, Michal developed educational programs for middle- and high-school students in more than 70 schools across Israel and managed unique and innovative learning programs for computer science college graduates.
Prior to co-founding AABC, Michal worked as a Guide at Acton Verona. Michal is also the proud mother of four wonderful boys and co-author of “The Exploring Twins,” an original book series.
Marie Antonelli
Lead Guide, Discovery Studio
Marie is an artist and educator with over seven years of experience in the classroom as an art teacher, working with learners in grades K - 8 with a focus on upper elementary and middle school.
She was formerly the Director of Instruction and Learning at GLOMADO, an arts-based eLearning start-up, in which she managed a global team of educators and coordinated partnerships with schools, children’s museums, and community organizations.
Living in Bergen County for the last 15 years, Marie has always prioritized involvement in her community. She is the mother of two amazing children, ages 15 and 12.
Marie holds a BA in Fine Art from Yale University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the School of Visual Arts. Outside of her career and community involvement, she continues to practice art, working in oil paint and ceramics.
Ashley Edwards
Guide, Discovery Studio
Ashley graduated from Pace University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in childhood education and a Master’s in special education.
She has worked in public, charter, and private schools in both New Jersey and New York City.
Her passion for working with learners extends beyond the classroom. For the last eleven years, she has served as a tutor at the Math Adventures and Word Play tutoring service in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Ashley enjoys writing and earned second place at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center Poetry Slam in 2017.
Saiim Reynoso
Lead Guide, Sparks Studio
Saiim is a trained ESL/TEFL Instructor with over seven years of experience teaching English as a second language and over five years of experience teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Saiim graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.F.A. in English. Shortly after graduating college, Saiim earned his ESL/TEFL Certification to be able to teach English across the globe. This enabled Saiim to live in both Thailand and Dominican Republic, while teaching English to people of all ages there.
Saii, An avid writer, and has performed at various NYC venues.
Shira Cohen
Chief Administrator
Shira is a scientist with 15 years of experience in the field of cancer and autoimmune diseases. She has headed up a research laboratory, led many aspects of clinical developments, authored scientific articles, and lectured at medical conferences worldwide.
Shira holds a Master's degree in biotechnology from Bar-Ilan University in Israel.
In addition, as part of Israel's Parent-Teacher Organization, Shira executed multiple educational projects related to student nutrition, learning space renovations, and enrichment programs.
Beyond her career and being a mom of four, Shira is AABC's Co-Founder. She has been serving as AABC's Chief Administrator since its launch in 2019.
Yair Leshem
Director of Growth
Yair was part of the co-founding team of AABC, and since then, he served as AABC's Director of Growth.
Yair is a full-time executive in the tech world and for the past 17 years, he has led large operations, projects, and teams to great success.
Yair is also the co-author of “The Exploring Twins,” an original book series for children grades K-4 who love science.
Yair believes that education is the key to making our world a better place, and it should constantly progress like the world around us.
