Ola was born in Moscow, the former FSU, and presently lives in Ra’anana. She immigrated to Israel with her family at the age of 5. She is an Arabic teacher and pedagogical instructor. Ola holds a BA in Arabic and Middle East studies and MA in Language Instruction. For many years she served as the Regional State Supervisor for Arabic instruction at the Ministry of Education and as a pedagogical lecturer at The Levinsky College of Education. She has extensive experience in teaching literary and spoken Arabic. Ola joined Merchavim in 2005.

Naomi was born in Kiryat Haim, Israel and today, lives in Kfar Saba. She is an Arabic language and Arabic literature teacher. Naomi holds a BA and MA in Arabic language and literature and is presently a doctoral student in this field. For many years, she served as the chief inspector of Arabic studies at the Ministry of Education. In this role, Naomi was very involved with the effort to integrate Arab teachers in Jewish schools. Naomi has been with Merchavim since 2014.

Ronit was born in Haifa, Israel and now makes her home in Tel Aviv – Jaffa. She holds a BA in teaching biology and chemistry from the Technion and an MBA from Tel Aviv University in education. Ronit previously established and managed (in the role of Principal) an independent junior high school. She has rich experience in Arab teacher integration in Jewish schools in addition to work with students with special needs in the public education system. Ronit joined Merchavim in 2015.

Born in Israel and a resident of Kfar Vradim. Dror is a clinical psychologist by training, an organizational consultant, and group facilitator. He has extensive experience in consulting business organizations, the education system, and the security forces. He has a rich background in the design and delivery of experiential learning processes, with an emphasis on video integration consulting and training processes. Over the last two years, Dror has focused on management development processes and working with instructors at the ” Avney Rosha” – The Israeli Institute for School Leadership. Dror joined Merchavim in 2003.

Esti was born in Boston, USA and now lives in Beit Shemesh. At age 17, she immigrated to Israel alone and completed national service. She is an educational consultant, group facilitator and a national instructor with the Ministry of Education. Esti has a BA and MA in Educational Counselling and is a Doctoral student in the field. She has extensive experience in leading groups, interfaith dialogue and working with the Haredi society. Esti joined Merchavim in 2008.

Fida Hussein Hamoud lives in the village of Deir Hanna in the Galilee. She holds an MA in management and organization of educational systems in community leadership, and a BA in special education. Fida has over ten years of experience in guiding and working with diverse groups on a variety of subjects, such as empowerment, personal development and interpersonal communication in addition to work facilitating Arab and Jewish dialogue. Fida also specializes in academic and employment counseling for young men and women and works with them on topics such as choosing a profession, choosing what to study, and preparing for integration into the labor market. Fida joined Merchavim as the Director of Educational Programs, North Region in 2017.

Libi was born in the FSU (Latvia) and now makes her home in Modiin. At age 15 Libi immigrated to Israel with her family. She is a group facilitator and organizational consultant. She holds a BA in Psychology and MA in Organizational Psychology. She has extensive experience in leading groups dealing with cross-cultural differences in the IDF and working with immigrant groups and religious groups. Libi joined Merchavim in 2004.

Liora was born in Haifa and is member of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. She is a group facilitator and holds a BA and a MA in the History of Israel. Liora taught high school history for many years. She has extensive experience in leading groups focusing on secular-religious dialogue dealing with Jewish identity and writing programs in this field. Liora joined Merchavim in 2007.

Michal was born on Kibbutz Ein-Zvi, Israel and makes her home in Zichron Yaakov. She has a BA in Education and MA in Educational Counselling from the Oranim Academic College. Michal is an educational counsellor and group facilitator. She has extensive experience in the administration and implementation of educational programs focusing on values, and the emotional component, for elementary schools and kindergartens. Michal lectured in special education at the Tel Hai College. She has been with Merchavim since 2007.

Born in Israel, lives in Givataym. Trained as a Teacher, Group facilitator and social educator (social pedagogy). Miguel is highly experienced in working with the disadvantaged: special needs, teenagers, parents and educational staff. He has been working at Merchavim since 2011.

Samer was born in Nazareth and makes his home in Haifa. He holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology. He has gained extensive experience in France and Israel in the field of organizational consulting including guidance and consulting for managers. In addition he is an expert in ergonomics (human factors engineering) and has very rich professional experience in accompanying people with disabilities and assisting them with their integration into the corporate world with an emphasis on adapting the organizational and physical environment.
Samer joined Merchavim in 2018.

Orna was born on Kibbutz Givat-Oz, Israel and presently lives in Haifa. She is an educational counselor and group facilitator. Orna holds a BA in the History of Israel and MA in Curriculum Development. Additionally, she is a continuing education graduate in Educational Counselling. She is an experienced multi-cultural and women’s group facilitator and specializes in using theatre technique. Orna joined Merchavim in 2007.

Simon was born in Cyprus and today, lives in Bat Hefer. He is a civics teacher, an educational consultant and group facilitator. He holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Educational Counselling. Simon has extensive experience facilitating groups in conflict, crisis groups and groups undergoing organizational changes. Simon has been with Merchavim since 2007.