Board of Directors

VTT is committed to inspiring children to learn, grow, and thrive, nurtured by Jewish values and traditions. Our school community – including students, educators and staff, parents and families, donors, and community partners – works collaboratively to create an exceptional educational environment rooted in academic excellence, Jewish identity, and social responsibility.

The Board of Directors plays a vital role in stewarding VTT’s mission and vision. Guided by our commitment to academic excellence, community, inclusivity, Jewish peoplehood, connection to Israel, and social responsibility, the Board provides strategic leadership and represents the voices of all stakeholders to ensure the school remains the premier Jewish day school in Western Canada. In close partnership with the CEO and Head of School, the Board helps shape and implement the school’s strategic vision, supports resource development and fundraising, and ensures long-term financial sustainability.

Daniel Bar-Dayan and Tali Bender, Co-Presidents

Daniel, married to VTT alum Marni Ross, has three children, including Madison and Hailey, both VTT alum now at King David High School and Riley, Class of 2027. Daniel grew up in Toronto and went to Hebrew day schools for both elementary and high school. Daniel has a B.Comm from McGill University and an MBA from Western University. He is Executive VP at Porte Communities and has worked in the real estate investment and development business in Toronto and Vancouver for over 20 years. He is currently Co-President with Talia Bender and sits on the Finance and Facilities and Security Committee.

Talia is married to Josh, and they are the proud parents of three VTT students: Aria, Class of 2023, Adam in Grade 5, and Jacob in Grade 2.

Talia is a proud VTT alumna and is honoured to bring her professional experience in philanthropy as Chair of the board's Strategic Partnerships Committee as well as serve as Co-President with Daniel Bar-Dayan.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McGill. After completing her studies, she returned to Vancouver in 2006 to earn her Master of Business Administration. Judy is a proud mother of three children—Jonah, Class of 2025, and Ella and Zoe, currently at VTT.

Judy brings a wealth of experience from both the non-profit and corporate sectors. Her professional background includes roles at local organizations such as Charitable Impact, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and lululemon. Currently, she serves as the Director of Operations for her husband’s ophthalmology practice. Judy is honoured to be a member of VTT’s Board.

Originally from Calgary, Jim is a Corporate Finance Partner and Managing Director at PwC Canada working in the Vancouver office.

Jim and his wife Haley are parents to three past and current VTT students: Kacey, Class of 2023, Dylan, Class of 2025 and Taya, currently in Grade 4.

Robert and his wife Odette Bodman have two kids at VTT: Danay in Grade 3 and Reuben in Grade 3. A Hebrew day school success story, the couple met in Grade 9 in Toronto and have been married for more than 20 years. Making his mother even prouder, Robert has earned degrees from the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall Law School and the University of Oxford. Robert is presently a lawyer with the BC Ministry of the Attorney General and an adjunct law professor with the Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He is honoured to serve on the VTT Board where he hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the school and to the broader community.

Jennifer was born and raised in Vancouver, but her connection to VTT began in 2016 when both her children joined the school. Impressed by VTT’s vision, leadership, and diverse programming, she watched her children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, developing confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.

Honoured to serve on the VTT Board, Jennifer brings nearly 30 years of professional experience to the role. After almost two decades as Head Design Director in her family owned textile company, she transitioned into property and real estate management, focusing on strategy, asset stewardship, and relationship-driven leadership.

Jennifer is passionate about strengthening community and the institutions that support Jewish life in Vancouver, and committed to the continued growth and vitality of VTT.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Marissa moved to Vancouver in 2005 after graduating from Western University. She is a proud mom of her five year old daughter Rheya, who is in Grade 1 at VTT.

Marissa founded Elsay Wealth and has spent the last 20 years building her expertise in insurance and estate planning. As an MFA-P (Master Financial Advisor of Philanthropy), she is also a committed community leader and advocate for charitable giving.

Marissa is excited to be on the VTT board and bring her passion for legacy planning to the strategic partnership committee.

Daniel Glasner is a VTT alumnus and proud parent of 3rd generation students, Luca (Class of 2027) and Aubrey (Class of 2030). His father Ken was in the first graduating class at VTT's permanent location. As a panelist in the "Alumni Roundtable" podcast, Daniel was referred to as having a "prodigious memory of all things Vancouver Talmud Torah related."

Daniel is a lawyer, having attended McGill University followed by UBC Faculty of Law.

Meryl is married to a VTT alum and has three children, two of whom are at VTT (SK and Grade 2). Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Meryl has a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate and Construction Management and an MBA from the University of Denver. After meeting her husband and moving to Vancouver, she worked as a Senior Estimator for a high-rise and mixed use general contractor. She now spends her time raising her three children and is passionate about contributing to Jewish causes and the community. Meryl is proud to serve as the Chair of the Nominations Committee and as a member of the Facilities and Security Committee.

Hugo is married to VTT alumna Danya Vásquez David and is the proud father of three children - Maayan, Eyal, and Yaira, who currently attend VTT or have since gone on to King David High School. Born in Lima, Peru, Hugo moved to Canada more than 35 years ago.

Hugo holds a degree in Business with a concentration in Finance and Marketing, a Certificate in Urban Studies and Planning from SFU, and a postgraduate Diploma in Urban Land Economics from UBC. He is President of Mondevo, a Vancouver-based multifamily real estate development and consulting company specializing in land acquisition, development, construction, and sales and marketing.

Hugo is pleased to serve on the board and looks forward to contributing his experience and energy

Irv attended Edmonton Talmud Torah, and his (and wife Naomi’s) three daughters Aria, Samara and Romi all attended VTT (and amazingly and to Naomi and Irv’s great fortune, are all settled in Vancouver). Irv was on the board for many years while his daughters were at VTT, and is very pleased to be brought out of “VTT board retirement” to work with an ethical and good hearted group of dedicated directors. Irv is a banking lawyer and heads the banking and debt financing practice group at Lawson Lundell LLP. Irv is also now a proud VTT grandparent!

Rebecca is a VTT alumna and mother to three children at VTT. She is currently the Vice President of Marketing for Lululemon North America and previously spent her time working in advertising in New York and London, England.

Rebecca is honoured to contribute to the board.

Eyal and his husband Oren have two children at VTT, twins in grade 5. Born and raised in Israel, Eyal served as a combat medic in the IDF and then graduated with a degree in Computer Sciences from the Hebrew University. He moved to Vancouver in 2012 and works at Amazon as a Senior Software Development Manager. Eyal is very happy to serve on the VTT board, hoping to contribute to the school and the community.

Trevor Riback and wife Alexandra Law are proud parents of their daughter Avery, who is a student at VTT. Trevor is a Principal at CAI Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in Vancouver. He contributes extensive expertise in private equity, finance, accounting, and tax to the board. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and is a Chartered Accountant.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Brent is a proud VTT alumnus who has been involved in the local Jewish community for as long as he can remember. After graduating from Western University with a degree in Finance, he returned home to begin his career and is now a Principal and Advisor at ZLC Financial, working closely with families and business owners on insurance and comprehensive financial planning.

Brent remains actively engaged in community life and currently serves on the board of Jewish Family Services. He has also served on boards including Canadian Friends of Hebrew University and Chabad Richmond. He is honoured to join the VTT Board and contribute his experience to strengthening the school and its community.