IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
We take pride in our talented group of surf instructors, educators, social workers, and government officials which are a major part of our activity. Although HaGal Sheli is the sole implementing body, we are supported by local municipalities that provide beach services and maintain our educational surf center infrastructures.
Yaron Waksman
Founder and CEO
A true ocean lover and an enthusiastic surfer. Yaron combined his passion for surfing with ideas of education. A certified surfing instructor with over 15 years of experience, and a lifeguard. Yaron graduated with his master’s at the Department of Policy and Administration in Education at Tel Aviv University alongside an official teaching certificate. after completing his postgraduate studies graduated with great distinction from the Center for Empathy In Education and Society, the Kibbutzim college Tel Aviv, (cum laude).
Yaron is a member at Maoz program, IVLP alumny from the US department of state, Hero of the year for KESHET, and recognised as ‘Yakir Haeir’ Bat Yam.
“I truly believe that everyone deserves a second chance. If we are sincerely invested in something, and willing to invest our time and attention, we all can aspire to success. I invite you all to take part in our mission, and join HaGal Sheli’s family”.
Omer Tulchinsky
Founder and Pedagogical Director
A scholar and a surfer, and the philosopher who formed and developed HaGal Sheli’s unique educational framework – “Head – Body – Head” – which serves as the foundation of the entire five-year educational process . Omer completed B.A and Masters in education alongside an official teaching certificate, He is a cognitive-behavioral therapist, a nature-therapy practitioner, and facilitates dynamic group sessions. Additionally, he is a certified lifeguard and a surfing instructor affiliated with the Wingate Institute.
“The last couple of years have proven that an honest change is possible. I witnessed the positive changes the educational process evoked. I experienced myself how surfing can serve as a way of living, and was always driven by the want to share the oceans’ healing qualities”.
Noam Feller
Partnerships Manager
A bachelor’s degree in education and a social business manager at the Kibbutzim College, a graduate of the Tzofim (Scouts) movement and the “Israel 2050” leadership movement, and one of the founders of the “Clean Profit” initiative to promote financial education in Israel.
“The sea and surfing are an amazing way of life for me, enabling endless learning and providing a great gift to everyone.
Roni Dunkelman
Manager of Maagan Michael and Sdot Yam centers
born in 1991, currently residing in Tel Aviv, originally from Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael. Holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and studies hydrotherapy. Discovered surfing at the age of 15, at a time when surfing was considered a predominantly male sport and there were very few women in the water. Fortunately, there is a much larger representation of women in the sport today 🙂 “We grow through our connection with others, and with surfing, we have a huge opportunity to be significant figures and sometimes hold hope for young boys and girls who may not be able to see it for themselves.”
Idan Levy
Kfar-Galim Center Manager
Has a master’s degree in education with a specialization in social change and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences at Rupin College with a specialization in organizational consulting and human resources. “I have been involved in education in various formats for over a decade and see the work in my wave as a mission and a privilege that connects my two biggest worlds – sea and education.”
Avihay Cohen
Kiryat Yam Center Manager
Shir Kahlon
Southern Region Manager
“Hagal Sheli is an opportunity to provide young boys and girls a place where they are seen in a positive light, a chance to give them a belief that they can achieve more, that they are capable of more. Seeing them and their needs, and offering them equal opportunities to acquire tools for life.
In my eyes, the ocean represents life itself, with all the challenges, fears, strengths, and feelings of capability.”
Shaked Cohen
Kiryat-Yam Center Manager
Director of the HaGal Sheli Center – Kiryat Yam,
Born in 1998, Mekrit Ata.
Has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa.
She served as a combat fitness instructor, has a fitness trainer certificate and a volleyball coach.
An active volleyball player in the national league in Maccabi Haifa.
I believe in sports as a way of life, in water as healers and in their combination…
Treatment and education through projective tools – sports, sports, nature gardening, music…💙
Yael Mental
Netanya Center Manager
Our Therapists
Ran Eisenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Specializes in mental health treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. He balances psychodynamic work with integrative psychotherapy (CBT) and Buddhist values. He also focuses on severe anxiety in children.
Dr. Ariel Ezra
Teacher and Researcher of Social Work
With a PhD in social work, Dr. Ezra teaches and researches aspects of social work at Ashkelon Academic College. He instructs in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation and teaches at the School of Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Social Integration at Ono Academic College.
Dr. Tamar Dagan
Trauma Specialist
With a PhD in social work, Dr. Dagan is a graduate of a 3-year program in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and a 2-year program in integrative psychotherapy. She also is a therapist in specialized trauma treatments SE and EMDR.
Dr. Hamutal Ben Zion
Clinical Psychologist
With a PhD in clinical psychology, Dr. Ben Zion treats adolescents and adults. She has experience with handling life crises, low self esteem, loneliness, distress, and the feeling of not getting anywhere in life. She is also advanced in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Board of Directors: Ronen Erez, Maor Tzairi, Amir Ginosar
Audit Committee: Shai Haddad, Assaf Kadmon
External Auditor: Binyamin Kramer, Ofer Maimon
Internal Auditor: Hagai Amiton
