Sammy Groner and Rachel Berger Groner are the proud parents of Hadar ('22) and Merav ('25). Their family joined the Westchester Day School (WDS) community in 2014, when Hadar began 1st grade. For Rachel, this marked a return to her roots as a WDS alumna from the Class of 1994, where she spent her formative years from Ganon through 8th grade. She feels incredibly fortunate to give Hadar and Merav the same exceptional educational experiences she fondly remembers.

 

Sammy and Rachel reside in Yonkers, where they are active members of their local and Jewish communities. Sammy is a litigation partner at Fried Frank and has served WDS in multiple capacities, including as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee. His contributions have included co-chairing the Strategic Initiatives Committee and serving on the Development Committee. Beyond WDS, Sammy is a member of the ADL’s New York Regional Board and serves on the Board of the Etzion Foundation. Previously, he was Vice President of Young Israel Ohab Zedek of North Riverdale/Yonkers (YIOZ) and continues to be deeply involved in shul and community activities. Sammy cherishes every opportunity to support his daughters, from attending their school plays and singing along to the fun songs they’ve learned about Rashi, Ushpizin, and grammar, to cheering Merav on at 7th and 8th grade girls’ basketball games.

 

Rachel, a veterinarian with her own mobile practice, specializes in nutritional therapy and dietary consultations for pets. She has enthusiastically shared her time and talents with WDS through various volunteer roles, including teaching and chairing the WDS Learning to Look Art Appreciation program from 2018 to 2021. She has also assisted at the annual Book Fair, participated in Mr. Slater’s 4th Grade Immigration Simulation (as the resident doctor!), and supported family recruitment efforts in Riverdale. Rachel currently coordinates and maintains the WDS Bar/Bat Mitzvah Gift Program and Calendar. Outside of WDS, she volunteers with the American Museum of Natural History’s afterschool program and walks dogs for the nonprofit organization PAWS NY.

 

Sammy and Rachel’s unwavering commitment to WDS and their active involvement in its programs and initiatives reflect their deep appreciation for the school and its impact on their family. They are thrilled to be part of a community that has shaped not only their daughters’ lives but also their own.