The Team
Noa Cohen
Founder
My name’s Noa and I’m a proud Israeli. Speaking English confidently is not something that has always been second nature to me. I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 12 when my dad had decided to follow his dream of becoming a Hollywood screenwriter. Before that, I didn’t even have the exceptional ability to say “I don’t speak English.”
My name’s Noa and I’m a proud Israeli. Speaking English confidently is not something that has always been second nature to me. I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 12 when my dad had decided to follow his dream of becoming a Hollywood screenwriter. Before that, I didn’t even have the exceptional ability to say “I don’t speak English.”
My name’s Noa and I’m a proud Israeli. Speaking English confidently is not something that has always been second nature to me. I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 12 when my dad had decided to follow his dream of becoming a Hollywood screenwriter. Before that, I didn’t even have the exceptional ability to say “I don’t speak English.”
For about six months, I felt like a fish out of water. I think I was busy taking it all in, not just the language, but the culture as well, which was very foreign to me. And I can tell you that I will never forget the day I had my first thought in English or the day I had my first dream in English. And I vividly remember the day I had my first full-on conversation with someone. About a year in, I acquired the language, became fluent, and was able to effectively communicate in English.
Right after the army, I started working for one of the largest providers of English language education for adults. I worked there for four years, teaching both general and business English. At the same time, I was studying for my bachelor’s in behavioral science. Once I graduated, I continued to teach business English on my own while studying for my MBA at the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo and getting my teaching certificate from Cambridge University.
I’ve been teaching English for ten years (and counting) and have worked with a variety of people from different fields and companies.
My one-woman show turned into a mighty business English platform called Uptick, which helps professionals in Israel’s fast-growing international business ecosystem gain relevant and practical English skills, while boosting their confidence to unprecedented levels.
For about six months, I felt like a fish out of water. I think I was busy taking it all in, not just the language, but the culture as well, which was very foreign to me. And I can tell you that I will never forget the day I had my first thought in English or the day I had my first dream in English. And I vividly remember the day I had my first full-on conversation with someone. About a year in, I acquired the language, became fluent, and was able to effectively communicate in English.
Right after the army, I started working for one of the largest providers of English language education for adults. I worked there for four years, teaching both general and business English. At the same time, I was studying for my bachelor’s in behavioral science. Once I graduated, I continued to teach business English on my own while studying for my MBA at the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo and getting my teaching certificate from Cambridge University.
I’ve been teaching English for ten years (and counting) and have worked with a variety of people from different fields and companies.
My one-woman show turned into a mighty business English platform called Uptick, which helps professionals in Israel’s fast-growing international business ecosystem gain relevant and practical English skills, while boosting their confidence to unprecedented levels.
For about six months, I felt like a fish out of water. I think I was busy taking it all in, not just the language, but the culture as well, which was very foreign to me. And I can tell you that I will never forget the day I had my first thought in English or the day I had my first dream in English. And I vividly remember the day I had my first full-on conversation with someone. About a year in, I acquired the language, became fluent, and was able to effectively communicate in English.
Right after the army, I started working for one of the largest providers of English language education for adults. I worked there for four years, teaching both general and business English. At the same time, I was studying for my bachelor’s in behavioral science. Once I graduated, I continued to teach business English on my own while studying for my MBA at the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo and getting my teaching certificate from Cambridge University.
I’ve been teaching English for ten years (and counting) and have worked with a variety of people from different fields and companies.
My one-woman show turned into a mighty business English platform called Uptick, which helps professionals in Israel’s fast-growing international business ecosystem gain relevant and practical English skills, while boosting their confidence to unprecedented levels.
Aria Penkava
Manager of Operations and Relationship Specialist
Born and raised in Canada, I started working at a very young age. I had exemplary English grades in school, but chose not to pursue post-secondary education in favour of more work experience.
After working my way up through various positions at a natural health food company, I switched gears and spent most of my 20’s working in the restaurant industry and traveling abroad as much as I could.
From volunteering in Spain to hiking in Iran, much of my work and travel experience exposed me to international people and industries, giving me the opportunity to gain a broad, cultured perspective on what we as humans value and how we interact.
In 2018, I moved to Israel to pursue the life I felt in my heart, even if I wasn’t quite sure what that was yet. The stars aligned and I found myself at Uptick, where I use my experience, resourcefulness, and abilities to help others find confidence as they navigate the international business language of English.
From volunteering in Spain to hiking in Iran, much of my work and travel experience exposed me to international people and industries, giving me the opportunity to gain a broad, cultured perspective on what we as humans value and how we interact.
In 2018, I moved to Israel to pursue the life I felt in my heart, even if I wasn’t quite sure what that was yet. The stars aligned and I found myself at Uptick, where I use my experience, resourcefulness, and abilities to help others find confidence as they navigate the international business language of English.
Dan Radzewsky
Business English Coach
Currently living in Tel Aviv, I’m an LA-native who is all about helping non-native speakers become a commanding force in the business world by feeling comfortable in their own skin. After a childhood spent competing in literature competitions in California, I moved to Israel for a four-and-a-half-year army service.
After being honorably discharged with a certificate of excellence, I began my involvement in academia by taking on two bachelor’s degrees, one in business management and one in psychology. Having these degrees gives me a broad understanding of our current business climate and how to approach it.
At the same time, I founded a translation company that grew in scope to include several prominent international companies, from pharmaceuticals all the way to business innovation and law firms.
I’ve spent the past four years breaching barriers with my English students. Although proficient in the technical aspects of the English language, my real skill is bringing each person’s individual personality to the forefront.
Currently living in Tel Aviv, I’m an LA-native who is all about helping non-native speakers become a commanding force in the business world by feeling comfortable in their own skin. After a childhood spent competing in literature competitions in California, I moved to Israel for a four-and-a-half-year army service.
After being honorably discharged with a certificate of excellence, I began my involvement in academia by taking on two bachelor’s degrees, one in business management and one in psychology. Having these degrees gives me a broad understanding of our current business climate and how to approach it.
At the same time, I founded a translation company that grew in scope to include several prominent international companies, from pharmaceuticals all the way to business innovation and law firms.
I’ve spent the past four years breaching barriers with my English students. Although proficient in the technical aspects of the English language, my real skill is bringing each person’s individual personality to the forefront.
Gilly Perry
Business English Coach
I was born in Israel, but relocated to Las Vegas with my family when I was six years old.
While in Vegas, I worked for many years as a manager at the MGM Grand, as well as in corporate settings. Those experiences taught me about professionalism and communication in the workplace, qualities I help others achieve in their English-learning journey.
I was born in Israel, but relocated to Las Vegas with my family when I was six years old.
While in Vegas, I worked for many years as a manager at the MGM Grand, as well as in corporate settings. Those experiences taught me about professionalism and communication in the workplace, qualities I help others achieve in their English-learning journey.
Immediately after moving back to Israel in 2018, I left to explore Australia for 3 months. My journey then took me to a tiny village in Germany where I lived for 3 years, learning how to grow my own food and making plant medicine – all while attempting to learn German.
This cultivated my empathy for those wanting to express themselves, so helping others build their confidence when learning English came naturally to me when I started at Uptick.
After many years and attempts of trying to make Germany home, I moved back to Israel – my true home. As someone who knows what it's like to learn a language, I understand the compassion needed to guide people through the process, ensuring that it's enjoyable along the way.
I was born in Israel, but relocated to Las Vegas with my family when I was six years old.
While in Vegas, I worked for many years as a manager at the MGM Grand, as well as in corporate settings. Those experiences taught me about professionalism and communication in the workplace, qualities I help others achieve in their English-learning journey.
Immediately after moving back to Israel in 2018, I left to explore Australia for 3 months. My journey then took me to a tiny village in Germany where I lived for 3 years, learning how to grow my own food and making plant medicine – all while attempting to learn German.
This cultivated my empathy for those wanting to express themselves, so helping others build their confidence when learning English came naturally to me when I started at Uptick.
After many years and attempts of trying to make Germany home, I moved back to Israel – my true home. As someone who knows what it's like to learn a language, I understand the compassion needed to guide people through the process, ensuring that it's enjoyable along the way.
lived for 3 years, learning how to grow my own food and making plant medicine – all while attempting to learn German.
This cultivated my empathy for those wanting to express themselves, so helping others build their confidence when learning English came naturally to me when I started at Uptick.
After many years and attempts of trying to make Germany home, I moved back to Israel – my true home. As someone who knows what it's like to learn a language, I understand the compassion needed to guide people through the process, ensuring that it's enjoyable along the way.
Shira Levi – Dinur
Business English Coach
I was born and raised in NYC.
Growing up with a business professor for a mother, I was taught from a young age how to speak and write professionally and was consistently exposed to the language and concepts used in business. I've also always been a very avid reader. From the second I learned to read, my head has always been stuck in a book.
Reading also kick-started my love for languages – everything from the way we physically form words to the differences between spoken and written language. After going to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) high school where I majored in Engineering and was exposed to language used in hi-tech companies, I came to the realization that I didn’t want to work in engineering and decided to move to Israel.
In Israel, I was drafted into the IDF, where I became a training commander for at-risk young girls. While in the army, I began to develop my teaching skills and realized just how much I enjoy it.
Now, I study Psychology and Digital Communications as part of Tel Aviv University's International program. Working at Uptick allows me to combine not only what I enjoy and excel at — language, being an educator, and helping others improve their English — but also my university studies.
I was born and raised in NYC.
Growing up with a business professor for a mother, I was taught from a young age how to speak and write professionally and was consistently exposed to the language and concepts used in business. I've also always been a very avid reader. From the second I learned to read, my head has always been stuck in a book.
Reading also kick-started my love for languages – everything from the way we physically form words to the differences between spoken and written language. After going to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) high school where I majored in Engineering and was exposed to language used in hi-tech companies, I came to the realization that I didn’t want to work in engineering and decided to move to Israel.
In Israel, I was drafted into the IDF, where I became a training commander for at-risk young girls. While in the army, I began to develop my teaching skills and realized just how much I enjoy it.
Now, I study Psychology and Digital Communications as part of Tel Aviv University's International program. Working at Uptick allows me to combine not only what I enjoy and excel at — language, being an educator, and helping others improve their English — but also my university studies.
Dana Lobenberg
Business English Coach
I was born in the United States and remained there until age 22. One day, while working a painfully boring and meaningless internship in New York City, I realized with horror that this could be the rest of my life unless I actively made a serious change. Thus, instead of getting a "real job" after finishing my bachelor's degree in Literature and English Language in 2015, I set out across the ocean to complete a volunteer program of teaching English to Israeli children.
Somewhere in the middle of all of this chaos, I came to the conclusion that I could make more of a meaningful difference in the world with my talents and passions by staying in Israel. I officially made Aliyah in 2016. Since then, I have completed an extended military service and a master's degree in political science at Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva.
One of my greatest life passions is sharing the love of language-learning. I discovered this love back in 2013 when I began working for Ramapo College (where I got my BA) as a reading and writing coach for my fellow students. Watching my peers improve their skills and gain self-confidence was the most rewarding part of my job.
Since then, I have pursued this passion in several capacities: I have worked with children, teenagers, soldiers, students and professionals alike, both native and non-native speakers of English, on reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills.
Moving to Israel and starting military service with barely any Hebrew and needing to urgently learn it gave me first-hand experience of the struggles of new language-learners. This has further motivated me to help others succeed. I personally believe that learning someone else's language creates empathy, understanding, and compassion, and opens the door for new friendships and opportunities that otherwise might not have been.
I was born in the United States and remained there until age 22. One day, while working a painfully boring and meaningless internship in New York City, I realized with horror that this could be the rest of my life unless I actively made a serious change. Thus, instead of getting a "real job" after finishing my bachelor's degree in Literature and English Language in 2015, I set out across the ocean to complete a volunteer program of teaching English to Israeli children.
Somewhere in the middle of all of this chaos, I came to the conclusion that I could make more of a meaningful difference in the world with my talents and passions by staying in Israel. I officially made Aliyah in 2016. Since then, I have completed an extended military service and a master's degree in political science at Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva.
One of my greatest life passions is sharing the love of language-learning. I discovered this love back in 2013 when I began working for Ramapo College (where I got my BA) as a reading and writing coach for my fellow students. Watching my peers improve their skills and gain self-confidence was the most rewarding part of my job.
Since then, I have pursued this passion in several capacities: I have worked with children, teenagers, soldiers, students and professionals alike, both native and non-native speakers of English, on reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills.
Moving to Israel and starting military service with barely any Hebrew and needing to urgently learn it gave me first-hand experience of the struggles of new language-learners. This has further motivated me to help others succeed. I personally believe that learning someone else's language creates empathy, understanding, and compassion, and opens the door for new friendships and opportunities that otherwise might not have been.
Jonathan Ben-Chanoch
Business English Coach
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Making Aliyah as a teenager presented me with an opportunity to help students with their English from a young age. I soon realized that helping others feel confident in their abilities to express themselves, their personality, and their character in English, was not only something that I enjoyed, but my calling in life.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Making Aliyah as a teenager presented me with an opportunity to help students with their English from a young age. I soon realized that helping others feel confident in their abilities to express themselves, their personality, and their character in English, was not only something that I enjoyed, but my calling in life.
As an Israeli, I joined the military after high school, serving 5 years with an intelligence unit. After finishing my service, I still felt called to continue helping others and being a part of the Uptick team has truly cemented that feeling.
I'm currently pursuing a BA at Reichman University, as a member of the Honor Track program in Strategy, Decision Making, and Governance.
Simultaneously teaching students, and being a student myself, has helped me understand that we all have something to learn from one another. I’ve learned as much from my students as they’ve hopefully learned from me, and it continues to be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I believe that the legendary journalist Sydney Harris sums it up perfectly: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Making Aliyah as a teenager presented me with an opportunity to help students with their English from a young age. I soon realized that helping others feel confident in their abilities to express themselves, their personality, and their character in English, was not only something that I enjoyed, but my calling in life.
As an Israeli, I joined the military after high school, serving 5 years with an intelligence unit. After finishing my service, I still felt called to continue helping others and being a part of the Uptick team has truly cemented that feeling.
I'm currently pursuing a BA at Reichman University, as a member of the Honor Track program in Strategy, Decision Making, and Governance.
Simultaneously teaching students, and being a student myself, has helped me understand that we all have something to learn from one another. I’ve learned as much from my students as they’ve hopefully learned from me, and it continues to be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I believe that the legendary journalist Sydney Harris sums it up perfectly: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
As an Israeli, I joined the military after high school, serving 5 years with an intelligence unit. After finishing my service, I still felt called to continue helping others and being a part of the Uptick team has truly cemented that feeling.
I'm currently pursuing a BA at Reichman University, as a member of the Honor Track program in Strategy, Decision Making, and Governance.
Simultaneously teaching students, and being a student myself, has helped me understand that we all have something to learn from one another. I’ve learned as much from my students as they’ve hopefully learned from me, and it continues to be one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I believe that the legendary journalist Sydney Harris sums it up perfectly: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
Danielle Abis
Business English Coach
I made Aliyah in 2018. After high school, while still living in Atlanta, Georgia, I went to university but had no idea what I wanted to major in after my first year, so my parents suggested I move home and start to work until I had a better idea.
I made Aliyah in 2018. After high school, while still living in Atlanta, Georgia, I went to university but had no idea what I wanted to major in after my first year, so my parents suggested I move home and start to work until I had a better idea.
I worked for different companies doing various jobs, from retail management to being a personal assistant. When I was 24, I got accepted into an internship program which brought me to Israel. I was working alongside a small business owner, designing jewelry with her, helping her maintain her website and run marketing campaigns. From here, I fell in love with Israel and decided to make Aliyah from within the country.
Since then, I’ve worked as an English teacher with the Jerusalem Post, the English House, and now Uptick. I’ve also resumed my studies at Tel Aviv University, where I am working to get my degree in Liberal Arts, with a focus on English literature and communications.
I made Aliyah in 2018. After high school, while still living in Atlanta, Georgia, I went to university but had no idea what I wanted to major in after my first year, so my parents suggested I move home and start to work until I had a better idea.
I worked for different companies doing various jobs, from retail management to being a personal assistant. When I was 24, I got accepted into an internship program which brought me to Israel. I was working alongside a small business owner, designing jewelry with her, helping her maintain her website and run marketing campaigns. From here, I fell in love with Israel and decided to make Aliyah from within the country.
Since then, I’ve worked as an English teacher with the Jerusalem Post, the English House, and now Uptick. I’ve also resumed my studies at Tel Aviv University, where I am working to get my degree in Liberal Arts, with a focus on English literature and communications.
I worked for different companies doing various jobs, from retail management to being a personal assistant. When I was 24, I got accepted into an internship program which brought me to Israel. I was working alongside a small business owner, designing jewelry with her, helping her maintain her website and run marketing campaigns. From here, I fell in love with Israel and decided to make Aliyah from within the country.
Since then, I’ve worked as an English teacher with the Jerusalem Post, the English House, and now Uptick. I’ve also resumed my studies at Tel Aviv University, where I am working to get my degree in Liberal Arts, with a focus on English literature and communications.
Roni Malka
Business English Coach
I was born in Israel and moved to Los Angeles when I was six months old.
Growing up, I was exposed to a huge variety of art and music with strong values rooted in creativity. Books, writing, and the English language have a big place in my heart, and personally, writing is my favorite way to express myself. My experience started with writing for the local newspaper in my hometown.
I was born in Israel and moved to Los Angeles when I was six months old.
Growing up, I was exposed to a huge variety of art and music with strong values rooted in creativity. Books, writing, and the English language have a big place in my heart, and personally, writing is my favorite way to express myself. My experience started with writing for the local newspaper in my hometown.
I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people and making connections. I made Aliyah in 2018 after coming to the decision that I wanted to pursue my goals in Israel and join the IDF. I had a very meaningful and challenging service as a commander for at-risk young girls.
In my years living in Israel, I participated in a preparatory military program welcoming and working with young adults from the United States before starting their army service.
I am a proud Israeli with a proud background of growing up in California and am always trying to find the balance between the two identities. I am currently studying Communications at Reichman University, specializing in digital influence and perceptions, and restrengthening my love for the English language and storytelling!
I was born in Israel and moved to Los Angeles when I was six months old.
Growing up, I was exposed to a huge variety of art and music with strong values rooted in creativity. Books, writing, and the English language have a big place in my heart, and personally, writing is my favorite way to express myself. My experience started with writing for the local newspaper in my hometown.
I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people and making connections. I made Aliyah in 2018 after coming to the decision that I wanted to pursue my goals in Israel and join the IDF. I had a very meaningful and challenging service as a commander for at-risk young girls.
In my years living in Israel, I participated in a preparatory military program welcoming and working with young adults from the United States before starting their army service.
I am a proud Israeli with a proud background of growing up in California and am always trying to find the balance between the two identities. I am currently studying Communications at Reichman University, specializing in digital influence and perceptions, and restrengthening my love for the English language and storytelling!
I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people and making connections. I made Aliyah in 2018 after coming to the decision that I wanted to pursue my goals in Israel and join the IDF. I had a very meaningful and challenging service as a commander for at-risk young girls.
In my years living in Israel, I participated in a preparatory military program welcoming and working with young adults from the United States before starting their army service.
I am a proud Israeli with a proud background of growing up in California and am always trying to find the balance between the two identities. I am currently studying Communications at Reichman University, specializing in digital influence and perceptions, and restrengthening my love for the English language and storytelling!
