Pre-K Teachers

Beth Gilefsky
As a former fourth grade teacher in Needham Public Schools, watching my two daughters make their way through TBSCC inspired me to teach young children. I believe that children thrive in a child-centered environment that allows them to explore their interests while developing social skills. I strive to build a community that is warm, safe, and accessible for all children to learn and have fun. I enjoy getting to know all of my students' unique personalities and learning styles while nurturing their self esteem. Children should be encouraged to ask many questions and take risks. My primary goal is to develop enthusiastic, curious, lifelong learners. I have a Masters Degree in Education from Simmons College and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Hema Shah
As a teacher, I strongly believe that early childhood education sets the trajectory for a child’s future academic success. In my classroom, I strive to create an environment where children can explore the world around them and expand their horizons. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Bombay, where I studied financial accounting. However, I’ve always loved working with children and supporting their education, and I spent many hours volunteering at my children’s schools over the years. I completed my Associate’s degree in Child Care Education and Administration at Massasoit Community College. Before coming to TBS, I worked at the Academy Preschool in Stoughton for 9 years. As a teacher I work with families to create the best learning environment for each and every child. 

Marissa Elstein
I hold a Masters in Curriculum Development from Bar Ilan University and a Bachelors in Sociology and Jewish Studies from Muhlenberg College. I have worked in a variety of educational environments, both formal and informal, and taught children in Kindergarten through 9th grade. As a teacher, my goal is to create a positive learning environment where children are encouraged to ask questions and have hands-on experiences. In addition, I am deeply passionate about Israel and lived there for five years. At TBS I love sharing my interest and appreciation for Judaism and Hebrew with the TBSCC community.

Margaux Teicholz
Before teaching full time at TBS, I was a substitute and summer teacher for many years. I am patient, take a loving approach and have a deep commitment to children and families. I have a degree from UMass Amherst and have been working with children, in a variety of roles, for the past 10 years. ​

Jake Gannon
I believe that building a strong foundation at the preschool ages is an important step towards lifelong learning. To me, there is no greater moment than seeing the “lightbulb” turn on when a student grasps a concept, or has figured something out on their own. I strive to make learning fun and exciting for all my students. 
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I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. In Hawaiian, Ma ka hana ka iki translates to “in the work, there is knowledge” or simply put, learn by doing. This is my teaching philosophy, we learn by trying things for ourselves, seeing what works and what does not work.

Alexa Hamelburg
​At the University of Hartford I graduated with a bachelors in Elementary and Special Education. I love to help children reach their highest potential and want them to achieve their goals and have fun doing it! I am very excited to be at TBS because I have been actively involved in my Jewish community my whole life, from  JCC camp as a child to serving as camp counselor for seven years. Growing up I attended Camp Tevya and have always loved summers on the lake.  I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and after teaching skiing in high school, decided to go into teaching while in college. Working with kindergarten aged children is my true passion and I have not only learned from my co-workers but have also learned so much from my students. 

Jessie Amodeo
As an educator, I strive to create a nurturing, safe environment where children are encouraged to try new things, discover and make connections. Learning at this age is most meaningful when children are engaged in hands-on, play based exploration. Guiding children in this manner allows each child to grow in their own unique way. Meeting children where they are and supporting them along their journey helps foster a love of learning and sense of community. Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom, I was Lead Teacher at Weekday Nursery School in Newton. I have a Master of Elementary Education Degree from Lesley University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College.

Jinchong Liu
As an educator, I see myself as a children’s partner in learning and discovery and a caring mentor to promote and motivate children. I create an inclusive classroom with strong family-school partnerships, child-centered learning, and a safe, comfortable, orderly, and aesthetic environment.
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I graduated from Babson College with a Master's degree in Business Administration and Tufts University with a Master’s degree in Child Study and Human Development. I taught at Eliot-Pearson Children’s School (EPCS), a laboratory school of Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University. I was the program manager and teacher at Les Petits Amis and the organizer of Boston Wisdom Tree, both early childhood language immersion programs.

Stephanie Cohen
​Teaching and learning are all about showing up to practice again and again. I am always excited to learn along with, and from, my students. I plan, create, listen, reflect, help others, form friendships, have high expectations, make mistakes, try new things, and love being at school. I aim to create a learning space for every student to own and practice all of those things and more. Young learners are my people! I hold a Masters in Teaching from Tufts University. I’ve been an early childhood educator for many years and am thrilled to have found a home at TBS.

Liz Berkman 
​As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Early Intervention Specialist, I have over 15 years experience working with children from birth to three and their families.  Before starting Bumps, Babies and Beyond I worked as a child development instructor at Isis Parenting. There I ran developmental groups for ages six months to three years and facilitated educational discussions around various developmental topics. I live in Needham with my husband and two wonderful children.

Chase Lydon
I have spent the past year working with elementary school age children, and am excited to expand my experience as a teacher at Temple Beth Shalom! I love leading art activities with students, guiding their exploration of their worlds, and learning from them every day. I am also a student in Art Therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge.​ I can’t wait to begin the year, and am eager to meet parents, temple members, and students! 

​Allison Shapiro
As a teacher, I strive to provide a warm classroom environment where my students will feel safe and respected.​ It is my goal to inspire and assist families with the social, emotional, and physical development of their children in an engaging manner that will result in life long health, success, and a love of learning. My own children attended the TBS Children’s Center and I was particularly impressed with the strong connections to Jewish values and traditions that they made and continue to express in everyday life. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver. I led Newman Elementary School PTC Curriculum Enhancement Committee, worked at Rivers summer camp, and was actively involved in Needham Girl Scouts, all experiences that enable me to provide fun opportunities for creativity and discovery.