Whole School, Specialist & Sub Teachers
Revital Pagliuso
Whole School Teacher Before arriving at TBS, I taught at the JCCs of Greater Boston for 13 years. I strive to provide a nurturing environment for toddler and preschool-age children and their families across all of the classes I encounter. I love exposing children to the warmth and joy of Jewish celebrations, leading Shabbat celebrations and teaching Hebrew songs and words. I am bilingual in English and Hebrew and enjoy sharing my love of language with young children. |
Allison Shapiro
Whole School Teacher 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. |
Shira Frager
Whole School Teacher Before coming to TBS, I taught at another local Jewish preschool. I have been working with children since I was young (establishing my own backyard Camp PEP-C at age 8!), from babysitting, to working as a camp counselor, to a preschool camp director, and finally, to preschool teacher. I love the energy and creativity that comes with being a teacher. I received my teacher certification after taking classes at Becker College, as well as Bunker Hill Community College. Before teaching, I worked as a journalist, receiving my BA in English Literature from CUNY Queens College. My teaching philosophy includes allowing children to learn more about themselves and the world through free play with a variety of materials and opportunities. |
Jo D'Angelo
Whole School Teacher My experience as a nanny for many local families has given me insight into the experiences and growth of young children and their families. I have a BA in Theater Arts from University of Minnesota and have worked as an actor and artistic director of many local productions. At Temple Beth Shalom I have taught many ages as a substitute teacher and continue to bring my arts background into the classroom for our young learners. |
Patrick Cahn
Whole School Teacher Before arriving at TBS I spent six years at Harvard Yard Child Care Center where I taught older infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. At TBS I have taught a wide range of ages in the Children's Center and Mayim, from two year olds through fifth grade. You will often find me on the floor building alongside the children, or facilitating an art project. My degree in Anthropology has also proved useful in my teaching practice. I am a storyteller, and use adaptations of folktales in the classroom. I also encourage students to tell their own stories, and to reconstruct stories from books that we have read. |
Lauri Cohen
Whole School Teacher Parents and families are the most significant persons in the child’s life. I strive to work in a partnership with families to benefit the child. Supporting parents on their parenting journey is a particular passion of mine. I believe that each child is a unique individual who develops at his or her own rate. I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island and bring more than 20 years of teaching experience. Before arriving at Temple Beth Shalom I taught young children at Bright Horizon Children's Center, the Jewish Community Center in Providence, Chelsea Public Schools, and I also worked as a caseworker at a shelter for troubled adolescence. |
Cindy Cuellar
Whole School Teacher I've always loved being around young children and the joyful spirit they bring to my heart. I grew up surrounded by kids as the oldest sibling and enjoy reading stories, playing games, and doing arts and crafts with children of all ages. These experiences led me to pursue a career in early education. At TBS I appreciate the opportunity to learn from such experienced educators. I am currently working towards a business degree at Bunker Hill Community College. |
Rebecca Levine
Parparim Social Skills Teacher As a teacher, I believe it is my job to create a safe and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable to take risks, to try new things, and to grow socially, emotionally and physically. By acting as a guide for the children, I allow their natural curiosity to direct their learning. Children need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. I believe providing access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space for children to explore is crucial to their personal growth. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from Simmons College. Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom, I was the Secular Studies Coordinator at New England Hebrew Academy in Brookline and spent seven years teaching second and third grade. |
Bri Phelan
Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI) Coach Before CLI, I worked as a third grade ELA teacher for Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta. and then as as a special education teacher and Language Based Learning Disability Program Lead at Match Community Day Charter School in Hyde Park, MA. In that role I provided reading intervention to struggling readers, consulting with general education teachers on best literacy practices in the classroom, and coaching fellow special education teachers in the subject of reading intervention. I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Moderate Disabilities with a focus in Literacy and I come to Temple Beth Shalom with a long standing fire in my heart for early literacy education, |
Cantor DJ Fortine
Music Teacher I received a BA in Music and Judaic Studies from the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music where my primary focus was on music theory, performance, and music education. I am a guitar player and pianist and the Head Song Leader at the Union for Reform Judaism's Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA. |
Emily Perlman
Shabbat Music Leader I bring a passion for Jewish music, over 20 years of summer camp and song leading experience, and a degree in early childhood education from Tufts University and certification in music education. I am a familiar face at TBS as I lead services on Friday evenings and direct the TBS Youth Choir. You can watch me in action and sing along with our TBSCC Shabbat Celebration playlist on YouTube. |
Suman Iyengar
Substitute Teacher I hold a BA from College of Engineering in Bangalore, India. Since coming to the Boston area I have been an active volunteer at Downey Elementary School in Westwood and the lunchroom coordinator at Fales Elementary School in Westborough. I speak Hindi and Kannada and teach vocal music and languages. |
Rachel Weinstock
Substitute Teacher I was a Certified Public Accountant for many years before following my heart into the preschool classroom! Here I find great joy in nurturing and guiding children on their path to discovering new things about themselves and their world. I especially enjoy sharing Jewish rituals, traditions and values. These values feed into the social and emotional learning that happens in preschool, which is an important part of children's foundation for learning. Prior to working at Beth Shalom, I was a Preschool Teacher at Temple Emanuel in Newton. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. |
Dara Dephore
Substitute Teacher After my three children attended the TBS Children's Center I wanted to stay involved in the community. I am a frequent substitute in the classrooms, where I love spending time with children individually and in small groups. |
Cori Lapp
Substitute Teacher I have always been involved one way or another in early childhood education and I’ve always loved being with children in many different capacities. I went to Syracuse University and studied Child Development and Child and Family Studies. After college I worked for several years as a Paraprofessional with Special Needs before I went back to school and received my Masters in Early Childhood Ed at Lesley. I have taught preschool and elementary school and been involved in the Jewish community as a volunteer as well through running the early childhood programs at Temple Beth David in Westwood. |
