Bumps, Babies & Beyond Team

Liz Berkman
Bumps, Babies & Beyond Co-Founder
​& Child Development Specialist 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Early Intervention Specialist, I have over 25 years of experience working with young children and their families. I have loved co-creating the Bumps, Babies, and Beyond program which is committed to supporting families with young children on their incredible parenting journeys. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with families to create nurturing environments where children can thrive. Through personalized guidance and developmentally appropriate classes, I empower parents to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood with confidence. Together we will navigate this amazing adventure and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Gila Modell
Early Parenting Specialist 

​I am a trained birth and postpartum doula and on my way to becoming a Certified Lactation Support Counselor. I received a Masters in Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University and am excited to continue her parenting support in TBS and the greater community. In addition to being mother to a 17 month old and 5-year-old dog, I am an a cappella singer, past 8th grade math teacher and could talk all things babies and motherhood all day long! 

DJ Fortine 
Cantorial Soloist & 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,.  

Josh Shriber
​Tot Shabbat Service Leader

I am the owner and director of Jammin’ With You!--a music and performing arts center located in Wellesley—and principle songwriter and band leader for nationally touring “Kindie” band Josh & the Jamtones. Hoping to deliver my own brand of fun-and-funny, high-energy music education to children and families, I opened the doors to Jammin’ With You! in 2008. A passionate and extra-energetic performer, I  play hundreds of shows across the country, sharing the stage with bands like Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Yo Gabba Gabba, The Wiggles, Fresh Beat Band and the Roots! My family and I are members of the TBS community and my three children are graduates of TBS Children's Center. I have loved getting to know so many TBS families as we sing and dance at Tot Shabbat.

Ellen Dietrick
Senior Director of Learning and Engagement

​My work with young children has taught me that children are intrinsically motivated to learn and  capable of much more than we sometimes assume. They are curious and filled with rich imaginations. At TBS, I am honored to have the chance to witness learning moments every day. 

​I hold a masters in education from the University of Virginia and before arriving at TBS I spent ten years directing the early childhood program at Congregation Beth Israel in Charlottesville, Virginia.   I am also the author of the children's book It's Israel's Birthday, featuring preschoolers on an imaginary journey to Israel.   I have been involved in several national Jewish early childhood projects including as Co-Founder of The Paradigm Project, on the board of the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism, as a Jim Joseph Leading Educators Online Fellow, and as a mentor for the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute. I am also a graduate of the Covenant-JECEI Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship and the Covenant Fellowship for Early Childhood Leadership.