Meet Us

Early Childhood Learning

Ellen Dietrick
Director of Early Childhood Learning

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.

Savita Brewer
Learning Administrator

After teaching at Temple Beth Shalom for several years, I returned as administrator. I am a graduate of Boston University with a double major in International Relations and Psychology.

Before coming to TBS I worked in various capacities for a number of small businesses in the area. Whether as a bookkeeper and administrator for Last Minute Productions and as receptionist at a local pediatrician, I enjoy supporting the needs of a bustling office and bringing my organizational skills to the role.

I love the way the Temple Beth Shalom community embraces the Jewish culture in the curriculum and I appreciate being part of a warm and welcoming community.

Suzanne Stein
Learning Administrator

With a Masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and a background in HR, becoming a learning administrator at TBSCC was a natural fit. I have been a part of the temple community for 8 years, and currently chair the Bikkur Cholim committee which provides meals to families going through a difficult time. While I enjoy the volunteer work I do at the temple, my greatest joy has been watching my 2 daughters thrive in the TBSCC environment. The teachers create a warm and nurturing environment, adapting to the various needs of the children. I'm honored to work alongside these teachers who continue to foster the growth and development of all the children at TBSCC. I look forward to working with TBSCC families and getting to know their children as they pass through the halls of TBS.

Bumps, Babies, & Beyond Early Parenting

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

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.

Dawn Ellis
Bumps, Babies & Beyond Co-Founder & Early Parenting Specialist

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and ordained interfaith minister, I believe in the power of group work to validate and create amazing community through deep shared experience.

Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom, I worked at Isis Parenting where I focused on supporting parents through major life transitions. My own family is interfaith, and I am raising my three young children Jewish. Becoming a mother is one of the greatest rites of passage a woman may experience. With this is in mind, respecting each person's religious and or spiritual needs during this time is of great importance to me.

DJ Fortine
Cantorial Soloist

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.

Josh Shriber
Tot Shabbat Service Leader & Music Teacher

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!

Children's Center

Callie Davis
Curriculum Director

After graduating with a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University, I spent over 10 years serving children and families in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Temple Beth Shalom, I held positions at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston as a Social Worker and as the Director of Volunteer Services for the agency. I take a strengths based approach in my work and believe every child has the right to lead a happy, healthy, successful life. If given a supportive environment, children will learn at their own pace through exploration and curiosity. I believe in meeting children where they are at and working together with parents and staff to ensure a lifelong love of learning.

Jesse Tobin
Curriculum Director

Through my graduate studies I have discovered my true passion for developing and implementing curriculum in the early childhood years. I believe young children are naturally curious about the world around them. Developing inquiry skills early in life fosters children’s curiosity, understanding of the natural world, and their love of learning. My undergraduate degree is in Early Childhood Education from Boston University. After graduating, I spent three years as the lead teacher in the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory at BU and completed my masters in curriculum and teaching with a focus on science for young children.

Marlene Greenstein
Curriculum Director

My greatest joy of working in an early childhood program is fostering relationships, where children, families, and teachers are all partners in the learning process. I am deeply inspired by the philosophy of the world-renowned schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy where teachers capture and document children's innate creativity and curiosity and place a strong emphasis on parents as their child’s first teachers, community, and life-long learning. After earning a BA in Elementary Education from UMass Amherst, I was the Assistant Director and Director at the Longfellow Laboratory Preschool at Mount Ida College for 29 years.

Jessie Amodeo
Teacher

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.

Stephanie Berman
Teacher

My Jewish education began when I was thirteen, and I begged my parents to join a temple so I could have a bat mitzvah. Since then I went on to study Judaism at Gann Academy, Sociology/ Anthropology at Roger Williams, and then continued to get my masters in Jewish Early Childhood Education at Hebrew College. I began teaching five years ago and have had the opportunity to work with children of all ages from twelve months to fifth grade. I believe the purpose of education is to support each child developing their best self. It has been a privilege being a member of the Jewish community and it is my hope to share that joy with my students.

Eve Blechman
Teacher

I graduated from Lesley University with a BA in Psychology and Early Education. I have experience working in classrooms with children ranging from ages six months to six years. Over the years I have developed a strong passion for understanding the needs and milestones of children. I want to be able to provide a curriculum that facilitates child-based learning in a resourceful environment. I believe that the teacher can learn as much from the child as they can from the teacher and that each child has the capability to learn at their own pace and take their own risks throughout each developmental area.

Patrick Cahn
Storyteller

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.

Erica Cohen
Teacher

I have a Masters in Early Childhood Education and Bachelors in Education and Sociology and over 12 years of experience teaching young children. Before arriving at Temple Beth Shalom I taught two to five year olds at Soule Early Childhood Center in Brookline. I also taught at Gan Yeladim JCC Early Learning Center, the Hills and Falls Nursery School. and in the Newton Public Schools, where I worked with children with special needs.

Lauri Cohen
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. My door is always open to families at all times. 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 over 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.

Karen Cohen
Teacher

I love to help Judaism come alive for children and to support families in their Jewish explorations. I have been leading Tot Shabbat and High Holiday services for the past 15 years at Temple Aliyah and more recently at Temple Emanuel of Newton. Some of my favorite activities with children are reading with small groups, baking and cooking projects and helping the children negotiate the social dynamics as they move about the classroom. Two of my four children have attended TBSCC and I have been inspired to teach here as a result of seeing the benefits of the positive child-centered environment. I have a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania as well as a Master’s in Jewish Communal Service and Certificate in Jewish Special Education from Gratz College.

Evelyn Cordon
Teacher

My background as a teacher, dental radiologist, and ballroom dance teacher all contribute to my teaching on a daily basis. Teaching brings joy to my days! I am currently in school studying to be a nurse. I have taught extensively at TBS as a substitute teacher and in the summer program. I have many years of experience in early childhood education. Prior to arriving at TBS I worked as a nanny for over 15 years, including with TBS families. In the classroom I work to develop a relationship with each individual child.

Jo D'Angelo
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 I look forward to continuing to bring my arts background into the classroom for our young learners.

Emily Dennen
Teacher
Before arriving at TBS I taught kindergarten, fourth and fifth grade and was a literacy instructor at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island. Before teaching elementary school, I taught children ages 18months-3 years for four years. I am knowledgeable in the field of child development, having studied this special area of interest as an undergraduate at Smith College, and during pursuit of my Masters degree at Brandeis University. I have a particular interest and experience in progressive models of education, including the Reggio approach.

Marissa Elstein Teacher

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 I have taught children in Kindergarten through 9 th 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 (in fact, I lived there for five years) and I look forward to sharing my interest and appreciation for Judaism and Hebrew with the TBSCC community.

Katie Fanke Teacher

I am a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree. I spent most of my adolescence tutoring in elementary schools and spent my senior year of college working as a case manager in a high school, where I further developed my love and understanding for the importance of a safe and nurturing learning environment. Additionally, I spent my summer working at a URJ camp where I fell in love with Jewish education and life. As a teacher at TBS I strive to create an inclusive environment where children and parents feel welcome and informed.

Leslie Forman
Teacher

Before returning to the world of early childhood education I worked as the administrator for Fessenden Summer Camps. Prior to that, I was the administrator at Camp West Woods, as well as a floater teacher and gymnastics instructor at Academy Pre-School. I love helping young children increase their sense of confidence as they learn new physical, emotional, and social skills. I plan to incorporate my experience in gymnastics, movement, and dance into the classroom. Through our temple community, my family enjoys diverse Jewish learning opportunities, and I cannot wait to explore the Jewish holidays with the children at TBSCC. I have a degree in literature from Brandeis University, and a Master’s degree in publishing studies from New York University. I am looking forward to sharing my passion for books with the children at TBSCC.

Shira Frager
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. During my spare time, I go Israeli dancing, play the ukulele, run, and spend time outdoors, and do professional organizing. 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.

Gitta Garrity
Teacher

Originally from Sweden, I bring over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. I taught preschool in several local schools for about seven years before becoming a nanny (including for several TBS families!) I have also been a substitute teacher at TBS. In those roles I worked with a variety of different curricula and with children from various backgrounds and learning needs.

Beth Gilefsky
Teacher

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.

Alexa Hamelburg
Teacher

At the University of Hartford I graduated with a bachelors in Elementary and Special Education. I love to help children reach their highest potential. I 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. I went to Camp Tevya growing up and have always loved summers on the lake. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and after teaching skiing in high school, I decided to go into teaching while in college. I have been teaching for 2 years now. I love working with kindergarten aged children and have not only learned from my co-workers but have also learned so much from my students.

Valeria Kvetnaya
Teacher

Prior to joining the TBS team, I was an Assistant Preschool Teacher at Shaloh House where I also taught Hebrew. I'm fluent in Russian, Hebrew and English and attended college in Israel. I spent several years as a travel agent both here in the States and in Israel. I'm looking forward to teaching and joining the Temple Beth Shalom community!

Cori Lapp
Regular Substitute Teacher

Before joining the TBS team I held a variety of leadership roles in local community organizations. I am a mission driven early childhood advocate with a strong background in Child & Family Studies, Elementary Education, and Human Services. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, vulnerable families, immigrant families, and children challenged with developmental and psychiatric disorders. I have taught many different ages including Early Literacy and second grade in the Newton Public Schools, third grade at Community Day Charter School in Lawrence, and pre-k at Arlington Children's Center.

Rebecca Levine
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 and 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.

Melissa Loeb
Teacher

I have a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and have worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for the past 11 years. I decided to make a career shift and become a preschool teacher at TBSCC because of the amazing sense of community here, the values placed on Jewish and secular learning, and the environment of providing children access to a wide variety of materials arranged to be inviting and provoking of their curiosity and creativity. I am also a mother of two children who attended TBSCC, and our family immediately adopted the guiding principles taught at the Children’s Center. I love observing children making their own discoveries and solving their own problems with gentle guidance and support, and I love being a part of the joy that children experience when they discover a new capability or a new way of interacting in their world.

Sam Lundeen
Teacher

Since joining the Temple Beth Shalom teaching team, I have taught almost every age group. From the loving two and three year olds to the curious and active four and five year olds, I enjoy listening to children and learning about their ideas. I bring a strong background in Jewish camping that I love to share with the children through music and active play.

Elsa
Maldonado
Teacher

I have an extensive teaching background and have taught preschool and kindergarten for the past 20 years. Most recently I taught at the Kindergarten Center at Sudbury Extended Day and at Little Red Wagon in Newton. I grew up in Peru and studied Early Childhood Education at Century College in Vancouver, British Columbia. I love to learn and frequently take classes in early childhood education, bringing new ideas and skills to the classrooms.

Revital Pagliuso
Teacher

Before arriving at TBS, I taught at the JCCs of Greater Boston for 13 years. I strive to provided a nurturing environment for toddler and preschool-age children and their families across all of the classes 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.

Katie Panzer
Teacher

I studied education and sociology at Wheaton College and have always had a strong passion for education and working with children of all ages. I love to sing, do arts-and-crafts, and I am always on the hunt for new ways to get creative. I am drawn to working with children because of their endless curiosity and their excitement and willingness to try new things. I am looking forward to maintaining a safe, fun, and creative environment where children can grow while being encouraged, nurtured, and challenged. I have been a camp counselor, babysitter, tutor, president of my college acapella group, and part-time teacher (including teaching in Cambodia and Austria), and all those experiences have shaped me into the educator and person I am today. I am beyond grateful and excited for this next chapter in my life, and to join the TBS community.

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.

Katie Phelps
Teacher

I have a strong passion for working with young children. I love listening to children and finding moments of joy and discovery. I have been teaching in early childhood for many years. Before joining the Temple Beth Shalom community I taught preschoolers at the Needham Children's Center, Radcliffe Child Care Center, and Children's Corner at Newton Wellesley Hospital.

Sivan Piatigorsky-Roth
Teacher

I graduated from Wesleyan University as a major in English literature and Studio Art. I grew up in a tight knit Jewish community in Toronto and worked at my childhood synagogue as a youth leader all throughout high school. In college I served on the Wesleyan Jewish Community student leadership board all four years and was one of the coordinators for the board in my senior year. I have known for a long time that I want to be a rabbi, and have been accepted into Rabbinical school at Hebrew College where I am excited to start school in September 2021. I am so excited to work in the Jewish community at Temple Beth Shalom and especially excited to work with kids, who are some of the smartest, more important, and most overlooked members of our communities.

Johari Pimentel
Teacher

My educational background is in human services and I taught for many years in early education. I have always enjoyed working with children and their families. As a newborn coordinator, I had the privilege of connecting with families from the beginning in a supportive and empathic manner. Through such collaborations, I was able to build relationships with each family, which was a rewarding process. This same goal carries into my teaching where I make warm connections and enhancing care coordination at a place that has so much meaning to those involved. I have a BS in Psychology and an MS in Human Services from Northeastern and an MA in Psychology from William James College.

Felicia Poretsky
Teacher

I have worked in the early childhood setting for the last 10 years. I started my career in early childhood as a floater teacher and gained experience working with ages ranging from infant to pre-k. Since becoming a full time classroom teacher, I have taught preschool age children. Most of my career has been working at Jewish Community Centers, both in West Hartford, CT and Newton. I truly enjoy being able to bring my passion for Judaism and the Jewish holidays into the classroom. I have been both a dance and swim instructor and bring dancing and music into my classroom whenever possible! One of the most interesting aspects of working with children is watching them develop their social and emotional skills.

Jennifer Reiling
Teacher

I graduated from Smith College with a degree in Psychology and I have been teaching preschool for 18 years. Prior to coming to TBS I taught at Explorations, a preschool in Medfield and at Dover Nursery School. I am passionate about working with children and creating a nurturing, rich environment in which children can grow and learn. A strong sense of community and building relationships with the children and their families is a very big part of that environment. Learning begins with play and I believe in being on the floor right along with the children. As the children share with me I like to share with them and I try to bring my love of reading, art and the outdoors into the classroom.

Barbara Rome Teacher

I am a graduate of Boston University with a bachelor of science degree in personnel management. Before coming to TBS, I worked for various preschools in the area including JCC of Newton, Rosenshine Nursery School at Temple Reyim and the Suzuki School of Newton where I worked with children ages 2-5. As an educator I believe in supporting children in developing a love of learning through music and art, and work to support their social and emotional growth.

Renee Rull
Teacher

My degree in art education helps me to nurture the creative spirit of each child. I am also an experienced teacher of children with special needs, having taught one on one and small groups iat the elementary level with children with special needs. I first came to Temple Beth Shalom as a substitute teacher and since then have taught many age groups, from age two through five.

Sauci Saffitz
Regular Substitute Teacher

My philosophy of preschool education is child-centered. I believe that every child is an individual with her/his own pattern of learning and timetable for social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth. I strive to attend to the individual needs of each child, serving as a catalyst to spark each child’s interests and desire to experiment and explore. Further, I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment that encourages growth and independence in all developmental areas. I believe that children learn through play. I provide opportunities for children to interact with their environment and each other in ways that are meaningful to them.

Hemali Shah
Teacher

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, and I have had 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher. Before coming to TBS, I worked at the Academy Preschool in Stoughton for 9 years. I am eager to work with families to create the best learning environment for each and every child!

Allison Shapiro
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.

Steve Shimshak
Teacher

As an early childhood educator, I place strong emphasis on social and emotional learning while helping children prepare for grade school. I value a team-teaching environment where multiple experts assess the needs of each child and collaborate to design an effective curriculum.

I hold a Master of Science in Early Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance K-12 from New York University and a BS in Elementary Education from Boston University. Before joining the Temple Beth Shalom faculty I taught three through five year olds for nine years.

Masha Silva
Teacher

I am devoted to reaching each and every student and instilling in them a love for learning. I am passionate about designing age-appropriate lessons and activities that teach fundamental academic and social skills and I focus on developing strong relationships within the school community. I hold a masters from Northeastern University and a BS in Education from Necrasov University, St. Petersburg in Russia. I bring over 16 years of teaching experience. Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom I taught toddlers at the Maimonides School in Brookline, preschoolers at Yal-Day-New in Brighton and pre-k children at A to Z Preschool in Needham.

Molly Smith
Teacher

As a Needham native, I'm proud to be a part of Temple Beth Shalom's Children’s Center. I have a B.A. in English and Education from Anna Maria College and studied at Fisher College to become a certified teacher of Early Education. My love of literature initially encouraged me to teach English to middle school students and I also served as a special education assistant in the Needham and Wellesley Public Schools. I love taking my time with children and focusing not only on their education, but also their wellbeing and care. I value music, art, the outdoors and allowing children to explore and learn freely. I am a passionate believer in kindness and enjoy intertwining education and play.

Gabi Soble
Teacher

It is a privilege and an honor to work in a school environment that is child-focused, warm, caring, safe, educational and geared towards the individual development of each child. I continue to be inspired by teachers’ focus on the students while we create a creativity-inspired learning environment. I love teaching in a Jewish school, Shabbat is a favorite time each week, enabling me to share my own love of Shabbat and Judaism with the students.

Marisa Stanewick
Teacher

I have a BA and an associates degree in early childhood education from Mount Ida College am in the second year of the nursing program at Mass Bay. I have been substitute teaching at TBS for many years and taught two year olds in the TBS summer program. I also taught pre-k at Needham Children's Center, South Boston Neighborhood House and Franciscan Hospital for Children. As a teacher I work to create an environment of love and trust, while still embracing the need to set limits in order to support children in learning and growing.

Ally Stanton
Teacher

It is always such an adventure teaching young children because each day is very different from the last. I love watching and assisting each child as they master new skills and become more confident in their abilities. I work hard to create a classroom community where all similarities and differences are respected and treasured. Through my teaching experiences, I have developed a love for play based learning and try to create exciting units of study through hands on experiences.

Margaux Teicholz
Teacher
I have been a substitute teacher and summer teacher for many years. Margaux is loved for her patient and loving approach and her deep commitment to children and families. Margaux has a degree from UMASS Amherst and has been working with children, in a variety of roles, for the past 10 years.

Phoebe Thaler
Teacher

Originally from New York, I attended Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. I am passionate about working with young children, and learned how rewarding this profession can be while working as a camp counselor at a temple summer camp. I have also worked as a religious school teacher and child care provider. I am looking forward to taking my past experiences and using them to do something I love every day. Some of my fondest memories as a JCC preschool student were learning about Jewish holidays and singing Shabbat songs each week. I want to make learning about our culture fun for my students and create lifelong Jewish learners. As a teacher, I strive to be a partner for growth and to work closely with the children to achieve their goals in a way that plays to their strengths.

Michelle Voskov
Teacher

I graduated with my Masters in Literacy and Language Education from Boston University. Before joining the Temple Beth Shalom community, I was a lead teacher at the Early Childhood Learning Lab at BU. I believe in fostering children’s love of learning by providing rich play based experience and strive to build strong connections with children and their families.

Rachel Wolfeiler
Teacher

I graduated from Muhlenberg College where I earned a teaching certification for middle school social studies. I have played many roles as an educator, including as a teacher, tutor, camp counselor, and mentor with children and students of all ages. I believe that all children, no matter their age, thrive best in a space where they feel safe to explore, communicate, contribute, reflect, and build. I especially love learning and growing with preschool aged children. I am truly honored to be part of the TBS team!

Ali Yaker
Teacher

I believe in supporting the whole child and strive to discover the unique gifts that each child and each family bring. While home with my children for the past 10 years, I have had many opportunities to work and volunteer in their preschools and elementary school, and eventually substitute taught at local Jewish and secular preschools. I have a degree in Environmental Policy from Boston University and have worked for national environmental organizations. I am eager to share my passion for taking care of our world with the children and families.

Wasan Al-Durrah
Assistant Teacher

I am life-long student myself and love to share that passion for learning with my students. During my career as a teacher I taught English to 1st-6th grade at Dubai National School in the United Arab Emirates. There I taught children with learning difficulties and needs, and developed action plans and developmental lessons. I am excited bring this background to my role as an early childhood educator.

Ben Tober
Teacher
I strive to provide developmentally appropriate and nurturing environments, where children feel safe and inspired to explore individual and group interests. I believe that curriculum should be informed by the articulated or inferred interests of the children, allowing the children to discover and pursue new and emerging skills. By way of purposeful play experiences, I aim to foster those interests by providing related activities and materials, while offering opportunities for small and large group social interaction. I began teaching in 2011 (after twenty years in corporate management), and hold a BA from Lesley University, where I majored in Human Development.

Clergy

Rabbi Todd Markley
Rabbi Markley completed his studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, receiving a Master of Arts in Jewish Education in addition to his rabbinical ordination. A native of Connecticut, Rabbi Markley was an active youth leader in NFTY before attending Tufts University where he studied Psychology and Judaic Studies.

Rabbi Markley shares in the spiritual leadership of Temple Beth Shalom by participating in worship, by officiating at life cycle events, and through his pastoral presence with our families. While he serves as rabbi to all segments of our congregation, he has played key roles in the transformation of our learning programs for students in grades K-12, helping to make their learning more experiential and engaging for children and families, including the creation of our Mayim and Sha’arim programs. So too, Rabbi Markley is engaged in a number of efforts to deepen and enrich the connections among our synagogue members, fostering stronger and more meaningful relationships within our temple community.

Rabbi Markley is proud to serve on the boards of the Rashi School and of URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps. Rabbi Markley is married to Michele, a native of Lexington, who works as a third and fourth grade special education teacher in Belmont. Together they are blessed to be raising their daughter, Mia and their son, Adam.

Rabbi Jay Perlman
Rabbi Perlman is active in both the Needham and the Greater Boston Jewish community. He is an active member of the Needham Clergy Association, including having recently served as president. He currently serves on the New England Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League. Rabbi Perlman has served as a rabbinic mentor for both the Hebrew College Rabbinic Program and the rabbinical school at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He is a regular teacher for the URJ’s “Taste of Judaism” and “Introduction to Judaism” programs and is a member of the Needham Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

Rabbi Perlman is originally from the Boston area. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Brandeis University, where he received his B.A. in both History and Near East and Judaic Studies. Rabbi Perlman has participated in numerous study opportunities in Israel, including programs at the Hartman Institute, the Conservative Yeshiva, the Pardes Institute, Hebrew University, and through the World Zionist Organization.

Rabbi Perlman has a passion for teaching, learning, building bridges, and sharing the beauty of our Jewish tradition. He joyfully shares his life with his wife, Emily, and their children Liana and Jonah.

Rabbi Julie Bressler

Rabbi Bressler serves as the Assistant Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom. In May 2019, Rabbi Bressler earned her ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles and also received a Master of Arts in Jewish Education from HUC in 2017. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Rabbi Bressler grew up in the Reform movement as an active member of Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, CA, a camper at URJ Camp Newman, and NFTY teen program participant. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Women and Gender Studies and American Culture Studies. Before attending rabbinical school, Rabbi Bressler worked as a youth and teen programming professional in St. Louis and the Bay Area.

As a rabbinic and education student, Rabbi Bressler served several communities throughout California – Congregation Shir Ami in Castro Valley, Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, and Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. She also spent four summers on senior staff at URJ Camp Newman and served as a Chaplain Intern at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Rabbi Bressler is a passionate teacher, community builder, and social justice advocate. She enjoys supporting others through their Jewish journeys, sharing the power of Jewish tradition, and asking and discussing big questions.