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. 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 Temple Beth Shalom. 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 and their families -- birth to three. Before starting Bumps, Babies and Beyond I worked as a child development instructor at Isis Parenting where I ran developmentally appropriate 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 women may experience and respecting each person's religious and or spiritual needs during this time is of great importance to me. |
Thomas Meunier
JamBaby Music Teacher I am a songwriter, musician, and teacher, who discovered my passion for music the old-fashioned way - with open ears, a cheap guitar, and a great record collection. I have worked privately with students (ages 5-65) and served as music coach at Camp Burgess-Hayward of the South Shore YMCA. My lessons emphasize creativity in practice, developing a musical vocabulary, discovery through play. |
DJ Fortine
Cantorial Intern 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 create a vehicle to deliver his 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. |
Barbara Davis Curriculum Director I hold a bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and graduate degrees in Parent Support and Family Education from Wheelock College. I believe in meeting the diverse needs of each student by building on their strengths, interests and innate curiosity. Children learn best when they are given the freedom and time to explore the world around them. I enjoy working with and supporting children, staff and parents as they grow and develop - each on their own journey. I have worked in Jewish early childhood education for over 30 years, and was the founding preschool director at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham. |
Perla Alphias
Teacher I have worked in education for over twenty years with two year olds through sixth grade. I am deeply passionate about getting to know each individual child and building meaningful relationships with families. In addition to my work in early childhood, I have worked in a variety of Spanish immersion programs. I have a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom, I taught in the Wellesley Child Center, Beth El Preschool, and the Temple Beth Shalom Preschool of Framingham. |
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. |
Judi Appelstein
Teacher As a teacher I encourage children to feel secure and good about themselves and the decisions that they make. In my classroom I help children learn to negotiate conflicts and solve problems and to make new and solid friendships. The children in my classroom learn to cooperate and become members of a team, and most importantly, we have fun! I first started teaching at Temple Beth Shalom when my now adult daughters were in preschool. I have now taught the full spectrum of age groups, from 4-5 year olds to 1-2 year olds, to 2-3 year olds. |
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. When I am not teaching in Mayim on Sundays I teach one year olds in the TBS children’s center. 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. |
Patrick Cahn
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. |
Betty Cantor
Mentor Teacher During my career as an educator, I’ve worked in a playroom at Children’s Hospital, taught classes on a farm, supervised students learning to be teachers, and taught preschool and kindergarten. Each of these experiences has changed my practice and continued to help me to evolve with my work with young children. I have a BS in Elementary Education from Boston University, a Masters in Child Development from Tufts University, and a special education license from the Department of Education. One of my passions in early childhood is how to optimize the environment so that each child learns to self- regulate, take turns, and learn how to develop their social skills with peers. These life skills lay the foundation for successful learning! |
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. |
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. |
Mindy Elins
Teacher I hold a Master’s Degree in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. My further graduate studies include both certification in Early Childhood Education from Hebrew College and a Graduate Fellowship in Leadership Education "DeLet" from Brandeis University.. Sharing the arts with young children is one of the cornerstones of my teaching. I infuse curriculum with music, puppetry, movement and storytelling. The arts motivate children to sing, dance, put on puppet shows, create their own art explorations, and tell their stories. Most precious to me are my relationships with children. I endeavor to give each child my full attention whenever possible. I like to listen – to hear a child’s thoughts, joys and worries. Together with colleagues at TBSCC, we seek to celebrate each child’s uniqueness, while providing time and space for unhurried discovery. It is an honor to witness our children’s growth, as well as to watch the evolution of community here at Temple Beth Shalom. |
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. |
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. |
Mizgin Hamza
Assistant Teacher My son attended TBS and as I learned about the community through his experiences, I knew it was a place where I wanted to teach. I previously taught third and fourth graders at an elementary school in my home country of Syria. I am currently in the process of studying child development to earn my early childhood teaching license. |
Jake Haveles
Teacher Working towards a degree in education at Brandeis University in History and Education, I came to Temple Beth Shalom to further explore early childhood education. I have been fortunate to work with every age group from the youngest toddlers to kindergarteners. Early childhood education continues to be an unforgettable experience, allowing me to witness the most striking examples of growth and development. Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom, I also have various experiences with students ranging from preschool to early high school, working at a children’s center connected to Beaver Country Day School, as a teacher’s assistant at the Haley School in Roslindale, and ESL classes at the Fessenden School. |
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! |
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. |
Alex Mako
Teacher Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom I was a literacy teacher at the Atkinson School in North Andover, There I taught kindergarteners who were struggling academically across all disciplines and taught phonics and literacy. I have also worked with young children internationally when I taught English to four to twelve year olds in Thailand and China. |
Kylie Noe
Teacher I am currently studying for a Masters in Education in Leadership and Management through Fitchburg state University. I also hold a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies—Child Development and Education from University of Missouri. Before joining the TBS team, I was an infant teacher at the Holway Child Studies Center-The Barn at Lasell College. I am currently a toddler teacher in the Keshet classroom. I have always had a passion for teaching and learning with children. I enjoy working with the youngest children because they show the most growth and development over the short time period, I get to be with them. Being a teacher at TBS is a very rewarding experience and I am so grateful to be a part of this warm, loving 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. |
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. I have done many professional development learnings, regarding understanding children’s social and emotional development and use this knowledge to aid the children in whatever way they might need help. |
Liron Riess
Teacher As an educator at TBS I am committed to creating an environment that welcomes each individual child with warmth, joy and a feeling of safety and acceptance. I provide structure, I encourage an interest in learning and I always look for ways to support each child in feeling successful, in a surrounding that meets all needs. Raised in Israel, I am passionate about sharing experiences and memories from my upbringing, and I find myself using content I remember enjoying as a child. I grew up on Kibbutz Ginnosar, right on Lake Kinneret. The Jewish education I received was centered on love for the land of Israel, the history of the people, and had a strong focus on celebrating the holidays and the traditions that kept Judaism alive all around the world for all these years. My college courses focused on Child Psychology and Child development and added to my passion in continuing working with children at TBS. Here I found a warm community, that is open and inclusive. I feel fortunate to have been a part of the Mayim and Children's Center programs. |
Amy Rogozinski
Teacher After many years of teaching children ages 15 months through 4 years, I returned to school at Lesley University where I graduated with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. Before coming to Temple Beth Shalom I taught at the Jewish Community Center in Newton and with children with special needs in Milford. As a teacher, I establish strong connections with the children in the classroom, and foster their self awareness and high self-esteem. I firmly believe that honoring children’s social and emotional development is just as essential to their future success as fostering their academic skills. I approach teaching with a constructivist lens, knowing that each child develops at his or her own pace, and embrace every child for who they are. |
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. |
Sauci Saffitz
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. |
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. |
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. |
Leslie Siegel
Teacher After teaching Israeli Folk dancing and computer software at Northeastern University, I discovered my true passion was in early childhood education. I began as a movement and music specialist at Temple Beth Sholom Preschool in Framingham and then taught four and five year olds at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline. I have been teaching toddlers through kindergarten for the past 11 years and enjoy the creativity and spontaneity of the children. I hold a BS in Business Administration from San Jose State University and have continued my Jewish learning through the Meah course at Hebrew College in Newton. |
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. |
Dawn Stieglitz
Teacher I truly enjoy working with children and watching them learn and grow. Before coming to TBS I worked for the Boston Public Schools as a Kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher and at the preschool at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham. I have my undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and my Masters in Education from UMass Boston. |
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. |
Carol Walsh
Teacher I am certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care as both a director and lead teacher and before coming to TBS was Assistant Director at Mount Ida College Laboratory Preschool, in Newton where I assisted teachers with implementing documentation in individual classrooms and school wide and served as a role model, mentor, supervisor and resource of instruction for undergraduate student interns and training teachers in professional studies at Mount Ida’s education program. |
Liz Webb Green
Teacher The fabric of TBS has been woven into my life for many years. I have been part of the temple community since 1998 and I am the mom of Mayim students Emma, Jay and Children’s Center student Josh. I am an artist who has worked extensively with children both at TBS and in other programs around the area such as the YMCA, Needham Open Studios and Needham Public Schools Creative Arts.I began teaching at TBS when I spearheaded a special art project with the Kindergarten class in 2012 and then one of the pre-k classes the following year. I use my expertise to enhance our class study of the creative and visual arts as well as support in all areas of learning within our classroom. |
Nicole White
Teacher I earned my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College in New York City where I was a teacher at Temple Israel's Early Childhood Learning Center. In the classroom, I love to promote an inclusive and supportive environment where each child feels comfortable taking risks and honing new skills through their play and learning. |
Dalia Weinberg
Learning Specialist Teacher I was born in Denmark and moved with my family to Israel as a child. I came Massachusetts ten years ago. I've worked as a teacher with a variety of ages and in a variety of setting for the past 18 years. I believe in meeting the diverse needs of each student by building on their strengths, interests and curiosity. Children learn best when they are given the freedom and time to explore the world around them. I enjoy playing and exploring with them and love watching the children grow in their own path. I hold a Masters in Special Education and have Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). |
Lynn Witty
Teacher I have a Masters Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University and I am an alumna of Walnut Hill School For The Arts. I am an artist, singer songwriter, and recording artist. I enjoy performing in the Boston area. I have enjoyed my work as an educator. I have been invested in the arts and entertainment industry as well as non-profit work in Boston and the Greater Metropolitan New York area for many years. I enjoy working with children at TBSCC and bringing my experience with creativity and the arts to the classroom. |
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. |
Clergy
Rabbi Todd A. 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 C. 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. |
