Pre-K Teachers

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

Grace Andrejev
I have worked with children of many ages and completed the Level Up early childhood teacher training program. In my classroom the environment sets a tone that supports relationship building and I love to help children learn to work as a team. In the classroom I love connecting with kids, getting to know each individual child’s interests and passions and building curriculum around them. I can often be found telling stories or setting up messy science experiments or sensory play for children to explore.

Liz Berkman 
As an educator, I am committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in each and every one of my students. I aim to provide an engaging space where children can explore, play and discover in a safe and supportive environment. I believe that education is a collaborative journey that extends beyond the classroom. I am passionate about fostering meaningful connections with families and creating an inclusive and supportive learning community. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Early Intervention Specialist, I have over 25 years experience working with young children and their families and I am honored to be a part of their early educational experiences. 

​Ferrin Essence
​I have a Master of Education from the Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars program at Boston College, a program that focuses on equity and community. I believe that educational spaces should be nurturing and empowering. Children deserve a safe space to explore themselves and the world so when given the opportunity, they feel comfortable going from their comfort zone to their growth zone. I aim to create meaningful educational experiences centered around community, care, and joy. 

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

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

Maddy Kendall​
I previously taught preschoolers ages 3-5 and served as a unit head at Crane Lake Camp where I supervised the campers and staff in 2nd-4th grade level units. I also taught children ages 4-10 at The Creative Child Activity Program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I graduated from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where I studied theater. In my classroom children learn to cooperate and become members of the group as they play and learn together.

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

Marianna Ramos
​My first experience working with children was as a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club where one of my favorite activities to do with the students was the annual field day. I appreciated that children of all ages came together, doing different activities in the same space. With younger children I appreciate their zest for play and their endless imaginations. I love watching their ideas develop as they play. For me teaching is about making an impact on my young students.

Katrina Tober
I am thrilled to be re-joining the TBSCC staff after subbing here in the spring
and summer of 2021. I have a BA from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a Masters in
Early Childhood from Lesley University. I bring with me 28 years of early childhood experience from teaching and administrative roles I have held at schools in the Boston area, most recently at Dedham Community House Preschool, where I was the Director for seven years, and at Wellesley Community Children’s Center where I was a pre-k teacher. I consider my philosophy to be child centered, developmentally appropriate and influenced by Reggio Emilia and other schools of thought. I live in Dedham with my husband Ben (who is also a preschool teacher at TBSCC.) My son, Aaron is in college in upstate NY and my grown step-daughter, Alex, lives in CA. In my free time I enjoy reading, knitting, walking and spending time with family and friends at our house in Maine.