Pre-K Teachers

Stephanie Derkautsan
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 and 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.

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.

Hema Shah
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. Before coming to TBS, I worked at the Academy Preschool in Stoughton for 9 years. As a teacher I work with families to create the best learning environment for each and every child.

Patrick Cahn
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.

Marissa Elstein
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 taught children in Kindergarten through 9th 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 and lived there for five years. At TBS I love sharing my interest and appreciation for Judaism and Hebrew with the TBSCC community.

Steve Shimshak
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 MS in Early Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education, a MA 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 preschoolers for nine years.

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.

Revital Pagliuso
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.

Sam Lundeen
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.

Sarah Hausler
I went to the University of Vermont, receiving my BS in Early Childhood Education. There I completed my teaching practicum at the University of Vermont’s Campus Children’s Center and felt inspired by its progressive early childhood philosophy. After college, I began working at the JCC Manhattan Nursery School in the Upper West Side. I earned my master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Fordham University. My favorite time of the school year is the Fall, when I get to know my students and their families and build a warm, inviting, and exciting learning environment. I am passionate about growing a generation of accepting and tolerant people, beginning with a classroom that prioritizes anti-bias education. During past summers, I worked at URJ Crane Lake Camp in the Berkshires alongside my husband and our spunky little dog, Buddy. I love to cook, exercise, and read (especially historical fiction novels). Temple Beth Shalom has always been a special place for me and my family, having attended TBSCC as a young child myself!

Jamie Freedman
Ever since I could work I have been working with children of all ages. I am excited to be working at a school that lets me use my knowledge and experience to help children learn new skills and grow into successful adults. Before coming to teach at TBS, I worked at the Needham Extended Day Program at Eliot Elementary School, as well as at Camp Grossman during the summers. As a graduate of the Needham Public Schools, I am well positioned to support your child's transition from our school to the public schools when they are ready.

Ashleigh Sedaghatpour
I am an educator who takes on an organic and mindful approach. I see each child as a singular entity whose needs may vary. With this in mind I create a safe and stimulating environment for my students. I believe that all children can be successful; and that it is my responsibility as an educator to assist in fostering their academic, social and emotional achievements by understanding the child as a whole. In addition, I am confident in knowing that learning is just as important as teaching; and I would love to emphasize that having an open and flexible mind to meet the needs of my students is one of my biggest priorities. Before joining Temple Beth Shalom’s team I worked as a behavioral therapist and extreme interventionist, as well as a director and lead teacher for a non-profit. I am an alumni of the University of Miami and hold a bachelors in Child Psychology and Human Development as well as a major in the Philosophy of Education.

Adam Tarsky
My passion is working with children. I strive to create a classroom filled with joy, adventure and discovery. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with small children and help guide them through their early growth and development; focusing on learning and building strong relationships with their peers, their teachers, and the world around them. I began at TBS as a substitute teacher and assistant summer teacher and grew to love the community.