Pre-K Teachers

Mukiya Alexander
​As an educator, I am passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in every child. I believe that each child has unique strengths and deserves the space to grow at their own pace, guided by both structure and freedom. My goal is to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore. I strive to educate the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically—while nurturing their natural individuality. You can often find me beside the children, encouraging discovery, supporting independence, and celebrating the small moments of growth that lead to lifelong learning. Over the past 27 years, I have served as a Montessori teacher, infant lead teacher, preschool lead, educational coordinator, and acting director, and I continue to find joy in being fully present with children as they learn and flourish.

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. 

Laura Brisa
Before joining TBS, I worked at Little Sprouts in Miami and as a swim instructor at Goldfish Swim School in Braintree.
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As an educator, I am committed to creating a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment where every child feels comfortable, valued, and equally appreciated. I believe that learning happens every day, and I’m passionate about bringing joy into the classroom and making sure everyone—children and adults—feels welcomed in our space.

Lucy Florman
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from
Curry College, majoring in Child, Youth, and Community Education. I bring over 10
years of experience in the field through a combination of volunteering, work in center-
based, Jewish childcare and preschools, as well as independent nanny services for local families.

Drawing on my own Jewish roots and personal journey, I have developed a rich and thoughtful understanding of both Judaism and early childhood development knowledge that greatly enhances my work. I have a passion for child-led learning and am excited for the opportunity to share it with the TBS community.

Jake Gannon
For ten years I have been fortunate enough to work in the education sector. In Hawaii, I was a lead teacher for 4/5 and 3/4 year-olds. I am now entering my 4th year as a teacher at TBS. As an educator, I am committing to teaching the students to trust in themselves and to learn by doing. Ma Ka Hana Ka Ike, a Hawaiian expression, translates to “learn by doing”. I encourage all my students to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. The more we learn, the more life opens up for us.

​I aim to provide a safe and welcoming classroom for all my students to feel free to explore and be creative. I am passionate about making sure each and every child feels seen and understood in a way that allows them to be their best self. I am thrilled to be a part of this community and look forward to working with you and the keiki!  Mahalo!!!

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.

Jodi Gruen
​I love the curiosity and wonder of young children, and was inspired and encouraged by my daughter to join TBS after she served at the Children’s Center. I strive to build relationships that share warmth and empathy, and that instill confidence. I am passionate about engaging children through books, creative play and art.
During my past career at a non-profit geriatric care organization, I held leadership roles in public relations and volunteer administration. I bring strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate approach to every interaction.

Erika Hallanjaku
I am currently studying psychology and communication at Curry College. As a teacher I work to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, fostering student confidence and maintaining positive relationships with families. I have worked as a lead preschool teacher for the past two years.  ​

Leah Hough
I have over a decade of experience as a preschool teacher and hold CDA certification. I am also qualified as a Lead Teacher for both infant/toddler and preschool age groups. My teaching approach focuses on building meaningful relationships and fostering a strong classroom community. I encourage children to collaborate, learn from, and teach each other. Witnessing their growth and development is incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful to be part of their learning journey.

​In addition to teaching, I have been a nanny with my current family for the past nine years. Before arriving at TBS, I worked as a Pre-K teacher at Temple Shalom Nursery School in Newton for seven years..

David Kula
In working with families, I strive to create a strong sense of Jewish community. I have served in curriculum development, Religious School Principal and teacher at many schools and synagogues. I am the founder and VP of inlingua Language Centers where I taught language skills to adult learners.

​I hold a BA in Psychology and Jewish Studies from University of Minnesota and also studied in Israel at both Haifa University & Hebrew University. 

Paige Lustig
I graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with a concentration in Psychology. Over the past several years, I’ve worked with children from preschool through fifth grade in a variety of roles, from classroom assistant and substitute teacher to summer program leader.

I’ve had the joy of supporting students in their learning in public elementary and middle school, helping with everything from math and reading to recess games and daily routines. I also bring experience from my time facilitating remote learning in elementary school and from many summers in the TBS Children’s Center Summer Program before joining as a full time teacher.

I love creating a positive, engaging environment where children feel safe, curious, and excited to learn. Whether we’re exploring a new topic, building friendships, or sharing a laugh, I’m happiest when I’m helping children grow and discover the world around them.

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. ​

Grace Xible
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.