Arts Specialists
Cantor DJ Fortine
Music Teacher 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 was formerly the Head Song Leader at the Union for Reform Judaism's Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, MA. |
Emily Perlman
Shabbat Music Leader I bring a passion for Jewish music, over 20 years of summer camp and song leading experience, a degree in early childhood education from Tufts University, and certification in music education. My other roles at TBS include B. Mitzvah tutor, Cantorial soloist, and Israeli Dance instructor. Best of all, I am married to Rabbi Jay Perlman! You can watch me in action and sing along with our TBSCC Shabbat Celebration playlist on YouTube. |
Heather Mael
Sensory Learning Teacher I’m thrilled to be part of the TBS teaching team, bringing my background as an Early Childhood Special Educator to our joyful, play-filled classrooms. I earned my Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education (birth–7 years) from Hunter College, with a focus in Early Intervention and ABA therapy, and my BA in Psychology from Hofstra University. For over a decade, I’ve worked with young children and their families in a variety of settings, including as a SEIT and ABA therapist in New York City. I’m passionate about meeting each child where they are, celebrating their unique strengths, and supporting their growth through engaging, individualized learning experiences. Whether we’re exploring a sensory activity, diving into imaginative play or building social skills together, I strive to create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. |
Nancy Krieger
Dance & Movement Teacher Known by the children as Dancing Nancy, I focus on learning concepts from the kinesthetic realm. Children become familiar with recognizing all the connections between the bones, muscles, and breathing and time, space and force. Through these experiences they are learning the fundamentals of dance and movement in its many forms. After 13 years of formal ballet training in Dallas, Texas, I earned a BS in Psychology at Goucher College, MD; and then a Masters in Fine Arts in Dance (MFA) at Southern Methodist. I also studied Dance-Movement Therapy at the Carl Jung Center, Houston. I worked as a therapist in the child and adolescent units at Terrell State Hospital and became a registered Dance-Movement Therapist of the American Dance Therapy Association. In addition to teaching at TBS, I supervise Dance-Movement Therapy trainees and give continuing education workshops in Stress-Management and Teacher’s Continuing Education with Mindful Movement in the Classroom (Kinesthetic Learning). I also sing in the TBS choir and am an active community volunteer through TBS Social Action. |
Greg Luzitano
Music Teacher I bring music, movement, and a whole lot of joy to TBS! I play guitar, bass, piano, and ukulele, and I love using these instruments to take children on musical adventures—whether we’re singing about numbers and colors, exploring new sounds, or celebrating a themed day together. I studied Performing Arts at Salve Regina University and am an active member of the Greater Boston theatre community, where I also serve as Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Striving Artists Theatre Company. My background in performance helps me create engaging, high-energy music experiences that spark curiosity and invite every child to participate. I believe in “edutainment”—learning through laughter, and creativity and I’m always ready to improvise and adapt to the rhythm of the day. |
