Three-Four Year Old Teachers
Sophia Brescia
I developed love for children while engaging in various positions anywhere from mother’s helper to working at a daycare center. I am an early child education major at American University and working at TBS Children's Center allows me the hands on experience I’d like to gain. I strongly believe that all children should get equal learning opportunities and care to strive in the world. Working with children I love being a part of their lives, watching them grow and flourish. |
Marissa Elstein
As an educator, my goal is to create a positive learning environment that inspires children to ask questions and have hands-on experiences. The classroom must be a safe space where children are encouraged to express themselves and feel heard and understood. I love constructing meaningful learning opportunities where children can expand their social-emotional skills while having fun. On a personal note, I also enjoy sharing my passion for Judaism and Hebrew with the community. I lived in Israel for five years and earned my Master’s degree in Curriculum Development from Bar Ilan University. Prior to that, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Jewish Studies from Muhlenberg College. |
Leslie Forman
Before returning to the world of early childhood education I worked as the administrator for Fessenden Summer Camps. Prior to that, I was the administrator at Camp West Woods, as well as a floater teacher and gymnastics instructor at Academy Pre-School. I love helping young children increase their sense of confidence as they learn new physical, emotional, and social skills. I plan to incorporate my experience in gymnastics, movement, and dance into the classroom. Through our temple community, my family enjoys diverse Jewish learning opportunities, and I love exploring the Jewish holidays with the children at TBSCC as well. I have a degree in literature from Brandeis University, and a Master’s degree in publishing studies from New York University. I share my passion for books with the children at TBSCC. |
Lindsey Kaplan
I went to Dean College for my Associates Degree and Mount Ida for my Bachelors Degree where I studied Early Childhood Education earned a Bachelors in Liberal Arts in Sciences with a focus in Education. I am very passionate about children and have always worked with children, whether in childcare, babysitting or camps. |
Kateryna Kozin
Before arriving at TBS I supported children’s hospitals and families with adopted children, working for a non-profit organization of children’s treatment and recreation in Ukraine. As part of that role, I helped open a children’s summer camp. In addition, I volunteered supporting orphan children. As an educator my goal is to learn from children and I enjoy teaching them each day! |
Chase Lydon
I have worked with children in arts and play centered spaces for the past few years ranging from ages three to eleven. I have studied art and counseling, and I love using art as a means of exploration of the world around us. I am so happy to be at TBS where I can aid in and share joy in children's growth, exploration, and all their incredible milestones and accomplishments in their early education! |
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. |
Ben Manchel
I have worked in several areas of education: Floater Teacher for infants and toddlers (JCC), Substitute and After School Teacher (Solomon Schechter) and a camp counselor (LINX & North Star). From all of my experiences, I have learned that education is not one-size fits all. My goal of being an educator is to be able to understand and motivate children on how they learn best. I have always felt that I have had a strong connection when working with children and creating an environment that is safe, accessible and equitable. I plan to continue expanding my knowledge and expertise as an educator. I have a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from Roger Williams University and plan to continue working with children for years to come. |
Ida Matuskova
Although my college degree is in HR and small business management, my heart has been in early education for almost two decades now. I always knew early education was my true calling and decided to switch careers 13 years ago. Prior to joining the TBS team, I owned a family daycare for nine years, and spent four years as a lead preschool teacher in Medway. As an educator, I firmly believe that children learn by playing, and that a warm, supportive, nurturing environment is essential for young learners. I strive to make our classroom an inviting and fun place to be, where we emphasize kindness and collaboration. My curriculum planning is inspired by the Reggio-Emilia and High Scope approaches, with the teacher providing the framework and the children leading their learning, as they follow their imagination and curiosity. I embrace hands-on explorations and getting messy. Social – emotional learning, conflict resolution strategies and child-led exploration are all integral. |
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. |
Emily Srebro
Before arriving at TBS I worked at Zervas Elementary in Newton and an elementary level afterschool program in New Jersey. I have always been passionate about Jewish life and bring memories from my own childhood synagogue experiences. I want to bring those same positive memories to the children of TBS. I love being part of children's learning and play. |
Ben Tober
I strive to provide developmentally appropriate and nurturing environments, where children feel safe and inspired to explore individual and group interests. I believe that curriculum should be informed by the articulated or inferred interests of the children, allowing the children to discover and pursue new and emerging skills. By way of purposeful play experiences, I aim to foster those interests by providing related activities and materials, while offering opportunities for small and large group social interaction. I began teaching in 2011 (after twenty years in corporate management), and hold a BA from Lesley University, where I majored in Human Development. |