Whole School Teachers

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.  

Erica Cohen 
I have over 20 years of teaching experience in various educational settings. This includes working for the Newton Public School system in the special education department. 
I obtained my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. I also have a Bachelors degree in Education and Sociology. 

Coming from a long line of teachers, I always knew I'd work with children. I love to see the progress a child makes over the course of the school year. I enjoy utilizing a child's strengths to inspire them to learn more. I feel it is important to focus on meeting each child's individual needs at their level to allow the student to reach their full potential. I value my Jewish heritage and I feel blessed to be part of such a wonderful community at TBS.

Jo D'Angelo
My experience as a nanny for many local families has given me insight into the experiences and growth of young children and their families. I have a BA in Theater Arts from University of Minnesota and have worked as an actor and artistic director of many local productions. At Temple Beth Shalom I have taught many ages as a substitute teacher and continue to bring my arts background into the classroom for our young learners.

Mizgin Hamza
I first came to TBS through my son, enrolling him in preschool and kindergarten after we moved to Needham. Watching his development and learning inspired me to learn more about child development and early education and I joined the team as assistant teacher in the ones classroom. 

I grew up in Syria, where I was an assistant elementary school teacher teaching third and fourth graders and owned and operated a hair salon. I also earned an Associates degree in Banking at the Institute for Commercial Banking in Aleppo. I am fluent in Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish.​

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.

Lindsey Kaplan
I studied Early Childhood Education at Mount Ida College, where I earned a Bachelors in Liberal Arts in Sciences with a focus in Education.  I am passionate about teaching and have always worked with young children, in schools, childcare, babysitting and camps.

Geet Kaur
I’m so happy to be part of the TBS community, where I get to spend my days surrounded by the joy and curiosity of young children. Before joining TBS, I earned my BA and MA in Computer Science in India, where I also worked as an assistant professor. When I moved to the U.S., I began volunteering at my daughter’s preschool, Bowen Cooperative Nursery School, and discovered just how much I love working with young children. Their endless curiosity and creativity inspire me every day—they have a way of bringing out creativity in everyone around them.

​I believe the preschool years are such an important time for building confidence, sparking curiosity, and helping children feel valued. At TBS, I’m grateful to be part of such a warm, supportive environment where every child’s presence is celebrated.

Maggie Lee
I am currently a student at Brandeis University, where I am studying Sociology with a minor in Anthropology. I have always enjoyed working with children and have had the opportunity to do so in many different settings, including early childhood classrooms, summer camp, and swim instruction.
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Before coming to TBS, I worked as a daycare assistant, supporting teachers with classroom activities and daily routines. I have also taught swimming to children from infancy through age ten and spent several summers as a counselor at Crane Lake Camp. Through these experiences, I have especially enjoyed building relationships with children, helping them develop confidence, and creating communities where everyone feels included.
Outside of teaching, I love photography, music, and creative projects. I am excited to bring my energy, creativity, and love of working with children to the TBS community!

Sam Malandrino
I am thrilled to be part of the TBS family and to continue growing as an educator!
I earned my BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Western New England University, with a focus on adolescents and the impact of mental health on education. Prior to joining TBS, I worked as a Mental Health Counselor at Cambridge Hospital, supporting children ages 5–17 in overcoming challenges and building motivation; often working 1:1 with students during school hours. I also have experience as an educator through my work as a substitute teacher in the Newton School District. It is incredible that there is an opportunity to integrate both aspects I am passionate about, and find it incredibly helpful in supporting students. I believe every child has the ability to grow, thrive, and achieve great things, and I am grateful to be part of their journey!

Revital Pagliuso
Before arriving at TBS, I taught at the JCCs of Greater Boston for 13 years, as well as at the Israeli school in Brookline. I strive to provide a nurturing environment  where children feel successful and their parents feel confident about their kids. In addition, I try to instill a deep love for Jewish culture and tradition, the Hebrew language and Israel, creating a sense of pride in being Jewish and the knowledge that Israel will always be a home to them. 
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​Allison Shapiro
​I feel fortunate to have spent the past 10+ years learning, laughing, and growing alongside young children. Before discovering my passion for early childhood education, I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Denver and worked in the business world. Today, I can't imagine working in any other field.
I love creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe to explore, play, and discover. I'm often the teacher with a camera in hand, excited to capture those wonderful "aha!" moments and everyday discoveries to share with families.
I enjoy getting to know children throughout the school and building meaningful relationships with both them and their families. Having had my own children attend the TBS Children's Center, I especially appreciate the way our community embraces Jewish values, kindness, and a true sense of belonging.

Lindsay Tolland
Before coming to TBS, I taught children ranging from age three months to kindergarten at  Chestnut Children’s Center in Needham. I love to do messy sensory and art activities with children and believe children learn best through these types of hands on experiences. 

Barbara Rome      
I am a graduate of Boston University with a bachelor of science degree in personnel management.  Before coming to TBS, I worked for various preschools in the area, including JCC of Newton, Rosenshine Nursery School at Temple Reyim and the Suzuki School of Newton where I worked with children ages 2-5.  As an educator, I believe in supporting children in developing a love of learning through music and art, and work to support their social and emotional growth.

Felicia Shimonov
I have worked in the early childhood setting for the last 10 years. I started my career in early childhood as a floater teacher and gained experience working with ages ranging from infant to pre-k. Since becoming a full time classroom teacher, I have taught preschool age children. Most of my career has been working at Jewish Community Centers, both in West Hartford, CT and Newton. I truly enjoy being able to bring my passion for Judaism and the Jewish holidays into the classroom. I have been both a dance and swim instructor and bring dancing and music into my classroom whenever possible! One of the most interesting aspects of working with children is watching them develop their social and emotional skills. 

Claudia Shoemaker
I have been working with children for many years and love bringing language, art, music, and movement into the classroom. Before coming to TBS, I taught at Pine Village Preschool in Needham, where I worked with children ages one through five in a Spanish immersion classroom.
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Throughout my career, I have worked with children of many different ages as both a Spanish and art specialist. I especially enjoy creating hands-on experiences that give children opportunities to express themselves, explore new ideas, and learn through creativity and play. My background in art is an important part of who I am as a teacher, and I love sharing that creativity with children.

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. ​

Violet Tetel
I graduated from High Point University with a bachelor’s degree of Sociology & Anthropology. Before TBS, I worked at sleep away & day summer camps as a general counselor where I had the opportunity to work with 4-5 year old children. I learned so much from these positions and helped me find my passion for working with children. My goal in the classroom is to be nurturing to every child and make them feel whole in the community.

Charla Turgel
I have spent much of my career working with children as both a classroom and special education teacher. I love getting to know children as individuals and finding the approaches and supports that help each child feel successful and confident as a learner.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Education from UMass Amherst, with a double major in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, and my master’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Wheelock College. I have taught children from first through fourth grade in both general and special education settings, including at Manhattan Day School, where I collaborated closely with classroom and Hebrew teachers.

​My background in special education has taught me the importance of recognizing that every child learns differently and creating experiences that respond to individual strengths and needs. I bring that perspective and my love of working with children to the TBS community.

Nicole Zemel
I have been a part of the TBS community for the past decade beginning when my three children attended the Children's Center. I joined the TBS team professionally, first as a substitute and then as pre-k teacher. I love getting to know the uniqueness of each child. As a teacher, I listen to children and believe that children are best served by adults who honor and protect time for them to learn, reflect, and grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Sammy Fink
I am excited to join the TBS community! I graduated from Pace University with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, with concentrations in Communications and Literature.I have several years of experience working with young children, including as an Assistant Teacher at The Learning Experience and as a senior camp counselor. I love creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, build relationships, develop confidence, and have fun. I especially enjoy supporting children’s social and emotional development and helping them grow through play and everyday experiences.
I am looking forward to getting to know the children and families at TBS and being part of a joyful and caring classroom community!

Erica Wieher
​I love being part of the TBS community! I graduated from Lasell University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Communications. My studies gave me the opportunity to explore literature, creative writing, and communication, and strengthened my love of reading, writing, and creativity.I have several years of experience caring for children of different ages. I enjoy getting to know each child as an individual, supporting their interests, and helping them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. My experience has included everything from helping with homework to accompanying children to activities and being a consistent part of their daily routines.
I also love books and libraries and have been involved with the Auburndale Community Library as both an intern and volunteer. 

Andrea Brier

Substitute Teachers

Cara Karelitz
As an experienced educator and parent of two, I believe that meaningful learning happens at the intersection of inquiry, joy, and personal connection. In my role at TBSCC, my goal is to support the fantastic work of my colleagues and ensure that all children feel safe and have a sense of
belonging in this community.

Prior to joining the TBSCC team, I worked as a
high school English teacher at Boston Latin School for eight years. I have a BA in English from Union College and an Masters of Teaching from Simmons College. My own children–now elementary schoolers–had wonderful experiences and made wonderful connections at TBSCC, and I’m thrilled to be joining this group of educators.

Natalie Sheiffer
As a teacher, I believe that students play a part in shaping their educational experience. I focus on learning each child’s individuality and giving them the support they need to succeed. I strive to build meaningful relationships with each student so they can feel comfortable to learn, grow, and explore their interests in the classroom. I love the creativity that comes with being a member of a pre-k classroom. I have over ten years of experience working with children of all ages. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Vermont. I grew up in Needham and participated in many programs at TBS. I am excited to have an active role in the TBS community again.

Rebecca Sosa
I have been in Early Childhood education for almost ten years. I have had the pleasure of working with children from infants through 5th grade. Having taught dance and theatre education, I know first-hand how important it is for children, at an early age, to see their full
potential and to express themselves! I am originally from Sarasota, Florida. Growing up, I was a part of an arts enriched Jewish environment in my community. I hold a BFA in Musical Theater from Florida Southern College. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Early Childhood Education at Lesley University. I enjoy finding a mindful and energetic classroom environment full of room to grow and learn. ​