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. |
Carly Dennison
Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I studied Early Childhood Education at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania where I received my Bachelors Degree. I have experience in preschool through fourth grade classrooms as well as special education. Prior to joining the TBS community I was a nanny in Needham for many years. (I also was a nanny for a few TBS families!) As an educator, it is important for me to provide children with a safe, nurturing, and warm classroom environment. I strive to give children the opportunities to explore, create and engage in play-based learning experiences. Being able to guide children this way and offer support when needed gives them the opportunity to learn and grow in their own way. I am so excited to be at TBS and expand my experience and knowledge as a teacher! |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Allison Shapiro
As a teacher, I strive to provide a warm classroom environment where my students feel safe and respected. My goal is to foster the growth and development of our children that will result in a lifelong love of learning. My own children attended the TBS Children’s Center and made strong connections to Jewish values and traditions. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver. I led Newman Elementary School PTC Curriculum Enhancement Committee, worked at Rivers summer camp, and was actively involved in Needham Girl Scouts, all experiences that enable me to provide fun opportunities for creativity and discovery. |
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! |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Marianna Ramos
I’m so happy to be teaching pre-k at TBS, where I get to spend my days surrounded by children’s endless imagination and joy. I’ve always had a nurturing side, being the oldest child in my family and among my cousins, I naturally took on a caring role for those younger than me. My first experience working with children was as a volunteer at a Boys and Girls Club, and I absolutely loved it. That experience confirmed for me how impactful these early years are, and how important it is to fill them with love, play, and connection. I believe that the preschool years are the most valuable time to make a difference, and I feel grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring school community. |
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. |
Substitute Teachers
Rachel Weinstock
I was a Certified Public Accountant for many years before following my heart into the preschool classroom! Here I find great joy in nurturing and guiding children on their path to discovering new things about themselves and their world. I especially enjoy sharing Jewish rituals, traditions and values. These values feed into the social and emotional learning that happens in preschool, which is an important part of children's foundation for learning. Prior to working at Beth Shalom, I was a Preschool Teacher at Temple Emanuel in Newton. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. |
Jasmine Khan
I believe early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and personal development. By embracing diversity and cultivating an inclusive environment, education has the power to unite cultures, build stronger communities, and inspire continuous growth. As a devoted mother and someone deeply committed to the well-being of children, I am passionate about creating nurturing spaces where young minds can thrive and achieve their full potential. I bring over a decade of experience in customer service, team leadership, and administrative management to Temple Beth Shalom Children's Center. As a caring mother, I understand the importance of nurturing young minds and creating a supportive environment for children to thrive. Fluent in six languages, I value diversity and inclusion, fostering meaningful connections with families and the community. I am passionate about spending time with children and contributing to their growth through compassion, creativity, and lifelong learning. |
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. |
