Aleph/Bet Staff
Alef Staff
Bari Handelman – Adult-Child Programs and Kangaroos
Bari has lived and worked in the Greater Washington area for many years. Originally from Connecticut, she earned a degree in education from New York University. She has always enjoyed working for the Jewish community, first as an Executive Assistant and later as an early childhood teacher. She has taught parent-child classes, 2 year olds, and enrichment for 3-5 year olds, as well as led tot services for Shabbat and holidays. She joined the TBANS staff in September 2014 as our Parent-Child class expert. She lives in Gaithersburg with her husband, Brian, and two children, Hannah and Max.
Susan Bloom – Kangaroos
Susan is from Richmond, Virginia and has a degree in Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. After teaching for a year in an Alexandria, VA elementary school, Susan held several office positions before discovering her true love was in Early Childhood Education. Susan taught for twelve years at Beth Sholom in Potomac before joining the staff at Beth Ami in 1990. After 12 years at TBANS Susan ‘retired’ to spend more time with her grandchild. However, she soon realized she could ‘have it all’ and returned to the TBANS staff the following fall! She truly loves what she does and is very proud to be an Early Childhood Educator
Bet Staff
Klavim – Room 5
Jax Stief
Jax is originally from Illinois. She graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with certifications in Early Childhood and ESOL. She began working at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School in 2017 while both her daughters were still in attendance. Prior to TBANS, Jax taught elementary school in Montgomery County Public Schools. When not at TBANS, Jax enjoys exercising and going to the beach with her friends and family.
Karin Swissman
Karin is originally from Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University. After graduating, she moved to the Rockville area and met her husband Marc. They have two boys, Matthew and Adam, both TBANS graduates. Karin began working at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School in the fall of 1995. Her love for children is paralleled by her love and dedication for animals and animal rescue.
Rainbow Fish – Room 6
Deena Klopman
Deena graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She began working at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School in 1997 after two of her three sons completed the nursery school program. Deena has always worked with the Bet classes. She enjoys helping children grow from hesitant toddlers to confident friends! She especially appreciates being some children’s very first teacher and introducing their families to our wonderful community.
Michelle Beinart
Michelle grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and immigrated to this area in 1991. Both her sons attended Temple Beth Ami Nursery School. When her last son graduated in 2001, the thought of leaving this nurturing and warm environment just seemed impossible. She began as an assistant teacher in the Rainbow Fish Class in 2002. Michelle says she is so happy to be part of this incredible nursery school and feels honored to be able to share these important years with you.
Teddy Bears – Room 9
Loretta Blue
Loretta began working at the nursery school in 1997. She worked her first two years as a teacher in the summer program and then moved on to be a teacher in the Bet program. Her youngest child is a Temple Beth Ami Nursery School graduate. Before joining the staff, she owned and operated Plastercraft, an art studio for children in Rockville.
Beth Jolles
Beth graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. Before coming to TBANS, Beth taught pre-school at CLC and various parent/toddler classes throughout the county. She enjoys time with her two daughters, exercise, 70’s music, sushi, and jelly beans. Beth lives in North Potomac with her husband Jim.