Administration/Kesher/Aftercare

Administration

Paula Sayag – Director
Paula joined Temple Beth Ami as the Nursery School Director in July 2009. Paula earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in “Human Development in Education” and a BS from Cornell University in “Human Development and Family Studies”.  She previously worked as the Early Childhood Specialist and Parenting Educator at the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning.  Before that, some of her favorite jobs were teaching “Mommy and Me” classes, supervising university student teachers, teaching undergraduate courses in human development, and working for 9 years at a sleep-away camp. Paula was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has spent most of her life in Montgomery County, Maryland. Paula lives in Brookeville with her husband, Danny. They have three sons, Jonathan, Eitan, and Eric.

Ellen Bortz – Special Projects Coordinator
Ellen has been on staff at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School since 1993, but actually has been part of the TBANS family, as a parent of sons Adam and Marc, since the day it opened it’s doors in 1989. A native of Great Neck, NY, Ellen and her husband Jon, met at University of Pennsylvania and after several years in Chicago, moved back to the east coast and to Montgomery County in 1986. Ellen’s first career was in account management with several large Advertising Agencies. After a few years as a stay at home mom Ellen returned to the work force, but this time she wanted to be close to her children!  First as an assistant for 2 years, and then lead teacher in the Bets for 7 years, Ellen ‘graduated’ to the Dalets as an assistant from 2002 to 2013. Ellen enjoys her role as Special Projects Coordinator assisting the teachers and the school with all communications and documentation, as well as assorted other projects that come her way!

Jill Finci – Admin. Assistant
Jill is a native Washingtonian and first heard about TBANS when she was looking for a preschool for her first child.  She enrolled her daughter in 1989, the first year TBANS started. Many years later, after staying home to raise children, Jill answered an ad to be the TBANS Administrative Assistant. Now, Jill coordinates the inner workings of the school, monitoring the entrance, tracking all student records, informing parents about events and procedures, and more! Jill is the smiling face that greets children and families every day. Jill and her husband, Rick, have three children who all attended TBANS. Jill is an avid runner and enjoys watching the Capitals, and her favorite college sports teams, the UMD Terps and UGA Bulldogs!

Marsha Diamond – School Support
Marsha has lived in Montgomery County, Maryland all but 8 years of her life. She and her husband, Robert, are Temple members. They have two children, Jennifer and Steven (a TBANS graduate), who also live in the Washington-metropolitan area. Marsha started working at TBANS in 1999. “What I enjoy most about my role within TBANS is the variety of opportunities that each day has to offer.” When not at TBANS, you can find Marsha on the golf course, reading, sewing or at the gym.

Kesher Team

Meredith Polsky – Developmental Support Coordinator
Meredith has worked in the field of Jewish Special Education since 2000, when she founded Matan, a national non-profit organization. She is an advocate, author, presenter and practitioner. In 2017, she was awarded “The Covenant Award,” the most prestigious national award for being an outstanding Jewish Educator. Meredith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Bank Street College, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and a Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University. She lives in Gaithersburg with her husband and three children, all of whom are TBANS graduates.          

Jennifer King – Speech Pathologist
Jennifer, M.S., CCC-SLP received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin and her Masters of Science Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of the District of Columbia. Jennifer’s professional strengths include her background as an early childhood teacher and her skills in teaching social thinking and pragmatic language functions. Jennifer is pleased to join the TBANS team to foster the social and academic success of every child. Jennifer grew up in Montgomery County and lives in Gaithersburg with her husband, Jeff, and two children Madeline and Noah, a TBANS graduate. 

Judi Lapidus – Occupational Therapist
Judi has been a pediatric occupational therapist since 2004. She graduated from Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy with a specialization in pediatrics, and developed her foundational skills working with children in a hospital setting and in a sensory integration gym. There she found her true calling to improve the lives of children who suffer from sensory modulation disorder, developmental delay and handwriting issues.

Prior to occupational therapy, Judi was the director of a preschool and a preschool teacher for ten years. The blending of education and occupational therapy has afforded Judi the unique ability to understand the complexity of academic needs and the importance of strong sensory processing skills to create the building blocks for success.

Naomi Rubinstein – Social Thinking Facilitator
As a native of Rockville and a former TBANS parent, Naomi was thrilled to join the school’s staff in 2015.  She holds a Master of Science degree in Childhood Education from Hunter College.  Prior to working at TBANS, Naomi was a stay-at-home mom to her two sons.   Before having her first child in 2006, Naomi taught fourth grade in Montgomery County Public Schools.  When not at TBANS, she enjoys hiking, biking, and playing board games with her family.

Aftercare

Megan Treby
Megan grew up at Temple Beth Ami, as the daughter of dedicated Temple Members Stuart and Judy Treby. Megan worked at TBANS while her children attended our nursery school, and she created the structure for our Challah Tots, Bets to Be and Kangaroo programs. Megan worked for the several years as a four year-old teacher in a local day care center. She is happy to be returning “home”. Now she works in the TBA Religious School, and as TBANS’s Aftercare Specialist. She loves getting involved with the new generation of the Temple Beth Ami community.

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.

Gimel Staff

Megallim – Room 4

Susan Chirumbole
Susan is originally from New York. She graduated from the University of Maryland and shortly thereafter met her husband Stephen. They have two daughters, Dana, Alyse, and one son, Ryan, who graduated from TBANS. Susan joined the TBANS staff in September 1999. She has worked with Bets and Gimels. Susan enjoys learning, teaching and sharing Jewish experiences with our youngest students. When not at school, she spends time with family and friends and loves to travel.

Chris Mullett
Chris Mullett was born in Montana and wandered around the world as the daughter of a military father. She attended 8 schools in 13 years. One of her favorite places to visit when she lived in Germany was Austria to see the giant chessboard! She settled in the Washington area in 1991. She volunteers for Habitat with Humanity, and loves Scrabble, crosswords, and Sudoku. She started volunteering at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School in 2000 and joined the staff in 2003. Chris loves the camaraderie among the teachers as much as she loves working with the children.  

Greg Derrick
Greg has lived in Montgomery County his entire life.  His two children, Sara and Matthew, are TBANS alumni.  As a stay-at-home dad, Greg began with volunteering at school events, then helped with the afternoon enrichment classes, and eventually began substituting in almost all the classes. This inspired him to pursue additional education in the field of Early Childhood Education. Greg recently completed the Early Childhood Certificate through Montgomery College. He is very excited to be a part of the TBANS staff!  Greg lives in Germantown with his children and his super awesome, amazing, spectacular wife, Stacy.

Parparim – Room 2

Jody Rosenblum
Jody was born in New York, moved to Montgomery County in 1973, and eventually graduated from the University of Maryland with a fine arts degree. She became a member of Temple Beth Ami in 1982. She knew she wanted to become a TBANS teacher when her son Sam attended TBANS from the day it opened in 1989. She said, “I saw a top notch nursery school run by a director and small group of professional and excited teachers.” She waited four years for an opening and was so excited to begin teaching in 1993. She has always taught five day Gimels, and finds it a joy to come to work each day. When Jody is not working she is busy playing Mah Jongg, attending book club, participating in TBA events, supporting her Condo Association, and most enjoyably, playing with her granddaughter. 

Stacy Rubinstein
Stacy returned “home” to work at TBANS in the fall of 2018. Stacy was raised in Montgomery County, graduated from Walter Johnson High School and returned post college. After seeing how TBANS teachers welcomed her family, she was inspired to become an early childhood educator. She participated in training in 2012-13, and then taught at Washington Hebrew Congregation for 4 years. Her son Jake completed TBANS in 2016, and her daughter Maddie in 2018. Now it’s her turn, and she couldn’t be happier! When not in school, you can find Stacy selling packages for a wedding photography company, having silly dance parties with her children, and attending lots of hockey games (Go Caps!).

Shining Stars – Room 1

Laurie Galfond
Laurie started as a parent at TBANS in 1989 when her son Phil was a 4 year old. Over the next several years, Laurie alternated between being a substitute, a 2-day 2’s teacher, and a stay at home mom with Jeff and Emily. Now she’s happily landed in the Shining Stars 4-day Gimel class.  Laurie says, “Working with children is clearly the primary reason I have stayed at TBANS for as long as I have, but a close second is the staff. We are a family that thoroughly enjoys being together.” Laurie has always lived in the DC area except for 3 years in Palo Alto, California. Laurie attended Winston Churchill High School and graduated from the University of Maryland.

Danielle Konigsberg
Danielle was born and raised in New Jersey.  She graduated from the University of Maryland with her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood special education. She taught preschool special education in the Fairfax County Public School System and also worked as a facilitator for children who needed individualized support.  She also taught a toddlers program at The Bindeman Center. She joined Beth Ami in 2015, and loves being in the Shining Stars room. Danielle feels fortunate to be a member of the TBANS staff and is excited to explore, play, and develop relationships with your children as they grow! Danielle lives in Rockville with her husband, Josh, along with their two sons, Tyler and Jake, and their dog Riley. She loves to read, travel, and relax on the beach.

Dalet Staff

Dalet Staff

Busy Bees – Room 7

Denise Silver
Denise grew up in the DC area. She graduated from Syracuse University. Denise and her husband Larry have three girls, Dani, Erica, and Sammi. Her first career was in advertising. Denise started working at Temple Beth Ami Nursery School in 2000, and moved from the Bets to the Gimels and finally to the Busy Bees Dalet class. She loves working with four and five year olds because they are so verbal and their personalities really flourish. Denise’s hobbies are scrapbooking and making handy-crafts like picture frames and centerpieces. She loves creating, cooking, exploring art and doing so many more activites with children!

Stephanie Fleischer
Stephanie has resided in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC her entire life (her parents also still live in the area). She lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland with her husband, Ian, along with their two children, Carly and Daniel, and two cats Coffee and Bean.  She enjoys the beach and traveling (having family in Germany, Italy and Israel).  Stephanie’s children both attended Kehilat Shalom where she held various teaching positions over five years.  Prior to teaching at TBANS, she spent two years with the 2’s class at B’nai Tzedek in Potomac.  Stephanie was thrilled to continue her passion for teaching children when she joined the Temple Beth Ami Nursery School staff in 2014.

Jungle Friends – Room 10

Karen Asman
Karen has been the lead teacher in the Dalet Jungle Friends Class since the fall of 1999. She has a dual degree in Early Elementary (K-6) and Special Education from the University of Maryland. Karen is an “original Washingtonian”. She and her husband, Alan, have always been active members of the Temple Beth Ami community.  Her two sons, Matt and Zach, are both TBANS graduates. Prior to teaching at TBANS, Karen spent many years leading Special Education classes in both New York City and Montgomery County. Her hobbies and interests are playing Canasta, Mahjong, attending book club, and going to the beach. Karen happily spends every possible summer moment in her Bethany Beach home.

Nancy Yarvin
A former TBANS parent of two, Nancy was excited to begin working at TBANS in the fall of 2008. She has worked in our school as an assistant in the Ladybug Dalet classroom, lead teacher in the “Bets to Be” and Kangaroo classrooms, part of the Bet Support Team, and the assistant for the Jungle Friends. She is thrilled to return to the Dalet team.  Before her career as a stay at home mom, Nancy spent many years working as a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist. She loves incorporating her vast experience and knowledge of early childhood speech and language development into the classroom.

Keshatot – Room 8

Irwin Slonin
Irwin has lived in the Rockville area nearly his entire life. A graduate of the University of Maryland and George Washington University, he left his “professional” career in business to become an at-home dad. While helping out in his daughters’ preschool, he discovered his passion for working with children in a Jewish early childhood setting. Since 1999, he has worked with children at Children’s Learning Center, Har Shalom, and Shaare Torah. Irwin joined TBANS in 2016 as the Keshatot teacher. He also teaches religious school and tutors b’nai mitzvah students. Irwin and his wife, Sue-Anne, have three daughters.

Ellen Keifetz
Ellen was born and raised in New York, and received her B.S. from Quinnipiac College in Connecticut. She worked in the nursery school at the JCC in New Jersey before moving, in 1989, to Maryland with her husband Corey and two children, David and Lindsay. Ellen has been a member of the Temple Beth Ami staff, in the Dalet classes, since 1993. Since both of her children are grown, she relishes the time she spends nurturing and caring for TBANS children. In her free time Ellen enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, taking walks and playing Mahjong.