Adele is happy to begin another year in the Apricot Room as an associate teacher. This is her fifth year at BHS Preschool, and she brings more than sixteen years of experience working with children ages two through five. Adele enjoys building warm relationships with children and helping create a classroom where they feel safe, happy, and ready to learn. Outside of school, she loves baking, especially during the holidays. She lives in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with her husband, their two children, and their Schnoodle, Coco Bear.

This is Aliza's twenty-second year at BHS Preschool. Known for her calm demeanor and thoughtful approach, Aliza creates a warm, nurturing classroom where children feel supported, confident, and inspired to learn. She earned her B.A. from Stern College and pursued graduate studies in education at Hunter College. She will continue her graduate studies at Brooklyn College this year. Aliza has a passion for art and enjoys giving children opportunities to explore a wide variety of creative materials. She also loves bringing Jewish learning to life through engaging storytelling, creating meaningful and memorable experiences for young learners. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exercising, trying new recipes, crafting, and tackling the occasional woodworking project.

April is beginning her sixth year of teaching at BHS Preschool and is happy to return to the Olive Room. With decades of experience in early childhood education, April particularly enjoys working with Pre-K students and spent many years with Gymboree Play & Music as a teacher, art program supervisor, and administrator. April believes in celebrating each child’s uniqueness and embraces a “one size does not fit all” approach to teaching. Outside of school, April enjoys kayaking, bicycling, and settling in with a good book.

Callie is returning to BHS Preschool as an associate teacher in the Apple Room after previously serving as a substitute teacher, camp counselor, and assistant teacher in the Fig Room. A Brooklyn Heights native, she earned her B.A. from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing her M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Hunter College. She is passionate about the arts and the important role creativity plays in early childhood education. Callie is looking forward to helping children discover and develop their creative interests both in and beyond the classroom.

Chaya-Sarah is looking forward to her twelfth year at BHS Preschool and is delighted to be teaching in the Olive Room. She earned her degree and certification in Early Childhood Education and Judaic Studies from Stern College for Women. Before joining BHS, Chaya-Sarah taught at several Jewish preschools, but she truly considers BHS her second home. She also teaches Religious School for kindergarten through sixth grade, where she often has the joy of reconnecting with former preschool students. Chaya-Sarah is passionate about emergent Judaic curriculum and loves exploring Shabbat and the Jewish holidays with young children. She lives in Queens and enjoys traveling, seeing Broadway shows, and all things Disney. She is also BHS's resident "Swiftie."

Danny is looking forward to joining the Grape Room community this year. He received his B.A. in Psychological Science and English from Vassar College and has worked with students ranging in age from two to thirteen. Danny particularly enjoys working with preschoolers and being part of the transformative learning and growth that takes place during these early years. Outside the classroom, Danny enjoys writing, rock climbing, and spending time with his cat, Mango.

Deborah is excited to join the Fig Room for her first year at BHS Preschool. With more than thirty years of experience in early childhood education, Deborah is dedicated to creating a welcoming and engaging classroom where every child feels supported and inspired. She is passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning through hands-on play, creative exploration, and meaningful discovery, helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for future growth.

After a year in the Pomegranate Room and several summers as a camp teacher, Emily is excited to join the Orange Room. She has worked with children in a variety of educational and recreational settings, including afterschool programs, private tutoring, and coaching a competitive swim team — a role she found especially meaningful as she loves watching children gain new skills, develop their interests, and grow in their own unique ways. Emily recently graduated with a B.S. from the University at Albany and has a strong interest in computers and programming. She lives in Brooklyn and enjoys reading, going on walks, listening to music, and spending time with her cats.

Haley is excited to return to BHS Preschool for her second year in the Olive Room. She has spent the past several years working with young children in NYC classrooms and after-school programs. Before BHS, Haley taught art for six years at Created by Kids — developing hands-on curriculum in ceramics, printmaking, sewing, and stop-motion — and then supported Pre-K learners at A Fantis School. She believes that play, authentic art, and strong routines help every child feel safe, seen, and ready to learn. A Brooklyn resident, Haley enjoys crafting, taking long walks with her dog, and experimenting with homemade ice-cream flavors.

Holly is thrilled to return to BHS Preschool for her fourth year as the head teacher in the Fig Room. She holds a B.A. from the University of Richmond and an M.S.Ed. in Early and General Education from Bank Street College of Education. Holly began her teaching career in the lower school classrooms at Saint Ann’s School and Plymouth Church School. She is excited to create a warm and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

This school year marks Jennifer's twelfth at BHS Preschool. She has more than thirty years of experience as an early childhood educator in New York City. Originally from Ohio, Jennifer moved to New York to attend Pratt Institute, where she earned a B.F.A. in Painting and Art Education, and soon discovered her passion for early childhood education. She later received an M.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from NYU. Jennifer loves bringing creativity and artistic exploration into the classroom. She lives in Bushwick with her younger son and their dog. In her free time, she enjoys creating mixed-media artwork inspired by garden habitats and exploring Brooklyn by bicycle.

Kat is excited to join the Citron Room for her first year at BHS Preschool. She spent the summer working with our youngest campers in the Summer Twos and the Little Daffodils getting to know the Citron roomers before the year started. Kat moved to Brooklyn this summer from Michigan where she was an assistant teacher and Sunday school teacher at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills. In Michigan, Kat was a student at Wayne State and will transfer to complete her degree in NYC!

Kat is excited to join the Pear Room in her first year at BHS Preschool. Kat holds a degree in Child Development and brings more than two decades of early childhood education experience to the classroom. Since 2002, she has worked with children ranging in age from two to ten. While she has enjoyed teaching every age group, Kat's favorite years are ages three to five. She loves the natural curiosity young children bring to each new learning experience and believes these early years provide the strong foundation for a lifetime of growth and learning. Outside the classroom, Kat enjoys exploring new recipes, traveling, and experiencing fine dining.

Beginning her fourth year at BHS Preschool, Jenn brings more than twenty years of teaching experience in both New Jersey and New York City. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from William Paterson University of New Jersey and an M.S.Ed. from Brooklyn College. Jenn especially enjoys incorporating art and storytelling into the classroom and looks forward to giving the children in the Citron Room a fun, engaging, and joyful first school experience.

Kim is returning to the BHS Preschool community this year as the head teacher in the Orange Room. She earned a B.A. in Theater and recently completed her M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Hunter College. Kim loves bringing her theater background into the classroom through storytelling, dramatic play, and imaginative learning experiences. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel confident to express themselves, explore, and grow. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and taking dance classes.

Lila is so excited for her first year in the Orange Room at BHS! She previously spent three years as a 2s and 3s teacher at Congregation Beth Elohim ECC and brings over ten years of experience working with children ages 0–15 as a substitute teacher, camp counselor, and afterschool music and art teacher. She received her B.A. in Public Health with a minor in Early Childhood from Elon University and is currently in the application process for her Master’s degree. Lila is passionate about helping children feel confident, curious, and supported as they grow from babies into little people! When she’s not spending time with little ones, Lila loves reading, trying new recipes, crafting, and traveling.

Mandy is looking forward to her second year in the Citron Room at BHS Preschool. She holds a B.A. in Music and Theatre and an M.F.A. in Performing Arts and loves bringing music, creativity, and play into the classroom. Mandy enjoys creating opportunities for children to explore, express themselves, and have fun while learning. When she is not at school, she enjoys reading a good book, exploring different farmers’ markets, and trying new coffee shops with friends. She is excited for another wonderful year with the Citron Room children and families.

Monica begins her fifth year at BHS Preschool. She is delighted to join the Pear Room. With more than twenty years of preschool teaching experience, Monica brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a joyful spirit to the classroom. She loves watching children grow, explore, and develop new interests, believing that every day offers exciting opportunities for learning. Monica is fluent in both Spanish and Italian and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.

Nicole is looking forward to her sixth year at BHS Preschool and another fun-filled year in the Fig Room. She discovered her passion for early childhood education fifteen years ago and has since worked with children from birth through age twelve. Nicole believes in celebrating every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, and finds it incredibly rewarding to watch children grow in confidence and independence. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys cooking with her family, cheering on the Knicks, taking walks, reading, and spending time at the beach.

Rosalie grew up in Philadelphia, in a family of artists and educators. After graduating from the Science Leadership Academy, she taught students ranging from age two through the teenage years in music programs throughout Philadelphia before transitioning into Jewish early childhood education. Her work in Chabad schools inspired her to study Hasidic music while attending seminary, where she also taught piano and voice. Rosalie believes young children bring a unique sense of curiosity and joy to the classroom, and she strives to create an environment where they feel confident to explore, grow, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys designing clothing, recording music, and pursuing creative projects.

Ruth is returning to the Grape Room with a passion for creating a classroom where children feel inspired to explore, discover, and learn together. She earned an M.S. in Reading Specialization from Bank Street College of Education and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from St. Francis College. She creates a stimulating and supportive environment where children are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and learn collaboratively. Ruth believes in building strong relationships with her students and meaningful partnerships with their families. A lifelong Brooklynite, she lives in Cobble Hill with her husband and two sons. When she’s not in the classroom, Ruth enjoys birding, gardening, and cooking.

Sivan is looking forward to her third year in the Pomegranate Room at BHS Preschool. She earned her B.A. from Brandeis University in 2019 and has since dedicated her career to working in education with both children and adults. Before joining BHS, Sivan spent six years as an after-school instructor for elementary-aged children and served as head staff at New Country Day Camp. She is inspired by young children's sense of wonder, kindness, and creativity. Her favorite part of preschool is building meaningful relationships with each young learner. Outside of BHS, Sivan enjoys relaxing in Prospect Park, cuddling with her cats, and watching Bravo.

Sophia is excited to begin another school year at BHS Preschool as an associate teacher in the Grape Room. She earned a B.A. in Education from Juniata College in Pennsylvania and has experience working with children ages two through ten. While she has taught a wide range of ages, she especially enjoys supporting children during their earliest years of development. Sophia is passionate about creating a warm, engaging classroom where children feel encouraged to learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, photography, and traveling.

Taylor is excited to begin her eighth year at BHS Preschool and her fourth year in the Apple Room! She holds a B.A. from NYU and is currently completing an M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College. Some of her favorite classroom activities include art, science experiments, and cooking projects. Taylor is looking forward to fostering a warm Apple Room community and helping each child explore their budding interests!

Time is excited to return to BHS Preschool as an assistant teacher in the Apricot Room. He has been part of the BHS Preschool family for several years, beginning as a CIT in our summer camp and later working as a floater, camp counselor, and teacher’s aide in the Purple Room. During the pandemic, Time helped keep our outdoor play program going, even when it meant utilizing street play — no small feat! His hard work and enthusiasm helped ensure that our children had a wonderful place to play each day. Time lives in Brooklyn and is an avid bicyclist. He is also a student at Kingsborough Community College, where he is studying Education.

Returning for her sixth year at BHS Preschool, Tori continues to bring her enthusiasm for STEM learning and early childhood education to the Pear Room. A Brooklyn native, she earned her undergraduate degree in Economics and Applied Mathematics from Stony Brook University and her M.S.Ed. from Brooklyn College. Tori has taught children from preschool through sixth grade and is passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of learning. She enjoys creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery.

Zoe is excited to join the Pomegranate Room for her first year as a classroom teacher. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and spent the past year working as a substitute teacher. A former Brooklyn Heights resident and graduate of the BHS Preschool, Zoe is thrilled to return to the community that was an important part of her childhood. She looks forward to a wonderful year of learning and building relationships with the children and families in the Pomegranate Room. When she’s not in the classroom, Zoe enjoys writing, exploring new parks, and spending time with her two dogs.

Lisa brings extensive experience working with children and families in schools throughout New York City. Trained in both early childhood and special education, she earned her social work degree with honors from NYU and completed graduate coursework at Bank Street College of Education. Lisa holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and has worked with BHS Preschool, Yaldaynu, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Early Childhood Center, and the Child Development Center of the Jewish Board. She is thrilled to be back at BHS Preschool and looks forward to another wonderful year together!

Mary is delighted to be back at BHS Preschool. She currently teaches dance to 2s, 3s, 4s, and Kindergarten students at Central Synagogue Preschool and leads an afterschool program for children ages two to five at The Riverside Church Weekday School. Previously, she taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first-grade dance at The Berkeley Carroll School for fifteen years and at Brooklyn Friends School for twelve years. Mary studied Dance Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and approaches her work through play-based learning. Drawing on Laban concepts, Mary encourages children to explore dance through space, time, energy, and shape. She incorporates literature into her teaching and especially enjoys helping children explore words and stories through movement.Item description

Adam is looking forward to his sixth year at BHS Preschool. He has been teaching music to students of all ages for more than twenty-five years. Adam is the former Jazz Director at The Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn and has also served on the faculty at Jazz at Lincoln Center. In recognition of his outstanding work in jazz education, he received a proclamation from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in 2005. Adam is also the Director of Music Mindfulness, an innovative program that combines meditation and music instruction for students of all ages. He holds a B.M. from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.