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Staff

Charlotte Jewish Preschool is proud to employ a team of highly-qualified, passionate educators and dedicated administrative staff who strive to create a safe and nurturing environment in which our students can learn, grow, and connect.

Meet the Charlotte Jewish Preschool Staff

Administration

Becca Green

Executive Director
Becca is a proud alum of the Charlotte Jewish Preschool! She has her BA in History and Elementary Education, Master's Degree in Jewish Education with a specialization in Early Childhood, as well as a Master's Concentration in Interfaith Family's Jewish Engagement, and a certificate in Israel Education. Becca can name every Real Housewife franchise and current cast on Bravo! Her favorite children's book is "Strega Nona"; her favorite Sesame street character is Elmo. On the weekends, Becca likes to go to the library and spend time with her family.
Becca.Green@charlottejewishpreschool.org

Michelle Bamford

Director of Finance & Human Resources
Michelle started at CJP as a parent and served as the PTO president before joining the CJP staff. She has a BS in Finance & Accounting and is a CPA. Michelle loves tchotchkes and Crumbl cookies! Her favorite children's book is "The Going to Bed Book" and her favorite character is Snoopy. On the weekends, Michelle likes to hike, garden, and do jigsaw puzzles on rainy days.
Michelle.Bamford@charlottejewishpreschool.org

Erin Goldstein

Director of Operations & Programming
Erin and her son Jude are both alumni of CJP! Erin has her BSW of Social Work as well as MSW of Social Work. Erin loves to play "The Legend of Zelda." Her favorite children's book is "Monster at the End of This Book" and her favorite Sesame Street characters are Abby Cadaby, Missy Piggy, and Kermit. On the weekends, Erin loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Erin.Goldstein@charlottejewishpreschool.org

Leigh Schuller

Curriculum Coordinator- Infants, Ones, and Twos
Leigh has her Bachelor of Music from UNCG and over 17 years of ECE experience. Leigh recently moved back to Charlotte after living in Asheville for almost 20 years.
Leigh.Schuller@charlottejewishpreschool.org

Macy Leonard

Curriculum Coordinator- Threes and PreK
Macy holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego and a certificate in Frontline Leader Impact. With ten years of experience in early childhood education at CJP, she loves integrating Jewish traditions into her teaching and is looking forward to working with teachers, students and families in her role as Curriculum Coordinator. Outside of work, Macy enjoys spending time outside and enjoying the weekends with her family. Her favorite children's book is Miss Rumphius, and Wall-E is her favorite Disney character.
Macy.Leonard@charlottejewishpreschool.org

Stephanie Zubrinsky

Office & Communications Manager
Ms. Stephanie has her early NC Early Childhood Credential, NC Early Childhood Administration Credential, and Early Childhood Preschool certificate. She also completed workshops through the Center for Creative Leadership and holds a Lead 4 Success Certificate and Frontline Leader Impact Certificate. Ms. Stephanie is a Charlotte native! Her favorite children's book is "Love You Forever" and her favorite Disney Character is Eeyore. On the weekends, Stephanie can be found, painting, cooking, playing Pickleball, or hiking.
Stephanie.Zubrinsky@charlottejewishpreschool.org

Infant and Ones

Lindsay Romero

Infants Lead Teacher
Ms. Lindsay has her English Degree from UNC Greensboro, Early Childhood credentials, as well as over 18 years of teaching experience. Ms. Lindsay loves cows! Her favorite children's book is "The Pout Pout Fish"; her favorite Disney character is Minnie Mouse. On the weekends, Lindsay likes to bake and cook with her family and have family movie night.

Joana Shane

Infants Lead Teacher
Ms. Joana has been with CJP for over 5 years. Her background is in Cosmetology. Ms. Joana loves to color and draw. Her favorite children's book is "Goodnight Moon"; her favorite Disney characters are Pocohantas and Nyko. On the weekends, Joana likes to read, spend time with her children, and rest.

Debbie Anderson

Ones Lead Teacher
Ms. Debbie has a Bachelors Degree as well as her ECE. Ms. Debbie has over 36 years of teaching experience. Ms. Debbie loves to connect and talk with people. Her favorite children's book is "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"; her favorite Disney character is Minnie Mouse. On the weekends, Debbie enjoys going to the movies.

Chloe Berenson

Ones Lead Teacher

Maria Hampton

Ones Lead Teacher

Andrea Schultz

Ones Lead Teacher
Ms. Andrea has her Bachelors Degree as well as her ECE credentials.. She was in Graphic Design for over 20 years and 10 years of teaching experience. Ms. Andrea loves to travel and create art. Her favorite children's book is "Giraffes Can't Dance"; her favorite Disney character is Mike Wazowski. On the weekends, Andrea enjoys to hike, bike, and kayak.

Delia Friederwitzer

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Delia is a CDA (Child Development Associate) and has over 15 years of experience. Ms. Delia was an actress when she was young and acted in a very popular show. Her favorite children's book is "The Kissing Hand"; her favorite Disney character is Minnie Mouse and her favorite Sesame Street character is Elmo. On the weekend, Delia enjoys trying new restaurants, exploring new places, baking, and spending time with her family.

Maribel Garcia

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Maribel has 15 years of teaching experience. Ms. Maribel loves to dance! Her favorite children's books are "Bubbles" and "Mr. Snail's Counting Trails"; her favorite Sesame Street character is Cookie Monster. On the weekends, Maribel loves to spend time with her grandchildren.

Patrice Jacobs

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Patrice has her BA in Spanish from UNCC and is in her third year at CJP. Ms. Patrice loves to sing! Her favorite children's book is "The Day the Crayons Quit"; her favorite Disney character is Mickey Mouse. On the weekend, Patrice likes to read, watch football and basketball, and spend time time with her family.

Dorothy Parker

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Dorothy has her Associates in Child Care. Ms. Dorothy loves to sing. She also just became a first time mom!! Her favorite children's book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?"; her favorite Disney character is Minnie Mouse. On the weekends, Dorothy enjoys relaxing with her husband and daughter and watching Netflix.

Christina Randolph

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Christina has a Bachelor's of Social Work as well as having completed 3 years undergrad of Elementary Education and has over 2 years of teaching experience. Ms. Christina has been to almost every state in the U.S.. Her favorite children's book is "The Kissing Hand"; her favorite Disney characters are Mulan and Belle. On the weekends, Christina likes to read, paint, and hang out with her cats.

Savannah Von Kaenel

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Savannah has been working in a preschool setting for numerous years. She loves art, music, theater, and spending time with her family and friends.

Andy Waizer

Assistant Teacher
Andy studied physical therapy specializing in child development before she moved to the USA from South America. Her happy place is spending time with her husband and children at the beach. She loves the ocean, traveling, photography, cooking, and live music. She moved to Charlotte in 2020 and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Becca Wolchok

Assistant Teacher

Twos

Talya Tateo

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Talya has an Associates Degree in Health Administration and Associates Degreee in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Talya was in the USAF for eight years. Her favorite children's book is "The Gruffalo"; her favorite Sesame Street character is Big Bird. On the weekends, Talya likes to spend time with her family and friends and to try new restaurants.

Amonnie Jackson

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Amonnie has her Bachelors of Science. Ms. Amonnie has been parasailing before. Her favorite Disney character is Tiana. On the weekends, Amonnie enjoys to go restaurant hopping, and being outside with nature.

Gracie Bennett

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Gracie has a BA in Dance with a minor in Arts Management. Ms. Gracie danced for 16 years. Her favorite childen's book is "Chrysanthemum"; her favorite Disney charaters are Olaf, Joy, and Belle. On the weekends, Gracie likes to travel, go to the movies, and to try new foods.

Samantha Smith

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Sam has almost 20 years of teaching experience and she is continuing her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite children's book is "Guess How Much I Love You; her favorite Sesame Street Character is Oscar the Grouch. On the weekends, Sam likes to play with her dogs and cats.

Rachel Berendt

Half Day Lead Teacher
Morah Rachel has a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Morah Rachel is a third generation Charlotte Native. Her favorite children's book is "Are You My Mother?"; her favorite Disney character is Tinkerbell. On the weekends, she likes to read and hike.

Megan Hendler

Half Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Megan has her Bachelors in Music Therapy, Masters in Teaching, and over 20 years of teaching experience. Ms. Megan works as a sound healing practitioner outside of school. Her favorite children's book is "Pete the Cat"; Megan is a huge fan of The Muppet Show. On the weekends, she likes to go for long walks in nature settings.

Kylie Araujo

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Kylie loves to crochet and do any type of craft. Her favorite children's books are the Harry Potter books and the Junie B. Jones books; her favorite Disney characters are Kuzco, Kronk, Stitch, and Rapunzel. On the weekends, Kylie likes to relax and take care of herself.

Zana Cherry

Full Day Assistant Teacher

Katy Schultz

Full Day Assistant Teacher

Shayla Siegel

Full Day Assistant Teacher

Talya Cohen

Half Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Talya holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Talya has lived in seven different states. Her favorite children's book is "The Book With No Pictures"; her favorite Disney character is Moana. On the weekends, Talya loves to spend time with her daughters.

Threes

Shelbey Blyth

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Shelbey was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 2022, Shelbey graduated from UNC-Charlotte with her BA in Child and Family Development. Her long-term goal is to be a Child Life Specialist.

Keisha Malone

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Keisha has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Keisha loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and super heroes. Her favorite children's book is "The Rabbit Listened"; her favorite Disney Characters are Ariel & Tiana. On the weekends, Keisha like to relax and spend time with her family.

Danielle McLaughlin

Full Day Lead Teacher

Sophie Reynolds

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Sophie has her BA in Psychology, a BA in Dance Studies, and 3 years of teaching in a Reggio-inspired school. Ms. Sophie enjoys tap dancing. Her favorite children's book is "Pete the Cat"; her favorite Disney character is The Little Mermaid. On the weekends, Sophie enjoys to do anything art related and nature related with friends.

Heni Kayea

Half Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Heni has a Bachelors Degree in Hotel management and over 23 years of teaching experience. Ms. Heni is partially color blind. Her favorite children's books are fairy tales written by Hans Christian Anderson; her favorite Disney characters are Maleficent and Pocohantas. On the weekends, Heni likes to read while laying by the pool.

Krystal Machado

Half Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Krystal has her Bachelors in English and a Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate. Ms. Krystal loves to do aerial, sew, and kayak. Her favorite children's book is "Magic Tree House"; her favorite Disney characters are Mulan and Moana. On the weekend, Krystal enjoys to do her hobbies, cuddle with her dogs, go outside, and make yummy food.

Katie Ulrich

Half Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Katie has over 15 years of experience working with children from infants to 4 years of age. Ms. Katie loves to dance! Her favorite children's book is "Where the Wild Things Are"; her favorite Disney character is Ariel. On the weekends, Katie likes to spend time with her husband and her children.

LaToria Allen

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Torie is a graduate of Brookstone College. She also has Early Childhood credentials and has been working in childcare for over 20 years. Ms. Torie is an avid reader. Her favorite children's book is "Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes"; her favorite Disney character is Rapunzel. On the weekends, Torie loves DIY projects and spending time with her family.

Hannah Gross

Full Day Assistant Teacher

Shaina Hinds

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Shaina is born and raided in Charlotte. She has Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Gaston College and her BA in Child and Family Development with her licensure in Birth through Kindergarten from UNCC. In her free time, she loves to practice self-care by playing with her dog and spending time with her fiance and family. She looks forward to making connections with the children and families and joining the amazing CJP community.

Claire Sumpter

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Claire has been working at CJP for over 10 years. Ms. Claire loves to travel. Her favorite children's book is "Pete the Cat"; her favorite Disney character is Mickey Mouse. On the weekends, Claire loves to spend time with her family.

Florence Widis

Half Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Florence has over 19 years of experience here at CJP. Ms. Florence's favorite Disney character is Mickey Mouse and her favorite Sesame Street character is Elmo. On the weekends, Florence likes to be with her grandchildren and daughters.

PreKindergarten

Tara Caponi

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Tara has her BS in Criminology as well as her BS in Psychology. Ms. Tara loves to bake. Her favorite children's book is "The Places You Will Go"; her favorite Disney character is Ariel. On the weekends, Tara loves to be outside.

Lauren Rosenberg

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Lauren has her Bachelors in Mass Communications, Associates in Culinary Arts, and her Preschool Teaching Certificate. Ms. Lauren, her two sisters, her niece, and her daughter all have the same middle name. Her favorite children's book is "Roxaboxen"; her favorite Disney character is Baloo. On the weekends, Lauren likes to hang out with her family, cook, and read.

Beverly Wakefield

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Beverly holds a BA in Social Science from Gardner Webb University. When Ms. Beverly was a child, she was Little Red Riding Hood in her hometown's holiday parade. Her favorite children's book is "The Giving Tree"; her favorite Disney character is Cinderella. On the weekends, Beverly likes to spend time with her family and friends.

Anna Walko

Full Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Anna has a Masters in Early Childhood Education and is also an ABA therapist. Ms. Anna speaks three languages fluently and has 2 daughters. Her favorite children's books are those by Mo Willems; her favorite Disney character is Tiano. On the weekends, she likes to cook and do yoga.

Jennifer Billings

Half Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Jennifer has her BS in Elementary and Kindergarten Education and an M.Ed in Environmental Education. Ms. Jennifer did her student teaching in England. Some of her favorite children's books are "Find Your Brave," "I'm Not Scared, You're Scared," and "Brave Dave". On the weekends, Jennifer likes to spend time with her family and friends.

Emily Greenberg

Half Day Lead Teacher
Ms. Emily holds her Masters in Education in Reading and has over 18 years of teaching experience. Ms. Emily loves to watch college football. Her favorite children's book is "Amelia Bedelia"; her favorite Disney character is Moana. On the weekends, Emily loves to spend time with her family.

Maria Andrade

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Since graduating High School, Ms. Maria has explored various fields in the work force, but landed in Early Childhood Education 3 years ago and fell in love. Maria is excited for a successful year at CJP!

Cheryl Comen

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Cheryl has over 12 years of teaching experience. Ms. Cheryl enjoys baking. Her favorite Disney character is Goofy. On the weekends, she enjoys to spend time with her family and friends.

Christy Evans

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Christy has her NC Early Childhood credentials and has been teaching for over 15 years. Ms. Christy is full of knowledge when it comes to animals. Her favorite book is "Green Eggs and Ham"; her favorite Sesame Street character is Oscar the Grouch. On the weekends, Christy likes to read.

Vicky Wainscott

Full Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Vicky has her Masters degree from Nova University and her BS in Education. Ms. Vicky doesn't like chocolate! Her favorite children's book is "Guess How Much I Love You."; her favorite Disney character is Winnie the Pooh. On the weekends, she likes to watch college football (Roll Tide!)

Sue Ferris

Half Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Sue has over 18 years of teaching experience. Ms. Sue went on a helicopter tour and scuba diving while visiting Hawaii. Her favorite children's book is "Good Night Moon"; her favorite Sesame Street character is Ariel. On the weekends, Sue enjoys taking long walks and enjoying time with family and friends.

Fern Saltzman

Half Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Fern has her BS in Marketing. Ms. Fern loves to dance and garden. Her favorite children's book is "Good Nite Moon!"; her favorite Sesame Street character is Cookie Monster. On the weekends, Fern likes to visit with her children and grandchildren.

Support Staff

Laura Cohen

MakerSpace Atelierista
Laura has her BA in Fine Arts. Laura used to work for a painting company. She can paint houses and fix dry wall! Her favorite children's book is "The Runaway Bunny"; her favorite Disney Character is Winnie the Pooh. On the weekends Laura likes to hike, read, and paint.

Lauren Becker

Half Day Support Staff
Ms. Lauren has a BFA from the University of Michigan. Ms. Lauren is an artist. Her favorite Disney character is Rapunzel. On the weekends, Lauren goes to her daughters' dance competitions.

Laverne Chalmers

Full Day Support Staff
Ms. Laverne studied Social Science in school. Ms. Laverne is a beekeeper. Her favorite book is "The Snowy Day"; her favorite Disney character is Tiana. On the weekends, Laverne likes to pamper herself.

Tanesha Henderson

Full Day Support Staff
Ms. Tanesha's favorite color is purple. Her favorite children's book is "Green Eggs and Ham"; her favorite Disney characters are Minnie Mouse and Goofy. On the weekends, Tanesha enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family.

Lari Massachi

Full Day Support Staff
Ms. Lari has her certificate in Early Childhood Education and an Associate's Degree in Merchandise Management. Ms. Lari loves to spend time with her three grandchildren. Her favorite children's book is "Shabbat Shalom"; her favorite Disney character is Mary Poppins. On the weekends, Lari enjoys going to shul.

Skylar Selkin

Full Day Support Staff

Rose Keenan

Full Day Support Staff

Mila Chrestkha

Full Day Support Staff
Ms. Mila studied at Volgorad State Pedagogical University in Russia majoring in English as a second language. Mila has over 11 years of teaching experience. Ms. Mila's favorite children's book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"; her favorite Disney character is Mickey Mouse. On the weekend, Mila enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Rachel Kaplan

Full Day Support Staff
Charlotte Jewish Preschool