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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ms. Stephanie has her early Early Childhood Preschool Certification.
Ms. Stephanie is a Charlotte native! Her favorite children's book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and her favorite Disney Character is Eeyore. On the weekends, Stephanie can be found on the Pickleball courts or hiking.
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.
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.
Andi Waizer
Assistant Teacher
Andi 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.
Joana Shane
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.
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.
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.
Kylie Araujo
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Kylie is attending CPCC.
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.
Katie O'Reilly
Lead Teacher
Ms. Katie has her AA in Early Childhood Education as well as her BA in in Education- Level Three Administration. Ms. Katie has over 25 years of teaching experience.
Ms. Katie is double jointed in her tongue! Her favorite children's book is "Goodnight, Bubbala"; her favorite Disney character is Nemo and her favorite Sesame Street character is Big Bird. On the weekends, Katie likes to relax in her hot tub, to cook, and to be with her amazing family.
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.
Debbie Anderson
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.
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.
Andrea Schultz
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.
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.
Twos
Talya Tateo
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
Assistant 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.
Sophie Reynolds
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.
Christti Jones
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Christti has her AA Degree from Harford Community College, as well as of 20 years of experience working with children of all ages.
Ms. Christti met Vanilla Ice andd Kenny Lattimore in person. Her favorite children's book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"; her favorite Sesame Street Character is Elmo. On the weekends, Christti enjoys bowling and going to festivals and concerts.
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.
Mila Chrestkha
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Mila studied at Volgorad State Pedagogical University in Russia majoring in English as a second lanuage. 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.
Samantha Smith
Lead Teacher
Ms. Sam has almost 20 years of teaching experience and she is continuing her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Sam recently got engaged to Mr. Jude and they plan to get married next year! 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.
Katie Ulrich
Assistant 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.
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.
Tayla Cohen
Half Day Assistant Teacher
Ms. Talya holds a Bachelor 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
Keisha Malone
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.
Ann Marie Romaine
Assistant Teacher
Ms. AnnMarie is working on a Liberal Arts studies degree. Ms. AnnMarie has flown a prop plane before! Her favorite children's book is "The Lorax"; her favorite Disney characcter is Gurgi. On the weekends, AnnMarie loves to go hiking in the mountains and skating.
Sarah Pritzker
Lead Teacher
Ms. Sarah has her degree in Elementary Education as well as her Early Education certificate.
Ms. Sarah wears pink almost every day! Her favorite children's book is "A Bad Case of Stripes ; her favorite Disney characters are Pooh Bear, Snow White, and all the princesses. On the weekends, Sarah enjoys reading and spending time with friends.
Shaina Hinds
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.
Shelbey Blyth
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.
LaToria Allen
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.
Lauren Rosenberg
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.
Vicky Wainscott
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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Laura Untz 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.
PreKindergarten
Emily Greenberg
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.
Claire Sumpter
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.
Beverly Wakefield
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.
Cheryl Comen
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.
Anna Balazzy-Walko
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.
Maria Andrade
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!
Tara Caponi
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.
Christy Evans
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.
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.
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.
Support Staff
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
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
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
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.
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