One of the unique features of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center is our emphasis on working together as an educational team. We have co-teachers in every class and all have a high level of education and training. Our entire staff values continued learning and professional development. Most important of all is our deep commitment to young children and our belief in their competence.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Madeline Lowitz Gold, Director of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center, has 25 years of experience in Jewish Early Childhood Education, and she is a leader in the professional Jewish Early Childhood Community. She is a graduate of Ohio State University and also has a background in art education, writing and editing. She is on the board of the National Network of Jewish Early Childhood Educators and an active member of the National Reggio Emilia Alliance. She has participated in national seminars and conferences focusing on the Reggio philosophy; she is a founder of the DC area Reggio Study Group; and she was a participant in the first Jewish Early Childhood Seminar in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Gary Mayes, Pedagogista (Pedagogical Coordinator) and Assistant Director of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center, received his BMED in Music Education and BA in Theater from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of music. In addition, he earned an MFA with an emphasis in education. Gary has had a number of years of experience as a Head Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator in Reggio-based preschools. He has participated in national seminars and conferences focusing on the philosophy of Reggio Emilia. In turn, he has created innovative professional learning materials and led teacher-training and mentoring programs. Gary is the leader in our team approach to collaborative planning and learning.

Nancy Kleinman, Atelierista (Arts Coordinator), earned her BFA from the University of Denver and studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where her interests included painting, ceramics and photography. She did post graduate work at the Art Center College of Design in California and participated in National Reggio conferences and seminars. Her journey has taken her from being a graphic designer to becoming an arts educator. Her philosophy is to encourage learning that is child centered and discovery based. Nancy has established a model atelier and is a part of all of our children’s daily lives.

MENTORING TEACHING STAFF

Jennifer Gauthier has a BS in Marine Biology. She has a strong background working in a Reggio-inspired preschool. Jennifer brings her strength and talent in working with young children to our teaching community. (Daliot: eccdaliot@gmail.com)

Vas Pournaras is a graduate of James Madison University, where he was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and worked with at-risk teens and low-income families. He also has training in conflict mediation. Vas has a strong background working in a Reggio-inspired preschool and has helped train other team members on how to document children's learning through portfolios, visual, and written materials. (Alonim: eccalonim@gmail.com)

Rachel Siegel received her degree in Sociology from George Washington University. She has worked for Jewish Social Services and moved here from Boston, where she did intergenerational program for the Jewish Housing Council. (Narkisim: eccnarkisim@gmail.com)

TEACHING STAFF

Netali Carmel is a graduate of UMBC, where she majored in psychology and emergency health services. She has worked at various Jewish preschools in the area and as an assistant to the child-life specialist at Holy Cross Hospital. (Daliot: eccdaliot@gmail.com)

Liat Cohen majored in psychology and Jewish studies at the University of Delaware and did graduate studies in Social Work at the University of Maryland. A graduate of JDS, she is fluent in Hebrew and has traveled extensively throughout Israel. (Aravot: eccaravot@gmail.com)

Joanne Goldman brings over twenty years of early childhood experience to our program. She has a degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Old Dominion University. She has a strong Judaic and creative background. (B'Roshim: eccbroshim@gmail.com)

Ricki Gottlieb, an experienced preschool teacher, is a graduate of the State University of New York with a degree in Art History. Her visual arts background and creativity help our team collaborate on visual documentation. (B'Roshim: eccbroshim@gmail.com)

Alexandra Hollman received her BA in Psychology and BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Vermont. Ali brings her talent and passion for working with young children to our teaching community. (Aravot: eccaravot@gmail.com)

Leslie Hurd has a BS in Biology. She has spent several years working in Reggio-inspired preschool. Leslie brings to our teaching community her passion for theatrical arts and puppetry, as well as her talent in working with young children. (Arazim: eccarazim@gmail.com)

Jacob Ifshin is a graduate of St. John's College, where he received his BA in Liberal Arts and MA in Eastern Classics. He has worked at various schools in the area as a tutor and reading specialist. Jake brings his passion and talent of music to our new Sound Atelier.

Syril Kline is a long-time educator and is a graduate of the University of Maryland. She has a strong background in music and has experience with teaching every age level from toddlers to adults. She is also a writer and has collaborated on materials used for teacher training. (Arazim: eccarazim@gmail.com)

Rabbi Sarah Meytin received her undergraduate degree from University of Mary Washington, her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and was ordained as a Rabbi from Hebrew Union College. Most recently, as assistant director of Jewish Community Relations Council she worked directly with the Early Childhood Directors Council. While doing that work she realized that her great love was working with young children. In addition to her Judaic background, Sarah brings to us that commitment of working with young children and families. (Narkisim: eccnarkisim@gmail.com)

Melissa Williamson is a graduate of Hamilton University, where she majored in English with a minor in Studio Art. She has a strong background in yoga and is looking forward to sharing those talents with all our children.(Alonim: eccalonim@gmail.com)