Dana Robinson
dana@templeemanuelmd.org
Dana has proudly been a part of the Temple Emanuel community since 2013. Originally from South Florida, she spent her formative Jewish years at Temple Solel in Hollywood, FL. Dana holds a Master’s in Innovative Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado, Denver. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education, she is a passionate advocate for the voices, competencies, and rights of young children in our communities. Outside of Temple Emanuel, Dana is an avid musical theatre fan and actively volunteers and performs with several community theatres in the DMV area.
Jennifer Gauthier
jgauthier@templeemanuelmd.org
Jennifer joined the faculty of Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center in 2011. Bringing her experience of over 20 years of early childhood education into our 2, 3, and 4 year old classrooms, Jennifer transitioned to the role of Pedagogista in 2019.
Jennifer is a member of the DC Reggio Emilia Alliance and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Pedagogista Community of Practice, which are guided by the values and practices of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. She has attended a study tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy as well as several conferences focused on the Reggio Approach. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in marine biology with a minor in Psychology from Roger Williams University in Bristol RI. She lives in Takoma Park with her husband Jason and son Jack (a graduate of our ECC). Together they are often found exploring hiking trails or playing card games at a local brewery. On her own Jennifer enjoys knitting, making beaded jewelry and reading.
Leslie Hurd
eccleslieh@templeemanuelmd.org
Leslie Hurd has been on the faculty at Temple Emanuel since 2011. Having descended from a long line of educators and activists, Leslie feels it’s only natural to follow her passion for early childhood education and social/emotional learning. Over the years, Leslie has grown as an educator and co-learner with children through avid study and reflection on constructivist theories of education. Many years after earning her BA in Theater from Bates College in 2005, Leslie returned to school and achieved her Master’s Degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado, Denver, in December of 2023. Working and learning here as an educator for over ten years prepared Leslie for her transition from classroom teacher to Atelierista, a position she has jumped into with both feet. In her spare time, Leslie can be found knitting, playing video games with her husband, impersonating Muppets, or taking epic naps.
