Emma Schnur (School Director):

A graduate of Gan Shalom Preschool herself, Emma has worked in the field of Jewish early child education for over fifteen years. As a two year old teacher for ten years of those years, she enjoyed laying the foundation upon which children build their Jewish identity. Emma is passionate about the learning that takes place in a Jewish play-based preschool for children, families, and educators. Emma was a participant in the many professional development opportunities put forth by the Federation’s Jewish Early Childhood and Family Engagement Initiative. She received a certificate from Gratz college in Jewish early childhood education (JECE), deepened children’s learning and engaged families in events as a Jewish Resource Specialist, and was trained by JECE Leadership Initiative. Emma was also the recipient of the Helen Diller Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. Most recently Emma graduated from the American Jewish University with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.

Emma can be reached at (510) 848-3298 or director@ganshalomberkeley.org

THE ADAMAH CLASSROM (3-5 year-old)

Rosalee Bayer

Rosalee is a certified Nature Based Teacher and is passionate about cultivating wonder and curiosity for the natural world. She grew up in New York and studied political science and environmental studies at Colorado College. You may run into her at Urban Adamah, where she is a Resident!

 

 

 

Sarah Higgins

Sarah has been in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years. She began working as an educator at Head Start for ten years before becoming a mentor teacher at a Jewish preschool.  Sarah loves being part of the preschool community where everyone is free to learn, create, make friends and have fun. And she likes making up songs.

 

 

 

THE SHAMAYIM CLASSROOM (2 year-old)

Iris Greenberg-Smith: Iris is the mother of four daughters who all attended Gan Shalom and who have fond memories of rainbows and cinnamon challah.  Iris served on the Gan Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), co-chaired a director search committee, and helped write an Alameda County grant for the new Gan building.  She has a bachelors degree in social science, and a masters in journalism.  Originally from Israel, Iris is now very excited to be back at Gan as a Shamayim teacher, a job which lets her play with beautiful little people and share all those Hebrew songs she remembers from her childhood.  In her spare time, Iris loves traveling, beading, and making art.

 

 

Anna Haimoff

Anna was born and raised in Israel and is fluent in Hebrew, English and Hebrish. Anna has over a decade of experience in play-based, early childhood education. She believes the preschool community needs to support the growth, the development and the well-being of the children and their adults, in age appropriate ways. Anna is also a proud mom to her two daughters, Liah and Noga

 

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Jenifer Bright, Preschool Administrator
Jenifer makes sure everything runs smoothly. Jenifer can be reached at (510) 843-5246 or office@cbiberkeley.org