Amy Bolotin ~
FJECC Executive Director

As a highly regarded leader in the local and national Jewish Early Childhood Education community, Amy is a passionate advocate for a child-centered, responsive approach to early childhood teaching and learning. She has participated in leadership programs such as the Paradigm Project’s Coaches Catalyzing Change and the Individual Level Training in the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach. Amy was selected as a fellow in the 2014-2016 cohort of the Jewish Early Childhood Educational Leadership Institute (JECELI), a groundbreaking program that models inquiry and reflective practice through observation, experimentation, and ongoing learning, using concepts and content acquired through Jewish study to inform the work of learning and leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s in English literature from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s in Infant and Parent Development from Bank Street College of Education. Amy is committed to continuing FJECC’s core principle of providing the highest quality in Jewish and secular early childhood education and, in response to the needs of families today, has the vision to bring the FJECC into the future. “The heart of my work as an educator, as a director, as a mentor and leader, lies in the relationships I build with those around me.”

Contact Amy: abolotin@tisrael.org

Stephanie Neumann ~
Office Manager

Stephanie joined FJECC as Office Manager in 2019. Originally from Connecticut, Stephanie moved to Boston in 2006 to attend Wheelock College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities/Literature and Elementary Education. She returned to her home state where she taught 5th grade for a few years, but made her way back to Massachusetts after being introduced to her now-fiancé, Jake. She spent several years working as the office coordinator of a medical practice before she began her time at FJECC.

Stephanie loves that she can blend her administrative skill-set with her background in education and values the amazing work the FJECC educators do each and every day. Stephanie and Jake currently reside in Sutton with their two dogs, Charlie and Betsy. They love spending time with family and friends, the New England Patriots, and traveling (especially to the coast of Maine, where they got married in the summer of 2022).

Contact Stephanie: preschooladmin@tisrael.org

Iryna Zakhozha ~
Judaic Coordinator

Iryna has joyfully taught in Jewish Education since 1992.  Her first few years of teaching were in the Ukraine (where she was born), before continuing her career in England for several years.  Since 2006 Iryna has been working at Jewish preschools in Newton and teaching 2nd grade and Kindergarten at Temple Israel's Religious School. Iryna holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Jewish Education. Her love of young children and passion for Judaic teaching creates a perfect combination for integrating Judaics into every aspect of the FJECC curriculum and guiding the children through their Jewish journey.

Contact Iryna: izakhozha@tisrael.org

Arielle Frangipane ~
Extended Day Program Director + Green Room Teacher

Arielle completed her BS in Human Development and Early Childhood Education at Wheelock College, and began her teaching career at Peabody Terrace Children’s Center, a Harvard affiliated preschool. In 2011, she moved to Buffalo, New York and pursued a M.Ed. in Literacy. While in New York, Arielle taught toddlers and preschoolers at the Jewish Community Center. After completing her degree, Arielle returned to Massachusetts and began teaching at the FJECC. Her favorite thing about teaching is helping children develop their social-emotional skills.

Arielle enjoys spending time with her husband Nick, their cat Peat, and her friends and family.

Contact Arielle: afrangipane@tisrael.org 

Atara Goldshtein ~
Red Room Teacher

Atara comes from a family of educators, so it is not a surprise that she followed in their footsteps. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in special education from Lesley University. Atara has worked with infants to elementary aged children. She taught kindergarten and second grade, facilitated infant playgroups, and conducted home visits and developmental assessments for toddlers and preschool aged children. Atara believes that learning is an ongoing journey rather than a single destination. She loves accompanying students on their journeys and often feels that she learns just as much from them as they do from her!    

Atara enjoys spending her free time with her husband, 6 year old daughter Galit, and her infant son Idan!

Matthias Mündel ~
Green Room Teacher

Matthias has an undergraduate degree in English from Connecticut College. He loves children’s literature and enjoys opportunities to help children develop their early literacy skills. Matthias has happily been with the FJECC since 2020, where he leads movement-based activities and games. Previously, he worked at the Brookline Schools Staff Children’s Center with children ages 3-5.

In his free time, Matthias likes playing tennis, snuggling with his dog, Bella, and visiting Brookline Booksmith. He is excited to call Cambridge home!

Miriam Franks ~
Green Room Teacher

Miriam completed her BS in Environmental Science at Wheaton College and her MAT in Secondary Education at Brandeis University. While at school, she began working at the Museum of Science where she stayed for 10+ years. Over those 10 years, she worked in the Discovery Center with young children, designed activities that coincide with the K-12 Mass Frameworks, interpreted in the exhibit halls on a variety of topics, developed hands-on activities around science and engineering for students of all ages and abilities, and finally, brought the Museum to schools across New England through Traveling Programs. While there, she developed two Preschool Outreach Programs, a first for the department. Her favorite thing is to help every child see that they are scientists and engineers.

When not teaching, she can be found outside running, biking, swimming, playing ultimate frisbee, and hanging with friends.

Meredith-Wynn Barber ~
Orange Room Assistant Teacher

Meredith-Wynn has been teaching with the FJECC since August 2021. She graduated from Georgetown University in 2019, earning a bachelors degree in Linguistics and minoring in Jewish Civilization, for which she focused on Jewish languages and education. She was very excited to join the Boston-area workforce! Meredith is fascinated by the toddler age group in particular because of their incredible tenacity and thirst for learning— it is a privilege to watch a young child teach themself language and how to navigate their world.

In her down time, Meredith enjoys reading Holocaust memoirs, throwing a tennis ball for her pit bull named Lester (her “son”), and walking around Boston. She is passionate about composting and the Jewish diaspora, and has a tendency to make friends with strangers.

Elena Greenberg ~
Purple Room Teacher

Elena joined the FJECC team in 2022. Originally from New York City, she attended Binghamton University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and graduated from Fordham University with a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. Elena has been teaching in public and private schools since 2013. She has taught as a lead teacher for preschool, pre-K and Kindergarten in New York City and Massachusetts. Elena moved to Massachusetts two years ago with her husband, daughter (former FJECC student) and dog.

In her free time, she enjoys playing musical instruments, singing, growing fruits and vegetables in her garden and exploring nature with her family. She is excited to share another amazing year with the Purple Room team!

Sarah Tobias ~
Green Room Teacher

Sarah grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in NYC before attending Mount Holyoke College as a member of the class of 2017. She majored in Environmental Science and Anthropology before getting her Master's degree in early childhood education. She has worked in preschool and PreK classrooms since 2018 and is excited to continue this work at FJECC! One of her favorite parts of this age group is the intense curiosity and creativity as children find their place in the world around them, and she strives to create a classroom environment that nurtures this development. 

When not in the classroom, Sarah can be found cooking, going on long bike rides, playing board games, and spending time with her guinea pigs!

Misty O’Brien ~
Blue Room Teacher

Misty came to the FJECC team in 2022 with roughly 18 years of teaching experience (working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary age children in an afterschool capacity).  She grew up in Maine with her dad and grandmother, earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington, and has spent most of her teaching career between Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and even spent two years teaching in Switzerland!  While in Vermont she obtained her Master’s Degree in Education. In the classroom she is passionate about literature, physical fitness, singing, and nature. 

When she isn’t teaching, Misty enjoys running, board games, reading, and trivia.

Olivia LeBlanc ~
Red Room Assistant Teacher

Olivia is excited to be a member of the FJECC family. Olivia’s love for teaching emerged at a young age from spending time in her mother’s Kindergarten classroom. Following in her footsteps, Olivia started her teaching career in 2014 and got her EEC certification in 2017 through Fisher College. 

Olivia has an immense appreciation for the arts and believes imagination and creativity are traits that foster innovation. She promotes a curriculum where students have the space to explore their creativity and use materials without constraints, envisioning the various possibilities. 

When Olivia is outside the classroom she enjoys creating different forms of art such as painting, drawing, doll making, and sewing. She also enjoys nature walks with her daughter Wren. 

Tara Schwartz ~
Yellow Room Teacher

Tara has been working in classrooms since 2001 and was excited to start her first year at FJECC in 2022. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and an M.A. in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles. She started teaching toddlers in 2008, and quickly became a mentor to other teachers, as well as a parent educator in Los Angeles. As a toddler specialist, she enjoys assisting parents in the separation process at school and offering suggestions to try at home to encourage independence and positive behavior. She loves working with all families and integrating her knowledge into the FJECC community.

In the classroom, you can find Tara in every learning center, but she especially loves music and movement. Outside of the classroom, Tara likes to travel, explore new restaurants, and snuggle with her cat, Summer. She also loves visiting her nephew and niece in West Roxbury!

Ilisa Flum ~
Yellow Room Assistant Teacher

Ilisa graduated from Salem State University with a BA in Theater performance in 2020. As a enrichment leader and mentor, Ilisa found a love for childhood education. She has been working with children since 2018 and has plans on continuing her education as a drama therapist. From her experiences in theatre and childcare, she has always found it easier to influence their behavior through “play.” During her work with children she tries to implement theatre skills. Skills such as being present and empathetic when listening to others. Through the concept of “play” children are able to explore and learn more about themselves as they develop interpersonal relationships in a controlled environment. Funneling emotions actively through dance, art, performance, or song can be extremely beneficial. It is her belief that if a child finds their spark early on, it enables a healthy response to processing complex thoughts and emotions. 

When Ilisa isn’t working you can find her hosting karaoke, hanging out with her cat Mabel, or FaceTiming her niece, Evelyn. 

Aimee Weil-Meggison ~
Purple Room Teacher

Aimee was excited to join the FJECC in 2022! She is grateful to be part of an organization that has an innovative approach and is looking to learn and grow as an early childhood educator along with her teaching team. Aimee earned her Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology from Lesley University in 2002. She loves being back in a city setting amidst the diversity and energy it brings. She began her teaching career at the Regis College Childrens Center shortly after graduating from Lesley. When she moved to Hopkinton in 2004, Aimee found her new teaching home at Holliston Community Childrens center where she enjoyed teaching preschool until May 2010. 

She then took 12 years off to be at home with her 3 children. During her teaching hiatus, Aimee began her journey as a self-taught professional baker. Between Fall of 2018 and winter of 2019 she gleaned training as a children’s yoga and mindfulness teacher at Childlight Yoga and Kidpowerment Yoga. She enjoys bringing this skill set into the classroom as well and is excited to share it with your children! 

In September 2020, she re-entered the field where she taught Pre-K at The Gilson JCC Early Learning Center in Sharon for 2 years. 

She loves the curiosity and genuine innocence with which young children view the world and feels so lucky to be able to experience this daily. 

Aimee enjoys hikes in the woods, frequenting the lakeside beach in her neighborhood as well as visits to the ocean throughout the summer and does as much yoga as she can fit in on a weekly basis!

Olivia Horowitz ~
Purple Room Assistant Teacher

Olivia has aspired to be a teacher her entire life. She is eager and excited to start her second year at FJECC!

After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Olivia completed her masters in Early Childhood Education at Cambridge College. She recently moved to Boston’s Seaport District, but she is originally from Westchester County, NY. Since graduating from the University of Arizona in 2021, she has worked as a teachers assistant in a Montessori environment, as well as a head teacher for 3-5 year olds at Congregation Shir Shalom in her hometown.

Outside of teaching, Olivia loves hanging with her puppy Zeke, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family.

Rianne Mares ~
Blue Room Teacher

Rianne always knew she was going to work with children. While completing a BA in Psychology, she found a job at the BU Early Childhood Learning Lab and fell in love with teaching. She received her MA in Early Childhood Education from the Institute of Education in London, England. Rianne has taught toddlers and preschool children for over twenty years – fifteen at the FJECC. 

Rianne adores children’s honesty, their curiosity, learning about and discovering the world through their eyes. She believes that the most important job of an early childhood educator is to create a classroom environment where every child feels respected, loved, and supported. 

Rianne is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and enjoys diving into a topic or theme and finding every way to explore it alongside the children.

When she isn’t teaching, Rianne spends time with her partner Andrew and her dog Fluffy Jalapeño. They love going to the beach in their hometown of Winthrop, going out to eat or cook, taking trips to Maine and hanging with friends and family! 

Cathy Nakano ~
Orange Room Teacher

Cathy started working with children in 2001. After completing her BA from the University of New Orleans she moved to Tokyo and initially taught English to adults and children, eventually moving on to work at an international preschool. After living in Japan for three years she moved to California and took several years off from work to stay at home with her son. 

In 2017 she began to study the Waldorf method and worked in Waldorf schools until 2022. Cathy began substituting at FJECC during the 2022-2023 school year and feels very fortunate to have found and been accepted by such an amazing community of people. Cathy adores children, she is continuing her studies and looks forward to learning from a variety of early childhood methods and philosophies. 

In her free time, she enjoys walking in nature with her husband and son, cooking/ baking, and movie night.

Sandra Levine ~
Orange Room Teacher

From a young age, Sandra knew she wanted a career working with children. After working in summer camps and elementary school, she found her home in the Toddler and Preschool classroom. Sandra has a BA in Psychology, a B.Ed in Elementary Education, a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Boston College and a degree in Jewish Early Childhood Education from Hebrew College. Sandra has spent over 30 years working with young children, 16 at the FJECC. She enjoys all aspects of the job, from developing and implementing curriculum to working with the families. Watching the children grow and learn is magical! She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to witness it daily.

When not in the classroom, Sandra enjoys knitting, working in her garden, and spending time with friends and family. Sandra was thrilled to take a year off to spend with her one year old granddaughter and is happy to be back at the FJECC!

Donatella Anselmi ~
Red Room Teacher

Donatella’s interest and passion for children education goes back to her school years while volunteering for the Italian Red Cross as a children entertainer.

After moving to Germany in 2008, she co-owned and co-operated a nursery in Berlin before returning to her family in Italy last year and making plans to move to the US.

In June 2019, she successfully completed her Bachelor in early childhood education at the Social Pedagogical Institute “Walter May” in Berlin, gaining a solid 10+ years of experience in the field of education. She is grateful and excited to become part of the FJECC Team and to be able to continue her personal growth in such an inspiring multicultural environment.

Donatella's personal vision of the children "sees them as a researcher, discoverer and primary actors of their own development.” Her educational work is based on various pedagogical concepts focusing on experiencing nature, movement and cooperation in order to build a positive self-image!

Outside the classroom Donatella spends most of her time with family and friends. She loves arts, theater as well as hiking, reading and cooking.

Mally Zazzara ~
Yellow Room Teacher

Mally Zazzara moved to Boston from Israel 15 years ago. She is a proud mom of three wonderful children-one who is almost 5, and energetic three-year-old twins.

With a decade of experience in education in early childcare programs, she is now pursuing her master's degree in early childhood education. Mally looks forward to applying her knowledge, skills and love toward our FJECC students.

Outside of classroom, Mally is passionate about refurbishing furniture, loves cooking and looks forward to an exciting school year in the Yellow Room! Mally is thrilled to start her journey with FJECC and to get to know all of our wonderful families.

Helen Cohen ~
Director Emeritas, FJECC Founding Director

Helen Cohen has been at the forefront of shaping the direction of early childhood education in the Boston area for over two decades, receiving significant recognition and accolades as a leader in the field.  She is the Founding Director of the FJECC at Temple Israel, where she served as Executive Director from 1994-2021.

Helen is a graduate of McGill University and received her master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Lesley College. She has taught both graduate and undergraduate student-teachers at Wheelock and Hebrew College and has presented at numerous conferences, including those hosted by the Bureau of Jewish Education of Boston and the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism.

Helen has served on the Educational Advisory Council of Brookline and is a past board member of the Boston Association for the Education of Young Children.  Her work with parents, both on a daily basis and in more formal settings such as workshops, lectures and parenting programs, enable her to understand the challenges of parenting and how best to be a support. 

View Helen’s blog from her time as FJECC Director.