Staff + Educators

Shari Pick Taishoff joined the nursery school as Associate Director in Summer 2014 and moved into the Interim Director role in July 2022. Shari has been working in early childhood for nearly 20 years. Her career in education includes many years as a Pre-K classroom teacher in NYC Jewish nursery schools. She later transitioned into school administration, and served concurrently as the day camp director and nursery school assistant director at Jewish Community Project (JCP) in Tribeca before joining the JCC. She has also supervised a Hebrew school as well as My Grown-Up and Me classes. Shari earned her B.A. in psychology from the State University of New York at Albany and her M.A. in early childhood education from Bank Street College of Education.

Shari’s passions as a school administrator include working with teachers to build a strong community in their classroom and develop strong relationships with parents, and ensuring that learners of every type are supported in their growth. She welcomes all school families to stop by and say “hi” or check in about any school matter.

Alex has spent over 15 years working in education and is excited to begin her fifth year as the Associate Director in the Nursery School. Prior to this position, she spent a year as the Education Director at Kuei Luck Early Childhood Center, and seven years at the JCC Nursery school as a teacher and member of the school’s Leadership Team. 

In 2017, Alex attended the Reggio Emilia International Study Group in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to learn more about the esteemed philosophical approach to early childhood education. She has presented at educational workshops on gender in the early years, the Reggio Emilia approach, and emergent curriculum. 

Alex holds a master’s degree in early childhood education with a certificate in special education from CUNY City College of New York, where she completed a thesis on gender development in the early years. She is currently pursuing an Educational Leadership Certification through Binghamton University. 

Before working in early childhood education, Alex taught music to students in Grades K-12 at a nonpublic school for neurodiverse children.

Erica holds an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education from Bank Street’s Graduate School of Education.

Erica began her career working in Finance at a NYC hedge fund and then used her business background to found Lil Yogis NYC, a children’s yoga educational provider. Her 8 years of work teaching mindfulness in dozens of NYC schools took her back to graduate school to study education, and Erica has spent the past 4 years teaching Pre-K in various progressive settings. This is Erica’s first year in admissions. Erica is a mother of four children, three of whom are JCC nursery alumni!

Adam Metzger is our Pedagogista, working directly with classroom teachers to help develop learning experiences that compliment classroom curricular learning. He supports teachers with their documentation of student learning to help deepen their reflections on the work and their communication with the parent community. This role also provides an opportunity to get to know each of the students in our school as he supports the classroom work by leading small group activities with every class, both inside the classroom and in small groups in our Common Space.

Adam joined the Nursery School as a Floating teacher in 2009, and since then, he has taught in 4 different classrooms, including teaching 2’s, 3’s and Pre-K. In the summer, Adam serves as Director of Camp Settoga, the Marlene Meyerson JCC’s day camp in Rockland County, where he welcomes former students as both campers and staff.

Adam grew up on the Upper West Side and attended Hunter College Elementary and High Schools from age four to 18. During his senior year, Adam worked as an assistant teacher in the nursery school program at Hunter. Upon graduating, Adam attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies.

Adam received his Master’s in the Science of Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education from Fordham University. He served a four year term as a member of the Nursery School Leadership Team.

Linda Sierra’s is the first face visitors to the nursery school see when they step off the elevator or through the stairway. As the school’s administrative receptionist since 2005, she supervises the doors at the nursery school and knows nearly every parent, caregiver, and child. In her position, she supports the administrative staff and teachers at the school and has a multitude of responsibilities, including scheduling all nursery room activities and serving as the center of communication for the school. She always knows the right person to speak to for any given question or issue. Her daughter, Jaslynn, attended the nursery school for pre-K in 2008-2009. Linda loves the JCC community and can’t imagine herself anywhere else.

Colleen Goddard, PhD, is a passionate advocate for young children, families, and educators – linking a deep understanding of pedagogical theory, psychology and experiential and social emotional learning with authentic research and a reflective practice/mindfulness in the field of Human and Child Development. She is a dedicated early childhood development specialist and a professor at Brooklyn College. She has worked as a child development specialist/consultant at early childhood schools and centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She holds a master’s degree in human development with a specialization in early childhood studies from Pacific Oaks College. Colleen earned an additional master’s degree in human and organizational studies from Fielding Graduate University, where she also received her Ph.D. in human/child development. Her dissertation explores the significance of transitional objects at the beginning and end of life. 

Colleen is a contributing writer for the New York State Early Learning Guidelines as part of the New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council and has been published by Psychology Today Online and Changingminds.org. She hosts parent/teacher educational workshops and staff development on a variety of topics: The Significance of Transitional Objects, Separation/Attachment/Attunement, Mindful Limits and Boundaries, Power Play/Empowering Play & Gender Play, and How Children Understand Loss and Death. Colleen also worked as an adjunct professor at the NYU School of Professional Studies, Hunter College, Touro College, and the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. She believes in the Reggio approach as a cultural, communal and child-centered response – as an expression and inspiration in a world where play, joy and wonderment are deeply needed.

Amy Rosenfeld-Kass is the librarian at the JCC Nursery School. This is her 14th year working at the Nursery School. She derives a lot of joy in helping children and teachers to find books. Amy received her master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education. In her spare time, Amy likes to do art and write. She wrote a book, Daniel and Max Play Together, which came out in December of 2022. Amy lives with her husband in Manhattan. They like to travel, go out for dinner, see family, go to movies and theatre, and read!

Ali Foley is an Associate Teacher in Classroom 5 and is excited for her first year at the Nursery School! In May 2023, she graduated from Barnard College with a degree in sociology. She found her passion in working with children through her many years of nannying, volunteering in a preschool, and working as a counselor at Camp Wingate Kirkland. She is looking forward to being a part of the JCC community and for the school year ahead.

Amanda Egan is thrilled to be joining the Nursery School as a first year Associate Teacher in Classroom 3! She graduated from Fordham University/Alvin Ailey with a BFA in Dance in 2019. Since then, Amanda has performed professionally with various dance companies and theatrical productions in NYC and around the world. 

Amanda has a passion for working with children, and has taught preschool dance for the past three years at Weill Cornell. She has also been a nanny to young children on the Upper West Side since 2020. In her spare time, Amanda loves to play music and write songs. She is very excited to share her joy for play and discovery with her students.

Anna has always loved working with children and knew from an early age that she wanted to become a teacher. She earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Spanish from Franklin & Marshall College and her M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood and Childhood General Education from Bank Street College.

Anna has taught in a variety of New York City schools, working with children from Pre-K through fifth grade. She is excited to be returning for her second year at the JCC as the Pre-K teacher in Classroom 4 and looks forward to another year of learning, growing, and building meaningful relationships with her students and families.

Outside the classroom, Anna enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga and pilates, and traveling around the world.

Bella is excited to be returning to the JCC Nursery School for her second year as an Associate Teacher. She grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in English and a minor in Communications.

Bella has spent the past three summers as a camp counselor at the JCC, in addition to working at other summer camps, where she gained experience working with children of all ages. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel supported as they learn and grow. Bella is looking forward to another wonderful year of building meaningful relationships with her students and families.

Dylan began teaching at the JCC in 2017 and continued for 5 years before moving to Miami with her family. While in Miami, Dylan taught at a Reggio Emilia-Inspired school, where she had the opportunity to gain new experiences and expand on her craft. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management and previously spent 15 summers working at Camp Iroquois Springs. Dylan is so excited to be back in New York and to be rejoining the JCC Nursery Family, this time with her oldest child as a student!

Emely (she/her) is a proud Queens native and Latina, entering her fourth year at the Marlene Meyerson JCC. She studied at Queens College and is passionate about creating supportive, engaging learning environments where every child feels welcome and safe.

Emely is deeply committed to building strong relationships with students, families, and the wider community. She works to ensure that not only children, but also parents, caregivers, and community members feel included, respected, and supported. She is fluent in Spanish and speaks conversational American Sign Language. Emely enjoys bringing creativity into the classroom through arts and crafts, as well as interactive dramatic play. She looks forward to a joyful and collaborative school year filled with growth, connection, and care.

Gabriella Ruskay-Kidd is thrilled to be returning to the Nursery School for her 4th year, and second year as a Pre-K teacher in Classroom 5! She has worked as a counselor, Unit Head, and Care and Inclusion Team Member at the Day Camp during the summer. Gabriella received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women, Gender, + Sexuality Studies. She believes strongly in an empowering, strengths-based, affirming, and joyful approach to teaching that allows each child to bring their full self. Gabriella is looking forward to an amazing year in Classroom 5!

Gracie is looking forward to her first year here at the JCC in Classroom 8 as an associate teacher. Gracie is originally from South Carolina and recently graduated from Rutgers University with a BFA in acting. She is excited to incorporate the sense of play and creativity she learned there into the classroom. She has spent many years working with young children through camp and volunteer work and had the opportunity to be a counselor at the JCC Day Camp this year. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge of early childhood development and having fun with the children along the way. She would also like to thank everyone at the JCC for such a warm welcome as she starts this new journey here!

Isabelle started working at the nursery school in 2020 and is thrilled to be a head teacher in Classroom 8 this year! Isabelle received her Master’s in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Hunter College and graduated cum laude from Barnard College, where she studied Psychology and French. At Barnard, Isabelle worked as a student teacher in the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, where she discovered her passion for working with young children. 

Isabelle has worked in many other programs at the JCC, including Camp Settoga, Turning 2s, and Day Camp. Isabelle strongly believes that each child should have the individual and tailored support that they need to learn and grow. She is excited to continue bringing her passion for education and working with children to the nursery school community.

Jani De Jesus was born and raised in Washington Heights. She earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, majoring in Black Studies with a minor in Spanish. Since joining the JCC in 2014, Jani has served in a variety of roles, including after-school counselor, head counselor at Pearl River, and teacher in the 2s Together and My Little Clubhouse programs. At the Nursery School, she taught in the 2’s classroom for six years and is currently a 3’s teacher. In addition to teaching, Jani serves as a member of the Nursery School Leadership Team.

Jani later earned a master’s degree from Fordham University in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education, further strengthening her commitment to supporting young children and their families. During her graduate studies, she participated in a study abroad program in the Dominican Republic, where she visited schools, collaborated with fellow educators, and helped deliver educational materials to underserved communities.

As a Reggio Emilia–inspired educator, Jani is deeply committed to honoring the unique strengths, interests, and needs of every child. She believes that children are born whole, capable, and enough just as they are. Her role is not to change who they are, but to nurture their curiosity, build meaningful relationships, and create an environment where they can develop the confidence, skills, and tools they need to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom. She views learning as a collaborative journey and strives to ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Jenn is excited to be joining the JCC as an associate teacher in Classroom 6! She grew up in Roslyn, Long Island before moving to Brooklyn. Through working as a nanny on the Upper East Side she found a passion for teaching children and pursued a career in early childhood education. Prior to this role, Jenn worked as an associate teacher at a nursery school on Long Island for four years. Jenn is eager to contribute to the school’s vibrant community, and can’t wait to begin!

Jennifer is excited to join the Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan as an Associate Teacher. She has been working in early childhood education for over six years, mainly with children ages 2–5 in Pre-K and early childhood classrooms. Jennifer started her career as a floater in a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood school and eventually became a Teacher Assistant. Being able to work with different classrooms and teachers gave her the opportunity to see all the different ways children learn and grow. She is passionate about creating an environment where children feel comfortable, included, and encouraged to be themselves while learning and exploring.

Jennifer has her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from LaGuardia Community College, and she is currently continuing her education at Queens College, working toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. 

Outside of work and school, Jennifer is a very family-oriented person and has a son who will be graduating high school soon! She is looking forward to getting to know the children, families, and teachers at the nursery school and becoming part of the JCC community. She is excited for this new chapter and all the new experiences and memories that come with it!

Jennifer was born and raised on the Upper East Side. She is a head teacher in Classroom 1. Prior to joining the nursery school in 2016, Jennifer had teaching experience as an undergraduate, working with preschoolers, kindergarteners, and second graders, as well as students with special needs. While pursuing her passion for teaching, she also worked with Head Start programs throughout the city, supporting the social growth and development of children in these settings. Jennifer graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Early Childhood General and Special Education. She was also part of the Maimonides Leaders Fellowship at NYU, which focused on the relevance of Jewish wisdom and philosophy to contemporary issues. In 2020, Jennifer graduated from Bank Street College of Education with a dual Master’s Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education.

Lauren grew up in Manhattan, attending Jewish Day school. For undergrad, she went to Brandeis University and later received a Master’s at Fordham Business School. She has spent the last few years working as a classroom teacher, as well as a floater. Lauren has always enjoyed working with children, from working at summer camps, substitute teaching, and volunteering. Seeing students’ curiosity and growth left an impact on her and led her to her current work in early childhood education. Her hobbies include baking, traveling, the NY Mets, and photography.

Lisa loves being part of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan community and is excited to be a part of the team at the Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School. After starting her career in the world of communications, Lisa realized her passion was working with children. Growing up, she spent several summers working at a JCC day camp as a counselor, swim teacher, and lifeguard. Since switching careers, Lisa has spent eight years teaching in NYC preschools as an assistant and head teacher in both Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. She believes there is nothing like seeing the world all over again through the eyes of a child who is just discovering it. She loves immersing her classes in the Reggio Emilia philosophy that the JCC Nursery School practices, and has an appreciation for not only what can be taught, but also from what can be learned from the children and her surrounding peers.

Lizzy joined The Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School as a Head Teacher in 2017 and has taught children across all age groups. Before joining the school, she spent 10 years teaching preschoolers with special needs. Lizzy earned a B.A. in Psychology from New York University, and a master’s degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education.

Born and raised on the Upper West Side, Lizzy lives in the neighborhood with her husband and daughter, who is a proud alumna of The Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School. As both an educator and a parent in the school community, Lizzy values the strong partnerships that develop between children, families, and teachers. Lizzy is also an emerita member of the nursery school’s Leadership Team. She is passionate about creating joyful, engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. She strives to foster a warm, inclusive classroom where every child feels supported, confident, and excited to learn.

Maddy Wendell could not be more excited to be joining the nursery school team at the JCC! Previously, she has worked in the Turning 2s program at the JCC, and as an early childhood music teacher with Tkiya Music. She has also directed and choreographed youth theatre productions in various educational and summer camp programs. She can’t wait to get started and is looking forward to a fantastic year!

Noa is thrilled to be returning for her third year at the JCC Nursery School! Noa graduated from Binghamton University, majoring in Psychology and Judaic Studies and minoring in Education. She spends her summers working at Camp Ramah in Canada, where she was most recently the Summer Assistant Director. 

Noa is finishing her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Bank Street and is excited to share her passions for Jewish education, puzzles, and reading with her classroom community!

Olivia (she/her) is thrilled to be joining Classroom 2 as an associate teacher for her first year at the nursery school! Olivia has worked as an after-school counselor and activities specialist at the JCC for the past two years and is excited to apply and expand her early childhood knowledge as part of the nursery team. She is pursuing a degree in psychology from Hunter College, with coursework in developmental psychology and socio-cultural foundations of education. Through years of nannying, tutoring, working as a camp counselor, and babysitting, Olivia’s passion for working with children has grown. She’s looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Peggy Limongi-Ventigan has been at the JCC nursery school since 2003. Peggy has also taught Mommy and Me classes and mini-camp at the JCC. Peggy’s expertise in supporting children to explore and explain opens up their growth and development in her classroom. Peggy was born and raised in NYC, and majored in psychology and sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She has served as a foundational member of our teaching staff and embodies the values that we seek to create as a community.

Samantha is excited to begin her 9th year of teaching at the Nursery School! Before coming to the JCC, she worked as a 2’s teacher at Eisman Day Nursery, was a founding teacher at Tribeca KinderCare and spent 5 years working at the West Side Y’s nursery school. Since joining the Nursery School in 2018 as a Floater, Samantha has since worked in both 3s and Pre-K classrooms as an Associate Teacher.

She is a current member of the school’s leadership team and is passionate about anti-bias and anti-racist work in early childhood education, championing ways to continue to implement these teachings into our daily practice with purpose. Outside of school, Samantha is an active contributor of AMA’s Arc which is an educational resource collaboration with schools in rural Ghana. Through service projects, we have created a philanthropic partnership with these institutions and are excited for what’s to come. Samantha was born, raised, and currently resides on the Upper East Side with her husband and 3 children. She loves city life and all it has to offer for families of young children!

Sarah is looking forward to her second year teaching at the JCC nursery school. She grew up in Northern California and graduated with her BFA from the University of Tennessee. She has several years of experience working closely with young children. This includes working at an aquarium, working as a full-time summer camp counselor, and working as a youth soccer coach. 

Sarah looks forward to using the school’s Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy to help a new group of children develop their critical thinking skills and feel confident and capable both inside and outside of the classroom.

Scharisse Sierra has been working with young children and their families for 15 years. She earned a Child Development Associate Certification in Infant and Toddler Care from Bank Street and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education through CUNY. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology with a Bilingual Extension. Scharisse is also a traditional/holistic birth and postpartum doula, completing a year-long doula mentorship with Manhattan Birth. She finds supporting families as they navigate becoming new parents all the way through a child’s preschool years as the most rewarding work that she can do. Scharisse has been in NYC for 22 years, but grew up in southern California, with English and Spanish spoken in her home. She and her partner have a three-year-old son and live in upper Manhattan. Scharisse’s hobbies include collecting LPs, cooking, reading, and going to art shows.

Shani joined the JCC nursery school community in September 2019. Born and raised in Israel, she graduated from Shenkar–College of Engineering and Design, in Ramat- Gan, with a degree in industrial engineering and management. After earning her degree, she moved to New York City and worked at the Consulate General of Israel. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Fordham University in 2018 and has experience in early intervention programs.

Shani is deeply committed to the Jewish community and loves to be a part of The Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.