Temple Sinai Nursery School is fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced faculty who bring deep knowledge, curiosity, and a genuine love of working with young children to their classrooms. Many of our educators hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and several hold advanced degrees in education and early childhood development.
Our teachers see themselves as lifelong learners. Through ongoing professional development, collaboration, observation, and reflection, they continually deepen their understanding of how young children learn and develop. In our play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, teachers thoughtfully observe children, follow their interests, and create environments and experiences that support each child’s growth, curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Our faculty also benefits from the expertise of specialists and consultants in areas including child development, occupational therapy, speech and language, behavior, health, and social-emotional development. As a learning community for both children and adults, TSNS is committed to supporting our educators as they grow in their practice and to sharing our knowledge with the broader early childhood community.
Melanie Douglass (M.Ed) has more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. Before joining Temple Sinai Nursery School, she served as Assistant Head of School at Little Folks School in Georgetown, where she worked with children ages 18 months through five in a play-based program with a focus on the arts. Melanie has also taught hundreds of current and aspiring educators as an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia Community College, where she taught courses in observation and assessment, intentional teaching, and infant and toddler curriculum.
A lifelong learner, Melanie enjoys both learning from other educators and sharing her own experiences in the field. She has presented at conferences for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and for White House Nannies. Melanie also proudly serves on the Board of Intown Playgroup in Georgetown and has chaired the Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) at Janney Elementary School.
Lauren Binder is an early childhood educator and leader with more than a decade of experience supporting children, families, and teachers. Lauren has been privileged to be a member of the Temple Sinai Nursery School faculty–and parent to TSNS student–since January. Prior to that, Lauren lived in New York where she worked as a curriculum coordinator and associate director at Larchmont Temple Nursery School, and as a teacher at the Jewish Community Project of Downtown Manhattan for six years. Lauren believes deeply in fostering learning environments grounded in curiosity, relationships, and a deep respect for children, and is excited by the opportunity to help strengthen a vibrant Jewish early childhood community through thoughtful leadership and shared purpose.
Lauren holds a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and holds undergraduate degrees from Columbia University in American Studies and Psychology, and from the Jewish Theological Seminary in Midrash and Rabbinic Literature. Lauren loves music, spending time outdoors, and scouting out ice cream shops, especially with her two children.
Lora Fader Dunne has devoted her professional life to early childhood education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Lora taught two- and three-year-old children at Temple Sinai Nursery School for 20 years. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University and a doctorate in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maryland.
Lora has worked with a regional Head Start training and technical assistance program, providing workshops and classroom support related to curriculum, child development, family involvement, and inclusion. She has also served as a university professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and supervising student teachers. At TSNS, Lora teaches in the classroom, coordinates professional learning for educators, and leads the Magical Mornings program for toddlers.
Kim Perks has worked in early childhood education for more than 30 years. She holds a BA in Developmental Psychology and an MS in Occupational Therapy, along with a variety of specialized certifications. Kim has taught in preschools, designed and directed a transitional kindergarten program, and worked in schools, clinics, and homes providing early intervention services. She also leads workshops for teachers, childcare providers, and parents.
At TSNS, Kim serves as the Developmental Support Coordinator, partnering with children, teachers, and families to support children’s development and individual needs. She also teaches movement and provides individual occupational therapy services. Kim is passionate about helping the adults who care for young children understand and nurture their unique strengths and support their development.
Rachel Sosenko brings a background in teaching, communications, and community engagement to her role at TSNS. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating welcoming, supportive environments for children and families. Rachel coordinates TSNS afternoon programming and looks forward to getting to know the families she works with throughout the school year.
Kristin Zeldes has more than nine years of experience in Reggio Emilia-inspired Jewish early childhood education and holds a master’s degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado and a BA in Psychology from George Washington University.
Kristin has also been passionate about theater since childhood and spent three years studying acting at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts after college. She brings her background in psychology, early childhood education, and creative expression into the classroom, where she is passionate about designing learning environments that empower children to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in many different ways.
Lora Fader Dunne has devoted her professional life to early childhood education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Lora taught two- and three-year-old children at Temple Sinai Nursery School for 20 years. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University and a doctorate in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maryland.
Lora has worked with a regional Head Start training and technical assistance program, providing workshops and classroom support related to curriculum, child development, family involvement, and inclusion. She has also served as a university professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and supervising student teachers. At TSNS, Lora teaches in the classroom, coordinates professional learning for educators, and leads the Magical Mornings program for toddlers.
Maya Sood graduated from Oberlin College in 2025. Before joining TSNS, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children ages 18 months through six years. Through this work, Maya gained experience supporting children in classrooms, group settings, and one-on-one environments.
Maya is passionate about creating inclusive, enriching, and responsive learning experiences that are tailored to each child. She is excited to bring her experience working with young children into the TSNS classroom and to continue growing as an early childhood educator.
Kathryn Spindel holds a BA in Child Development from Connecticut College and an MA in Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Kathryn has been part of the Temple Sinai community since 1999, when she first enrolled her three-year-old child at TSNS. She joined the TSNS teaching team in 2004 and has also taught in the Temple Sinai Religious School for many years.
With deep experience in both early childhood and Jewish education, Kathryn brings a strong understanding of children, families, and the Temple Sinai community to her classroom. She is grateful to have spent so many years watching children and families grow at TSNS and to continue being part of the community.
Bio coming soon!
Tamara Kukurutz was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from the Sh. I. Agnon Institute. She also holds a degree in television production and has a lifelong passion for photography and media. Early in her career, Tamara explored educational technology as a way to bring together her interests in young children, education, and media.
Tamara has worked with young children for more than 30 years and has been part of the Temple Sinai Nursery School community since 1999. She is inspired by children’s curiosity and love of discovery and believes play is at the heart of learning. In the classroom, she strives to create an environment where children feel safe to explore, make choices, and express themselves.
Faith Radell has a background in Business Management. She transitioned into education four years ago after starting a family. Over the past four years as an educator, she has loved every moment of guiding young learners, nurturing their curiosity, and helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Bio coming soon!
Kornelia Kovacs earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in Hungary, where she began her teaching career in 1998. Her love of travel has taken her to Ireland and the United States, where she has continued her work as an early childhood educator. Kornelia has been part of the Temple Sinai Nursery School community for 17 years and has had the opportunity to work with many TSNS children and families.
Kornelia brings a nurturing presence and a wealth of experience to her classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time in nature. She loves bringing these interests into her work with children and creating opportunities for them to explore the natural world.
Emily Strulson has been teaching for more than 20 years in a variety of educational settings, including high school, elementary school, preschool, and religious school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and African Studies and a master’s degree in Art Education. Emily is also a working painter who regularly exhibits and sells her artwork.
Emily brings her experience as an artist and educator to her work with young children, encouraging creativity, exploration, and self-expression. She is in her second year at Temple Sinai Nursery School and is excited to continue growing as part of the TSNS community.
Kristin Zeldes joined the TSNS teaching team last year and is excited for her first full year in the community. She has more than nine years of experience in Reggio Emilia-inspired Jewish early childhood education and holds a master’s degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado and a BA in Psychology from George Washington University.
Kristin has also been passionate about theater since childhood and spent three years studying acting at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts after college. She brings her background in psychology, early childhood education, and creative expression into the classroom, where she is passionate about designing learning environments that empower children to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in many different ways.
Tali Mager is an early childhood educator and certified Adlerian Parent Guide and Positive Parenting Coach who is passionate about supporting both children and the adults who care for them. She holds a degree in Social Work from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she trained and worked with teens at risk. Her training in Adlerian parenting and parent coaching gives her practical tools for strengthening parent-child relationships and navigating the everyday challenges of raising young children.
Tali moved to Washington, DC with her husband and young son in 2009. After joining the Temple Sinai community, her family quickly found a home here. All three of her children are TSNS alumni, and Tali is grateful to now be part of the community that played such an important role in her own family’s journey.
Renana Keynes is curious, creative, and passionate about learning alongside young children. She has more than 10 years of experience in early childhood classrooms. Before becoming an educator, Renana worked as an interior designer, and she continues to draw on her design background to create spaces that invite children to explore, imagine, collaborate, and make their own discoveries.
Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Renana moved to Boston to work as an interior designer before her curiosity led her and her husband to Cambodia, where they lived for two years. They eventually settled in the Washington, DC area to raise their family.
Renana’s love of early childhood education began when her own children attended preschool. When her youngest was a student at TSNS, she was so inspired by the experience that she returned to school to earn a master’s degree in early childhood education.
Carolyn Rogers is an early childhood Jewish educator with 34 years of classroom experience in a variety of Jewish educational settings in the United States and Israel. She thrives in child-centered environments where Jewish values and traditions are woven into the daily experience of young children.
Carolyn has lived in the Temple Sinai neighborhood since 2012 and enjoys exploring Rock Creek Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Fiona Reddy has a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching at Temple Sinai Nursery School for 19 years, working with children across a wide range of ages and developmental stages. Fiona believes young children are capable, curious, and full of ideas. In her role as teacher, she creates an environment where children feel confident taking risks, asking questions, solving problems, and becoming increasingly independent.
As a Pre-K teacher, Fiona believes it is equally important to nurture children’s social-emotional development alongside their emerging academic skills. She enjoys getting to know each child as an individual, discovering their strengths, interests, personalities, and the unique ways they approach the world and then using that knowledge to support and challenge their growth.
Fiona lives in Maryland with her family and enjoys spending time with them.
Renu Hakim brings more than two decades of international and domestic teaching experience to TSNS. She holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hong Kong and focuses her practice on play-based, inquiry-driven learning. Most recently, Renu served as a Lead Teacher at Washington Hebrew Congregation, where she developed student-centered curricula inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.
Before moving to the Washington, DC area, Renu spent more than ten years teaching at a bilingual international kindergarten in Hong Kong. She is deeply committed to creating inclusive classroom environments and collaborating closely with families to support each child’s individual growth and development.
Renu lives with her husband and is the proud mother of two college-aged sons. Her family enjoys literature, the arts, and outdoor recreation.
Maggie Silvey has been an early childhood educator for more than 20 years. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Child Development in 1996. After working in the field for several years, Maggie stayed home for eight years to raise her two sons. She and her husband moved to the Washington, DC area in 2020, when their youngest son graduated from high school.
Maggie lives in Arlington, Virginia, and her grown sons now live in New York City and North Carolina. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, and watching their favorite sports teams. She is also the proud owner of an orange cat named Sarabi!
Bina Parikh brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education and holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Interestingly, Bina’s professional journey began in civil engineering before she discovered her passion for working with young children.
Bina believes early learning plays an important role in helping children grow into confident, capable, and caring individuals. She brings a sense of structure, curiosity, and problem-solving to her work with children and looks forward to supporting their learning and development throughout the year.
Brian Rose is beginning his journey as an educator and is excited to join the TSNS team. He has experience working with preschool-aged children in physical education settings and is looking forward to bringing that experience into the classroom.
Jenny Gaylin is enjoying her 20th year teaching at TSNS! With a master’s degree in art history, Jenny worked for many years in a variety of Smithsonian museums’ education departments before having children. Her journey at TSNS began when her oldest daughter, Nadia, started in a two’s class and the magic of the school was immediately apparent. When Jenny’s younger daughter, Becca, was ending her time at TSNS in a pre-K class, Jenny realized that although her children had to leave and move on to another school, she would like to find a way to stay! Jenny went back to school in early childhood development and taught first in a two’s class and then moved to pre-K. Now Jenny is delighted to be a resource teacher, helping out where needed in all of the classes in the school, as well as in Early Birds. Jenny lives in Kensington with her husband Dan, her cat Reuben, and her dog Daisy.
Bio coming soon!
Rachel Holzer brings more than 15 years of experience working with children of all ages. Rachel spent seven years as a second-grade teacher at Concord Hill School in Chevy Chase and most recently worked for the Maryland State Department of Education as a Child Care Licensing Specialist.
Rachel holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire. She recently relocated to Arlington, Virginia, and is newly engaged. Outside of school, Rachel enjoys food, travel, and spending time in nature.
Marie Argant holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinity Washington University and brings more than 30 years of experience working with young children.
Marie strives to create warm, positive, and nurturing environments where children can learn through play, build confidence, and grow at their own pace. She believes children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore, discover, and express themselves.
Outside of school, Marie enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Deidra Salawu brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education and holds a degree in the field. She is passionate about supporting children’s creativity and social development and building strong connections with families.
Outside of her work in early childhood education, Deidra enjoys community outreach and volunteering, badminton, Zumba, music and singing, and biking.
Lilibeth Quintanilla Bernal holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Washington Adventist University and completed her elementary education in her native El Salvador. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, son, and pet.
Lilibeth loves creating a fun, caring, and positive learning environment for children. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Bio coming soon!
Joanna Finnegan has the joy of working with all of the children at TSNS in the Atelier and Outdoor Classroom. During her 15 years at TSNS, Joanna has served in a variety of roles, including Pre-K teacher, three-year-old teacher, and Resource Teacher.
She holds a Master of Arts in Expressive Therapy and loves bringing art, creativity, and exploration into children’s learning. Joanna is especially passionate about creating beautiful, inspiring spaces where children can wonder, discover, and express themselves in their own unique ways.
Outside of Temple Sinai, Joanna enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, thrifting, traveling, discovering great food, and designing spaces.
Kim Perks has worked in early childhood education for more than 30 years. She holds a BA in Developmental Psychology and an MS in Occupational Therapy, along with a variety of specialized certifications. Kim has taught in preschools, designed and directed a transitional kindergarten program, and worked in schools, clinics, and homes providing early intervention services. She also leads workshops for teachers, childcare providers, and parents.
At TSNS, Kim serves as the Developmental Support Coordinator, partnering with children, teachers, and families to support children’s development and individual needs. She also teaches movement and provides individual occupational therapy services. Kim is passionate about helping the adults who care for young children understand and nurture their unique strengths and support their development.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!