REGISTER FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR TODAY
Contact the Gan Shelanu office to begin the registration process at ganshelanu@adath.net or 952.545.8694
Our Teachers & Staff
The most important component for a successful experience for you and your child is an excellent staff. Our teachers and staff are dedicated professionals, who undergo a rigorous selection and subsequent training. All teachers, assistant teachers and aides are certified by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. Our staff share a commitment to exceeding the expectations of the families we serve.
Administration
Julie Ziessman
Director of Early Childhood Education |
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Heidi Zipkin
Gan Shelanu Assistant Director Camp Mishpacha Director |
My name is Heidi (Trestman) Zipkin. I am the Assistant Director of Gan Shelanu. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I went on to receive my Masters in Elementary Education. I have been a part of the Gan since then and have loved every minute. I taught preschool and pre-k for many years and I am now the “Science Specialist” along with Assistant Director of the Gan and Camp Mishpacha Director. I am the lucky mom of three Gan graduates! One used to work here, one works here now, and one probably never will. In my “spare time”, I love shopping, biking, and spending time with my family!
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Teachers
Nicole Goldstein
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My name is Nicole (Nikki) Goldstein and I’m the Director of the Infant and Transitional Toddler room. I have four children of my own and have been working in many forms of child care since my oldest was two years old. I got my CDA (Child Development Associate) 5 years ago. I have been at the Gan for 14 years. I have worked in most of the rooms over that time. I became the Director of the Infant Room 5 years ago. Beit Tinokot is my favorite place to work. I love watching how they grow over the years and helping them develop into little people. When I’m not at the Gan I like spending time with my family and 3 dogs.
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Jackie Simon
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My name is Jackie Simon and I have worked in childcare for about 36 years in various positions with all age groups. I have worked with infants and younger toddlers for the last 18 years. I have 3 adult children and 9 grandchildren. I enjoy gardening and reading in my spare time. I enjoy helping little ones discover and learn about the world through play and daily activities.
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Lisa Bennett
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Hi, my name is Lisa Bennett. I was born in South Africa and moved to Minnesota when I was 7 years old. I have worked at the Gan for 26 years. I studied Early Childhood Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout. Before starting at the Gan I spent six months in Israel on a kibbutz/Ulpan program studying Hebrew and working in the children’s houses. I began working in the Infant Room at the Gan and moved up Transitional Toddlers and finally a head teacher in the Toddler Program. I love watching the children’s faces light up when they discover new things and helping give them a positive start to their education. When I am not at the Gan I enjoy drawing, painting, and spending time with friends.
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Amy Ansel
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Hi, I’m Amy Ansel, I work in the infant room. I live in Minnetonka with my husband Richard and my dog Luna. I have 3 daughters-who are all Gan grads! I love to read, camp, hike and travel.
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Elena Iliarski
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My name is Elena Iliarski and I was born in Russia. I hold an associate degree in music education from Lvov Music College specializing in Children Music education. I have worked as a child educator for 40 years! First, in Russia and then at Gan Shelanu since 1996. I really love children and my job. This work always gives me strength, happiness, and faith in the future. I have a son and two adult grandchildren.
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Stephanie Stover
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My name is Stephanie Stover and I have been working at the Gan since 2017. I started in the Transitional Toddler Room, worked in one of the Preschool classrooms and I am now teaching toddlers. I am a native of France and moved to Minneapolis in 1997. I am married and have two children. I have an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and a background in Montessori education. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, traveling and riding my Harley Davidson!
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Melissa King
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My name is Melissa King, I joined Gan Shelanu in the fall of 2019 as an Assistant Teacher/Aide. Prior to working at the Gan, I was in the restaurant and hospitality industry as a manger. I have an Associate in Arts Degree, Certificate in Advertising, Certificate in Marketing and a Masters in Project Management. When I'm not at Gan Shelanu, I'm spending family time with my husband and our daughter Halle, a Gan graduate!
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Lea Brand
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I have had the pleasure of working at the Gan since 2000. Most of my career has been spent teaching preschoolers, but I have also been lucky enough to teach transitional toddlers and Pre-Kers. In the past, I worked in Human Resources, but contributing to a child’s education is truly my passion. I also have my Child Development Associate. Both of my children (Jackson and Winnie) are not only Gan Graduates, but have been employed by the Gan at different times in their lives. I am almost an “empty” nester who lives with my husband Cory and my sweet puppy Frannie. I love to cook, watercolor, garden and take walks.
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Halee Reichenbach
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I'm from Brainerd, MN, but currently live in West End, St. Louis Park. I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a major in Communication and a minor in Leadership. I've worked at Adath since March, 2021. I love seeing the kids grow. They make me laugh every single day! I have a puppy, Peanut, who is always with me, along with my friends!
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Trish Mintz
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My name is Trish, and I'm in the Blue Group, I'm so excited to be back at the Gan! I taught here for several years when our two oldest kids, who are now a college graduate and college senior, were preschool aged. Since then, I directed Temple Israel's ECC, taught and served as an administrator at Heilicher, and added my BS in Education, from the University of Minnesota with a Masters in STEM Education from St. Kates. Now that our youngest is a rising senior in high school, I get to enjoy working with your wonderful kiddos! In my free time, I love to hike, read, cook and help care for our dog and 3 cats.
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Deb Lehman
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My name is Deb Lehman. I earned a Masters Degree in Deaf Education from the University of Minnesota. My career began over 25 years ago at Anne Sullivan School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Minneapolis. I have been happily married to my husband Todd for 27 years and we have 3 terrific adult children and a labradoodle named Mini. In my spare time I enjoy my cabin in the North Woods, shopping, yoga, and long bike rides with my husband and…more shopping! I feel blessed to have been able to teach tomorrows future leaders for over 3 decades. They are amazing humans beings.
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Susie Yablonsky
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My name is Susie and I am an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K program. I have a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and I have been working with young children for the past 25 years. My husband Rich and I have two sons, 24 and 20 years old. Both are away at school so we are learning how to be empty nesters. I am a chocoholic which explains why in my spare time I love to bake, and plan excursions to find the best treats. I also am an avid reader and knitter. This is my second year at the Gan, and I am so happy to be in the classroom with your children.
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Lisa Cohen
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Hi, my name is Lisa! I have been working with children for over twenty years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Art and a double Masters in Jewish Communal Service and Social Work, I am also a certified teacher. I have taught in the Mid-Atlantic, New England, Eastern Europe, and South America. I am married and have two fabulous teenagers and three crazy dogs! I love spending time with my family, exploring Minnesota (as a Midwest "newbie"), photography, antiquing, and musical theater.
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952.545.8694 | ganshelanu@adath.net
