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Contact [email protected] or 952.545.8694 for any registration questions.
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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Jodi Danovsky
Assistant Director of Gan Shelanu |
My name is Jodi Danovsky and I am the new Assistant Director of Gan Shelanu. I am no stranger to Gan Shelanu, as I have served as a counselor at Camp Mishpacha the last two summers, working primarily with the preschoolers.
I bring with me a deep passion for education and inclusion. Most recently, I worked at Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School, where I taught kindergarten, first, and third grades. Prior to my time at Heilicher, I taught at Talmud Torah in Saint Paul for 15 years, including time in a pre-k/kindergarten multi-age classroom. I also worked in inclusion at Mt. Zion Temple. I hold an undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation and a master’s degree in K-12 special education with an emphasis on learning disabilities from the University of Minnesota, as well as a teaching license from Concordia University. I have also received special training in Responsive Classroom as well as Orton-Gillingham, a structured literacy approach. I grew up in the Twin Cities. My husband Jeff and I live in Maple Grove. Together we share four children, Sammie, Maddie, Carly and Isaac, three of whom have connections to Adath. Sammie and Carly have both worked at Camp Mishpacha and Isaac is involved in Adath USY. In my spare time I enjoy running, reading, and watching my children participate in various sports. |
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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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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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 | [email protected]
