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Leadership & Faculty
Beth El Early Learning Center

Beth El Early Learning Center’s Leadership & Faculty consists of highly qualified teachers and staff who have both the education and experience necessary to provide a quality program for your child, and an engaging and meaningful experience for your family. Their educational backgrounds include Master’s Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, and teaching credentials and units in early childhood development.  They participate in continuing education programs as well as basic first aid and CPR training and certification. Contact us if you have any questions.

Yellow Crayon Element as used by Early Learning Center | Beck Family Campus of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, FL

Meet Our Director - Ronni Graf

Ronni earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Massachusetts and her Master’s Degree at the University of Michigan, both in Middle Eastern Studies. She obtained her Early Childhood Education Degree at San Francisco State University. Ronni holds an Advanced Level, VPK-endorsed Director’s credentials from the Florida Department of Children and Families. 

Ronni has worked in early childhood education since 1996.  She spent the first 19 years of her career as a classroom teacher.  While she taught several different age groups, her specialty was teaching PreK. In July of 2015, Ronni joined the Temple Beth El Staff Leadership & Faculty, moving from the classroom to our administrative team as Assistant Director.  In 2019, she became Director of the Beth El Early Learning Center. 

Ronni’s belief is that when children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical needs are met they can learn at their own pace and develop both a positive self-image and self-confidence. Only then can they reach their full potential.

Ronni, her husband, Tim, and two children, Liam and Sam have been active members of Temple Beth El since 2007.

Ronni Graf, Director of the Beth El Early Learning Center
Meet Our Administrative Team | Leadership & Faculty
Bottom Yellow Crayon Element as used by Early Learning Center | Beck Family Campus of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, FL
Samantha Barhai, Early Learning Center Assistant Director Curriculum & Student Services

Samantha Barhai

Early Learning Center Assistant Director

Samantha Barhai earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Child Development at Florida State University and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She earned her Director’s Credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families.

She has been an educator since 2009 and has extensive experience working with early childhood students in a reform Jewish setting. Samantha has been part of the Leadership & Faculty at Beth El Early Learning Center since 2015. In 2016, Samantha created and implemented the Mommy & Me program at the Beth El Early Learning Center as well as a Transition Program for new students. She has since assisted in mentoring our educational staff by collaborating and implementing our school wide curriculum. Samantha also acts as the liaison between teachers, parents and therapists to aid in the success and implementation plan for each of our young students.

Samantha lives in Boca Raton with her husband and two young children, whom have grown up in our early learning center. Her family greatly enjoys being Temple Beth El members and are active in our community.

Debbie Fried, Beth El Early Learning Center Senior Associate, Operations

Debbie Fried

Early Learning Center Senior Associate, Operations

With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood and Jewish Education, Debbie is thrilled to join the team at Temple Beth El as the Senior Associate of Operations. Her journey in this field has been truly enriching, marked by meaningful milestones and a passion for fostering growth and connection within the community. Having served as a former Day Camp Director, she brings a deep understanding of the dynamics that create vibrant learning environments.

In 2010, Debbie graduated from the Florence Melton Mini School at Hebrew University, an experience that further deepened her connection to the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition and education. In 2013, she proudly served as a Contributing Author to The Rosenfeld Legacy Project at the University of Miami, where she bridged the worlds of secular children’s literature and Judaic heritage, leaving a lasting imprint on the educational narrative.  As an Early Childhood Presenter, Debbie had the privilege to contribute to the USCJ Southeast Seaboard District’s Relational Judaism Conference in April 2015, showcasing her dedication to innovative and effective teaching methodologies. In 2018, her commitment to excellence led her to earn an Early Childhood Director Credential from the state of Florida. Outside of work, Debbie adores live music and enjoying time with her family.

Mimy Shegota, Early Learning Center Senior Associate, Administration

Mimy Shegota

Early Learning Center Senior Associate

Mimy Shegota holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Psychology. She has been with Temple Beth El for over 35 years, having started as a 2-year-old teacher when she relocated to Boca Raton from Canada. Mimy gradually moved into an administrative role starting at Temple Beth El Religious School, then joining the Beth El Early Learning Center as a key administrator when the school reopened at the Beck Family Campus in 2009. Mimy handles all student files and assists parents with any issues that may arise.  She lives in Boca Raton with her husband Michael.  Her 2 children and 5 grandchildren also live in South Florida. Mimy is fluent in Spanish and French.

Rachael Fushan, Beth El Early Learning Center Senior Associate

Rachael Fushan

Early Learning Center Senior Associate

Rachael Fushan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Science with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from SUNY University at Buffalo and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY City College of New York. Rachael has been with the Beth El Early Learning Center since 2018 when she relocated from New York to Florida to be closer to her family. Having held positions in the mental health, education, property management, and business fields, Rachael is able to tailor her skills to assist her department in several different capacities. Her primary focus is working on communications, human resources, and school registration for the Beth El Early Learning Center.

Rachael currently resides in Delray Beach. In her free time, she enjoys seeing films, spending time with her family, and reading the latest scary novels.  

Lauren Saldsman, Beth El Early Learning Center Admin

Lauren Saldsman

Early Learning Center Senior Associate

Bringing more than 20 years of preschool- aged teaching experience, Lauren Saldsman is a true builder of creative ideas and educational resources. Since 2015, Lauren has served as lead teacher and enrichment specialist at the school. In 2016, she received the Robyn Eisenberg Teacher Award, highlighting her innovative strengths. Lauren was invited to join the administration team to play a significant role in enhancing the school’s curricula and student programs. She will be instrumental in supporting our teachers with classroom planning and promoting our school’s philosophies. Lauren earned her Bachelor’s degree in education in Johannesburg, South Africa. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga and being outside on a paddleboard, hiking and bike riding.

Rachael Rand, Engagement And Programming Senior Associate

Rachael Rand

Engagement and Programming Senior Associate

Rachael Rand earned her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Studies from Arizona State University following her Bachelor’s Degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences from the University of Florida. She has been working in Engagement & Programming at Temple Beth El for more than eight years and enjoys helping congregants connect with each other, with our school, and with our temple family. Rachael grew up in Boca Raton as a member of our congregation, celebrating many meaningful Jewish experiences, including her Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation. Now, Rachael and her husband Robert are happily raising their daughter and son as active participants in our temple community.

Meet Our Faculty
Yellow Crayon Element as used by Early Learning Center | Beck Family Campus of Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, FL
Adriane Schwartz
Allison Padowitz
Ally Gaier
Amy Kuntz
Ana Lizarazo
Anita Resnick
Ann Berg
Barbara Cohen
Beth Richter
Blake Cohen
Brittany Pancotti
Bruna De Souza
Carissa Leibman
Cheryl Firestone
Debra Gaier
Debra Mayer-Nelson
Elaine Krin
Emily Burns
Estefanie Orejas
Flavia Torres Zeni
Gabriela De Souza
Gabrielle Gornitsky
Ivy Copperstone
Jami Goldsmith
Jamie Warshaw
Jennifer Isaacson
Jennifer Tompkins
Jessica Weintraub
Jillian Leventhal
Joanne Douma
Johanne Lopez
Julie Fine
Karen Burghardt
Karen Levine
Karen Schloss
Lauren Levy
Laurie Sprinzen
Leslie Firestone
Lorraine Caffey
Marcia Morgado
Maria Vargas
Mariela Triana
Maykelyn Guevara Perez
Mayra McConnell
Megan Wheelock
Meghan Antillon
Melissa Cetoute
Merav Burle
Michelle Eisenberg
Nancy Robinson
Natania Belfort
Paulina Spiewak
Racheli Shaul
Randi Yanow
Robin Schear
Rocio Archila
Rose Mottozo
Ruby Tacher
Samantha Weberman
Samara Ballintine
Sandy Roth
Sara Levy
Sarah Good
Shelley Weiner
Shirli Kiffel
Sierra Centeno
Skylar Schultz
Stephanie Bauman
Talia Litvin
Terry Mitchell
Terry Wait
Tessie Pitaoulis
Zoe Mayhue