Miss Abigail
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
With a broad and dynamic professional history, Rachael Fushan contributes a unique blend of skills to her work at the Beth El Early Learning Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Science with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from SUNY University at Buffalo, as well as a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from CUNY City College of New York. Since joining the Beth El Early Learning Center in 2018, Rachael has drawn on her extensive experience in mental health counseling, education, property management, and business to support the center in a variety of meaningful ways. Her expertise allows her to lead efforts in communications, human resources, and school registration, all while fostering a welcoming and organized environment for families and staff alike.
Originally from New York, Rachael relocated to Florida to be closer to her family, making Delray Beach her home. Outside of work, she enjoys travel and spending quality time with her family.
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.
Cindy Pellach is a professional receptionist and a jack-of-all-trades, with almost 5 years of experience working at Temple Beth El. Cindy has established a reputation for adapting to any challenge, whether it be in the Finance Department, Development, or any other department needing assistance. She is currently serving as the Receptionist at the Beck Family Campus. She is known for her enthusiasm, adaptability, and team mentality.
Prior to Temple Beth El, Cindy held a role at the Mandel JCC in their Arts and Culture Department and Development for 4 years.
Outside of work, Cindy is passionate about travel, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones.
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.