Meet Our Staff

Melissa was a Director/Owner of a preschool in Garden Grove for 8 years. She earned a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CSU Dominguez Hills) and a B.A. in IDS. She loves partnering with educators and families to create a safe, enriching environment where every child thrives.

Gabi has served at Temple Beth El for 12 years. She began as an aide supporting a child with special needs, completed her ECE units, and now focuses on the 2/3s. She especially loves being children’s first teacher.

Miss Michal teaches the 2–3s and Hebrew Through Movement, also serving in Religious School and B’nai Mitzvah tutoring. Born in Israel, she holds a B.A. in Social Work (Haifa University) and an M.A. in Counseling (CSUF).

Golden studies at CSU Long Beach, double-majoring in Child Development & Family Studies and Family Life Education. She loves seeing children’s smiles and growth each day.

Ms. Beth holds a B.S. from SDSU and has taught at Temple Beth El for over 20 years in both the ECC and Religious School. She loves watching students grow into Madrichim and graduates.

Ms. Sabrina joined the ECC in 2019. She earned a B.A. (UCI), an M.A. (CSPP-LA), and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She spent five years in early intervention and enjoys family time, pickleball, baking, and fitness.

Ms. Lana holds an M.S. in Early Childhood Development & Child Psychology with 30+ years of experience. She has served the ECC as teacher, curriculum specialist, and parent/child program coordinator.

Stephanie supports classrooms in the ECC and ITC. She’s beginning Child Development studies and loves getting to know each child’s unique personality while helping them grow.

Originally from Maryland and now in OC, Bri spends days off at Disneyland or the beach. She’s preparing to return to school to pursue a career in ultrasound.

With a psychology major and five years as an early-intervention behavioral tech, Katherine is excited to support our students as they build new skills.

A nursing student at West Coast University, Rayla hopes to work in pediatrics or labor & delivery. A lifelong Tahitian dancer, she loves movies, theme parks, and live music.

Courtney is pursuing her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and has completed 24 ECE units. Before teaching, she spent four years as a nanny working with children of all ages. Outside the classroom she loves baking—having studied at the Institute of Culinary Education in Pasadena—reading, and traveling (12 countries and counting).