Every teacher at Kaplan is an experienced, college educated Early Childhood Educator with either a BA or an MA in the field. They not only undergo rigorous background checks, but are also trained on how to handle difficult situations appropriately; our goal is that all students are happy and thrive at Kaplan.
Rachelle Grossman
Director
©Ana Sancho Rumeu
Rachelle Grossman is the founder and director of the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool. In 2000 a small group of USH members, Rabbi Scheinberg and teachers worked together with Rachelle to create this special early childhood center.
Rachelle grew up in Jersey City. She has a BA in early childhood education from Rutgers University and an MPA in administration from City University of New York. Prior to working at the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool, Rachelle worked for 15 years at the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, taught kindergarten in the Orange Public Schools and preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn.
Rachelle lived in Hoboken from 1989-1994. She was married at the United Synagogue of Hoboken and now lives in West Orange with her husband, Bob Seelenfreund, a retired public defender. Her two daughters follow in their parents footsteps. Emily is a disability rights attorney and lives in Berkeley, CA. Michelle is a 3rd grade teacher at the Little Brook School in Princeton.
Rachelle loves working with the Kaplan faculty and meeting all the families and students each year. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Rachelle grew up in Jersey City. She has a BA in early childhood education from Rutgers University and an MPA in administration from City University of New York. Prior to working at the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool, Rachelle worked for 15 years at the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, taught kindergarten in the Orange Public Schools and preschool at Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn.
Rachelle lived in Hoboken from 1989-1994. She was married at the United Synagogue of Hoboken and now lives in West Orange with her husband, Bob Seelenfreund, a retired public defender. Her two daughters follow in their parents footsteps. Emily is a disability rights attorney and lives in Berkeley, CA. Michelle is a 3rd grade teacher at the Little Brook School in Princeton.
Rachelle loves working with the Kaplan faculty and meeting all the families and students each year. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading and spending time with her family and friends.
Laura hOLLENBERG
Program Manager
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Laura started working at Kaplan at the end of 2018, getting back to her teaching roots after working for several years in digital marketing at large media companies. You'll now find her in the office as one of Kaplan's administrators. She started her teaching career at the 92nd St Y Nursery School in NYC after college, and earned her master's degree in early childhood education from Bank Street College of Education. Before heading to the corporate world, Laura also taught first grade for the NYC public schools.
Laura grew up in Rockville Centre, NY and now resides in NYC. In her spare time, Laura enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, spending time with friends and family and taking advantage of NYC culture.
Laura grew up in Rockville Centre, NY and now resides in NYC. In her spare time, Laura enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, spending time with friends and family and taking advantage of NYC culture.
Laura Freiser
Program Manager
©Kenneth Chen
Laura has been a lifelong resident of Hoboken and member of USH, having celebrated her baby-naming and Bat Mitzvah here many years ago. Laura worked at Kaplan volunteering throughout high school and college and is thrilled to be a part of this community. After spending time in nursing school, she realized her true passion was working with children. Laura received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Drexel University and joined Kaplan full time in 2009. In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family.
karen lipkind
Financial Manager
©Stomping Ground Photo
Karen started her family around the corner from USH, almost 30 years ago, before a move to the suburbs. During those years she was the Purchasing Manager for a large international candy company and then changed paths into agencies providing parent advocacy. She now resides in NYC with her husband. At the end of 2019 she was happy to make the circle back to Hoboken using her business and social service experiences to work for USH. Karen has a BA from NYU College of Arts and Science (concentration in Psychology) and a MA from the School of Education, Health, Nursing and Art Profession (concentration in management).
In her spare time Karen enjoys her family, long walks, bike riding, theatre and being in New York City.
In her spare time Karen enjoys her family, long walks, bike riding, theatre and being in New York City.
Carmen arrojo
Assistant Teacher
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Carmen was born in Jersey City, NJ and grew up in North Bergen. She went to school at North Bergen High School and studied Music Business at Jersey City University.
She began working at Kaplan in 2018, she assists the head teachers by incorporating music, especially singing and percussion into the curriculum. Carmen lives in Union City and enjoys cooking and biking. |
Allyson ASHE
Head Teacher
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Allyson was raised in Edison, NJ. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Ramapo College and her teacher certification from Kean University. She came to Kaplan in 2019 and is thrilled to be working here.
Allyson lives in Cranford with her husband Andrew and daughter Lainey. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.
Allyson lives in Cranford with her husband Andrew and daughter Lainey. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.
Megan Beltran
Head Teacher
©Kenneth Chen
Megan graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 and quickly began her career in early childhood. In December 2013, she earned her Masters in History and Culture and shortly after began working here at Kaplan. She is continuing her studies in Early Childhood Education at Montclair State University. Megan lives in Clifton with her husband and two children.
Janine Bickoff
Teacher
Janine joined the Kaplan community in the Fall of 2022 and is very excited to be a part of the Kaplan team! Janine was born in Englewood, NJ. She earned a degree in Visual + Media Arts and a minor in Psychology from Emerson College. She also continued education at NYU for childcare management specializing in early childhood. Janine is a practicing yogi with over 20 years of experience, and for over 10 years has also been a specialist in kids and family yoga. Janine lived in NYC for 12 years and has been a resident of Hoboken for 4 years.
Felice Borsellino
Head Teacher
©Kenneth Chen
Felice has been a resident of Hoboken for nearly thirty years and has been teaching at Kaplan since the very beginning! After graduating from Buffalo State College she had a career in textile design in the garment district.
When not at school she enjoys spending time with her three sons and husband and cooking.
When not at school she enjoys spending time with her three sons and husband and cooking.
Sabrina benayoun
Teacher
Sabrina Benayoun grew up in Long Island, NY in a family of four sisters raised by Brazilian-Jewish parents. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Environmental Engineering and Masters of Science in Sustainability Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. She has combined her love of working with children along with her wanting to become involved in the community through teaching at Kaplan. Sabrina started here at Kaplan in the fall of 2022. She loves traveling, cooking, and connecting with her loved ones.
jamie buren
Teacher
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Jamie is originally from Montville, NJ and attended Elon University, where she earned a bachelors degree in elementary education. She did her practicum in preschool and fell in love with the age group. Jamie joined Kaplan in 2012, right out of college and has been there ever since . She lives in Hoboken. During her free time she is often walking around Hoboken with her dog.
Meg Donaldson Carson
Science Teacher l Music Teacher
©Kenneth Chen
Meg grew up in Houston, TX. She moved to NYC to go to NYU and fell in love with the Northeast. She has worked for almost every major children’s company. She developed a preschool science program for the American Museum of Natural History where she worked for 19 years. Meg is currently working on her Master's Degree on STEM education and curriculum at Adams State University.
Nyeema Ellison
Teacher
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Nyeema Ellison is originally from Orange, New Jersey. She attended Uppsala and Essex County College where she earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and C.D.A.
Before joining Kaplan in October of 2020, she worked as a teacher at The Brunswick School in Jersey City. Nyeema currently lives in Orange, New Jersey with her husband and enjoys cooking and sharing the gift of reading during her free time.
Before joining Kaplan in October of 2020, she worked as a teacher at The Brunswick School in Jersey City. Nyeema currently lives in Orange, New Jersey with her husband and enjoys cooking and sharing the gift of reading during her free time.
Faige Glaser
Music Teacher
©Abbie Sophia
Faige has been working at Kaplan since 2019. She has a Master's Degree in Music Education from NYU Steinhardt School of Education and has been teaching Early Childhood music for over 13 years. She regularly performs with her sisters in their Americana-folk band, Glaser Drive. Faige and her husband live in Teaneck with their two young children.
Nat hand
Teacher
Nat grew up in Jersey City and studied audio technology at High Tech High School before completing a bachelors degree in psychology and New Jersey City University. Nat has been a nanny for 3 years and has worked at variety of jobs with children for a total of 10 years, including camp counseling, babysitting, and tutoring. Nat is planning to go back to school for education.
marcia heimbinder
Head Teacher
Marcia joined Kaplan Cooperative Preschool in September 2021. She has taught Early Childhood Education for many years in Manhattan, where she resides.
Raised in a family of academics, teaching was a "natural" path for her to pursue and she has been enjoying the experience tremendously.
After studying Fine Arts, she had an extensive career as a textile designer. Marcia brings her creativity and excitement for the arts to the classroom with great joy.
Raised in a family of academics, teaching was a "natural" path for her to pursue and she has been enjoying the experience tremendously.
After studying Fine Arts, she had an extensive career as a textile designer. Marcia brings her creativity and excitement for the arts to the classroom with great joy.
Adi HeYman
Assistant Teacher
Adi Heyman grew up in Israel where she received her Bachelors in Communications from the Max Stern Yezreel Valley College. Adi moved to the US seven years ago and began her career as a teacher. She graduated from Rio Salado College with her CDA. Adi worked as both an assistant teacher and a lead teacher with 3 year olds at the East Valley JCC for several years. She loves to incorporate Hebrew into her daily interactions with students and prides herself on helping her students meet their development needs, not just to learn but to thrive. Adi also taught Hebrew and Judaic Studies to Kindergarteners and 1st graders at Pardes Jewish Day School in Arizona. In addition, Adi taught Hebrew at her local Chabad and has experience leading Birthright trips. In her free time, Adi loves to travel, spend time with her family and friends, go hiking and practice yoga. Adi has recently relocated to Jersey City.
kathleen jaime
Assistant Teacher
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Kathleen was born and raised in Hoboken, where she still lives with her fiancee. She has a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutger's University and has worked with children in a preschool setting since 2015. Kathleen started working at Kaplan in September of 2021 and hopes to become a school Social Worker in the future.
debbie kravitz
Teacher | Enrichment Teacher
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Debbie came to Kaplan School in 2018 after being a Prek teacher in Brooklyn and in Montclair, NJ for 30 years, teaching in Progressive Schools. She studied Education at Brooklyn College and received her Masters Degree as well as an advanced Degree in Supervision and Administration. Debbie was fortunate to attend the Early Childhood Teachers Conference in Reggio Emilia, Italy in 2004.
Debbie is also a certified Parent Coach helping families find solutions to parenting challenges for a more peaceful and cooperative family life.
Debbie has 3 adult children, all living in different states on the West Coast.
Debbie is also a certified Parent Coach helping families find solutions to parenting challenges for a more peaceful and cooperative family life.
Debbie has 3 adult children, all living in different states on the West Coast.
Shana Lee
Jewish Education Specialist | Assistant Teacher | PJ Library Coordinator
©Kenneth Chen
Shana grew up in Jersey City but since 1996 calls Hoboken her home. Shana has her bachelor’s degree from The American University in Visual Media and Theater Arts. She has been working at the United Synagogue of Hoboken since 2004, first as a teacher in the Learning Center and now in the preschool. Shana is also the PJ Library coordinator for PJ Library bringing Jewish engagement to communities throughout Hudson County.
She came to USH after working as a television producer and being a stay-at-home mom after her first daughter was born. She has three children, Alexandra, Elizabeth and Jared, who are all Kaplan alumni. In her free time, Shana likes to go to the gym, read and play Words with Friends.
She came to USH after working as a television producer and being a stay-at-home mom after her first daughter was born. She has three children, Alexandra, Elizabeth and Jared, who are all Kaplan alumni. In her free time, Shana likes to go to the gym, read and play Words with Friends.
JESSE mcallister
Assistant Teacher
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Jesse was born and raised in Hoboken, and attended Kaplan as a young child. Jesse graduated from Hoboken High School and is currently attending Hunter College. Jesse has worked at Kaplan since 2020.
Jesse enjoys playing basketball and spending time with friends.
Jesse enjoys playing basketball and spending time with friends.
lyanni nieves
Assistant Teacher
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Lyanni Nieves was born and raised in Hoboken. She started working at Kaplan in 2018. Lyanni currently attends Montclair State University and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is very eager and excited to be teaching!
emily numa
Teacher
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Emily was born in New York City but spent much of her time growing up living in Phoenix. While living in Phoenix, she was very involved in her synagogue community. She later attended Binghamton University and Mercy College, where she received a Master’s Degree in education. She has worked at Kaplan since 2013 and has also taught at the Learning Center.
hannah plotka
Assistant Teacher
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Hannah Plotka grew up in Hoboken and Jersey City and has been a member of USH since she was in the first graduating class at Kaplan. In high school she worked as the assistant 6th grade teacher in the Learning Center and began working at Kaplan in 2016 for summer camp. After earning a BA from Goucher College in 2020, Hannah officially joined Kaplan. Previously she worked as the Annual Giving Student Officer at Goucher College while interning for the editor of the New Review of Film and Television Studies Journal. Hannah currently lives in Jersey City with her family and enjoys biking, hiking, cooking and watching movies in her free time.
Navita ramkissoon
Head Teacher
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.Navita was born in Trinidad and Tobago; at age of 2 she moved to New York with her parents and 4 siblings. Navita has had a love for children from a young age, she was a baby sitter at 16 and pursued early childhood education in college.
Navita has worked in Hoboken for 15 years as an early childhood teacher and administrator. Navita is the mother of 2 sons: Ryan, 17and Sean, 16. She has recently moved to Jersey City with her partner and son. Navita started working at Kaplan in September of 2021.
Navita has worked in Hoboken for 15 years as an early childhood teacher and administrator. Navita is the mother of 2 sons: Ryan, 17and Sean, 16. She has recently moved to Jersey City with her partner and son. Navita started working at Kaplan in September of 2021.
Ana Sancho-rumeu
Head Teacher | Webmaster
©Kenneth Chen
Ana was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from UCM in Madrid, with an emphasis in Special Needs children. After graduating from college she moved to Chile where she worked for three years teaching 5th and 6th grade at Lincoln International Academy. Back in Madrid, she taught 3rd to 6th grade English and Science for a few years until she moved to the US when she married.
Ana has worked at Kaplan since 2008. She lives in Jersey City with her husband and two sons, who are both Kaplan alumni.
Ana has worked at Kaplan since 2008. She lives in Jersey City with her husband and two sons, who are both Kaplan alumni.
gladys vega-dunn
Head Teacher
Gladys Vega-Dunn was raised right here in Hoboken, NJ. She attended Montclair State University where she majored in Business Management. She developed a love for teaching while working as a nanny for many Hoboken families, some who had children enrolled in the Kaplan Cooperative preschool. She is thrilled to be working as a teacher's assistant this year and is excited to get to know all of the children and families that are part of the Kaplan community. Gladys still lives in Hoboken with her husband, Chris, and their daughter, Isabella.
daria vogel
Teacher
Daria is very excited to be a part of the Kaplan Preschool community again! Although this is her first year teaching at the school, both her daughters attended the program. She graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a BS in Communications and previously worked as a film publicist. Daria resides in Hoboken (for over 20 years!) with her husband, the aforementioned two daughters, and their dog Mabel.
MELISSA WILE
Teacher
Melissa joined Kaplan in 2020. Melissa is passionate about early childhood education. She attended Tulane University in New Orleans where she majored in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Jewish Studies. She earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from NYU. Melissa taught Hebrew School for a few years, and loved it so much that she decided to become a teacher.
Melissa is a NJ native who lives in Hoboken with her husband. She enjoys concerts, jigsaw puzzles, and reading.
Melissa is a NJ native who lives in Hoboken with her husband. She enjoys concerts, jigsaw puzzles, and reading.
Naomi wolff
Teacher
Naomi joined Kaplan in the Fall of 2022. She was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. She moved to New York City as a young adult, but currently resides on Jersey City. Naomi attended The New School in New York, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and a certification in Art Therapy. She is a former competitive Muay Thai fighter, trainer, and judge for the World Kickboxing Association. After being raised in a family of artists, it was only natural for Naomi to pursue her artistic abilties. She began working with children over twelve years ago and fell in love with early childhood. Naomi is currently working on her own book for children and parents to learn about Art Therapy!