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 graduated from Harvard Law school and is an attorney for Disability Rights Advocates. She currently lives in Berkeley, California with her partner Natacha. She also taught 3rd grade at Church Rock Academy on a Navajo Reservation in New Mexico as part of Teach for America. She was a member of the U25 US women’s wheelchair basketball team and the U.S. team that played in the Maccabiah Games in 2013. She played for the University of Alabama college team in Tuscaloosa. Michelle graduated from the College of New Jersey in May 2015 with a degree in early childhood education . She lives in Hoboken and is a 3rd grade teacher at the Littlebrook elementary school in Princeton. She also volunteered in Israel for a year as part of a program run by the Reform Movement that focuses on pluralism, coexistence, social justice, Jewish learning and Hebrew/Arabic study. She worked 8 summers at JCC Camp Deeny Riback.
Rachelle loves to use the knowledge she has gained from her rich educational background to nurture and mentor the parents, students and faculty at Kaplan.
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 graduated from Harvard Law school and is an attorney for Disability Rights Advocates. She currently lives in Berkeley, California with her partner Natacha. She also taught 3rd grade at Church Rock Academy on a Navajo Reservation in New Mexico as part of Teach for America. She was a member of the U25 US women’s wheelchair basketball team and the U.S. team that played in the Maccabiah Games in 2013. She played for the University of Alabama college team in Tuscaloosa. Michelle graduated from the College of New Jersey in May 2015 with a degree in early childhood education . She lives in Hoboken and is a 3rd grade teacher at the Littlebrook elementary school in Princeton. She also volunteered in Israel for a year as part of a program run by the Reform Movement that focuses on pluralism, coexistence, social justice, Jewish learning and Hebrew/Arabic study. She worked 8 summers at JCC Camp Deeny Riback.
Rachelle loves to use the knowledge she has gained from her rich educational background to nurture and mentor the parents, students and faculty at Kaplan.
Marcy Goldman
Assistant Director
Young Jewish Family Programs Coordinator
Marcy is on maternity leave until February 1, 2021
Welcome Ava Blake Goldman to the Kaplan family
Marcy is on maternity leave until February 1, 2021
Welcome Ava Blake Goldman to the Kaplan family
©Kenneth Chen
Marcy was born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She earned her B.S. in Human Development at Binghamton University and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Hunter College. Marcy has taught children ages 2.5 - 5 since 2006 at other synagogue preschools in Manhattan and spent a year teaching Kindergarten at an international school in Tokyo, Japan. She has been working at Kaplan in different capacities since 2014 including as the head teacher of an older 3s class and 2.5s class. She is also the program coordinator for families with children 5 and younger. Marcy moved to Hoboken with her husband in October 2013 and they have since welcomed two sons and a daughter - Grey, Joey and Ava.
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 in 2009, and started working at Kaplan that same year. In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family.
karen lipkind
Financial Manager
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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 Jersey City with her husband Andrew. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.
Allyson lives in Jersey City with her husband Andrew. 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. Megan loves spending time with her family and friends and enjoying life in Hoboken.
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.
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.
SUSAN CHANIN
Art Teacher
©Susan Chanin
Susan Chanin is an art educator and teacher who has been with the Kaplan Cooperative Preschool in many capacities since 2005. She has collaborated with the teachers and administration for the "Art with Susan” Curriculum, Shabbat programs, Gan Katan Program in Hoboken and Jersey City, as well as Shalom Chaverim . Susan earned her BFA from Carnegie-Mellon University and has worked extensively as a photo director and creative consultant in NYC during her career. She is the proud mother of two Kaplan Cooperative graduates who are now attending university. Susan and her husband Joe have lived in downtown Jersey City for over 20 years and they love being part of the Kaplan and UHS Community.
Nora Martínez Debenedetto
Assistant Teacher
©Kenneth Chen
Nora was born and raised in Hoboken and is thrilled to be back at USH after many years - she used to babysit at the synagogue on Saturday mornings when she was in high school! After receiving an undergraduate degree in theater from Syracuse University and dabbling in various fields, Nora finally settled in a career in Early Childhood Education and received her graduate degree in Education from New Jersey City University; she started working at Kaplan in 2008. Nora lives in Hoboken with her husband and their son, Otis.
Nyeema Ellison
Assistant 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.
wendy katz
Assistant Teacher
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Wendy is originally from Huntington, Long Island. She earned a B.S. in Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology . Before joining Kaplan in September 2020, she worked as an assistant teacher at a head start program in New York. She lives in NYC with her husband and has two children, Sophia and Michael, who are both attending university. Wendy enjoys pottery, yoga, traveling and spending time with family and friends
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. She happily works alongside Ana, continuing to serve Prek children.
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 enjoys playing basketball and spending time with friends.
Jesse enjoys playing basketball and spending time with friends.
MAYA PACHECO-BERGER
Assistant Teacher
©Ana Sancho Rumeu
Maya was born in NYC and has lived in Hoboken all her life, she attended the first Kaplan class as a young child and is now majoring in film major from Brooklyn College.
Maya enjoys doing the NY Time crossword puzzle every day, trying out new restaurants and going to the movies with friends.
Maya enjoys doing the NY Time crossword puzzle every day, trying out new restaurants and going to the movies with friends.
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.
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.
Ali Silver
Head Teacher
©Ana Sancho Rumeu
Ali has been a member of USH since she was two years old and began her work with Kaplan as a summer camp counselor. After graduating from Pace University in 2013, she worked in television news before making her way back to Kaplan. In her spare time Ali enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
reyna steinberg
Teacher
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Reyna Steinberg has been part of the USH community since 2008, when she started teaching in the Learning Center while attending Montclair State. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and started teaching in a HeadStart program with the Newark Public Schools. During that time she also was certified as Yoga Teacher at Real Hot Yoga in Hoboken and started teaching yoga to adults and children. She is so excited to be teaching in the Dubim with Felice.
gladys vega-dunn
Assistant 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.
MELISSA WILE
Head Teacher
Melissa is a NJ native, she moved to Hoboken in 2020 and is enjoying exploring the town. 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 couple of years, and loved it so much that she decided to become a teacher and went back to school to get a Masters in Education. She joined Kaplan in 2020 and is so happy to be part of the USH community.
Melissa is engaged to be married and enjoys concerts and traveling with her fiancée.
Melissa taught Hebrew School for a couple of years, and loved it so much that she decided to become a teacher and went back to school to get a Masters in Education. She joined Kaplan in 2020 and is so happy to be part of the USH community.
Melissa is engaged to be married and enjoys concerts and traveling with her fiancée.