Our COMMITMENT
As educators of young children, we recognize that we share an enormous responsibility for the safety, education, development, and happiness of every child in our care. In addition to our wide variety of formal education and years of child care experience, since 2012 we have all worked closely with consultants in the fields of Reggio Emilia inspired education and Jewish education to develop a truly excellent early childhood program.
Study groups, national conferences, and visits to outstanding Reggio Emilia programs have inspired us to bring the best of early childhood practices into our program. And, honestly, we just love working with your children! Check out our staff bios to learn more about us!
Study groups, national conferences, and visits to outstanding Reggio Emilia programs have inspired us to bring the best of early childhood practices into our program. And, honestly, we just love working with your children! Check out our staff bios to learn more about us!
Our Educators
Natalia Romul
Classroom Support
This is my second year teaching at TOSCEL! I started in the Toddler Classroom and am excited to continue my relationship with TOSCEL as classroom support!
Classroom Support
This is my second year teaching at TOSCEL! I started in the Toddler Classroom and am excited to continue my relationship with TOSCEL as classroom support!
Sara Devos
Toddler Educator
I have been teaching at Temple Ohav Shalom Center for Early Learning since 2005, this will be my sixteenth year! My degree is in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. I have been working in this field for twenty-one years. I currently teach the older toddlers class at our center. Additionally, I have facilitated “grown-up and me” programs, taught kindergarten enrichment classes, and subbed as an elementary school paraprofessional. I have more than ten years of training and experience offering behavior and social skills support to children with autism. This will be my sixth year teaching Sunday School as part of the religious school at Temple Ohav Shalom, where we are members. I enjoy staying busy with all of my meaningful work but actually do find time for my family and friends as well as for exercising, reading, and as a vegetarian, cooking plant-based meals! We have one adult daughter living on the West Coast. My husband and I live in Hampton Township where we have been residents for more than thirty years.
Toddler Educator
I have been teaching at Temple Ohav Shalom Center for Early Learning since 2005, this will be my sixteenth year! My degree is in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. I have been working in this field for twenty-one years. I currently teach the older toddlers class at our center. Additionally, I have facilitated “grown-up and me” programs, taught kindergarten enrichment classes, and subbed as an elementary school paraprofessional. I have more than ten years of training and experience offering behavior and social skills support to children with autism. This will be my sixth year teaching Sunday School as part of the religious school at Temple Ohav Shalom, where we are members. I enjoy staying busy with all of my meaningful work but actually do find time for my family and friends as well as for exercising, reading, and as a vegetarian, cooking plant-based meals! We have one adult daughter living on the West Coast. My husband and I live in Hampton Township where we have been residents for more than thirty years.
Andrea Guthrey
Toddler Educator
Andrea Guthrey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Ohio University for her Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Andrea came to Pittsburgh in 2012, attending Duquesne University for her Master’s in Music. During her graduate studies, Andrea began singing at Rodef Shalom Congregation as a cantorial soloist 1-2 times a month. In 2014, Andrea started her journey at TOS as Cantorial Soloist, Music Director, and Youth Director, eventually adding on the roles of Assistant Religious School Director and Co-Director of the Religious School with Susan Loether.
Leaving TOS in 2018, Andrea began to work full-time as a preschool teacher (ages 2-3). On the weekends, Andrea taught religious school for Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, working with grades 1-5. Andrea also currently serves as a soloist for Temple David in Monroeville and for Temple B’nai Israel in White Oak.
Toddler Educator
Andrea Guthrey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Ohio University for her Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Andrea came to Pittsburgh in 2012, attending Duquesne University for her Master’s in Music. During her graduate studies, Andrea began singing at Rodef Shalom Congregation as a cantorial soloist 1-2 times a month. In 2014, Andrea started her journey at TOS as Cantorial Soloist, Music Director, and Youth Director, eventually adding on the roles of Assistant Religious School Director and Co-Director of the Religious School with Susan Loether.
Leaving TOS in 2018, Andrea began to work full-time as a preschool teacher (ages 2-3). On the weekends, Andrea taught religious school for Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, working with grades 1-5. Andrea also currently serves as a soloist for Temple David in Monroeville and for Temple B’nai Israel in White Oak.
Veronica Rodriguez Ruiz
Toddler Educator
2023-24 is my first year at TOSCEL and I couldn’t be more excited! I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an English degree and an interest in pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been a babysitter for 7 years and, while in school, I spent my summers volunteering at an adoption center in my hometown of Bogota, Colombia.
I’m excited to work with and learn from all the kids in the toddler class, I'm sure we’ll have a blast.
Toddler Educator
2023-24 is my first year at TOSCEL and I couldn’t be more excited! I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an English degree and an interest in pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been a babysitter for 7 years and, while in school, I spent my summers volunteering at an adoption center in my hometown of Bogota, Colombia.
I’m excited to work with and learn from all the kids in the toddler class, I'm sure we’ll have a blast.
Jen Marinelli
Preschool 1 Educator
I moved here from Maryland, where I taught kindergarten for 8 years before having children of my own. My husband and I have identical triplet girls who bring constant joy to our lives. Two well-loved dogs, Finneas, an Australian Shepherd mix and Sonny, an English Setter also live at the Marinelli house. I proudly hold a master’s degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University, specializing in both Early Childhood Development and Middle School Science. I enjoy hiking with my two dogs, cooking, nature, music, and playing games with my family.
Preschool 1 Educator
I moved here from Maryland, where I taught kindergarten for 8 years before having children of my own. My husband and I have identical triplet girls who bring constant joy to our lives. Two well-loved dogs, Finneas, an Australian Shepherd mix and Sonny, an English Setter also live at the Marinelli house. I proudly hold a master’s degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University, specializing in both Early Childhood Development and Middle School Science. I enjoy hiking with my two dogs, cooking, nature, music, and playing games with my family.
Deb Taylor
Preschool 1 Educator
I'm passionate about early childhood education and family engagement and I've been in the field as a developmental specialist in early intervention, a preschool educator, consultant and program director for over 25 years. During the past 10 years, I've has applied my passion by collaborating on the team that brought the Pittsburgh JECEI model (our community-wide Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative) to Pittsburgh. The idea of melding the capable image of each child, building upon children’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity, and partnering with children to be co-constructors of their learning while fostering a sense of loving-kindness brings a sense of joy and amazement every day! My educational background includes a BS in Individual and Family Studies specializing in Infant and Child Development and MA in Early Childhood/Special Education. I am also a graduate of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning and enjoy continuing professional development and adult learning opportunities. My husband and I treasure family time with our 2 grown children and their families. I'm also devoted to my 2 rescued golden retrievers. I'm passionate about volunteering, and spend my time as a NICU (baby cuddler) volunteer at CHP, a camp counselor for grieving girls, working with my husband to build homes, and being active in leadership roles at Temple Ohav Shalom. I loves singing and music, being outdoors and traveling. Being with young children and families and co-teaching in the Preschool 1 fills my heart!
Preschool 1 Educator
I'm passionate about early childhood education and family engagement and I've been in the field as a developmental specialist in early intervention, a preschool educator, consultant and program director for over 25 years. During the past 10 years, I've has applied my passion by collaborating on the team that brought the Pittsburgh JECEI model (our community-wide Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative) to Pittsburgh. The idea of melding the capable image of each child, building upon children’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity, and partnering with children to be co-constructors of their learning while fostering a sense of loving-kindness brings a sense of joy and amazement every day! My educational background includes a BS in Individual and Family Studies specializing in Infant and Child Development and MA in Early Childhood/Special Education. I am also a graduate of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning and enjoy continuing professional development and adult learning opportunities. My husband and I treasure family time with our 2 grown children and their families. I'm also devoted to my 2 rescued golden retrievers. I'm passionate about volunteering, and spend my time as a NICU (baby cuddler) volunteer at CHP, a camp counselor for grieving girls, working with my husband to build homes, and being active in leadership roles at Temple Ohav Shalom. I loves singing and music, being outdoors and traveling. Being with young children and families and co-teaching in the Preschool 1 fills my heart!
Jill Roskin
Preschool 2 Educator
I have been teaching at TOSCEL for 10 years. I love to teach because I love to see a child make connections and learn something new. In general, I’ve been teaching for 13 years and although my degree is in Communications, I originally started in Early Childhood Education. I absolutely love my family and spent as much time as possible at my sons’ schools volunteering and being an active part of their educational experience. I am also a Temple Member and am involved in various committees within our community! The most recent project that I was a part of was Mitzvah Day; it was wonderful to see our community come together and work on all of these incredible projects!
Preschool 2 Educator
I have been teaching at TOSCEL for 10 years. I love to teach because I love to see a child make connections and learn something new. In general, I’ve been teaching for 13 years and although my degree is in Communications, I originally started in Early Childhood Education. I absolutely love my family and spent as much time as possible at my sons’ schools volunteering and being an active part of their educational experience. I am also a Temple Member and am involved in various committees within our community! The most recent project that I was a part of was Mitzvah Day; it was wonderful to see our community come together and work on all of these incredible projects!
Bonnie Valinsky
Preschool 2 Educator
I have been teaching at TOSCEL for 16 years! I started teaching a kindergarten enrichment program when my grandson was in the threes class. I love to teach because it brings so much joy and laughter to every single day. I have taught for a very long time in multiple settings including in religious institutions. I have worn many hats including being a former Director of Early Learning here at TOSCEL! I absolutely love gardening and the outdoors and spend as much time outside as possible.
Preschool 2 Educator
I have been teaching at TOSCEL for 16 years! I started teaching a kindergarten enrichment program when my grandson was in the threes class. I love to teach because it brings so much joy and laughter to every single day. I have taught for a very long time in multiple settings including in religious institutions. I have worn many hats including being a former Director of Early Learning here at TOSCEL! I absolutely love gardening and the outdoors and spend as much time outside as possible.
Jennifer Mars
Studio Educator
I’ve been teaching there for about 3 years. I love having the opportunity to inspire the children to take risks and to get messy in the art studio. It is wonderful to see their creative juices flow right out of them! I believe that children learn best when they are empowered as active agents in their own learning. I have always had a passion for teaching. Prior to working there, I obtained my Master’s degree in elementary education at Duquesne University. Upon the completion of graduate school, I taught first grade for 8 years. I took a break from teaching when I had my son, Ezra who is now 7 years old. My husband, son, and dog, Applesauce love to go on family hikes and have picnics together. My happy place is being by any body of water. It provides me with such peace. I am so lucky to work with such wonderful children, families, and co-workers.
Studio Educator
I’ve been teaching there for about 3 years. I love having the opportunity to inspire the children to take risks and to get messy in the art studio. It is wonderful to see their creative juices flow right out of them! I believe that children learn best when they are empowered as active agents in their own learning. I have always had a passion for teaching. Prior to working there, I obtained my Master’s degree in elementary education at Duquesne University. Upon the completion of graduate school, I taught first grade for 8 years. I took a break from teaching when I had my son, Ezra who is now 7 years old. My husband, son, and dog, Applesauce love to go on family hikes and have picnics together. My happy place is being by any body of water. It provides me with such peace. I am so lucky to work with such wonderful children, families, and co-workers.
Amy Jacobs
Director of Early Learning
I love working with children and families and have dedicated more than eight years to working with families in various capacities through my therapy practice, social work, advocacy, and now as the Director of Early Learning at TOSCEL. I have worked in various fields of therapy, from working with schools, community centers, and domestic violence shelters, to private contracting for families. I have spent time out of the country working with immigrants and refugees while obtaining my Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and continued my advocacy work after finishing my degree program. After moving to the Pittsburgh North Hills in 2019, my husband and I quickly found TOSCEL when searching for a preschool for our children (who both currently attend) and fell in love with the community. After volunteering with Shalom Tots, the TOSCEL Leadership Committee, and the Backyard Committee, I was honored to be approached in December and offered the position of Director of Early Learning. Outside of my work with TOSCEL, I continue to advocate for mental health by working with Tony Award-winning composer Jeff Marx on several projects promoting mental health awareness. I have also spoken at several therapy-related seminars and trainings at major institutions such as Loyola University Chicago, Children's Research Triangle, and Lydia Home Association.
Director of Early Learning
I love working with children and families and have dedicated more than eight years to working with families in various capacities through my therapy practice, social work, advocacy, and now as the Director of Early Learning at TOSCEL. I have worked in various fields of therapy, from working with schools, community centers, and domestic violence shelters, to private contracting for families. I have spent time out of the country working with immigrants and refugees while obtaining my Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and continued my advocacy work after finishing my degree program. After moving to the Pittsburgh North Hills in 2019, my husband and I quickly found TOSCEL when searching for a preschool for our children (who both currently attend) and fell in love with the community. After volunteering with Shalom Tots, the TOSCEL Leadership Committee, and the Backyard Committee, I was honored to be approached in December and offered the position of Director of Early Learning. Outside of my work with TOSCEL, I continue to advocate for mental health by working with Tony Award-winning composer Jeff Marx on several projects promoting mental health awareness. I have also spoken at several therapy-related seminars and trainings at major institutions such as Loyola University Chicago, Children's Research Triangle, and Lydia Home Association.
Temple Ohav Shalom Staff
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Grant Halasz
Director of Ruach and Youth Engagement Grant Halasz joined our Temple Ohav Shalom community as the Director of Ruach and Youth Engagement as of August 2021. He was born and raised in Dayton OH, being heavily involved in the Jewish community since a child. He attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Judaic Studies and a Marketing Minor. With his depth of knowledge on the history of the Jewish people, his experience working at different Jewish Summer Camps, his training as a Song Leader, and his involvement in many other Jewish organizations, he brings a unique dynamic to youth programming and service leading. |