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
Andrea Guthrey
Director of Education
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. In January 2023, Andrea returned to Temple Ohav Shalom as the Director of the Religious School and Hebrew School, while also teaching in the Toddler Room. Andrea took on the role of Director of Education for Temple Ohav Shalom and TOSCEL in September 2024 and is thrilled to help TOSCEL continue to grow and provide amazing educational experiences for children in the North Hills.
Director of Education
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. In January 2023, Andrea returned to Temple Ohav Shalom as the Director of the Religious School and Hebrew School, while also teaching in the Toddler Room. Andrea took on the role of Director of Education for Temple Ohav Shalom and TOSCEL in September 2024 and is thrilled to help TOSCEL continue to grow and provide amazing educational experiences for children in the North Hills.
Natalia Romul
Nitzanim Teacher
I am proud to be part of TOSCEL family since the beginning of 2023. Working with young children brings me so much joy and inspiration every day. I love learning and growing with them through different experiences like reading, art and music, role play. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Linguistics. My absolute favorite thing to do with my family is visiting new places together and trying new foods!
Nitzanim Teacher
I am proud to be part of TOSCEL family since the beginning of 2023. Working with young children brings me so much joy and inspiration every day. I love learning and growing with them through different experiences like reading, art and music, role play. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Linguistics. My absolute favorite thing to do with my family is visiting new places together and trying new foods!
Lisa Strabala
Nitzanim Teacher
I am a mom to three wonderful children, all of which attended TOSCEL! I began working here in 2019, when my youngest child was a toddler. I believe it is an absolute privilege to be a part of a child's early years. Sharing joyful moments and new experiences each day warms my heart. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from the University of Nebraska. I have been a Pittsburgh resident for 14 years and enjoy hiking, gardening, listening to audiobooks, and arts and crafts.
Nitzanim Teacher
I am a mom to three wonderful children, all of which attended TOSCEL! I began working here in 2019, when my youngest child was a toddler. I believe it is an absolute privilege to be a part of a child's early years. Sharing joyful moments and new experiences each day warms my heart. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from the University of Nebraska. I have been a Pittsburgh resident for 14 years and enjoy hiking, gardening, listening to audiobooks, and arts and crafts.
Jen Marinelli
Kehilla Teacher
I joined the TOSCEL team in 2019, and have been so fortunate to enthusiastically deliver high quality, play based educational opportunities that further social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. Previously, I taught kindergarten in the public schools for 8 years. 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 dog, cooking, nature, music, and playing games with my family.
Kehilla Teacher
I joined the TOSCEL team in 2019, and have been so fortunate to enthusiastically deliver high quality, play based educational opportunities that further social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. Previously, I taught kindergarten in the public schools for 8 years. 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 dog, cooking, nature, music, and playing games with my family.
Deb Taylor
Kehilla Teacher
Co-teaching in the Kehilla Room fills my heart! It is my privilege to nurture the joy of llearning and share the importance of loving-kindness in our world! In addition to my 5 years at TOSCEL, I’ve served as a developmental specialist on early intervention teams and educator/director in programs for young children, youth and families. I am honored to have been on the team that brought the Pittsburgh JECEI model (our community-wide Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative) to Pittsburgh. I hold a BS in Individual and Family Studies specializing in Infant and Child Development and an MA in Early Childhood/Special Education and am a graduate of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. I treasure family time, including with my grandkids and my sweet dog, Sammy, and spending time as a volunteer in the NICU at CHP and on home building projects in WVA, I love music and the arts, nature and traveling.
Kehilla Teacher
Co-teaching in the Kehilla Room fills my heart! It is my privilege to nurture the joy of llearning and share the importance of loving-kindness in our world! In addition to my 5 years at TOSCEL, I’ve served as a developmental specialist on early intervention teams and educator/director in programs for young children, youth and families. I am honored to have been on the team that brought the Pittsburgh JECEI model (our community-wide Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative) to Pittsburgh. I hold a BS in Individual and Family Studies specializing in Infant and Child Development and an MA in Early Childhood/Special Education and am a graduate of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. I treasure family time, including with my grandkids and my sweet dog, Sammy, and spending time as a volunteer in the NICU at CHP and on home building projects in WVA, I love music and the arts, nature and traveling.
Heather Teklinsky
Afternoon Educator
This is my first year teaching here at TOSCEL. I have a degree in early childhood education and have worked and volunteered at multiple preschools, daycares, and after school programs. I am a mom of twin boys who are my world. I am excited for this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful program and to help our young students grow through play and learning.
Afternoon Educator
This is my first year teaching here at TOSCEL. I have a degree in early childhood education and have worked and volunteered at multiple preschools, daycares, and after school programs. I am a mom of twin boys who are my world. I am excited for this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful program and to help our young students grow through play and learning.
Jennifer Mars
Studio Educator
I’ve been teaching there for about 5 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. 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 5 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. 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.
Temple Ohav Shalom Staff
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Grant Halasz
Director of Ruach and Youth Engagement Mr. Grant leads our weekly Shabbat Song Sessions every Friday morning. He also leads music with each class once a week, singing songs and providing musical explorations to our students. Grant Halasz joined the 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. |
