Group: Faculty & Staff

• inspiring teachers to grow to be the best teachers they can be by creating a space where teachers feel like their ideas are heard and feel comfortable and excited to work collaboratively on any given task and/or project
• connecting with children and their families on an intimate level for trust to be established
• developing curriculum as a whole staff that is progressive, integrated, and project-based
• facilitating a learning space where children can thrive which helps nurture and embrace their love for learning

Meet Shayna Fel!

Shayna is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fifth year as Director of Admissions and Community Engagement. Shayna is a graduate of JCDSRI (formerly the Alperin Schechter Day School) and has loved getting reacquainted with the school and community that gave her a strong and meaningful foundation. She is also the proud parent of a first grader and kindergartner and has a future JCDSRI student at home who cannot wait to join the fun. Shayna holds a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Boston University and an M.S.W. from Hunter College. She is an independently licensed clinical social worker. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Shayna spent 15 years working with children, teens, and young adults with diverse learning needs in schools, camps and community organizations. Most recently, she worked on the admission team at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. Every year, Shayna looks forward to watching as students and families make JCDSRI their home for learning, exploring and experiencing joy. 

In her free time, Shayna loves to read a great novel, go to the beach and have dance parties in the rain with her kids.

Meet Meredith Friedman!

Meet Tal Ginzburg!

Morah Tal is excited to join JCDSRI for her second year, serving as our kindergarten Judaic Studies and Hebrew teacher, as well as our fifth grade Hebrew teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and a teaching certificate in Special Education from Beit Berl College in Israel. In Israel, during her internship, Morah Tal was a teacher for children with ADHD and learning disabilities. After that, she served as a lead teacher for second and third grades. Upon moving to the US, Morah Tal worked as a lead teacher at the Early Childhood Center at the JCC, working with children ages infants to 3-years-old. Morah Tal is very excited to meet all of the children and teachers here at JCDSRI and watch as her students grow, develop and learn new skills and concepts.

In her spare time, Morah Tal enjoys baking and cake designing!

Meet Patricia Goldman!

Mrs. Goldman is honored to be returning to JCDSRI this year for her second years as the second and third grade General Studies teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College. Mrs. Goldman also studied Waldorf Education at Antioch University and Sunbridge College. Before joining JCDSRI, she worked at a Waldorf school where she followed her students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Mrs. Goldman looks forward to getting to know the children and the community and to working in partnership with parents and colleagues.

Meet Hillary Guttin!

Hillary is excited to return to JCDSRI for her ninth year. She is the 3rd and 4th grade Judaic Studies teacher as well as the T’fillah (prayer) coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics from Brandeis University. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Hillary taught at camps and Hebrew schools. Additionally, Hillary was a development associate at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island for three years. Every year Hillary looks forward to observing as her students grow and change throughout the year. She also looks forward to finding out what she will learn from each and every student.

In her free time, Hillary is a musician and she is a skilled beatbox-er! She participated in collegiate a capella and honed her beatboxing skills there.

Meet Rebecca (Becca) Hirschmann!

Becca is excited to join JCDSRI for her third year as the Head Ilanot (4-year-old) teacher! She holds a  Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Literacy. Prior to teaching at JCDSRI, Becca taught in classrooms for children ages 6 weeks – 3 years old.

In her spare time, Becca enjoys singing! She is really looking forward to making strong, long-lasting connections with the JCDSRI community, the children, and their families.

Meet Rina Holtzman!

Rina is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fifth year as a Hebrew teacher though she has been part of the broader JCDSRI community for many years. She holds a B.A. in Hebrew and Judaica from Bar-Ilan University and Hebrew University in Israel. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Rina taught Hebrew, Bible studies, Siddur (prayer skills) and weekly Torah stories at Providence Hebrew Day School, Striar Academy, and Temple Emanu-El in Providence. Every year, Rina looks forward to getting to know her students and speaking conversational Hebrew with them. Rina really loves getting to connect with the neshama (soul) of each child as she teaches and learns from them.

In her free time, Rina loves baking, singing t’filot (prayers) and Israeli songs, and needlepoint.

Meet Ruth Horton!

Ruth began working as a consultant in our classrooms back in 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Special Education, as well as a Graduate Degree in Early Childhood Special Education; she also has certification in Basic Sign Language. Ruth’s last position was as an Early Childhood Educator in the Smithfield, RI school district. Prior to that she worked as a Special Education Educator with the Northern RI Collaborative. Ruth  is really looking forward to working with teachers to assist them in developing their authentic teaching styles.

Outside of school, Ms. Horton’s main interest is to be a student of the Natural World.