Meet the Staff
Our staff is composed of educators who are carefully selected for both their professional expertise and their caring, compassionate personalities. Our teachers take great joy in fostering each child's natural curiosity by providing a stimulating environment that encourages an experiential learning process. We are proud to feature a multilingual team fluent in English, Hebrew, Portuguese, and Spanish.
All staff members are thoroughly trained in CPR and First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Safe Sleep practices, and each holds a valid Food Handler Permit. To ensure our practices align with contemporary standards, our teachers participate in annual in-service professional development to stay up to date with the latest methodologies in early childhood education. Furthermore, every staff member either holds a degree or is currently pursuing a degree in the field of early childhood education.
Administration
Nechama Farkash
Founder & Director
Education has always been my passion. I hold a degree in Psychology and have dedicated the past 25 years to the field of education. In 2011, I had the privilege of founding Gani Preschool.
I have always been drawn to children and their sense of wonder and excitement about the world around them. Over the years, I have taught elementary school, high school, and Hebrew school, and for the past fourteen years, I have served as the director of Gani Preschool.
Together with our wonderful families and children, we have built a school where each child is cherished, supported, and loved. I look forward to another beautiful year as we continue to watch our children grow, learn, and flourish.
Sabrina Zelezniak
Associate Director & Curriculum Coordinator
A native of Argentina, Sabrina lived in Israel for nearly 20 years before moving to the United States in 2016. She holds two Bachelor's degrees, in Jewish History and Human Resources, alongside an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Sabrina is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education.
Sabrina joined the Gani Preschool team in September 2019. She spent several successful years teaching in both the toddler and summer camp programs before transitioning into the role of Associate Director in 2026.
She views curriculum as an active process, where children are encouraged to learn through hands-on experiences as they observe, touch, listen, move, explore, and discover the world around them.
Classroom Educators
Beth Vandertuin
Lead Teacher
Born and raised in Montana, Beth relocated to Washington in 2010. While living in Montana, she successfully operated her own in-home childcare center.
Beth joined Gani Preschool in September 2022. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Bellevue College.
Prior to joining our team, she managed her own in-home health business providing dedicated care for the elderly. Beth chose to transition into early childhood education to follow her passion for nurturing others, and she now dedicates her expertise to supporting infants through their foundational stages of development.
Kendra Wittwer
Lead Teacher
Kendra was born and raised in Montana and moved to Washington in 2017. She joined the Gani educational team in 2018. She spent several years teaching across both our toddler and summer camp programs before being appointed Lead Teacher in 2026.
She holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Bellevue College and brings a deep sense of care, creativity, and commitment to our students.
Outside of the classroom, Kendra enjoys cooking, camping, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
"I've always loved working with kids. I'm so thankful I get to do what I love by being able to watch children learn and grow."
Luana Silva
Assistant Teacher
Luana was born and raised in Brazil and relocated to Washington in 2021. She formally joined the Gani educational team in 2024.
She has completed her Child Care Basics foundational training through the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and is currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program.
Luana is recognized for her calm, caring, and thoughtful approach to early childhood education. She brings a gentle and nurturing presence to the classroom, ensuring children feel safe, supported, and valued. Additionally, she enjoys integrating imagination, hands-on activities, and playful learning into her daily interactions with the students.
Leeba Azoulay
Lead Teacher
Leeba grew up in the Chabad of Issaquah community, and Gani Preschool has been an integral part of her life long before she stepped into her role as Lead Teacher in 2026. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a specialized focus on early childhood education, from Dunlap Stone University.
She brings extensive leadership and educational experience to the classroom, having previously served as a Hebrew teacher, program coordinator, camp counselor, and camp director. Her diverse background includes supporting children of all abilities through both individualized and group-based activities.
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Melisa Gil
Assistant Teacher
Melisa was born in Mexico and moved to Washington in 2021. She earned her Law Degree from the Mesoamerican University of Saint Augustine in Yucatán, Mexico, completing her practical training at the Federal Court of Fiscal and Administrative Justice.
Driven by a desire to educate, she made an intentional career pivot into early childhood development, discovering her true professional calling. Melisa joined the Gani educational team in 2024. She has since completed the Child Care Basics foundational training through the Department of Children, Youth and Families and is currently pursuing further credentials in an Early Childhood Education program.
Melisa enjoys nature and spending time with animals. She is deeply inspired by the spontaneity and joy that children bring to the learning environment each day.
Educational Support & Interns
Libba & Chana
Interns
Our interns Libba & Chana serve as valued members of the preschool team, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and positive energy into our classrooms. They assist lead educators with daily activities, support children during cooperative play, and help cultivate a caring, joyful environment. Their presence strengthens connections to Jewish values, culture, and community while providing them with meaningful, hands-on experience in early childhood education.
Mrs. Ketzi Toney
Child Development Consultant
Mrs. Ketzi Toney served as an educator at Herzl Ner Tamid for 16 years. Her extensive background includes teaching within the JCC's Early Childhood Education program and serving as the founding curriculum coordinator, teacher, and Early Childhood Director for the Jewish Day School.
She currently practices as an occupational therapy assistant in Arizona, where she resides with her husband, Jim. She continues to provide on-call professional services for Chabad of the Central Cascades and frequently leads teacher in-service training, classroom observations, and consulting services for both the Chabad preschool in Phoenix and Gani Preschool of the Arts.
Her ongoing professional passion is fostering holistic child development and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
Carma W.
Substitute Teacher
Morah Carma is a caring early childhood substitute teacher who has completed her professional Washington State-approved early childhood professional training through the Imagine Institute.
Since 2023, she has been supporting children's learning and development while assisting center staff as needed. Carma is committed to supporting children and teaching teams with warmth, flexibility, and professionalism.
Facilities & Operations Support
Laura Moreno
Culinary Specialist / Cook
Laura has served as our school cook since 2011, bringing exceptional warmth and care to every meal she prepares. With steadfast dedication, she designs and prepares nutritious, comforting lunches made with close attention to dietary details. Her presence in the kitchen is an invaluable component of our daily routine, and she remains deeply appreciated by students and staff alike.
Rodrigo Marcon
Groundskeeper & Facilities Coordinator
Rodrigo has managed our facilities since 2023, taking great pride in maintaining both our indoor and outdoor learning spaces. With consistent dedication and a strict attention to detail, he ensures our environment remains exceptionally clean, safe, and welcoming for families. Rodrigo is an essential and highly valued asset to our operational team.
Curtis Darren
Security Guard
Curtis helps us create a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for our students, families, and staff. He oversees and coordinates our emergency drills, helping our team and students stay prepared while supporting a strong culture of safety throughout our school.
Curtis's professionalism, reliability, and dedication make him an invaluable member of our school community. He is deeply appreciated by our students, families, and staff alike.
