Our Teachers
Our staff is made up of teachers, all of whom are chosen for their professionalism as well as their caring and compassionate personalities. Our teachers delight in unlocking your child's natural curiosity through providing the stimulation necessary for an experiential learning process. We have multilingual staff who are fluent in English, Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish.
All staff participate in annual in-service training in order to remain abreast with the latest trends in early childhood education. All our staff has a degree, or are working towards a degree, in the field of early childhood education.
Nechama Farkash
Preschool Director
Education has always been my passion. I have a degree in Psychology, have been involved in education for 25 years, and am privileged to have founded Gani Preschool in the fall of 2011. I've always been drawn to children and their wonder and excitement for the world around them. I spent many years teaching elementary, High School, and Hebrew School, and for the past fourteen years have directed Gani Preschool.
Together with the wonderful families and children, we have created a school where each child is cherished and loved. I look forward to another wonderful year together as we watch our children grow and flourish.
Sheina Matusof
Lead Teacher
Born and raised on Shlichut in England, Sheina has extensive experience educating a diverse population of children. This includes working with special-needs children at Menorah school in Leeds, UK and at Friendship Circle in Jerusalem. While pursuing her education, Sheina served as a mother figure at an orphanage in Ukraine for three years, and most recently taught and directed programs at Mazel Day School in NY.
Sheina's hobbies include music and singing, baking, creating, and implementing programs.
"I have a passion for engaging with children, special-needs individuals, and kids at risk. I'm creative, energetic, and responsible."
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Melisa Gil
Teacher
Hi, my name is Melisa! I am 35 years old and the mother of Rodrigo, who just graduated from Gani Preschool of the Arts. I like dogs and being in nature. I also love working with children — their spontaneity is so fun! I am excited to be able to work with your children and learn together this year.
Morah Sabrina Zelezniak
Lead Teacher
Sabrina joined Gani Preschool in September 2019. A native of Argentina, she has lived almost 20 years in Israel, and in the United States since 2016. She holds two B.A. degrees in Jewish History and Human Resources, along with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education.
Over the years, she has worked with children with intellectual disabilities, children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, bilingual preschoolers and families, and in secular, modern Orthodox, and Israeli-based preschool programs.
"My teaching is inspired by Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach. I believe in curriculum as a process, where children should be encouraged to learn through experiences as they observe, touch, listen, move, and explore."
Morah Kendra
Teacher
Morah Kendra was born and raised in Montana and moved to WA in 2017. She joined the Gani educational team in 2018 and has been working in the toddler room ever since. Kendra holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Bellevue College. She brings to our school her deep love, care, creativity, and commitment toward our children. Kendra loves to cook, go camping, read, and especially hang out 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."
Beth Vandertuin
Lead Teacher
I was born in a small town in Montana and moved to WA in 2010. In Montana, I operated my own in-home daycare before I went to college.
I am a mom to three children, ages 16, 17, and 18. I have a degree in respiratory therapy. For the last few years, I have run my own business in home health, caring for the elderly. I am looking forward to being Lead Teacher in the Infant class — Prachim.
Mrs. Ketzi Toney
Child Development Consultant
Mrs. Ketzi Toney served as a teacher at Herzl Ner Tamid for 16 years. She taught at the JCC's ECE program, and was the founding curriculum coordinator, teacher, and Early Childhood Director for the Jewish Day School. Ketzi currently works as an occupational therapy assistant in Arizona, where she lives with her husband, Jim.
She continues to be on call for Chabad of the Central Cascades, and frequently provides teacher in-services, classroom observations, and consultant services for the Chabad preschool in Phoenix as well as at Gani Preschool of the Arts. Her passion is fostering development and a love of learning.
