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Our Staff

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Rivka Wineberg
Director​

Born in Brooklyn, second in a close-knit family of ten, Rivka is a natural teacher & nurturer to children. After spending much of her youth as a day camp counselor & Tot Shabbat Morah, she went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the exclusive Machon Shoshanat in Jerusalem, Israel. She was offered a teaching position in the Early Childhood Education Center of Lexington, Ma. And then Yeshivah Rambam, Brooklyn NY, teaching for six years. Now, a mother to Six delightful children, and director/teacher in her own Hebrew School since 2006, Rivka has gathered a great deal of experience and knowledge in early childhood development.

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Rochel Roth
Educational Director
Pre-
K Teacher

Born in Denver, Colorado Rochel had a love for children from a young age. She spent many years being a junior counselor and then day camp counselor. She ran youth groups on Saturday morning and ran a variety of children's programming for all ages. Rochel first began teaching in Denver where she taught in an early childhood center before moving to New York. She has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a New York City teaching Certification. She has been on our team since 2015, and has gained a great amount of experience with young children, interactive curriculum and early childhood knowledge. 

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Tenzin Dhadon
toddler teacher

My name is Tenzin Dhadon. I am Tibetan, and was raised  in India. I am very excited to meet and form relationships with my students and the staff. I love teaching because I truly enjoy being around children and interacting with them. It's incredible how  not only do the children learn in the classroom setting, but how much I learn from them!  A thought of just making a difference in someone’s life, espeically a child, goes far beyond knowledge. Together, we inspire, support, mentor and get the chance to do all that is fascinating.

MEET OUR LOVING TEACHERS

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Esperanza Garzon
toddler teacher

My name is Esperanza Garzon and I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. When I was young, I had always enjoyed working with children in family welfare nurseries, and was a PA in a pediatric dentist office and really enjoyed dealing with the children there. Since I moved to New York I have been working primarily with children because it brings me great joy!  I characterize myself for being a loving, responsible, and very happy person. It is an honor for me to be part of the life of each child and learn every day from them and, of course, to be part of the team of teachers of the City Gan!

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Naomi Robin
 3k teacher

My name is Naomi Robin. I live right across the river, on Roosevelt Island, with my cat Oliver! I began babysitting when I was 12 and ultimately decided to go into teaching!
I landed at the University of Hartford pursuing a dual degree in Early Child Education and Jewish Studies. A few semesters in, my love for Judaism brought me to Israel for 2.5 years. When I returned to the US I entered the corporate world focusing on Adult Jewish Education for the next 10 years.
But my passion was still working with children, so in 2020 I went back into the classroom first as an assistant and then as a lead teacher. I’m very excited to be joining the City Gan family and look forward to meeting all of the wonderful children at the school! 

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Lizbeth Ortega-Cruz
AfterSchool teacher

My name is Lizbeth Ortega-Cruz. I am currently  attending John Jay College. I'm proud to say that I am very diligent when it comes to most things. I really enjoy teaching in a preschool setting because it’s so rewarding to see how the children develop and how they use their curious minds. I love to be a part of the beginning of the children's journey in a school setting.

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Ale Nieto
toddler teacher

 

Hello! My name is Ale Nieto, and I'm originally from Mexico. When I was in high school I started babysitting and that is when I discovered my love for children! Even though I studied Finance and Accounting I have always liked spending time with children and learning with and from them. In 2021 I got married and my husband and I moved to Boston, Massachusetts so that my husband could do his MBA and that was when I started to fully work with children, first as a preschool teacher assistant and then as a lead preschool teacher. For me, working with children is more than just a job, it is a way to have a joyful life filled with love and happiness!  I believe there is so much to learn from each little friend, and I am very excited to be a part of the City Gan Family!

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Rachel Naspud
AfterSchool teacher

Hello! My name is Rachel Naspud, I was born and raised in Corona, Queens.I grew up helping my parents with my siblings from an early age which really trained me in having a lot of love and patience for children. I am proud to say that my Mom has been a great influence in this department which is why I chose the profession of education:) I really enjoy the working and loving environment at City Gan Preschool and I am proud to be a staff of the City Gan family!

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Michelle Naspud
TODDLER & Afterschool Teacher

My name is Michelle Naspud. I was born and raised in New York City and am currently pursuing my studies at John Jay College. Being surrounded by kids from a young age and watching them flourish into wonderful human beings was something very special to me. I consider myself someone patient, enthusiastic and compassionate. I am very excited to be a part of your child’s learning experience.

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Brianna Beltran
 Afterschool teacher

Hello! My name is Brianna Beltran. I have graduated with my associates in the Arts and am currently a student working to get my associates in Registered Medical Assisting. I have a passion for helping and caring for others around me, which is why I love working with the children at City Gan. My goal with the children is to witness their growth,expand their creativity, and to provide a positive impact.

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