OUR STAFF

Rivka has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. Opened City Gan in 2014. Rivka, together with her husband, Rabbi Zev have established the JCC - Chabad of LIC on 2007. together with their 6 children, they have been offering all sorts of programs, such as holiday and Shabbat services, children's programs, adult education, counseling etc. to service the local Jewish community. Rivka's first love is preschool. She enjoys watching and being involved in the children's growth on a day-to-day basis, interacting with the parents, and providing a wholesome education infused with Jewish values. "There's no better way to start my day than seeing the smiles on the children's faces each morning!"

Kelly has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in operations and schools for the past 25 years. She has 4 children and lives in Merrick Long Island. The best part of her days at City Gan is the time she gets to spend in the classrooms, talking and learning alongside the kids! She loves to engage with the teachers as they aspire to grow and become even better early childhood educators. "It is wonderful to be in a school where all the teachers enjoy being with the children and share fun stories with and about the kids and their days with them." The second best part of her job is being able to build the Chabad and Preschool alongside Rabbi Zev & Rivka.

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, especially a child, goes far beyond knowledge. Together, we inspire, support, mentor and get the chance to do all that is fascinating.

​

​

​

Better known as "Espe". I was born and raised in Colombia where I studied to be a dental technician and oral hygienist. During my time working in pediatric dentistry, I was able to really enjoy seeing children smile and living with them! 5 years ago my husband and I moved to NY where I met Rivka and Zev along with their beautiful family. That's how I started working at City Gan. I have been a teacher at City Gan since 2022. "It has been a fun and enriching journey to work with children and I love witnessing their growth and learning that occurs with them every day!"

She earned her MA in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. She has more than 14 years of teaching preschoolers. She was a head teacher at Lighthouse Preschool and Trinity Preschool before becoming a SAHM. She is excited to join Chabad City Gan as a preschool teacher in the Roses room. During her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, and spending time with her husband and three children.

​

​

​

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 duel degree in Early Child Education and Jewish Studies. A few semesters in my love for Judaism bought me to Israel for 2.5 years. When I returned to the US I entered the cooperates world focusing on Adult Jewish Education for the next 10 years.

But my passion for Judaism was still working with children and 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 you in the fall.​​​​​​​​​​​​

I was born in Queens, New York and I am currently attending college. i started working with children by doing internships at my old school during the summers, which is how I came to be at City Gan! It has been a wonderful experience thus far, and I really enjoy helping out both the teachers and the students to the best of my ability. I am happy that I get to be a part of the children's learning experience and I hope to bring them absolute joy!

I am from Brooklyn and have been a preschool teacher for two years. I have also been working with children every summer since I was 14 and have absolutely loved it! I'm so looking forward to getting to know my new students and having an amazing year together!

​

​

​

​​​

​My name is Jessica. I'm originally from Colombia and moved to the United States six years ago. I've always enjoyed working with children—something that began naturally while spending time with my two younger siblings as they grew up. I have over two years of experience working with kids and truly love being part of their learning and growth. Since I joined the City Gan team I’ve been excited to support and connect with all our amazing little stars!

​I love working with children! My philosophy of education in early childhood is knowing that every student is unique and learns at their own pace with the guidance, nurture and understanding of the teacher. I’m thankful to City Gan for giving me the opportunity to be part of this amazing community.

​