Meet Our Team
Stacy Kesner
Early Childhood Center Director
Education / Credentials
– M.A. Early Childhood Education, California State University Northridge
– B.A. Child Development, Mental Health Specialist Option, California State University Northridge
– Judaic Administrative Credential for Early Childhood, Bureau of Jewish Education
– Judaic Teaching Credential for Early Childhood, Bureau of Jewish Education
– Child Development Outstanding Alumni Award, California State University Northridge Alumni Association
– Aishet Chayil Woman of Valor Award, Temple Emanuel
– Bureau of Jewish Education Certificate of Recognition of dedication to Jewish Early Childhood Education
– Out of the Box Honoree, recognized for innovative and creative teaching methods by educators in the Jewish community, Builders of Jewish Education
– Publication : A Handbook on Toy Selections for Children
– Member of a research team for the book: The Parenting Challenge
– “Moral Development in Early Childhood” presenter at the BJE Spring and Summer Institute for a decade
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
Play is the heart of how children discover themselves and the world around them. I view play as the real work of childhood, where meaningful learning unfolds through activities driven by the child’s curiosity. When children are provided with an environment designed to spark their natural curiosity, it in turn ignites their imagination and fosters learning, developing essential skills for growth.
Through play, children build language, literacy, and social skills. They learn to communicate, make friends, and navigate social norms. Play encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, cooperation, and creativity, while also developing motor skills. Most importantly, it boosts confidence, laying a strong foundation for future learning and success.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
I was deeply inspired to become an early childhood educator because I am passionate about supporting young children as they reach important milestones and experience the world with wide-eyed wonder. There’s nothing more fulfilling than guiding them through hands-on experiences that spark their curiosity and ignite their love for learning.
What I love most about being part of the Temple Emanuel community
What I absolutely love about being part of our Temple Emanuel community is the incredible sense of connection and warmth that fills our synagogue ! It’s a place where people truly care for each other, and the values of kindness, respect, and tradition create such a powerful feeling of belonging.
The way this community comes together celebrating life’s joys, supporting one another through tough times, and fostering spiritual growth is simply amazing. I am inspired by the generosity of the people here and their shared passion for making the world a better place for the next generation!
Why is incorporating Judaism in early childhood learning so important in a child's early developmental learning?
Incorporating Judaism into early childhood education helps nurturing a strong sense of moral values, kindness, integrity, emotional intelligence, and a deep connection to our community. These early experiences help to instill in each child an invaluable lifelong love of learning, which preserves our Jewish heritage.
Alison
Administrative and Classroom Support
Education / Credentials
-California State University Northridge
-UCLA B.A. English
-Early Childhood Education: UCLA Extension
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
My teaching philosophy is learning through play. I believe children learn best through exploration of the world around them.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
Watching the growth and development of each child. One of my favorite things is seeing the world through the students eyes. Their discovery of the world around them and learning to live and work with others.
My favorite classroom tradition or activity
I enjoy doing art project with the students. Seeing their imagination and creativity come to life is inspiring. I believe art in the classroom is a way to learn through another medium.
What makes Temple Emanuel's ECC different from others?
The attention and love each child and family receives at our ECC. Our staff takes the time to get to know each child and their family and work with them in order for each child to thrive. The sense of community and safety our ECC provides is one of a kind.
Mojgan
Assistant Teacher
Education / Credentials
UCLA Child Development courses. I have been a teacher for 15 years .
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
Supporting social learning by allowing children to collaborate and express their thoughts.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
I have a deep passion for working with young children.i like to see kids to explore learn and grow. Helping children essential skills for their future.
What I love most about being part of the Temple Emanuel community
Working with different staff members. I value learning about different cultures from others.
What I look forward to most each school year
Meeting new children and their family’s getting to know a new group of students and watching them grow. Each day brings new opportunities to inspire and guide them.
Kalanit
Assistant Teacher
Education / Credentials
– Child Development Classes at Los Angeles Valley College
– CPR/AED Training
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
My philosophy that guides my work with young children is based on allowing the children to construct their own knowledge by emphasizing hands-on learning. For instance, through arts and crafts, music, games and other forms of movement, the children are encouraged to build upon what they know and make sense of new information in meaningful ways.
Furthermore, by creating a supportive and interactive environment they are also more inspired to ask questions, share their ideas and think critically.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
My motivation for helping children grow and develop as young individuals inspired me to become an early childhood educator. Encouraging children to implement Judaism into their personal day to day life as well as making a positive impact on their lives at such a crucial stage incites me to teach.
Furthermore, forming meaningful connections with them is a big motivator for me. Plus, creating a fun and supportive learning environment where children are encouraged to be curious, creative and passionate about their culture furthers my passion in teaching.
My favorite classroom tradition or activity
My favorite classroom tradition and activities include reading, baking, playing games, engaging in different forms of exercises such as yoga and dancing and also doing a variety of arts and crafts. Having fun in the classroom is equally important as learning and sparks greater interest in the topics for them.
Whether it is for a Jewish holiday or any other subject matter, I strongly believe that these activities strengthen their knowledge and enjoyment.
What makes Temple Emanuel's ECC different from others?
Temple Emanuel’s ECC stands out from others because of its inclusive and supportive community of faculty and teachers. All of the staff is committed to fostering a positive and enjoyable learning and working environment.
Mojdeh
Lead Teacher
Education / Credentials
Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, with minors in Music and Child Psychology.
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
I am guided by a Reggio-inspired philosophy, which values curiosity, creativity, and child-led learning.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
I was inspired to become an early childhood educator by my love of children’s minds and the way they grow, explore, and imagine.
My favorite classroom tradition or activity
I love guiding children in classroom activities that make use of natural items, encouraging discovery and imagination.
What I love most about being part of the Temple Emanuel community
What I like most about being part of the Temple Emanuel community is that it is truly a community of warm, welcoming people.
Dani
Assistant Teacher
Education / Credentials
Santa Monica College. Graduated with my associates degree and got my ECC certificate
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
I love how children have the ability to be theirselves. It makes my job easy for me to communicate with them and to better understand what their interests are.
What makes Temple Emanuel's ECC different from others?
Temple Emanuel is a very special and happy place.
Why is incorporating Judaism in early childhood learning so important in a child's early developmental learning?
Children can get a better understanding of what Judaism is.
What I look forward to most each school year
I look forward to working with the children each year.
Lilya
Lead Teacher
Education / Credentials
– Pedagogical college in early childhood development department, certificate from Los Angeles City College in Child Development
– UCLA extension classes in child development
– Simha and Sara Lianer most Distinguished teacher award in early childhood education
– Multiple award winner in creative curriculum lessons for young children
– BJE yearly in service training classes
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
I strongly believe that each child is like a flower bud, that will bloom at their own pace. As long as they are surrounded by love, care, respect and patience, they will open up to be a beautiful flower.
My favorite classroom tradition or activity
I love performing science experiments and reading stories to my students.
What I love most about being part of the Temple Emanuel community
Temple Emanuel Early Childhood Center is a very kind and caring community that never excludes anyone.
What makes Temple Emanuel's ECC different from others?
The ECC Director is very knowledgeable and is always ready to help the teachers as well as parents.
Why is incorporating Judaism in early childhood learning so important in a child's early developmental learning?
I feel that incorporating Judaism in early years is crucial for young children, because they will get curious about everything and eventually will wanted to learn more about their Jewish heritage.
Carol
Lead Teacher
Education / Credentials
– California State University Northridge and UCLA B.A. English
– Early Childhood Education: UCLA Extension
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
One of the most important teaching philosophies for me is to respect each child’s pace. Each student has a unique way of learning and a pace or path to learning that is also unique to them. I strive each day to be mindful of each individuals uniqueness and different style of learning.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
I was drawn to working with young children at an early age. I pride myself on having patience and a genuine interest in HOW each child learns and develops various skills. I have always been fascinated with how children learn different skills and I am driven and truly blessed to have the opportunity each day to work with young children as they grow and develop.
My favorite classroom tradition or activity
My favorite classroom tradition is participating in our weekly Shabbat service. I enjoy gathering together with my class and as a community as we celebrate Shabbat each week.
What makes Temple Emanuel's ECC different from others?
Temple Emanuel’s ECC is uniquely different from all other schools. Our early childhood center is a smaller community, where families and students receive individualized attention and smaller ratios that you will not find in other schools. I like to call our ECC the “nest.” Each family is welcomed into our Temple Emanuel community and given individualized attention and care. We truly have a unique environment.
Robin
Lead Teacher
Education / Credentials
University of Arizona, UCLA, LAVC. Child Development Associate Teacher Preschool, Skill Certificate Associate Teacher, Preschool, Special Education Emphasis
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
Lead with kindness.
What I love most about being part of the Temple Emanuel community
I have been a member of Temple Emanuel for over 50 years. Temple Emanuel has been there for the joyous times as well as the difficult times. The values of judaism are a big part of who I am, who my kids are and generations of my family before me.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
Playing a part in the development of our future generation.
What I look forward to most each school year
Watching the evolution of these little people!
Abby
Assistant Teacher
Education / Credentials
Student at Santa Monica college
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
I believe that every child deserves to be loved, respected, and nurtured as if they were my own. I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where each child feels seen, valued, and supported emotionally and developmentally. By building strong, trusting relationships, I help children grow with confidence, kindness, and a sense of belonging. I aim to meet each child where they are, honoring their unique personality, culture, and pace of learning.
My favorite classroom tradition or activity
I love performing science experiments and reading stories to my students.
What inspired me to become an early childhood educator
What inspired me is that as a child I was very quiet and shy and my teachers have made me feel safe and seen I still remember them and how they made me feel and I would like to make school a fun and special place like my teachers did to me
My favorite classroom activity
My favorite classroom activity is felt stories and reading each child is paying close attention with bright eyes which is the best part and when they find something funny their laughter is the best.
Karen
LEAD Teacher
Education / Credentials
– Santa Monica College – Master teacher certification, AA Early Childhood Education
– Pacific Oaks – BA Human Development
One teaching philosophy that guides my work
Play based approach which incorporates learning through play.
What makes Temple Emanuel's ECC different from others?
The school provides an intimate setting and sense of community. The curriculum focuses on the specific needs of each child as an individual as well as the class as a whole.
Each teacher lends their talents to create a meaningful school experience and curiosity of learning for the students.
Why is incorporating Judaism in early childhood learning so important in a child's early developmental learning?
Incorporating Judaism is important in developmental learning because it creates a strong foundation of Jewish identity, which the child can implement into their own life in the future.
It familiarizes the child with Jewish holidays and traditions which can be carried on throughout their lives.
What I look forward to most each school year
Creating a meaningful curriculum to invoke curiosity about the world around them. I love planning art projects where each child can express themselves and develop a sense of pride in their work.
300 N Clark Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-409-4640




