Shalom Corner Staff
Lynn Kaminski, Director
Lynn taught kindergarten in the Wellesley Public Schools for 27 years. She was previously a teacher at the Open Center for Children in Somerville, and she worked at the Tufts Educational Day Care Center and the Eliot Pearson Children’s School while earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Tufts University.
Over her years in kindergarten, Lynn came to appreciate the importance of the foundation laid in preschool to students’ later success, which motivated her to complete her license as Director while still teaching.
A long-time member of Temple Beth David, she lives in Westwood with her husband and two children - all active members of the Beth David community. She is thrilled to be the first Director of Shalom Corner, and to be back with the young children - and remarkable teachers - who will make up this preschool experience.
Shemesh Teachers
Nicole Weir
Shemesh (Twos)
Morning Teacher
Nicole has been working in early childhood education for over 25 years, primarily teaching toddlers and young preschoolers. Nicole truly enjoys watching young children explore their world, helping to guide them as they navigate life and discover new interests. Her goal is to offer them a safe, nurturing environment in which they can develop at an individual pace. Nicole lives in Franklin with her three children- Lucas 18, Evie 16, and Logan 13. When she is not spending time with them, she enjoys being out in nature hiking, taking pictures, and gardening. Nicole is looking forward to becoming a part of Shalom Corner this summer and fall.
Hannah Cohn
Shemesh (Twos)
Assistant Teacher
Hannah is grateful to be returning to Temple Beth David and joining the Shalom Corner team. She has a background in early childhood and elementary education, most recently providing 1:1 social support scaffolding for young children in their natural environments. She has also worked with children and teens in youth groups, summer camps, and volunteering both locally and abroad. A skilled caregiver for families with young children, Hannah's interests include psychosocial development in neurodivergent children, trauma-informed care, and spiritual and healing arts. A humanitarian at heart, Hannah is passionate about living authentically and intentionally, teaching empathy, self-advocacy, and accountability through a lens of mindfulness and radical compassion. Hannah has a Bachelor’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from Cornell College, and did graduate coursework with ThisWorldMusic at Dagbe Cultural Centre in Kopeyia, Ghana.
Marcia Schwartz
Shemesh (Twos)
Afternoon Teacher
Marcia has been in the childcare profession for over 30 years. She has worked mostly with infants and toddlers and enjoys watching them learn and grow. When not at work, she loves to get together with family and friends. She enjoys being out in nature and especially enjoys taking walks along the beach. Marcia, her son Seth, and his cat Luna have lived in Mansfield for 5 years. Marcia is excited to be back at Shalom Corner, working with Nandita and Bianca to make the toddler classroom warm and inviting. She is looking forward to another great year of learning and fun - not only for the toddlers, but for herself.
Keshet Teachers
Michelle Piatt
Keshet (Threes) Head Teacher
Michelle grew up watching her mother teach in their temple's preschool and during high school, began working there as a camp counselor during the summers. She always dreamt of teaching herself. Following earning her Master's degree in Studio Art Teaching, she has been teaching in Jewish preschools for over a decade in NJ and MA. She loves to utilize art to make the curriculum fully immersive!
Outside of school, Michelle fills her time parenting her twins, Liam and Ryleigh, with her partner, Derek; caring for and playing with their two dogs, three fish, and five chickens; and learning American Sign Language. She is looking forward to bringing ASL into the classroom whenever possible along with art, science experiments, Hebrew, Spanish, yoga, obstacle courses, and silly dance parties! This year, Michelle will be stepping up to an additional role at TBD as the Program Coordinator for Families with Young Children too!
Kayla Guzovsky
Keshet (Threes) Teacher
Kayla grew up attending Temple Beth David and is so excited to back as an assistant teacher in the Keshet classroom! Kayla is a dedicated and passionate professional with a profound commitment to enriching the lives of children with experiences with after school programs, including developing and overseeing a therapeutic after school. She holds a degree in counseling, combined with years of hands-on experience, she works to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for all children to thrive in. Kayla believes that learning through play is not only enjoyable but also highly effective in promoting cognitive, social, and emotional growth! She aims to support each child as they discover their passions, explore their curiosities, and work with their unique learning styles. Outside of Shalom Corner, Kayla loves to read, get creative in the kitchen, and spend time with friends. She is excited to rejoin the Temple Beth David community through Shalom Corner and can’t wait for a wonderful year!
Alim Teachers
Cindy Marchant
Alim Teacher
Cindy has been in the teaching field for over 20 years. She started as an assistant teacher in a toddler classroom in her 20's then became OCCS certified and taught at Harvard University for 10 years. It has always been her goal to make children in her care feel loved and seen, to respect them as individuals and help them grow through play and exploration. Cindy has a 7-year-old son named Camden and most of her free time is spent with him. Her other hobbies and passions include hiking, seeing live music and photography. She is excited to be a part of Temple Beth David Shalom Corner and looks forward to a wonderful school year!
Cori Lapp
Alim Teacher
Cori has been involved one way or another in Early Childhood Education in many different capacities for as long as she can remember, from regular babysitting jobs, to being a camp counselor, to Child Lab in High School. She got her Bachelors Degree in Child Development, and worked for several years as a Paraprofessional with students with Special Needs. She then went back to school and got her Masters in Early Childhood Education (pre-k - grade 3). She worked several jobs over the years in both preschools and elementary schools. She took a break for many years to raise her children and then returned to working as a teacher, first at Temple Beth Shalom Children’s Center and now at Shalom Corner.
Afternoon Teachers
Elodia Laun
Afternoon Teacher M-F
Elodia has been working in public schools for the last 13 years. Three of those years were in Minot, North Dakota and the other 10 years have been Massachusetts. Her goal was always to guide and nurture young ones. Elodia lives in Holbrook with her husband Ken of 25 years; Daughters Brittney-25, Katie- 22, Chloe- 17; Son Kyle-12; and her dog, Peanut, age 13. Elodia loves spending time with her family especially watching her children play sports, playing board games, card games and watching movies. She can’t wait to start a new adventure at Shalom Corner.
Lisa Corfman
Afternoon Teacher M, Th
Lisa enjoys kindling growth, spirituality, and creativity, ready with a BFA, a graduate certificate, and an Early Child Development & Care certificate.
Her experience begins with seven years as an educator at a children’s museum in Acton. Lisa leads art workshops at libraries, schools, camps, and museums and has ever since 2008. She has six years of teaching experience at after school programs with lower elementary aged students including teaching fun crafts echoing Hebrew learning with K-1 Kesher Newton students. In the summers 2022 and 2023 she engaged campers at JCC Camp Grossman, Dover, MA. With an amazing trip to Israel in 2019, that continues to inspire Lisa. Origami and Jewish projects, making, teaching, and showcasing various inspired arts are also a love.
She realized her love for little ones with baby siblings in her high school years, and is also thrilled to be Tante, Yiddish for auntie. Her 5 fish bring joy home. Lisa is now delighted to teach the youngsters at the Shalom Corner!
Bonnie Rubenstein
Afternoon Teacher T,W,F
Bonnie is thrilled to join the Shalom Corner staff on a more permanent basis after being with us last year as a substitute teacher. Bonnie has been in the early childhood field for over 16 years. While Bonnie received her Bachelors’ at Brandeis University in English with a minor in Judaic Studies, and her Master’s in Social Work from Boston University, it wasn’t until she became a mom that she realized her passion was working with young children. She entered the field once her youngest daughter entered preschool and has been teaching ever since. Bonnie lives in Sharon with her husband, two daughters, and their dog Hershey. When not in the classroom, Bonnie enjoys reading, spending time with her family, riding her peloton and all things Disney.
