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 often saw how important the foundation laid in preschool was to students’ school success. This 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 make up this preschool experience.
Shemesh (Twos) Teachers
Nicole Weir
Shemesh
Morning Teacher
Nicole has been working in the early childhood education field 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, Eveline and Logan, her dog, and three cats. When she is not spending time with them she enjoys being out in nature hiking and taking pictures, crafting, or reading. Nicole joined the Shalom Corner team last summer and is looking forward to her second year in the Shemesh classroom.
Hannah Cohn
Shemesh
Teacher
Hannah is grateful to be returning to Temple Beth David and 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
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 and her son Seth have lived in Mansfield for eight years. Marcia is excited to be back at Shalom Corner, working with Nicole, Hannah, and Ghinwa 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 (Threes) Teachers
Michelle Piatt
Keshet 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!
Kayla Guzovsky
Keshet 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 experience in after school programs, including developing and overseeing a therapeutic after school. She holds a degree in counseling and combined with years of hands-on experience, she works to foster a nurturing and supportive environment in which all children can thrive. 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!
Jen Wolf, Keshet Afternoon Teacher
Everyone knows Miss Jen as the face they see (and voice they hear) when they ring the bell each morning. Jen wears two hats at Temple Beth David, being at the front desk in the morning and in Shalom Corner in the afternoons. She grew up in Lexington in the Reform Jewish world in NFTY and URJ Eisner Camp. Jen has a passion for musical theater and has acted, directed, stage managed, and designed many performances in the Boston and Baltimore areas. Prior to coming to TBD, Jen was a preschool teacher at Solomon Schechter of Greater Boston’s preschool program, Gan Shelanu, where she was in the classroom during the year as well as a lead teacher during the summer program. Jen spent a couple summers as the Drama Specialist at Camp Grossman, working with kids on improvisational skills, movement, spatial awareness, and having the confidence to perform in front of peers. Jen lives with her husband, two daughters, and puppy in Medfield.
Bonnie Rubenstein, Keshet
Afternoon Teacher
Bonnie has been in the early childhood field for over 18 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.
Alim (Fours) 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.
Laura Zaks,
Assistant Alim Teacher
Laura grew up in Westwood and is excited to be back in our Alim classroom (mornings). Laura's background is in law and professional fundraising. She loves creating a strong sense of community at all ages, focusing on kindness and friendship, and sharing a nurturing and fun environment for all.
Outside of school, Laura is a passionate fundraiser for Dana-Farber as a guest blogger Jimmy Fund Walk participant. Laura created an annual Day of Kindness as a way to bring unexpected acts of kindness to individuals & communities across the country. Laura and her husband live in Medfield with their 3 children who are all students in Shorashim.
Elodia Laun
Alim Afternoon Teacher
Elodia worked in public schools for thirteen years. Three of those years were in Minot, North Dakota and the other 10 years were in Massachusetts. Her goal has always been 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 continue her adventure at Shalom Corner.
Rebecca Rosen,
Floater and In-house Substitute
Rebecca is a graduate of Newton South High School and has worked in multiple child care and health care settings. She has been a "sub" at Shalom Corner in the past and is delighted to become our regular set of extra hands and substitute, as needed.
