Get to Know Gan Montessori

What is a Montessori-Jewish fusion? The Montessori method, pioneered by Italian developmental theorist and educator Maria Montessori (1870-1952) is based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood, and presents a deliberate educational program utilizing unique Montessori materials, a soothing and orderly environment, and one-to-one teaching to meet children at each developmental stage.

 The Chabad Jewish Preschool approach is a soul-focused, sensitive, joyful and inclusive model of Jewish values and tradition taught within a warm and caring community of educators, parents, and children.

Sara Wolf | Montessori Director

Sara, originally from Brooklyn, has been teaching for 20 years and is the Educational Director at Chabad. She received her teaching degree at Bet Chana, Tzfat, Israel, where she learned to speak fluent Hebrew and developed a passion for education. She considers each of the students a child of her own, and channels her energy and creativity into engaging and spiritual experiences for children of all ages. Sara Wolf is married to Rabbi Arik and lives with her four children in Mt. Kisco, NY.

Ingrid Hill | Montessori Curriculum Director

Early Childhood Montessori Teacher Training with CME/NY from 1988 to 2020. Curriculum experience includes Practical Life, Sensorial, Math and Language as well as the Introduction to Montessori (Early Childhood Overview), Classroom Management, Observation and Record Keeping, Science, Geography, and the Montessori Early Childhood Assistant's Workshop. Ingrid holds an AMS Early Childhood credential (CMTE/NY) and a Masters in Early Childhood Education with Montessori specialization from The College of New Rochelle. She also has a B.A. in Psychology from Empire State University. Ingrid has more than a decade of experience in Montessori early childhood classrooms and has worked with numerous schools to deliver parent education and staff development workshops. She continues to offer expertise as a school consultant to both school communities and student teachers.

Teagan Ficeto | Gan Matok Morah

Teagan, originally from Manhattan, received her BA in Communications and Media Studies, alongside a minor in Philosophy, at Fordham University. She is currently an adult learner at WSMS-TEP, a Montessori early childhood credential program. When her first child was born she participated in a parent child Montessori nursery program, igniting a profound interest and respect for that teaching model. She also served as a volunteer facilitator for Free Forest School, guiding children and their guardians in child-led explorations of Central Park. Teagan decided to professionally pursue her passion for early childhood education, when both of her children entered school full time. She was a teacher's assistant for a 4s class at the Shames JCC Early Childhood Center and then a head counselor for a 2s group at River Friends Day Camp. Teagan lives with her husband and two children in Sleepy Hollow, NY and is thrilled to be a part of the Gan Montessori family.

Randa Dobrayel| Gan Gadol Lead Morah

Randa received her degree in preschool and primary education at the University in Beirut, Lebanon. She has over 30 years of experience teaching in Montessori schools. Randa lives in Shrub Oak, NY, with her husband and two daughters and is an excellent cook. She is passionate about language and is fluent in English, French and Arabic. Randa believes that it takes a community to raise a child and strongly encourages open communication. Her motto is "Free the child's potential and you will transform him into the world."

- Maria Montessori

Michele Ludmer | Gan Katan Morah

Michele has a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany and an associates degree in electronics engineering. Despite all the training and experience in science, she decided to teach at a preschool after the youngest of her three daughters entered school. It was there that she met and partnered with her now dear friend Julia Parzen and after 23 years teaching together, they are still going strong! Michele and her family have been a part of the Chabad of Bedford since it’s early years and she is thrilled to be working at the Gan Montessori with Rabbi Arik and Sara Wolf.

Julia Parzan| Gan Katan Morah

Julia has been teaching pre school for 25 years and still wakes up excited to go to work every single day. She has a Bachelor's degree in Education from Queens College and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Before teaching preschool, she taught full day Kindergarten as well as first and second grade in the public schools and then stayed home to raise two wonderful daughters. Julia has been blessed to be teaching with her co-teacher and best friend Michele Ludmer for the past 23 years and is thrilled to be continuing their partnership at Gan Montessori!

Maria Lofaro | Gan Gadol Lead Morah

Maria is a Mt Kisco native and Fox Lane High School Graduate. She is a mom of two wonderful children. Maria spends much of her time outdoors camping, hiking and gardening. Maria has an A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Westchester Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the New School University in New York, NY, where she graduated with honors. She completed her Montessori training through KHT Montessori, LLC. Maria has over 15 years of experience working with children, both inside and outside a formal school setting. She wanted I wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a little kid and is very passionate about Early Childhood Education.

Shalini Sanmugaraja| Gan Gadol Assistant Morah

Shalini attended Princeton College in London, UK, where she received degrees in commerce, accounts, math and English. She then received her accreditation from the American Montessori Society Early Childhood. She has over 20 years of experience as a Montessori teacher. Shalini creates an individualized learning plan for each student in her class. She loves gardening, plants and animals, and incorporates nature into her classroom. Shalini and her husband are blessed with two grown boys. Shalini is gentle, encouraging and thoughtful, her students adore her creativity and warmth.

Deniz Soyuer | Gan Gadol Assistant Morah

Deniz native of Istanbul, Türkiye, she lives with her husband in Stamford, CT, and her grown son lives in California. She holds a masters degree in Architecture from UC Berkeley. When Deniz enrolled her son in a Montessori school and began part-time work there, she was immediately intrigued by the Montessori philosophy. She decided to take the course and I earned the Montessori Guide certificate for ages 3-6. She has 32 years of experience as a Montessori teacher/guide. The more she saw Montessori’s many advantages over conventional education, the better she appreciated the Montessori method — the way it fosters self-directed, purposeful activity and a love of learning without the need for competition. Deniz loves teaching the children math, the children are all eager to learn with her. She uses manipulatives, such as beads, blocks, and cubes, to understand math concepts before they move to more abstract concepts. Deniz guides the children in learning math in three different stages: sensorial, concrete, and abstract.