Educators
Meet the Teachers and Staff
Teacher Alvart
Interim ECC Director
2-3 year-old class
“Monkeys” Room 4
Alvart has been part of BTEE since 1999, guiding and nurturing 2–3-year-olds with patience and care. She holds an A.S. degree in Child Development and is certified as an Outdoor Classroom Specialist. Born in Iran and of Armenian heritage, Alvart is fluent in Farsi and Armenian. She loves hiking, gardening, traveling, cooking, and baking, and believes that “from the very beginning of their education, the child should experience the joy of discovery.”
Teacher Abbey
3-4 year-old class
“Zebra” Room 6
Abbey has worked at BTEE since 2013. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cal State Fullerton, with a major in Graphic Design and Illustration. She also has a master’s degree from Pacific Oaks College with a major in Human Development, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Education is at the forefront of Abbey’s life, and she aims to make a difference in the lives of others through her professional work in Early Childhood Education.
Teacher Allison
3 year-old class
“Little Zebra” Room 5
Allison joined BTEE in 2016 and holds a B.A. in Elementary Education. She believes that strong relationships and a safe, supportive environment are key to helping students grow in confidence and curiosity. When she’s not teaching, Allison enjoys hiking, exploring National Parks, and attending Broadway shows.
Teacher Claudia
3-4 year-old class
“Zebra” Room 6
Claudia was born in Los Angeles and comes from a large family with Mexican and Guatemalan roots. As the youngest of five siblings, she brings warmth, energy, and a love of discovery to everything she does. Adventurous by nature, Claudia enjoys the beach, camping, and road trips. She has always loved working with children of all ages — from kindergarten through fifth grade — and is passionate about helping create a brighter future for the next generation.
Teacher Sarahy
2-3 year-old class
“Monkeys” Room 4
Sarahy has been part of BTEE since 2023 and brings more than 15 years of experience working with children, including those with special needs. She holds an A.S. in Child Development and is pursuing further studies to become a preschool director. Her play-based approach fosters creativity, curiosity, and inclusion, often incorporating songs in Spanish, hands-on activities, and basic ASL. Outside the classroom, she enjoys anime, movies, and exploring different cultures.
Teacher Yaneyda
4-5 year-old class
“Leopards” Room 2
Yaneyda joined BTEE in 2014 and has a deep passion for nurturing young learners. She has completed coursework in child development and holds a mentor certificate. Her nature-based teaching approach encourages children to explore and grow through hands-on experiences while learning to understand and express their emotions. Outside the classroom, Yaneyda enjoys journaling, organizing, and taking long walks with friends.
Gabriela "Gaby"
Office Manager
Gaby joined the BTEE team in May 2023 and oversees the day-to-day operations of the synagogue, Early Childhood Center, and Hebrew School. She brings more than a decade of experience in hospice care, where she developed strong communication and leadership skills while supporting individuals through challenging times. A proud ECC-alumna parent, Gaby enjoys spending her free time with family, exploring the Downtown LA Flower Mart, and trying out new recipes.
Hannah
Finance Manager
Hannah joined BTEE in 2019 and serves as the Temple and ECC Financial Manager. With a background in finance since 2007, she keeps operations running smoothly with precision and humor. A proud mom, coffee enthusiast, and believer in salted butter and the Oxford comma, Hannah is always available to help with any account questions—or to swap banana bread recipes.