Preschool Staff
All staff members are experienced, highly motivated and devoted early childhood educators. They work closely with the students and parents to provide a warm loving and secure environment. Our first priority is the children’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. We work to establish a strong sense of independence and high self-esteem for each child. All staff participate in at least 16 hours of training each year and are First Aid/CPR certified. Teacher to child ratios are strictly maintained at 1:4 for children under the age of 2; 1:5 for children ages two to three and 1:8 for children ages 4 and older
Morah Robyn
Preschool Director & Teacher
Robyn has been with us for over 15 years. She joined the Etz Hayim staff in 2007 as an assistant teacher and then became the teacher of the younger 3’s class. When the pre-K teacher retired In December 2011, she took over the class and has been the lead teacher ever since. The children love Robyn and Robyn loves them. Robyn expanded her responsibilities and became Director of the summer camp program. Currently Robyn is also acting School Director. Robyn has taught religious school classes and tutored students for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. She grew up in NJ in a conservative household attending Jewish Day School and Yeshiva High School. She studied biology and psychology at University of Maryland. Her husband, Allen, is an entomologist with the USDA and they have four grown children. Robyn enjoys biking and pickleball, and LOVES board games.
Morah Milena
Teacher
Morah Milena has been teaching at Etz Hayim for over 9 years. She loves
teaching and helping our preschoolers grow. Milena is originally from Colombia and has a degree in economics. She likes creating and having fun with Playdough as well as being with her family and dog. Milena loves to do puzzles in her free time.
Morah Ana
Teacher
Ana has been part of the Etz Hayim teaching staff for over 9 years. She began as an assistant teacher and has worked with children all of our different age classes. Ana previously taught elementary and primary school children. Co-lead teacher. She has a degree in education from Colombia. She has had great experiences with children as a teacher in elementary and primary schools. She loves to bring lots of joy and love into the classroom each day.
Morah Heather
Teacher
Heather has 7 years experience working with children and also background training in Montessori. She previously co-taught the 2 year old class and has fun teaching arts and crafts. Prior to joining Etz Hayim, Heather was a lead teacher role at Clement preschool. She also has experience as a nanny for several families. She is continuing her studies pursuing a degree in early child education. She loves reading both in school to the children, and in her spare time for fun.
Morah Elisa
Teaching Assistant
Elisa has been working with children for two years. She previously worked in a Montessori school with children ages from three months through six years. She loves using mindful activities to help gain a greater understanding of how young minds blossom and grow! Elisa hopes to be an art therapist for children of all ages. Elisa was born and has lived most of her life here in Virginia. She attended what is now called Alexandria City High School. Elisa spends her free time watching movies and listening to music of all genres. She also loves to get active going hiking and snowboarding when it’s cold.