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 Marcy - Preschool Director
Marcy has been working at Etz Hayim for 20 years. She has been involved in all facets of the synagogue and has a deep understanding of our congregation. Taking on the role of Preschool Director this year, Marcy’s dedication to Etz Hayim, and her love for the preschool program is unmatched. Marcy has a solid educational background in early childhood education and sociology. She is the parent of four children including one that’s a graduate of Etz Hayim preschool, and one who is a current preschooler. Marcy and her husband have been Arlington County foster parents for 15 years, raising over a dozen children of all ages in their home. Marcy has also been involved in APS PTA, Girl Scouts, and is currently serving on the Arlington County Police Department Chief’s Advisory Council. Marcy has two dogs named Morris and Jack, she loves spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. The staff appreciates that Marcy can reach all the items on the top shelves.
Morah Robyn - Lead Teacher & Camp Director
Robyn has been teaching at the Etz Hayim preschool for over 17 years. The children love Robyn and Robyn loves them. She has been the lead teacher for the pre-kindergarten class since 2011. She also is Director of the summer camp program and has served as interim preschool 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 in all our different age classes. Ana previously taught elementary and primary school children. She has a degree in education. She loves to bring lots of joy and love into the classroom each day.
Morah Heather - Teacher
Heather first joined the Etz Hayim preschool in 2022 and has 7 years of experience working with children. She has worked with all ages from infants through kindergarten and has taught our 2-year-old and 3-year-old classes. She has training in play-based early childhood learning, including Montessori. She is highly creative and artistic and enjoys arts and crafts. She loves reading to the children both in school and in her spare time.
Morah Charlese - Teacher Assistant
Charlese has been teaching for five years doing ABA therapy for children with autism and working in preschools with children ranging in age from infant to five years old. She’s pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on social work. She enjoys painting, drawing and writing poetry. Her favorite thing to do with the children is arts and crafts!
Morah Veronica - Teacher Assistant
Veronica has worked with children for 14 years as a tutor, nanny, and most recently as a middle school teacher in Washington, DC. She taught English and history to students who moved to the United States from other countries. Veronica received her bachelor’s degree in both Media Studies and Sociology and a master’s in international relations and diplomacy. She enjoys crafting, thrifting, and visiting national parks. The highlights of her time at Etz Hayim include building box forts and making felt characters for story time.
Morah Alli - Teacher Aide
Alli has been working with children for 8 years. She has experience with children of all ages from summer camps to preschools to babysitting. She has her bachelor’s degree in environmental science and is working towards her master’s degree in education. In her free time, Alli enjoys climbing and attending professional women’s sporting events.