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.

Teagan Ficeto | Gan Matok Morah

Teagan is an AMS-certified Infant and Toddler educator. She is originally from Manhattan and received her BA in Communications and Media Studies, alongside a minor in Philosophy, at Fordham University. She moved to Sleepy Hollow, NY with her husband and two children in 2020. Teagan has worked and cared for children for over 10 years, in and outside the classroom. She joined the Gan Montessori community as a Morah in 2023. Teagan loves to spend time with her family, run in Rockefeller State Park, and read in her free time.

“Within the child lies the fate of the future.” – Maria Montessori

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.