Rabbi Julie Schwarzwald

CBI Preschool Director/CBI Director of Congregational Learning

I am dedicated to the idea that since we are each created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, a quality preschool education should be accessible to all. Having grown up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, I have a BA from Wesleyan University in Education Policy Studies and an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University in Computing in Education. After years of teaching all ages in public, private, and day schools, I received rabbinic ordination in 2019. Getting to know our youngest students and celebrating Shabbat with them each Friday is a highlight of my time at CBI! 

Faby Ortegon

Twos Head Teacher

I was born and raised in Colombia. I have my Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate for Preschool Bilingual. I have seven years of experience as an assistant teacher, and am excited to be a head teacher this year. I have always enjoyed working with children, and I am passionate about teaching them new skills. My goal as a teacher is to help children reach their potential in their journey towards their developmental milestones. I really enjoy seeing their faces when they discover something new or come to the realization that they have accomplished something they once thought was impossible.

Samantha Rehm

Twos Head Teacher

Hello my name is Miss Sam. I am currently getting my BA in Early Childhood Education at Kean University. I have five years of experience in the childcare field. My goal is to allow children to have fun, feel safe and learn something new everyday. My favorite part of the day is seeing children excited in the morning to come to school.

Tia Cruz

Threes Head Teacher

Hello my name is Miss Tia, I have 15 years of experience in the childcare field and 9 years of those as a teacher. My goal as a teacher is making sure that your child has fun while learning and also making sure that they feel safe and secure. In our class, there is always a lot of singing, dancing and playing, so be ready to have fun.

Meg Schneider

Threes Head Teacher

I have over 25 years of experience working in early childhood as a caregiver, school substitute, and presently as an assistant teacher in CBI’s PreK program. I love working with young children, watching them grow into bigger people and seeing their minds at work and imaginations take off. The entire day I’m with the children is my favorite part, from seeing their smiles as they enter the building to morning meeting when we get to talk with them. I enjoy watching their faces light up as they learn new things and listening to them speak about themselves. They are all amazing human beings and have taught me to be a better person.

Ilana Tenenbaum

PreK Head Teacher

I received a BA in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Kean University. I joined CBI Preschool in 1986, first as a head teacher of the Twos classes and  then transitioning to head teacher of PreK in 1994. I believe that children are like sponges in that they can absorb whatever comes their way. I love watching their bright faces as they accomplish new tasks. My favorite part of the day is when I see how imaginative and creative the children are during free play. I love listening to their conversations which then motivates me to work on ways to enhance their already inquisitive minds.

Geraldine Vick

Assistant Teacher

I have been involved in early childhood for many years, first in preschools in Newark and then as a state-licensed day care provider in my home. I love children and people and find my job very rewarding. I recognize that each child is different and enjoy helping them develop their skills. I am currently an Extended Day Teacher in the extended day program. I am a warm, loving, caring, trustworthy, responsible teacher who absolutely enjoys what I do.

Maria Dominguez

Assistant Teacher

Hello my name is Ms. Maria and I am very happy to be part of the CBI Preschool. I have worked with children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. I have my Preschool CDA certification. My experience in teaching includes volunteering in my son’s school for 3 years. I started as a teacher assistant and then after a year I became the Lead Preschool Teacher for 5 1/2 years. I am a proud mother of two; a 12 year old and 5 year old. My passion in life is to be able to help put a smile on a child’s face and to further their education so they can be successful in whatever path they may chose to follow. On my off time I love to spend time with my kids and play games, take them to the park and watch movies.

Dalia Jacobowitz

Assistant Teacher

I believe every child can learn in a nurturing environment. With 31 years of teaching experience in the Newark Public Schools and many years as a religious school teacher, I’ve seen children make significant growth academically and socially when treated with kindness and respect. My greatest joy comes from watching children interact and play with their friends.

Andrea Gelber

Assistant Teacher

I recently joined the CBI preschool staff, and am happy to be assisting Miss Sam with the Two’s. I have held jobs in business, the nonprofit sector, and healthcare, and was retired when the chance to work at CBI came up. I love children, so it is a great match to be assisting! I am married and have two adult-age children and a dog. I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. I love being outdoors gardening, sailing, or walking. I also do yoga, read, knit, crochet, and sew.

Hava Weiss

Assistant Teacher

Susan Kashan

Congregational Learning Administrator

I have been with CBI since 2015 as an Administrator and as Manager of the Teen Assistants, first in the Religious School, then with the clergy, and finally morphing to assisting the Preschool & Religious Schools.  As a former preschool aide and a former Religious School Kindergarten teacher, the young children always bring a smile to my face.  I also enjoy working with the parents facilitating in the registration process, as well as providing teachers with the tools they need to focus on the children.  Seeing the youngsters play brightens every day for me!