Meet Our Teachers

We believe in promoting a partnership among the children, teachers and parents, and in using reflection as a personal and professional tool for fostering this relationship. Feel free to contact us at any time to set up an appointment to talk about your child.

Sandy Scola is the Director of the JCC Early Childhood Program. She began her 24-year career at the JCC after finishing Becker College's Early Childhood program. Hired as a classroom teacher, she worked her way through the ranks, teaching for 12 years, serving as Assistant Director and then as Director since 2007. Sandy loves spending her days with young children and her wonderful staff. "Everyday day is a spurprise", she says. "The things the children say and do are priceless."

Robin Burwick is the Assistant Director of the JCC Early Childhood Program. Beginning her 20-year career at the JCC when her daughter was in the preschool, Robin spend many years teaching four-year-olds, and the last seven teaching in the PreK classroom. Former director of the JCC's Camp Habonim, Robin is now co-director of Camp Sabra. In her free time, she enjoys reading, knitting, working out and spending time with her family.

Donna Bill has been a teacher in the preschool for 12 years, primarily working with the three-year-olds. This is her first year in the PreK classroom. A Worcester native, Donna always knew she wanted to teach preschool. She received her bachelor's in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State University. With her husband, John she has an 18-year-old daughter. When not busy with work or family, Donna likes to sew, vacation at the beach and shop.

Jessica Chaffee has been with the JCC preschool for three years. A graduate of Quinisigamond Community College's Early Childhood Program, Jessica did her internship at the JCC and was thrilled to be offered a position when she completed her degree in 2008. Jessica enjyos reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

Tricia Elkins came to the JCC preschool 10 years ago when her children started attending here. Early childhood education is a second career for Tricia, who holds a business degree from Northeastern University and spent many years in the hotel industry. She loves teaching here: "Every day is a fun and exciting experience." Tricia also enjoys spending time on the Cape with family and friends.

Liliya Grinshteyn began teaching at the JCC in 1997. She derives great joy watching her young students learn and grow as they make discoveries through active exploration and interaction. "I enjoy listening to children's thoughts and ideas," she says, "and experiencing our adventure together." Outside of teaching at the preschool, her facorite activities include spending time with famiy, reading books, listening to music and shopping.

Johanna Hackett is a Worcester native who earned degrees in Early Childhood Education from both Quinsigamond Community College and Wheelock College. After spending many years in the financial industry, "Jo-Jo" returned to teaching eight years ago. She enjoys a good book, a good waltz and a good laugh, as well as time with family and friends. Most of all, she reserves a special place in her heart for children and animals.

Caitlin Hebert is a graduate of Quinsigamond Community College. Fishing is one of her favorite hobbies, and she would love "to catch a big fish in the JCC pond to surprise the Green Room children." She also enjoys gardening, cooking "light", hiking with ther dog and attending live music concernts.

Katherine McEvilley looks forward "to new adventures every day" in her four-year-old classroom. A floater in the JCC preschool for many years, she is happy to have her own classroom now.

Suzanne Mosco graduated from Fitchburg State College with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. A teacher in the Purple Room for eight years, she has also taught older children and adults. The mother of two teenage daughters, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her many siblings and large extended family, as well as reading, cooking and scrapbooking.

Marilyn Powlovich began teaching at the JCC when her daughter, now a sophomore in college, was in the toddler program. More than 17 years later, she still loves working with the two-year-olds bacause "it's so amizing to see the growth and changes that happen from September to June." Mailyn lives in Paxton with her husband, Nick.

Betsy Smith has been with the JCC for nine years. She loves teaching three-year-olds and enjoys "getting to know the children and their families." A resident of Rutland, she and her husband have a six-year-old son. Betsy loves the outdoors and spending time at the beach, and looks forward to "new adventures" each day in the Orange Room.

Ashley Stanton earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Quinsigamond Community College. A teacher at the JCC preschool for five years, she also enjoys going to the beach, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Melanie Todros has worked with toddlers at the JCC for six years. A graduate of Wheelock College with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Melanie enjoys hiking and biking on local trails with her two children and visiting England, her home country.

Liliya Tsurikhina describes her toddler classroom as "paradise." Following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Liliya moved to the U.S., gaining both a country that she loves and a renewed sense of humor that endears her to her colleagues. She enjoys snorkeling, exotic vacation, a glass of good wine and the theatre. In her spare time, she teaches Russian to 5-14 year olds