Our Leadership Team
Seth Lewis Levin
Director of Education
Kalish Education Chair
Seth Lewis Levin is the Director of Education at Temple Judea in Coral Gables, FL. He supports his staff in fostering curiosity and engagement among Jewish learners of all ages. Seth brings a wealth of experience in teaching and educational leadership from various institutions across the country, including congregations, camps, public and charter schools. Previously, he served as the Director of School Leadership at Bezos Academy, a network of tuition-free preschools in underserved communities. Seth began his career as a community organizer before becoming a social studies teacher in New York City's Department of Education.
Seth holds multiple degrees, including a Masters in Teaching Social Studies from New York University, a Masters in Public Administration in School Leadership from Baruch College, a Masters in Library and Information Science from Long Island University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in European History and French Studies from Wesleyan University. He is a certified educator in several states and has taught and led educators at various levels.
Outside of his professional life, Seth has served on the boards of Congregational and Community organizations, Parent Teacher Association Executive Committees and coached his children’s baseball and soccer teams. He is an unapologetic “book worm,” collector of Jewish texts, photographs and recipes and has also recently become a committed student of Mussar. He lives with his wife Kami, their children Sydney, Elijah and Ava, their dog Abigail Adams and cat Fifi on Key Biscayne.
Jackie Vera
Early Childhood Director
Jackie Vera began her journey at the Margaux School in 2007 shortly after graduating high school. While pursuing her bachelor's degree in recreational therapy, she ventured beyond the education field, exploring various opportunities. However, it was at Temple Judea where Jackie discovered her true passion and decided to establish her roots and nurture her professional growth.
After graduating college, a profound love for education blossomed within her, prompting her to pursue a master's degree in early childhood education. Throughout her time at the Margaux School, she has continuously evolved, assuming different roles in her quest for professional development. Over the course of a decade, she has been fortunate enough to be a part of this welcoming community.
Today, as the Margaux School’s Early Childhood Director, Jackie has achieved her ultimate career goal. This achievement fills her with immense gratitude for the opportunity to contribute and lead within this exceptional institution and community.
Jackie lives in West Miami with her husband Danny and their mini schnauzer, Louie. Jackie and Danny were married by Rabbi Jonathan Fisch in 2021. Jackie is the ultimate foodie who enjoys trying out all the best spots in Miami. She loves to spend time with her family and taking short trips to the Keys.
Yuliette Gonzalez
Pedagogista
Yuliette Gonzalez, a mother of two young boys and an early childhood educator, is passionate about creating and supporting a safe and intentional environment that helps to create and foster learning explorations which support children in creating wonderful relationships and helps them in making meaning of the world around them.
Miss Yuliette has been a part of the Margaux School at Temple Judea since 2006. As the Mentor Teacher, Miss Yuliette is energized when she works alongside her colleagues to coach and support them in making learning visible, creating learning environments that foster a love for learning, and designing intentional experiences that deepen and ignite children’s curiosity. She has a passion for illuminating teacher's love for learning! As the Jewish Resource Specialist, Miss Yuliette engages educators, children, and families with intentional and meaningful learning experiences that nurture and illuminate Judaic learning that is seamlessly woven into their daily learning adventures. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then pursued her Master’s in Early Childhood Education and considers herself a forever learner.
Miss Yuliette loves going on adventures with her young sons and navigating the world and first time moments that life offers alongside her husband, Laz. Her mom and dad are a source of inspiration and has loves to prank her siblings in the most silly ways. She loves using photography as a way to document, enjoys rewatching Ted Lasso, reading all of Mary Oliver’s poems, and learning about the world through the perspectives of children!
Get To Know Us
Our school building, the Frank Family Education Center, was unveiled in 2016 and will be a house of learning shared for generations.
The center is the perfect environment to honor our spiritual selves, celebrate learning and set the stage for a fulfilling life. Classrooms and outdoor spaces enhance children’s natural curiosity and foster exploration and discovery.
- Classrooms are designed to support children’s natural curiosities and competencies
- Spaces enable extended projects and explorations
- Outdoor environments built for physical, social-emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development
- Built with the most up to date storm code requirements.
Our Mission
- Encourage parents’ involvement in the school
- Assist in building a community at our school
- Support the school with additional funding used for projects and activities that make our school environment the very best for our children
Our Teachers
Teachers are the links that connect children to the world of school and to the experiences of Jewish living. Our teachers are positive, enthusiastic, lifelong learners who always bring something new to the classroom.
They are a child’s learning guide.
Our teachers are chosen for their love and understanding of children, their ability to be joyful and their willingness to continue their own professional education. All staff undergo criminal screenings and background checks before being hired. All teachers complete state-mandated childcare training classes and are committed to furthering their education and professional development throughout their employment.
Through their guidance and loving care, you and your child will experience this exciting learning journey together.
Yuli Alcantara
Yulissa Alcantara, born in Lima, Peru, is an experienced educator with over 22 years at The Margaux Preschool. She holds a Child Development Associate credential and excels in fostering children’s independence. Yulissa is studying Pro Consciousness Meditation Health Coaching and values continuous self-improvement.
Tania Carias
Tania Carias is a mother of 3 beautiful girls. She was born and raised in Honduras and migrated to the states when she was a young adult. Over the years she has studied child development and has also studied cosmetology. Before becoming a teacher at the Margaux School, she used to be a nanny for over 12 years. On her free time she likes to spend time with her daughters and explore around. She also loves to travel with her daughters whenever they get the chance. She is very excited to be a part of the Margaux School community and can’t wait to create great memories!
Lucy Caceres
Lucy Caceres, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, holds a national CDA in early education. She loves seeing children’s curiosity grow and enjoys teaching preschoolers. Lucy also enjoys spending time with her family and making crafts.
Lauren Caso
Lauren Caso, born and raised in Miami, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis and a certification in Communication Sciences and Disorders from FIU. Passionate about early learning education, she loves arts, social studies, sciences, and literature.
Sandra Caso
Sandra Caso was born and raised in Cuba. She has received all of her Florida Child Care Professional Credentials (FCCPPC). She has worked in early childhood education for over 21 years. Sandra enjoys seeing each child’s curiosity and wonder grow throughout the year as they learn and explore.
Lisbeth Di Genaro
Lisbeth Di Genaro is an enthusiastic educator who comes to The Margaux School with experience working in early childhood settings throughout Miami. Lisbeth was born in Venezuela and holds an Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College. She takes pride in her ability to establish learning environments that foster academic, social, and emotional growth.
Irma Dresner
Irma Dresner was born and raised in Mexico, where she received her Bachelor’s in Primary Education. She taught early childhood and elementary school for 10 years before moving to the U.S. Since then she’s taught in Miami Jewish congregations for more than 20 years. She began teaching at Temple Judea in 2009. She loves playing, singing, dancing, special projects and doing arts and crafts with her students.
Francoise Elie
Françoise Elie was born and raised in Haiti, always passionate and mesmerized by the children's surprising minds. She graduated in Early Childhood Education in 1980. She taught in different schools in Florida and Haiti. She joined the Margaux School February 2022 and feels so lucky to have joined the family.
Cynthia Erazo
Cynthia Erazo, born in Manhattan and raised in Ecuador, is thrilled to join Margaux Temple Judea. With a Master’s degree in education and 22 years of teaching experience, she loves nature walks, music, dancing, reading, and trying new recipes. She is excited to continue her journey with the community.
Vale Frangie
Valeria Frangie, born and raised in Venezuela, has a multicultural background. She began working with children at 19 and loves teaching. Valeria enjoys seeing children flourish, supporting others, and engaging in road trips, beach visits, trying new foods, and boxing.
Tiffany Garcia
Tiffany Garcia, born and raised in Miami, loves working with children. She joined the Margaux School as a Senior Camp Counselor and is now a full-time Teacher’s Assistant, demonstrating a passion for early childhood education.
Anna Karell
Anna Karell was born in Peru, where she earned an associate’s degree in Psychology at Ricardo Palma University. She has taken several courses at Miami-Dade College toward her Child Development Associate certification. Anna has been part of the Temple Judea family since 1998. During that time she has taught all ages of preschoolers.
Alicia Kole
Alicia Kole, from the Chicago suburbs, holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University. With nearly a decade of experience, she has taught various age groups and roles, including camp director and tutor. She is committed to fostering joyful connections with children and families.
Debbie LaPlant
Debbie LaPlant, inspired by caring for her siblings, pursued Early Childhood Education. With over 10 years of experience with PreK, she loves seeing children’s joy in learning. Excited to join the Margaux School, she looks forward to meeting new students and families.
Jenna Lazarus
Jenna Lazarus, from South Africa, brings seven years of experience from an international private school in Johannesburg. Passionate about children’s education and dramatic arts, she looks forward to building relationships and fostering creativity at Margaux School. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring.
Ashley Lopez
Ashley Lopez, born and raised in Miami, is a Margaux School alumna. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and Fine Arts from Pace University. A dedicated parent, she focuses on early childhood education. Her interests include marathon running, boating, art, and film
Maika Lopez
Maria Angelica Lopez, known as Ms. Maika, hails from Maracaibo, Venezuela, with a career in Early Childhood Education spanning over 30 years. A loving, enthusiastic, and creative educator, she treasures the support of her two grown children and enjoys being part of Temple Judea.
Tina Pineda
Ernestina Pineda, born and raised in Nicaragua, now resides in Miami. She discovered her passion for education through early teaching opportunities. Holding an associate degree in medicine, she continues to enhance her knowledge in early education and enjoys helping and respecting everyone equally
Maya Slavin
Maya Slavin was born in Argentina. When she finished high school she lived on a kibbutz in southern Israel. She studied teaching at Key College in Beer Sheva, Israel. She has been part of the Temple Judea family since 2005. Maya became a teacher because she enjoys helping others find success. She is passionate about teaching and loves spending time with children.
Danielle Steingold
Dani Steingold was born and raised in Miami and is passionate about her family and friends. She received a Bachelors degree in Art from FIU in 2018 and loves to express herself creatively. Dani is looking forward to expanding her knowledge of early childhood teaching here at the Margaux School. Her interests and passions include rock climbing, veganism and dancing.
Virtual Tour
See a short clip of our school without leaving your chair. Click to view our YouTube Channel.