Our Leadership Team
Seth Lewis Levin
Director of Education
Kalish Education Chair
Beth Young
is the Senior Director of Education at Temple Judea in Coral Gables, FL. She works to provide engaging educational opportunities for learners from infants to adults. A product of the Reform movement’s summer camps, Beth is committed to Jewish summer camping and serves on faculty at URJ Camp Coleman, the Reform camp serving the southeast. Beth holds a Masters in Jewish Education and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. She received the title of Reform Jewish Educator, completed the Senior Educators Cohort through the Institute for Experiential Jewish Education and is a Wexner Field Fellow, a three year fellowship for Jewish professionals. Beth currently serves on the national of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators and co-chaired the organization’s Task Force on Excellence. In 2016, Beth was recognized with their Distinguished Educator’s Award. Beth is married to Rabbi Danny Young and they have two children.
Mikki Feinberg
Early Childhood Director
Mikki Feinberg has a passion for education and Judaism. Born and raised in Coconut Grove, she grew up in a household where neither parent was Jewish, but both were teachers. She was first exposed to Judaism while attending Ransom-Everglades High school where her father was a teacher. Her closest friends were Jewish, and the values and traditions stuck. Mikki found herself in more Jewish communities at the University of Florida where she met and fell in love with a nice southern Jewish boy: her husband Lee. Still, she had no real experience with the Jewish religion other than being close to those who did practice it. That changed when, after moving back to Miami after college, Mikki took an Intro to Judaism class here at Temple Judea. Years later, she walked through the same doors looking for a preschool for her daughter Sophie. Immediately she felt a strong connection and both Sophie and her son Jake attended preschool here. Through the years, she was very involved with the preschool as a parent and felt the pullback to the classroom. She was a room mother for both Sophie and Jake, now in their early twenties, and soon found herself teaching Mommy and Me and Grandma and Me classes, as well as substituting. Not long after, she taught 2-year-olds, Pre-K, and religious school to kindergarteners, a throwback to her time teaching kindergarten before having her children. Mikki has served as served in her role as early childhood director approaching ten years. It brings her joy to guide teachers and watch your children thrive and grow.
Yuliette Gonzalez
Mentor Teacher
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.
Adriana Goad
Adriana Goad was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Sociology from the University of Miami. Throughout the years she has had the opportunity to spend time with children while tutoring which sparked her passion for teaching. After becoming a parent she immersed herself into early learning practices and decided she wanted to be a part of the early learning childhood community and make a difference. She joined the Margaux School family summer of 2018 and is very excited to continue this wonderful journey.
Amanda Carias
AMANDA CARIAS is a recent college graduate (with AA) currently in her bachelors program. Amanda is a first time teacher and is grateful to be at the Margaux School starting her journey in teaching. Amanda was born and raised in Miami. Her parents are Honduran decedents. Amanda is the oldest out of three. She loves to read books and write all day. “As I embark this journey, I hope to grow as a teacher and I am beyond excited to start my journey here at the Margaux school.”
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.
Carol Yidi
CAROL YIDI was born in Barranquilla Colombia. She was always sure that children where her passion and studied Early Childhood Education. After moving to Miami she realized that she wanted to pursue her passion with children and started working as a substitute teacher at Temple Judea and very quickly she was hired as a full time teacher since 1999.
She has a son and a daughter and 3 grandchildren that she adores and fill her life with joy.
She also has a passion for photography and loves to captures families and children.
Carolyn Leone
Carolyn Leone was born in Kingston, Jamaica and reading was her passion as a child. Besides reading, Carolyn loves to ride bike around her neighborhood, walk her dogs and take care of her cats and parrots. Acting is one of Carolyn's favorite hobbies! She enjoys the beach — her favorite beaches include Naples, Florida and Runaway Bay in Jamaica. Carolyn has been at the Margaux School for over 25 years. Besides being with the children, she loves working alongside the teachers, the parents and the entire the community!
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.
Digna Plaskett
DIGNA PLASKETT was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She studied accounting at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. In 1989 Digna moved to Miami and held her first job in the airline industry as a passenger service attendant until 2013. She then worked at a private academy in Hialeah, FL for 5 years. Digna is grateful and honored to be a part of the Margaux School staff.
Erin Rodriguez
ERIN RODRIGUEZ was born and raised in Miami. In 2012 I graduated from Johnson & Wales University with my degree in baking and pastry. After over a decade of being in the food industry, She is going back to school to pursue another career. This is her first time at the Margaux school, and couldn’t be happier to be here.
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.
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.
Jessica Acle
JESSICA ACLE was born and raised in South Miami, Florida. In 2008, she graduated from New World School of the Arts Conservatory receiving a UF Bachelors degree in Opera Performance. She became a certified Music Together teacher in 2014, which developed her passion for teaching young children. Since then, she has studied Early Childhood Education at Miami Dade College as well as pursuing a career in childhood development. She joined the Margaux School family during summer camp of 2020 and is excited to be here. Her hobbies include singing, cooking, beading and jewelry making, and games nights with her family and friends.
Jill Simon
JILL SIMON was born & raised in Miami, Florida. She is a Temple Judea Preschool alumni and loves being a part of this community! Her daughter, Jane now joins us at The Margaux School as well. Jill graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelors of Arts in 2013. She then decided to pursue her passion for early childhood care and received a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching while studying abroad in New Zealand. She has a passion for learning and avidly extending her knowledge of Reggio Emilia philosophy. Some of her favorite things are going to the beach, drinking coffee, and creative writing.
Aiqin liu
AIQIN LIU was born and raised in China. She finished her Accounting Computerization degree in Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in Dalian, China before moving abroad. Since then she has lived in many countries, including Singapore, Italy, UK and Greece, before moving to Miami in 2012 with her husband and daughter. She enjoys exploring different countries and learning about their differing cultures. Even from when she was very young, she loved being with young children, assisting them learn and grow. Since she became a mother this has become a passion and a career. She has taken Early Childhood Education courses in DCF and Miami Dade College and has been working as a preschool teacher since 2018. She’s super excited to join the wonderful Margaux School team and families. She loves reading, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.
Kerry Greaton
KERRY GREATON from U. S. Virgin Island St. Thomas. She moved to Miami about 15 years ago and has been teaching about 11. Her hobbies are traveling, art galleries, and swimming. She loves spending a lot of time with family.
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.
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.
Nancy Berry
Nancy Berry, also known as "Nurse Nancy”, is the Health Wellness Coordinator for the Margaux School and Caring Coordinator for Temple Judea. Nancy is an RN and began her nursing career in the operating room both in pre- and post-op. She has been an RN for 40 years. A Florida native born in St. Petersburg, Nancy also worked at JCC camp and at a sleep away camp in the Berkshires. Nancy is thrilled to be working with a collaborative team and equally thrilled to be affiliated with such a hamesh temple. Nancy and her husband Philip reside in Pinecrest and each have two grown children.
Rebecca Rubin
REBECCA RUBIN was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida. This is her fourthyear as a Margaux School teacher and is so excited to continue her career in early childhood education. She enjoys spending time with her family and catching up on the latest movies. She can’t wait to watch the children grow and learn new things.
Sarah York
SARAH YORK was born and raised in Coral Gables, FL. She began her education at FIU and received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Master’s from the University of Georgia. Her passion is fostering children’s curiosity and wonder as they become life-long learners. In the years since graduating she has had the pleasure of teaching some truly amazing Margaux School children.
Some of her hobbies include spending time outside, doing art projects, and enjoying time with friends and family.
Shirley Harari
Shirley Harari was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. She graduated from Florida International University receiving a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement. Her hobbies are gardening, cooking and spinning.
Veronica Castro
VERONICA CASTRO was born and raised in Lima-Peru. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. Before coming to Florida in 2009 she worked in two preschools in Lima. Veronica joined The Margaux School in 2021 with much enthusiasm, and ready to share her knowledge in child development and offer high-quality education to children and their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also likes going for walks and shopping.
Veronica Swoboda
VERONICA SWOBODA was born and raised in Ecuador. She decided to pursue her career in the family business Fituri, one of the top ten travel agencies in Ecuador. In 2015, Veronica and her family moved to Florida and her career pathway turned to Education. She received her teaching certification and has been working in the Early Childhood Education field since then. Veronica feels joy to be a part of the Margaux School since her passion is to help kids develop their learning skills and values. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending quality time with her family.
Yohandra Perez Rosales
YOHANDRA ROSALES was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. when she was 5 years old. She grew up in New Jersey and moved to Miami after high school. She attended Miami Dade College, where her passion for early childhood education began. Yohandra has a National Child Development Associate credential. She has been part of Tempe Judea since 2004, and all three of her children graduated from the Margaux School.
Ernestina Pineda
ERNESTINA PINEDA was born and raised in Nicaragua and has been living in Miami for a few years. When she first got the opportunity to work in education, she discovered passion and love within her. Tina holds an associate in the area of medicine, but would love to continue enhancing her understanding in the area of early education. She enjoys helping, sharing, and respecting everyone equally.
Sara Zamikoff
SARA ZAMIKOFF recently moved back to Miami, having worked at The Margaux School (an auspicious) 18 years ago. For over nine years, Sara has worked in the field of Early Childhood, both in the classroom and most recently as a supervisor at the JCC in Toronto. Always enthusiastic and dedicated to working with young learners, she has a solid grasp of students’ educational and developmental needs. With a warm and attentive approach she is committed to working with the whole child – mind, heart and soul. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband, Edgar, and their dogs Fiona and Pearl. She is also a dedicated yoga student and loves to bake.
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!
Tanya Gariboldi
TANYA GARIBOLDI was born and raised in The Bahamas, the youngest of four siblings.
She started her career working for American Airlines for 12 years, before attending Florida College of Natural Health. After marrying, she followed her husband on various job assignment locations, living in Panama, the USA and eventually Italy where she spent three years becoming fluent in Italian language and culture.
After returning to the USA, she decided to follow her lifelong dream of working with children in the education field and completed an Early Childcare program. In her free time, Tanya enjoys reading, running, swimming and spending time with her husband and their daughter Francesca.
Vanessa Castro
VANESSA CASTRO was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Before coming to Miami in 2001, she worked as a Travel Agent for 9 years. Prior to working at Temple Judea Vanessa was a Assistant teacher in another school for 5 years in Coral Gables. Since her nieces were born she has always been there for them, family is forever. Vanessa has experience in child care and enjoys working with children helping them to learn and grow with principles, the ones her parents taught her.
She loves playing and interacting with her nieces, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Nikole Swoboda
Virtual Tour
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