About Us: Staff
Meet some of the passionate, creative, and loving professionals who make the preschool better.
Aliza Maslansky
Director
With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and leadership, Aliza is a dedicated professional passionate about fostering young children’s growth and development.
Aliza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro College. Her professional development includes completion of the Jewish New Teacher Project and the OTZMA Graduate Seminar. She has also served as Chair of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.
Throughout her career, Aliza has infused her teaching practice with her Jewish identity, love of Israel, and Jewish traditions, creating engaging and enriching educational experiences for her students.
Dalia Jacobowitz
Assistant Teacher 3’s and Pre-K
Dalia joined us in 2021 and currently teaches the 4’s class. Before joining our preschool, she spent 31 years teaching in Newark Public Schools and 10 years teaching Hebrew school at the JCC.
Dalia is a graduate of Kean University.
She loves the energy and imagination of young children, as well as the opportunity to create a classroom environment where learning is exciting and fun.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Stacy Burrick
Beginners Class Lead Teacher
Stacy joined us in 2024, leading the Beginners Class. Previously, she taught in the 2’s program at Temple Emanu-El, Westfield, for four years.
She earned her BS in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University.
Stacy is dedicated to helping children feel safe, loved, and empowered as they begin their educational journeys. She treasures the opportunity to witness their growth and celebrate their unique milestones.
Outside of teaching, Stacy enjoys reading and spending time at the beach.
Faby Ortegon
2’s Lead Teacher
Faby was born and raised in Colombia and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate for Preschool Bilingual. She brings seven years of experience as an assistant teacher and is excited to step into the role of Lead Teacher this year. Faby is passionate about teaching young children new skills and helping them reach their developmental milestones. She treasures the moments when children discover something new or realize they’ve accomplished something they once thought was impossible.
Outside of the classroom, Faby enjoys exploring new opportunities to grow as an educator and supporting the children in their journeys toward self-confidence and independence.
Maria Dominguez
Infant Lead Teacher
Maria started in 2021. Previously, she gained extensive early childhood experience at Lightbridge Academy in Westfield, where she served as both an Assistant and Lead Teacher for toddler and preschool classrooms. Maria also spent several years volunteering at her son’s school, supporting teachers and students in a variety of classroom activities.
Maria holds a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and is CPR-certified. She has also completed additional coursework in early childhood education at Union County College in Cranford.
Maria finds great joy in helping children learn, grow, and develop their confidence. She believes every child is unique and capable of success when provided with the right guidance and encouragement. One of her favorite parts of teaching is seeing her students’ smiles as they explore new activities and milestones.
When she’s not at the preschool, Maria loves spending time with her children. Whether going to the movies, indoor water parks, swimming, or picnicking at the park, she cherishes these moments of fun and connection with her family.
Geraldine Vick
Assistant Teacher
Gerri has been a valued member of the Congregation B’nai Israel Preschool team for the past 20 years. Her career in early childhood education began in 1995 with Newark Preschool Day Care, and she has since dedicated her expertise to working with children from infants to Pre-K.
Licensed by the state of New Jersey as a Certified Teacher Assistant, Gerri has completed numerous certification programs through both the state and CBI. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners.
Gerri loves inspiring children as they grow and learn, cherishing the moments when they accomplish something new and build confidence in their abilities. She is committed to creating a warm, inclusive classroom where each child feels valued and supported.
Outside of the preschool, Gerri enjoys singing in her church choir and teaching Sunday school lessons to the children of her church, reflecting her passion for working with children and building community through shared values and learning.
Hava Weiss
Assistant Teacher
Hava is currently studying at Kean University and was previously a student at Quinnipiac University. She has experience working with children ages 5 to 14 in community theaters and continues to work with performers of all ages.
As an early education teacher, Hava’s goal is to bring joy to the classroom and help each child grow as a learner. She believes in fostering an environment where children feel supported, valued, and excited to explore new ideas.
Hava brings her creativity and love for the arts into her work with young children, helping them build confidence and find joy in their learning journey.
Meg S.
3s / Pre-K / 4’s Lead Teacher
Meg brings over 25 years of experience working in early childhood as a caregiver, school substitute, and presently as our PreK Lead teacher.
She loves working with young children, watching them grow into bigger people and seeing their minds at work and imaginations take off. Meg’s favorite times each day are seeing their smiles as they enter the building, being part of their conversations during morning meetings, and watching their faces light up as they learn new things and speak about themselves.
Meg shares that the preschoolers are “amazing human beings who help me become a better person.”
Susan Kashan
Youth Education Administrator
Susan has been an administrator at Congregation B’nai Israel for a decade, including six years as a member of our preschool staff. She brings a diverse educational background, with a degree in International Business from SUNY Albany and an MBA.
Her early childhood experience includes assisting in preschool classes in Metuchen for five years and teaching kindergarten Hebrew classes for 15 years.
Susan values the sense of community at the preschool and takes pride in fostering meaningful connections among children, families, and staff. She is inspired by the joy and enthusiasm of the children she works with every day.
When she’s not working, Susan can be found on a pickleball court. She says, “pickleball is life.”
Jazzmine Kurtz
Infant Teacher
Jazzmine joins our team with years of experience working with children in both formal and informal settings. She recently moved to Essex County and looks forward to sharing that passion and experience with the children and families in our school. In her spare time, she also enjoys cosmetology.
Our Board
Meet our Preschool Board, whose support and governance keeps us moving forward.
The Better World Preschool Board provides thoughtful leadership and vision to support our educational mission as an inclusive and welcoming Jewish preschool. These committed professionals, including parents, educators, and community leaders, work together to ensure our preschool maintains excellence while continuing to evolve and grow to meet the needs of our families.
Full Programs
New: Infant Care, Preschool Programming, and Extended Hours
About Us: Staff
Meet some of the passionate, creative, and loving professionals who make the preschool better.
Aliza Maslansky
Director
With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and leadership, Aliza is a dedicated professional passionate about fostering young children’s growth and development.
Aliza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro College. Her professional development includes completion of the Jewish New Teacher Project and the OTZMA Graduate Seminar. She has also served as Chair of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest.
Throughout her career, Aliza has infused her teaching practice with her Jewish identity, love of Israel, and Jewish traditions, creating engaging and enriching educational experiences for her students.
Dalia Jacobowitz
Assistant Teacher 3’s and Pre-K
Dalia joined us in 2021 and currently teaches the 4’s class. Before joining our preschool, she spent 31 years teaching in Newark Public Schools and 10 years teaching Hebrew school at the JCC.
Dalia is a graduate of Kean University.
She loves the energy and imagination of young children, as well as the opportunity to create a classroom environment where learning is exciting and fun.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Stacy Burrick
Beginners Class Lead Teacher
Stacy joined us in 2024, leading the Beginners Class. Previously, she taught in the 2’s program at Temple Emanu-El, Westfield, for four years.
She earned her BS in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University.
Stacy is dedicated to helping children feel safe, loved, and empowered as they begin their educational journeys. She treasures the opportunity to witness their growth and celebrate their unique milestones.
Outside of teaching, Stacy enjoys reading and spending time at the beach.
Faby Ortegon
2’s Lead Teacher
Faby was born and raised in Colombia and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate for Preschool Bilingual. She brings seven years of experience as an assistant teacher and is excited to step into the role of Lead Teacher this year. Faby is passionate about teaching young children new skills and helping them reach their developmental milestones. She treasures the moments when children discover something new or realize they’ve accomplished something they once thought was impossible.
Outside of the classroom, Faby enjoys exploring new opportunities to grow as an educator and supporting the children in their journeys toward self-confidence and independence.
Maria Dominguez
Infant Lead Teacher
Maria started in 2021. Previously, she gained extensive early childhood experience at Lightbridge Academy in Westfield, where she served as both an Assistant and Lead Teacher for toddler and preschool classrooms. Maria also spent several years volunteering at her son’s school, supporting teachers and students in a variety of classroom activities.
Maria holds a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and is CPR-certified. She has also completed additional coursework in early childhood education at Union County College in Cranford.
Maria finds great joy in helping children learn, grow, and develop their confidence. She believes every child is unique and capable of success when provided with the right guidance and encouragement. One of her favorite parts of teaching is seeing her students’ smiles as they explore new activities and milestones.
When she’s not at the preschool, Maria loves spending time with her children. Whether going to the movies, indoor water parks, swimming, or picnicking at the park, she cherishes these moments of fun and connection with her family.
Geraldine Vick
Assistant Teacher
Gerri has been a valued member of the Congregation B’nai Israel Preschool team for the past 20 years. Her career in early childhood education began in 1995 with Newark Preschool Day Care, and she has since dedicated her expertise to working with children from infants to Pre-K.
Licensed by the state of New Jersey as a Certified Teacher Assistant, Gerri has completed numerous certification programs through both the state and CBI. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners.
Gerri loves inspiring children as they grow and learn, cherishing the moments when they accomplish something new and build confidence in their abilities. She is committed to creating a warm, inclusive classroom where each child feels valued and supported.
Outside of the preschool, Gerri enjoys singing in her church choir and teaching Sunday school lessons to the children of her church, reflecting her passion for working with children and building community through shared values and learning.
Hava Weiss
Assistant Teacher
Hava is currently studying at Kean University and was previously a student at Quinnipiac University. She has experience working with children ages 5 to 14 in community theaters and continues to work with performers of all ages.
As an early education teacher, Hava’s goal is to bring joy to the classroom and help each child grow as a learner. She believes in fostering an environment where children feel supported, valued, and excited to explore new ideas.
Hava brings her creativity and love for the arts into her work with young children, helping them build confidence and find joy in their learning journey.
Meg S.
3s / Pre-K / 4’s Lead Teacher
Meg brings over 25 years of experience working in early childhood as a caregiver, school substitute, and presently as our PreK Lead teacher.
She loves working with young children, watching them grow into bigger people and seeing their minds at work and imaginations take off. Meg’s favorite times each day are seeing their smiles as they enter the building, being part of their conversations during morning meetings, and watching their faces light up as they learn new things and speak about themselves.
Meg shares that the preschoolers are “amazing human beings who help me become a better person.”
Susan Kashan
Youth Education Administrator
Susan has been an administrator at Congregation B’nai Israel for a decade, including six years as a member of our preschool staff. She brings a diverse educational background, with a degree in International Business from SUNY Albany and an MBA.
Her early childhood experience includes assisting in preschool classes in Metuchen for five years and teaching kindergarten Hebrew classes for 15 years.
Susan values the sense of community at the preschool and takes pride in fostering meaningful connections among children, families, and staff. She is inspired by the joy and enthusiasm of the children she works with every day.
When she’s not working, Susan can be found on a pickleball court. She says, “pickleball is life.”
Jazzmine Kurtz
Infant Teacher
Jazzmine joins our team with years of experience working with children in both formal and informal settings. She recently moved to Essex County and looks forward to sharing that passion and experience with the children and families in our school. In her spare time, she also enjoys cosmetology.
Our Board
Meet our Preschool Board, whose support and governance keeps us moving forward.
The Better World Preschool Board provides thoughtful leadership and vision to support our educational mission as an inclusive and welcoming Jewish preschool. These committed professionals, including parents, educators, and community leaders, work together to ensure our preschool maintains excellence while continuing to evolve and grow to meet the needs of our families.
Full Programs
New: Infant Care, Preschool Programming, and Extended Hours