Elementary Team

Sumeyye was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Turkey when she began elementary school. Growing up between different cultures helped shape her appreciation for diversity, languages, and learning. She earned her bachelor's degree in education in Turkey and moved to Miami in 2022. She has been teaching since 2021 and began her career at the middle school level before transitioning to elementary education, where she has been teaching for the past three years. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in special education. Sumeyye speaks English, Turkish, and Spanish and is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to grow.

Outside of the classroom, Sumeyye enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. She is also a certified yoga instructor and traveled to India to earn her teaching certification while deepening her understanding of yoga philosophy and traditions. She is vegan and values maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, spending time at the beach, rowing, and exploring new places.

Noeli Morejon Sotolongo joins Innovative School as an Assistant Teacher for First Grade, bringing a background in art history and years of hands-on classroom experience. She holds a Master of Arts in Asian and African Studies from El Colegio de México and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Havana, Cuba. That academic foundation shapes how she views education: a space for curiosity, patience, and a genuine love of learning alongside the students.

Since 2022, Noeli has worked at the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach, where she plays an active role in implementing STEAM programs for public schools and runs the After Care Art Program during seasonal camps — designing hands-on, age-appropriate projects that get kids excited about creating. She has also worked as a Community Engagement Assistant for the Ballet Bus Scholarship Program at Miami City Ballet.

Outside the classroom, Noeli is a proud Miami Beach local with a soft spot for the city’s Art Deco architecture and history. She lives here with her family, husband and daughter, and loves sharing that same sense of wonder and discovery with her students.

Emma is excited to join the First Grade team at Innovative School this year. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Emma recently made Miami Beach her new home following her graduation from Hamilton College in 2025. While at Hamilton, she earned a Bachelor's degree in English and Education. Emma has since substituted for Miami-Dade Public Schools and tutored students in the local area. Additionally, Emma is currently completing her Master's in Elementary Education through Florida Atlantic University with the goal of developing her teaching skills.

Emma loves the outdoors, especially hiking and swimming. Before moving to Miami Beach, she worked for Apogee Adventures as a wilderness trip leader in Maine’s Acadia National Park and served as Head Counselor for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s summer camp program. These experiences fueled Emma’s passion for working with children, inspiring her to pursue teaching. In her free time, Emma also enjoys photography, yoga/pilates classes, reading, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with her partner Max and their cat Morty.

Namaste; We are One Love. Teaching children and adults Yoga since 2000. Founder Sharanam Yoga “ Healing through Surrender “ Author Divine Sweetness “ Love Aspirations “. I love to work together with children as their purity , honesty, spontaneity touches my Soul every day and moment. To have impact and do good for children is my deepest desire. Thank you for giving me the opportunity here at the beautiful school to be able to do this. Love, Peace and Joy.

Emily grew up in Hollywood, Florida, and has always loved South Florida. She is passionate about education and supporting learners in reaching their full potential. In 2024, Emily earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education Sciences from the University of Florida, and in 2026, she earned her Master of Science in Special Education from the University of Miami. She first discovered her love of teaching when she volunteered as a tutor at her college’s math lab. Since then, she has gained experience in early childhood education and tutoring both reading and math. When she is not in the classroom, she likes to spend her time at the beach or with her family and friends. Emily is very excited to be a part of the Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom!

I was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Mexico. I then returned to Miami to continue my education and career. While earning my bachelor's degree in psychology at Florida International University, I began working as a high school Enrollment Specialist, where I developed a greater interest in supporting students and their educational journeys.

After graduating, I became a Registered Behavior Technician and gained valuable experience working with children with diverse needs. I later worked as a Camp Counselor and the Kindergarten Aftercare Teacher at Miami Children’s Museum. These experiences deepened my passion for nurturing young minds, encouraging curiosity, and creating supportive learning environments.

I look forward to continuing to grow in the field of childhood development. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, traveling, hiking, practicing Pilates, and doing yoga.

My name is Ashley Weissman, and I’m excited to be joining the school this year part-time, assisting in the Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms.

A little about me—I’m a Michigan native and have called Miami home for the past 20 years. I was a Foundation School teacher for 10 years before taking time away from teaching to raise my three children, Emma (13), Joey (10), and Luke (6½).

The Temple and Foundation School hold a very special place in my heart. Not only did I spend many wonderful years teaching here, but all three of my children attended the Foundation School as well. It truly feels special to be back in a place that has meant so much to our family over the years.

I’m really enjoying being back in the classroom, getting to know your children, and being part of their school day. I’m looking forward to a fun, happy, and amazing year together!

Selma Laurence originally from Lima, Peru and grew up in Surfside, Florida. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelors of Science in Recreation & Sports Management. Selma has worked in camp and park settings since college and even worked as a Park Ranger in the Grand Canyon.

When Selma returned to Miami she decided to change careers to Education. She earned her Teaching Certification and worked for Miami-Dade County Schools as a Reading Interventionist and Kindergarten teacher.

Selma has recently become a new mother and cherishes the time she spends with her husband Josh; their two daughters Zoe and Maya, and their dog Jensen. When not in the classroom Selma loves to hike, travel, bake and go paddle boarding.

She loves working with children of all ages and enjoys the authenticity that they bring to the learning environment. Selma is very excited to be able to continue her connection with this temple since her Bat Mitzvah and feels truly grateful to be teaching and raising her family with the Temple Beth Sholom Community.

Samantha is thrilled to join the Kindergarten team at Innovative School this year. Born and raised in Manhattan, New York, Samantha recently relocated to Bay Harbor Islands. Before starting her college education, Samantha took a gap year in Israel, where she volunteered with refugee children at a community center. It was during this time that she discovered her true passion for early childhood education.

Samantha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Sociology from Hunter College and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter’s School of Education. She brings over fourteen years of experience working with children, including the past five years at the 92nd Street Y Nursery School in New York, as well as student teaching across six NYC public elementary schools.

Outside of the classroom, Samantha enjoys playing tennis, solving puzzles, scuba diving, and spending time with her rescue dog, Winnie. She is also excited to become a part of the Temple Beth Sholom community and congregation!

Samantha Borisoff is a 24-year veteran educator. She earned her bachelor's degree from UCF in Early Childhood Education (Birth- third grade). She started her teaching career at Hillel Jewish Day School before switching to Miami Dade County Public Schools. She grew up in South Florida, and calls Miami Beach her home. Teaching, fitness, spending time with her family and travel are Samantha's passions. Samantha is very excited to join the team at the Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom.

Marley Penson was born and raised in Miami Beach, FL and attended the Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom as a child. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Florida. Go Gators! Growing up, Marley was deeply connected to Temple Beth Sholom. During her time at UF, Marley worked at a local temple creating and teaching enrichment activities that connected students to Judaism and the world around them. Outside of teaching, Marley loves to travel, cook, and go to the beach. As a lifelong learner herself, Marley is very excited to begin her teaching journey at the Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom!

Astrid was born and raised in Miami and graduated from Miami Country Day School. She attended Colorado University at Boulder where she received an Education and a Sociology Degree. She began her teaching career in Denver where she taught for five years. After living in Colorado for 10 years, she moved back to Miami and began teaching at the Cushman School for 20 years. She and her husband have two boys. Astrid has always loved working with children and continues to enjoy paths in education.

Rachel Unger has been a Miami Beach resident since she was two and a half years old. She graduated from Ransom Everglades School in 1996 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Miami in 2000. In 2002, she received a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Reading and Learning Disabilities, graduating with Honors from the University of Miami. Most recently, in 2026, Rachel earned her Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, further preparing her to lead and support excellence in education.
Rachel began her teaching career in 2000 as a third-grade teacher at North Miami Elementary. She later taught at South Pointe Elementary and Temple Beth Sholom before joining North Beach Elementary in 2013. Since 2022, Rachel has been a member of the staff at The Innovative School, where she taught the school's inaugural fifth-grade class. Since 2025, she has served as Director of Teaching and Learning, providing instructional leadership, supporting curriculum development, mentoring faculty, and promoting innovative teaching practices. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences and fostering a love of learning in her learners while strengthening instructional practices across her school community.
A member of Temple Beth Sholom since 1983, Rachel served as Co-Chair of the Social Justice Network for ten years, helping organize community service initiatives and educational programming. She also served as a Mitzvah Day Captain and Vice President on the Temple's Board of Trustees. Rachel previously served on PACT's Executive Committee as Vice President of Media Relations and Public Relations and served as Vice President of Fundraising for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Miami.
Rachel is also committed to addressing food insecurity in South Florida. Since 2017 she volunteers weekly with Food Rescue US South Florida, rescuing surplus food from local businesses and delivering it to organizations serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Rachel has been recognized throughout her career for her dedication to education and service. Her honors include the Outstanding Associate Teacher Award from the University of Miami, Rookie Teacher of the Year for MDCPS, Teacher of the Year For MDCPS, the NCJW Emerging Leader Award, and recognition as a Woman Worth Knowing in Education by the City of Miami Beach.
Outside of her professional and community commitments, Rachel enjoys living a plant-based lifestyle, exercising (especially on her Peloton bike and treadmill), reading, and spending time with her husband, Michael, their children, Max and Ellie, and their adorable dogs, Lincoln and Duke.

Andrea Martinez was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. She graduated from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has had a diverse career serving as a psychologist in various educational settings. She also worked as a school psychologist and offered early child education workshops for parents and taught psychology at a local university. In 2003, she moved to the United States to learn English and now resides in Miami Beach with her husband and two teenagers. Andrea was actively involved as a board member in the PTA of her children’s school and enjoys an active lifestyle including going to the gym, paddle boarding, and rollerblading.

Barbara Schpilberg grew up in Argentina and moved to Miami in 1997. She graduated Cum Laude from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a Minor in English. She also holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration. She has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, which is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. Barbara currently teaches Spanish, Hebrew, Judaic Studies and Physical Education to all elementary level learners. Barbara is a Jewish educator and teaches Hebrew and Jewish education in the School for Living Judaism. She teaches different dance disciplines such as Modern Dance, Zumba, and Hip-hop, as well as Yoga, Music and Mommy & Me classes. Barbara, her husband Brian and Victoria (10), Isabella (9) and Noah (3) truly love Temple Beth Sholom.

Monda was born and raised in Albania, where her passion for language, art, and education first began. She studied at the University Luigj Gurakuqi Shkoder, within the Faculty of Social Sciences, earning her degree in Linguistics and Literacy with a major in World Literature and the Art of the Albanian Language—one of the oldest Indo-European languages.

After graduation, she began her teaching career in Albania as a high school educator at the Prenk Jakova School of Music and Arts and at the Gymnasium in Ura e Mesit, Shkoder, where she taught for four years before moving to the United States.

In 2001, Monda relocated to the U.S. and initially worked in customer service and business management. From 2007 to 2015, Monda also served as a professional interpreter with Lionbridge Interpreters, providing linguistic support in the Immigration Court of Miami and Broward County Courts. In this role, she facilitated communication between judges, attorneys, and individuals navigating complex legal proceedings, ensuring that every voice was heard and understood with accuracy and respect.

Her passion for education, however, quickly led her back to the classroom. In 2005, she joined The Innovative School at Temple Beth Sholom, where she became a valued member of the team. During this time, she studied English at Miami Dade College and earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, along with numerous professional development courses focused on designing developmentally appropriate practices for young children across subjects such as math, science, art, music, health, safety, and nutrition. She also explored research-based approaches on the seven essential life skills children need to succeed.

Throughout her career, Monda has actively sought opportunities for professional growth. She has attended numerous professional development programs and visited Reggio-inspired schools across the United States, as well as the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. There, she participated in training conferences to deepen her understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and has since applied these principles to enrich the teaching and learning practices within her school community. Since 2005, Monda has been an integral part of The Innovative School, where she now serves as the Elementary Studio Educator (Atelierista) and Environmental Specialist. In this role, she collaborates closely with elementary educators and learners to foster inquiry and creativity through interdisciplinary explorations in social studies, science, and art.

Outside of her professional life, Monda enjoys painting, costume design, interior decorating, photography, planting, reading, and cooking. She finds inspiration through travel with her husband, Arden, and through meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. Above all, her greatest source of strength and inspiration is her family, whom she holds closest to her heart and credits for all her achievements. Now in her 21st year of teaching at The Innovative School and her 25th year in education, Monda continues to find joy in learning, growing, and giving back to her community. She looks forward to many more years of inspiring learners and nurturing creativity through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

Yael has had a musical career that has taken her all over the world. Initially a violinist, she switched to viola under the guidance of Prof. David Chen in the Israel Conservatory in Tel Aviv when she was 16. At the age of 18 she joined the Israel Army in the unit of “Outstanding Musicians” for a period of 21 months. After being released from the army, Yael moved to The Netherlands to pursue her Bachelors Degree in Music at the Academy for Music in Rotterdam. From 2004-2008, Yael was a member of the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra under music director Maestro James Levine. Yael studied for one year at the Manhattan School of Music with both Irene Breslaw and Daniel Avshalomov. From 2007-2010, she was a fellow with the New World Symphony under music director Michael Tilson Thomas. Yael was principal viola of the Amarillo Symphony in Texas from 2015-2018, regularly plays with the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, Naples Philharmonic and is currently principal viola of the Nu Deco Ensemble based in Miami FL.

Coach Toni Chavarria serves as the school’s Director of Mathematics Innovation, bringing deep expertise in mathematics education, curriculum design, and instructional leadership across early childhood through middle school. A professionally certified mathematics educator with a background in both public and private school settings, she has spent over a decade teaching and coaching students and teachers across a wide range of grade levels and learning environments.

In this role, Coach Toni leads the design and implementation of a mathematics program that is rigorous, coherent, and joyful, ensuring students develop strong foundational skills alongside conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and confidence. Her work centers on preparing students not only to excel in assessments, but to think flexibly, solve complex problems, and communicate mathematically, skills essential for success in competitive middle school admissions and beyond.

Under her leadership, the mathematics program emphasizes:
• Clear progression and high expectations beginning in Pre-K
• Conceptual depth paired with procedural fluency
• Intentional preparation for middle school readiness
• Learning experiences that feel joyful, engaging, empowering, and developmentally meaningful

Coach Toni partners closely with teachers, school leadership, and families to ensure that the school’s math program reflects both academic excellence and the joy of learning, giving parents confidence that their children are being challenged, supported, and exceptionally prepared for the next stages of their academic journey.

Darryl began her career in District 5 in Manhattan as a second grade teacher. Darryl retired as Superintendent of District 2 35 years later. In between Darryl worked as a Staff Developer, Principal and Deputy Superintendent. As a staff developer, Darryl trained groups of teacher, led staff district wide development, and developed classroom libraries in all schools. Darryl's expertise includes Pre-K- High School. Darryl led PS158, a Blue Ribbon School, for more than 10 years. With the help of an extraordinary team, 158 became a model school in both mathematics and literacy with visitors from the State Education Department and from schools all over the country and world. With a team, the school revamped the Special Education program to a fully inclusive model. While working as a Deputy Superintendent, Darryl was responsible for supporting and rating 50 elementary and middle school principals.

When Pre-K expanded in the district, Darryl created a developmentally appropriate literacy program followed by all. Darryl also designed professional development for new principals which included a new principal support group. Darryl holds a Masters in Teaching and Learning from City College and a Masters in Education from Teachers College in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition, Darryl holds state certification in reading/special education. After retiring from the Department of Education, Darryl continued to work as an Education Consultant for school leaders, teachers and schools in New York City. She moved to Miami Beach with her husband Joe and her dog Zelda to be close to her family.

Sandy Lanes is a pedagogical consultant specializing in early childhood progressive education through a Reggio-inspired lens, working with schools nationally and abroad. Until 2019, she was the Curriculum Director at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington ECC in Rockville, Maryland for 13 years, which she helped to transform from a traditional preschool to a Reggio-inspired program. In her tenure, the school was chosen as a lab school site for JCCs. Over the past 25 years, Sandy has been a keynote presenter and workshop facilitator at conferences and preschools. You can hear Sandy interviewing experts in early childhood education on her podcast, Awakened to Reggio.

Nancy Amar is an Occupational Therapist (OT) with more than 20 years of experience and whose greatest passion is working with children of all abilities. Although her name is Nancy, the children endearingly call her “Miss Mancy”, which inspired the name of her company. She completed her studies in Canada and received a BSc in Occupational Therapy from McGill University and a BSc in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Psychology at Concordia University.

Her multiple collaborations and partnerships with schools, clinics, museums, and educational institutions have made her a renowned and respected member of the Miami child development community. In addition to providing individual therapy, she designs and teaches growth mindset classes for children of all abilities with the main purpose of teaching valuable life skills, while exploring empowering life lessons of compassion, oneness, acceptance, and kindness.

She leads yearly workshops for teachers in schools and offers classes for parents on Intentional Parenting. 

Nancy believes that Autistic children and other developmental challenges have profound lessons to teach us, and she is passionate about advocating for their full inclusion in society. She has appeared on The Today Show and is currently writing a book entitled “I Come with a Message.” Nancy is dedicated to empowering and making every child become the best version of themselves. She has spoken at summits, presenting alongside speakers such as Temple Grandin and Dr. Barry Prizant about Autistic children.

She recently opened a non-profit organization to provide vocational skills training to Autistic young adults and to educate the community about integration. Currently, she is teaching a Transitional Skills Program at Kesher, a school that caters to students with learning disabilities and developmental delays. She is also in the preliminary stage of opening a Beyond ASD Center in the coming year to further employment opportunities for the ASD community.

The name of her foundation is Beyond ASD, because…
A-wareness S-hifts the D-efinition!