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!