About Our Staff
Megan Nachod, Director of Early Childhood Education
Megan (she/her) has worked with children and their families for over 25 years in a variety of settings, including special education settings, inclusive classrooms, Head Start, and full day childcare. She has been a teacher, Case Manager, Special Instructor, and Program Director and is delighted to have returned to her roots as a Jewish educator. Jewish education remains closest to Megan’s heart because it unites her joy of working with young children and her love of Judaism. She values the dynamic opportunities that a Jewish early childhood program has to connect children with meaningful rituals that link them to older generations.
Prior to joining Society Hill Synagogue, Megan directed early childhood education programs in Reform and Conservative synagogues in the Greater Philadelphia region. She received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from Shimer College, outside of Chicago, and studied at Xavier University in Cincinnati for her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, specializing in Montessori Education for 3 to 6 year-olds. Megan resides in South Philly with her daughter and son.
Contact Megan
Comets Class
Jaymie Huffstickler, Lead Teacher and Behavioral Consultant
Miss Jaymie (she/her) was born in La Ceiba, Honduras, and grew up in Honduras and in New Orleans. Jaymie earned a B.S. in Psychology from The University of New Orleans in 2019. After graduating, she spent a year volunteering for nonprofit organizations across midwestern states as an Americorps National Civilian Community Corps member . Upon completing a year of national service, Jaymie began working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an A.B.A. behavioral therapist and worked in the field for a few years. This is Jaymie’s fourth year with us at Society Hill Playschool. Outside of the classroom, Jaymie enjoys the arts in all forms. She finds great joy in reading, photography, and interior design.
Moriah Tobin, Assistant Teacher
Miss Moriah (she/her) grew up on a small farm outside Philadelphia and attended Perelman Jewish Day School and later Center School, for neurodivergent learners, after being diagnosed with dyslexia. Moriah’s educational experiences have given her greater understanding and empathy for students. She attended Jewish overnight camps and was a camp counselor. Moriah was also a child actor and later studied education and art at The College of New Jersey. Prior to joining our school, she was a resident teaching artist at a traveling Shakespeare company, introducing the Bard to elementary schools and curating theater and art-related classes for children ages 3 to 13. Moriah enjoys drawing, watching cartoons, and attending theater, concerts, and opera. She adores her two cats and is excited to bring her love of the arts to Playschool!
Suns Class
Myra Puma, Lead Teacher
Miss Myra (she/her) was born in New York City and resided there until age 10, when she moved to Philadelphia. Myra earned a B.A. in Psychology at Hope College in Michigan and has worked with young children and families for almost a decade, including at two preschools in Center City. She and her husband have two young children, and Myra has a keen interest in children’s literature. As both a parent and an educator, she is continually inspired by the joy and developmental growth that reading to and with children brings. Myra loves art and enjoys painting, and she is getting more adventurous with her experiments in the kitchen.
Shelby Jimenez, Assistant Teacher
Miss Shelby (she/her) is a graduate of Temple University’s art education program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Born and raised in South Jersey, she previously worked as an art specialist at the Marjorie and Lewis Katz Jewish Community Center’s summer camp in Margate. That environment enabled Shelby to realize her love for working with younger children and the endless adventures that come along with it. After moving into Philadelphia to attend Temple University, Shelby fell in love with the city’s diverse culture and people. She is extremely excited to be part of the Playschool community and foster new relationships.
Moons Class
Ryan Cole, Acting Lead Teacher
Mr. Ryan (he/him) is a silly and curious tall guy from San Diego, California, with a B.A. in Linguistics from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Most recently, he worked in lead, associate, and assistant teacher roles with three- and four-year-olds at the Children’s Community School in West Philly. He delights in propagating houseplants, collecting tiny treasures, and weaving his playful spirit into the classroom. Always eager to keep learning, Ryan is fascinated by the many ways children use their innate curiosity to explore and make sense of the world, and he strives to nurture that spark every day.
Lea Brearey, Assistant Teacher
Teacher Lea (they/she) is a graduate of Arcadia University, where she earned a B.A. in Psychology. Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, she has always found joy in working with children and fostering a love of learning. Prior to joining our staff, Lea taught at two preschools, New Life Nursery and Creative Learning Environments. When not teaching, Lea loves to write, read, and play Dungeons and Dragons!
Carolyn Davis, Lead Teacher
Miss Carolyn (she/her) joined our staff with over 18 years of teaching experience in the U.S. and the U.K. She and her husband and two young sons moved to Philadelphia from London a few years ago. Carolyn holds an M.A. in Film Making from Kingston University (Surrey, U.K.), an M.S. in Public Service from DePaul University and University of Chicago, and a B.A. in Sociology from Clemson University. Carolyn’s commitment to helping children reach their full potential, her seasoned skills in early childhood education at schools including Jewish preschools, and her enthusiasm have enriched our community.
Cosmos Class
Selena Frandsen, Lead Teacher
Miss Selena (she/her) was born and raised in Chicago. After graduating from Bard College with a B.A. in Film Production, she moved to West Philadelphia. Taking on a variety of roles, Selena discovered that the work that made her most happy was with children, assisting in their growth and engaging with them creatively and compassionately. Prior to joining our staff, Selena worked as a teacher at the Children’s Community School and as a building substitute teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. In her free time, Selena enjoys reading, watching movies, and snuggling with her cat, Gregory.
Rosalie Swana, Assistant Teacher
Miss Rosalie (she/her) grew up in Kensington, the daughter of two artists and educators, and has been surrounded by creativity her whole life. After graduating from the Science Leadership Academy, she began teaching in music programs across Philadelphia, sharing her love of sound and expression with young learners. For the past seven years, she has devoted herself to Jewish education, finding a deep connection between teaching, tradition, and song. Her work in Chabad schools led her to study Hasidic music and to teach piano and voice in Orthodox communities in Philadelphia, New York, and most recently, Geula in Jerusalem while attending seminary. Outside the classroom, she designs and sews clothing, records music, and explores creative projects. What she loves most about teaching is when a child lets her into their world and their curiosity begins to shine.
Meteors Class
Lily Vander Schaaf, Lead Teacher
Miss Lily (she/her) was raised on Long Island and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina Beaufort. As the eldest of three, she always knew she wanted to work with children. Prior to joining our school, Lily worked in daycares as well as at M.C. Riley Elementary School in Bluffton, South Carolina, in third and fifth grade classes. Outside of the classroom, Lily enjoys reading and going to the park with her dog, Luna.
Yael Goldstein, Assistant Teacher
