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
Natalia Coles, Lead Teacher
Miss Natalia brings seven years of early childhood education experience to our Playschool, including wonderful experience at both Goddard Schools and the Germantown Jewish Center.
Emily Clementes, Assistant Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!
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.
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
