TUVIA SCHOOL OF TEMPLE MENORAH TEAM

At Tuvia School of Temple Menorah, we hire passionate, dedicated and caring teachers who are committed to making a difference in children’s lives. Take a look below to learn more about our team, and reach out with any questions.

KATIE KANG, MAED

Director of Early Childhood Education

Katie Kang, mother of two (Mason who is 9 years old and Sophia who is 7 years old) was locally born and raised here at Temple Menorah. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Education and teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach along with a minor in Mathematics. Katie spent her summers in high school and college working as a camp counselor at Camp Menorah, eventually becoming the camp's director. She worked for Tuvia as a teacher and assistant director. In addition, she spent her Sundays teaching Kindergarten Sunday School for Temple Menorah's Religious School. Following her 10 years plus on the Temple Menorah faculty she continued to work with the community as the Youth Programs and Seminar Coordinator for The Volunteer Center, South Bay-Harbor-Long Beach, and as the Regional Director of Volunteer and Youth Services for the American Red Cross, Los Angeles.

In the summer of 2014 she opened her own home daycare in order to raiser her daughter at home. She found her way back to the Temple Menorah faculty in the summer of 2015 as the Operations Manager. In 2018 she was afforded the opportunity to rejoin the Tuvia faculty. She has recently completed her MAEd in Early Childhood at American Jewish University and will join their faculty part-time as a professor in the fall.

MARISSA DEUTSCH

Tuvia Administrator

This is Marissa's Bio

CHRISTINE HALE

Kindergarten Teacher

Christine's bio here

JUSTIN GERMEILLE

Tuvia Floater and Afterschool Teacher

My name is Justin Germeille. I’m an energetic education student that loves working with kids. My mission with kids is teaching them to be the best person they can be and have fun while doing it. My major is early childhood development because I soon one day want to have my own classroom of students or owning a after school program. I'm excited to be apart of your children lives and giving them the best experience at the campus.

CILIA HERNANDEZ

Butterfly Lead Teacher (2's)

I have over 46 units in Early Childhood Education, In the process of getting my Bachelors. I've taught in this field for sixteen years. My personal philosophy is that every child learns best with child-led activities, the ability to have their teacher encourage independence among their pupils and build positive social interaction and relationships with the children and teachers around them. The ability to respectfully earn a child's trust is what builds a bond. In class I encourage children to learn to do things by hand on. To have the ability to take pride when they accomplish things by themselves, is a great motivation to becoming independent. I became a teacher to make a difference in each of the children's lives. As a teacher I believe that with the dedication I devote to each of the children will build confidence in their lives as individuals.

CLEMENTINA YSAGUIRRE

Butterfly/Ladybug Floater (2's and 3's)

I am Clementina Jasmine Ysaguirre, I began my education in child care with an internship with a prominent Day Care center in Hawthorne California. During that time I also began to develop my passion for child care into a career and started my education at El Camino College in Torrance California where I am still continuing my growth in the child development field. My philosophy in child development is learn from the children, so that we can be able to teach them better. I became a teacher because of my love children but also to help educate the future adults of the world.

HELEN MCKINLEY

Ladybug Lead Teacher (2's and 3's)

My name is Helen McKinley. I have been teaching for twenty-four years. I was a director for a year in a preschool located in Downey. I have been with Tuvia School since June 2018. I have an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have an Advance degree of management in early childhood education. I am California Credentialed. I enjoy sport, college and professional. I love to sing and dance. I listen to all types of Music, Especially classical

HALA YOUSEFF

Ladybug Assistant Teacher

My name is Hala Youssef. I migrated from Egypt with my husband and three children. I have two daughters and one son; my oldest daughter is in her third year of college, another is a senior in high school, and my son is a sophomore in high school. I have studied and obtain a medical assistant certificate. I have also earned an Associate Arts Degree in my major of child development. I have been working with children for four years, from babysitting to employing at preschool sites. Through my experience with children, I have found comfort and connection working with our young learners.

HEIDY CULAJAY

Frog Lead Teacher (3's)

Here is her bio

KARLA DIAZ

Frog Assistant Teacher (3's)

Karla's Bio here

ZENA CLARK-OWENS

Lead Firefly Teacher (4's/TK)

Morah Zena has spent over 35 years in the field of Early Childhood and has been a teacher, home daycare provider, site supervisor, and director. She has an AA in Child Development, an AS in Sign Language, units towards a BA in Education, a BS in Religious Studies, and a BA in Theology.

LORETTE DIAZ

Firefly Assistant Teacher (4's/TK)

Hello! My name is Lorette Diaz, and I am happy to be part of the Tuvia Preschool team! I recently graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills University with a bachelor’s in Child Development. I also obtained two associate degrees from El Camino College, one being in Early Childhood Education. I look forward to this new academic and enriching journey with our students, their families, and our fantastic staff! I value family, friendship, learning experiences, and kindness towards others. You can always find me laughing, singing, taking photos, or drinking Starbucks!

MISSY WALZ

Owl Lead Teacher (4's/TK)

My name is Melissa Walz aka “Missy.” I graduated from CSULB with a BA in Human Development and have 30+ units in Child Development. I have been working in the field of early childhood education since 2006, most recently as the director of the now-closed Torrance South Bay YMCA Preschool.

Besides teaching I love scrapbooking, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on my favorite local sports teams (especially the Dodgers).

ISABEL ORTIZ

Owl Assistant Teacher (4's/TK)

This is for Isabel's Bio

RABBI LEAH LEWIS

Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Lewis grew up in nearby Riverside. She developed a strong identification with Judaism at an early age, both from her family’s influence and from a longstanding involvement with Jewish summer camps and youth groups. She received her undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara. After graduating from UCSB, Rabbi Lewis spent a year as a Legislative Assistant at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington D.C., researching various public policy issues from a Jewish perspective and advocating for these issues on behalf of Reform Judaism.

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FRANCISCO GONZALEZ

Facilities Manager

Use this space to write a brief description of what this team member does. You can include relevant degrees, experience or other special qualifications they may have.

JOYSELYNN

Art Teacher

With a nurturing personality and hands-on approach towards learning, we are thrilled to have Jordan Parker as a part of our team. Their commitment to childhood education makes them the perfect Art Teacher.

Meet Our Staff: Our Team