Amber Williams (she/her), Early Childhood Director

My name is Amber and I am excited to be at the JCC!  I was born and raised here in Asheville, and I love being outdoors.  I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and over 13 years of experience in the field.  I am currently in school at UNC-G to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood. I deeply believe that children learn the most in an environment that is rich in opportunities to learn independence, self-value, and respect for themselves and others.  I believe that each child has something unique and awesome to bring to the classroom and work to showcase their special qualities.  I welcomed my own little bundle of joy in 2017, his name is Austin and I am overwhelmed with joy to have him.    I am happy to be part of the Shalom family since 2014!

Clara Iliff(she/her), Associate Director of Staffing

My name is Clara Iliff and I am so proud to be a member of the Shalom family. I moved from Philadelphia to North Carolina in 2012. In 2014, I received my BFA in Art Education at UNC Greensboro. Shortly thereafter, I obtained my TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification and landed a job in Guangzhou, China. I taught English as a second language to children and taught art classes on the side. Studying Chinese, immersing myself in different cultures, and traveling were all so fulfilling to me that I ended up staying for five years. When I moved back to the US in 2020, I pursued a career in Early Childhood Education. I decided to make this shift because I have always found working with younger children to be so magical – I love their imagination, creativity, and overall sense of wonder about the world. I worked at a Montessori school for a couple years, and then I was hired at the JCC in 2022 where I worked in the Pre-K Keshet classroom. Teaching under the Reggio-Emilia approach has changed how I view teaching. I love creating a classroom environment where children are allowed to lean into their interests and where teachers find ways to expand upon them. The learning that takes place at Shalom is so meaningful and ever-evolving. I am thrilled to be a part of it. I have the privilege of learning from and working with an amazing team of teachers. As an Associate Director I am honored to take on the role of supporting and guiding our teachers who are such a valuable part of our community.

Lauren Wood(she/her), Associate Director of Childcare Compliance

I am so excited to take on the role of Associate Director of Childcare Compliance.  In my most recent role as Behavior Support Specialist, I had the opportunity to work alongside Camp Ruach kids and staff. In previous positions in childcare, mental health, and licensed residential house management, I was able to better develop skills such as management, teaching, and collaboration. I hope to bring my love for organization and working with kids to this role and continue to help the JCC reach 5 star ratings in our programs. 

While not at the JCC, I enjoy being at home in Arden with my husband and our cats. 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Lauren

Aislinn McShane, (she/her) Program Engagement Coordinator

Lindsey Braden(she/her), 2s Lead teacher

This is my first year in Early Childhood Education, having worked previously as a high school and middle school Spanish teacher and as an ESOL teacher in Chile and Portugal. Though new to the field, I’ve been interested in early childhood pedagogy for a long time, particularly the RIE and Reggio Emilia approaches. I love observing children at play and interaction with their peers, and I feel that my job is to create an environment where children can own and hone their natural gifts for exploration, connection, resilience, and joy. When I’m not at work or school (I’m in my final year of a birth-kindergarten licensure program), I like reading, sports, world languages, and silliness.

Catherine Brockwell(she/her), Hilde’s House team

Hi! I am Catherine. I have worked at the JCC since May, 1997. I was born and raised in Asheville. My husband and I have raised two children here as well. They both grew up at the JCC. This has been my home away from home for two decades!  In my time here, I have worked with several age groups. The past twelve years have been spent in the infant room. The babies are where my heart and talent flourish. I continue to be amazed every day watching them grow and interact with each other. I am a nurturer by nature and feel that parents/caregivers of infants need nurturing, too! I feel very blessed to be a part of the JCC family and these babies lives!

Shavone Bryson(she/her), Keshet team

Hello, my name is Shavone. I was born and raised here, Asheville NC. I am so glad to be part of the JCC! I’m a proud auntie of several nieces and nephews, whom I love dearly. I am next to the youngest child on both side of my mom and dad’s children. I believe in treating everyone with respect. I take pride in being a loving and caring person to everyone. I absolutely love shopping, eating out and spending time with my family. I have a little over 5 years of childcare experience. I love watching children grow, learn, and become independent. My main priority is to teach them, love them, and keep them safe.

Mikey Carden-Willis(she/her), Reim floater

Hi! My name is Mikey, and I am thrilled to be joining the JCC family. I have twin daughters enrolled here at Shalom which is what initially sparked my interest in early childhood education, which lead to a desire to work here. I spent summers working at camps for kids and babysitting in high school, as well as spending some time as a nanny after high school and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I moved to Asheville over a decade ago and fell in love with the beauty of the mountains, and decided to stay! I was raised in a family of educators and was also raised going to Reggio-Emilia inspired schools – both of which have encouraged me to always be curious and never stop learning. I encourage my children to do the same daily, and I am excited to encourage the same curiosity, sense of wonder and love of learning with the children at Shalom as well.

Janessa Chavez(she/her), Keshet Floater

Hi! I am Janessa Chavez and recent addition to JCC. I am an Asheville native with a passion for childcare and creating joy. In my free time I enjoy Disney movie marathons and extensive frequently messy arts and crafts.

Mel Coleman(they/them), 3s floater

My name is Mel, I am 24 and I am California born. I love my gray long haired cat June, painting and creating art.

Natalie Cooper(she/her), Levi’im Assistant teacher

Hello! I’m Natalie! I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Shalom community! I have two beautiful daughters, Isla and Meira. In fact, I was a Shalom parent before I became a teacher. Both of my girls attend Shalom, as well! This was a brand new career for me, but I fit right in and love every minute of it. Before making the switch to early childhood education, I was a pastry chef. Working with young children has filled my cup so much more than I could have ever imagined! So much so that I plan to continue my own education.

When I’m not spending my days with your wonderful children, I love to spend time with my family, cook and bake, listen to audiobooks, and just kick my feet up and relax, when I have a chance. I’m looking forward to spending these days with your children as they grow. I love being a part of their lives!

Becca Coulson (she/her), Olam Echad (OE) team

Hello, my name is Becca, and I am happy to be a part of the Asheville JCC family! I am originally from Jersey City, New Jersey. My family and I would vacation in Asheville before we decided to move here in the summer of 2008. We all have loved it here ever since! I graduated from TC Roberson High School in 2014. After graduating High School, I was not sure of what career path I wanted to take. I had babysitting experience and I have always liked school, so I decided to achieve my dreams in Early Childhood Education, and I am currently working on getting my Associates through Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. In my spare time, I love to read, listen to music, and practice photography. I also love being around my friends and family. I love getting to know new people and I am extremely excited to meet all of you at the JCC.

Jeannie DeWeese (she/her), All school floater

I’m Jeannie DeWeese. I have worked in child care for 20 years, and have been at the JCC for 8 years as an assistant teacher, substitute, and floater. I have my Early Childhood Credential from AB-Tech. My husband is retired and I have two children who are now grown adults. I am proud to be a part of the JCC! I love your children and enjoy meeting you as parents. My focus is to make every child feel special and loved. Thank you for allowing me to care for your children, they are blessings to me!

Emerald “Jade” Green (she/her), Mentor teacher

My name is Emerald Greene. I go by my middle name, Jade, which typically gets turned into Jadie by the kiddos. I’m thrilled to start my new journey at the JCC as a Mentor Teacher. I have over 13 years of experience working in Early Childhood, 12 of which were spent working and supporting children with developmental delays and behavioral difficulties. I have obtained my associates degree in early childhood education and plan on furthering it as time allows. I strongly believe that each of us is divinely created for a purpose and that staying grounded in love and light helps us to build a longer table and not a higher fence. I have always said that each child I’ve taught along the way has no idea just how much they taught me in return. Look through the lenses of a child and you see a world full of wonder, of fairytales and possibilities, a heart that accepts differences and gives their love freely. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” (-J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan) Every child deserves a chance to fly, and it’s a blessing to be even a small part of their world!

Julie Gotsdiner (she/her), All-School Floater

Hello, my name is Julie and I’m very excited to join the JCC family. I recently moved to Asheville from Houston, Texas and I love the natural beauty Asheville has to offer. I’m an artist and enjoy creating mosaics, painting and most recently making pottery. I have always wanted to work with children and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to become a part of the Shalom family.

Danielle Groomes (she/her), Taglit team

Hello my name is Danielle Groomes, I’m 22 years old and I graduated from TC Roberson High School in 2018. For two summers while I was in Middle School I worked as a counselor in training at the JCC. This will be my third year as floater in Leviim, and I’m happy to be working there alongside Amber and Tiffany! I am also looking forward to getting to know the Leviim kids. I love working with the little kids and have my Early Childhood Credential from AB-Tech. I plan to pursue nursing at AB Tech as the next step in my career. I have had the love and interest in babies and small children since I was 10 years old, and I want to become a labor and delivery nurse. My mother Gina Groomes was also a teacher at the JCC for 5 years. My hobbies are watching Netflix, drawing/sketching, hanging out with friends, working out, and going shopping.

Karla Johnson (she/her), Hilde’s House team

Hello, my name is Karla. I started working at the Asheville JCC in 2016 as substitute teacher in Shalom and Hilde’s House, and then was promoted to full-time floater in 2017 and then classroom teacher in 2018. I have my NCECE Credential and I am currently enrolled at AB Tech working towards my Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with infants and toddlers, and I am learning and growing every day alongside them!

Zequoia Jordan (she/her), Olam Echad (OE) team

My name is Zequoia, and my husband and I are both Asheville natives!  We have two goofy children, Bently and Coryn.  I graduated from SILSA at Asheville High School in 2010 and I am currently studying at AB Tech to earn my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.  I have more than 15 years of experience working in early childhood education.  I have worked in various programs in the area as a volunteer, substitute, floater, assistant teacher and now lead teacher.  While working in these programs, I enjoyed working with a range of different aged children from infants to pre-kindergarten.  I’m proud to have been a part of Shalom Children’s Center since 2011!  My special interests include arts, conflict resolution, encouraging movement and dance, reading, and encouraging self-help and confidence.

Wendy Lawrence (she/her), Aquatics Director & Swim Instructor

I am a native of Asheville, having been raised in the Candler area.  Ironically, after traveling and living in other areas, found my way back to Candler where I now live with my partner Kristin and our three fur children.  When I was 11 months old, my father was in the Army and my family lived in the Panama Canal for four years.  It was while living in Panama that my love for water and swimming began.  At 18 months I was swimming independently, according to my mother, and I cannot remember a time in my life that swimming didn’t play a big factor in my world. I was a member of the first graduating class of the Early Childhood Program at AB-Tech Community College and have worked with children of all ages from birth through high school. In the last 10 years my teaching experiences with children and my love for swimming collided, resulting in my role today as the Aquatics Director for the Asheville JCC. The best aspect of my job continues to be teaching swimming.  I am a firm believer that learning how to swim is one of the utmost important skills in a person’s life.  Not only is it a major life skill from a safety standpoint, but it also offers so many open doors for social/emotional growth in addition to a healthy active lifestyle. 

Kierra Lennert (she/her), Keshet Co-Lead teacher

Hello! My name is Kierra, and I am so excited to be a part of the JCC family! I was born and raised here in Asheville, NC, and recently moved back after graduating from Appalachian State University with a BS in Child Development. My husband and I have two amazing pups, and are expecting our first child this year! I believe that children are so very capable if only given the opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet you and yours!

Miri Massachi (she/her), Music & Movement Specialist

I have been working with kids for over 20 years. I am a strong believer in the importance of developing and enhancing gross motor skills during early childhood. Through building these skills, children build self confidence and learn to love themselves and their bodies. Children explore the world using their senses and physical abilities and through creative movement they have opportunities to live up to their full physical, mental and emotional potential. In my classes we focus on coordination, balance, midline crossing, jumping and dancing to name a few. We practice calming our bodies, listening to our breathing and finding peaceful focus. We play with many different textures and sounds. We listen to different kinds of music and hold an instrument circle that gives exposure to active listening and quiet anticipation. We play with hoops, balls, buckets, ropes, pool noodles, frisbees and much more, using everyday objects in non traditional ways! Through my class kids practice following direction, sharing and taking turns and the value of teamwork. Most importantly, we always have a lot of fun together!

Porsche McCranie (she/her), Hilde’s House team

Hello! I have two sons, and am married to a wonderful man. I’ve been working in childcare for about the last three years, and I intend to spend many more years enjoying my career in the field. I grew up around childcare providers, and have always valued the importance of education, in all forms. I received my Early Childhood Credential from Blue Ridge Community College and I’m always looking for new ways and activities to help children learn and grow. I’m very interested in learning about the Jewish culture and traditions. I love spending my free time crafting or being creative, and spending time with my family.

Francis Osting (he/him), Ahava team

Hi! I’m Francis Osting. I spent my childhood on a farm in rural Tennessee, and I recently graduated with a BA in History & Political Science from Warren Wilson College. I have always been particularly interested in teaching and fell in love with early childhood education during my time in college. I’m excited to have the opportunity to foster wonder in young minds and hearts at Shalom Children’s Center! In my free time, I enjoy reading nonfiction, rock climbing, making collage art, and being outside in the sun.

Max Peterson (he/him), OE Co-Lead team

Hello, my name is Max and I am excited to be a part of the Shalom Center here at the Asheville JCC! I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to Asheville in 2015 for College. I graduated with B.A. in History and Political Science from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa and have called this city and these mountains home since. I started working in education through Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC in Americorps, and for the past three years I have been working in Early Childhood Education. For the past two years I have been working on an Associates in ECE and have just completed my Early Childhood Education Certificate! Some special interests of mine include: music, baking, cooking, and hiking.

Sally Phillips (she/her) , Teva Lead teacher

Hello! My name is Sally and I am excited to be a part of the team of educators at Shalom Children’s Center. I am originally from the Chicago area but relocated to Asheville in 1986 where my family goes back 100 years!

I earned my Bachelor’s of Social Work and my Master’s in Community Development from Southern Illinois University and spent the next twenty-five years working with the adolescent population in the Chicago and St. Louis areas and here in Buncombe County.

After raising my own children to adulthood, I made a career shift to working with young children. I started as an Assistant Teacher for Head Start in Henderson County followed by becoming the Youth Development Center Lead at The YMCA in Fletcher and most recently at Verner Center for Early Learning as an Early Childhood Educator & Family Advocate in The Community-Based Program.

When I was not visiting Verner families in the community, I spent most of my time in Verner’s Experiential Garden (VEG). Spending time outdoors in nature has always given me a sense of peace and wonderment and I observed how it did the same for children. I began to explore the benefits more deeply which opened up a whole new world! I learned about vestibular development, loose parts and adventure play. With this information in mind, I designed and built natural playscapes with the help of volunteers. I became certified in The Cedarsong Way and have partnered with Natasha Bowden, Shape Specialist for the NC Partnership for Children.

I genuinely love being around children and find I learn from them every day. They each have unique ways of looking at the world which opens my eyes to new possibilities. I look forward to developing relationships with you and your children!

Stephanie Proffitt (she/her), Taglit team

My name is Stephanie, I was born and raised in the Asheville area. I started working with kids when I was only 19 years old in 2008. I have tried other professions, but really just enjoy working with children. Outside of work, I am a mom of two boys. I enjoy hiking, gardening, and paddleboarding. I also love animals, we have an Australian shepherd and two cats, fish, and a leopard gecko. I have worked at the JCC on and off since 2019 and love the family feel of the job. I feel like everyone is accepting and it just feels like home. I am excited to get to know more families and be apart of watching each child learn and grow.

Kathy Rennie (she/her), Ahava team

Hello lovely JCC families! My name is Kathy. My husband and I moved down from New Hampshire in 2010 and now we share our home with our son Alex and our three cats. Prior to discovering my passion for watching little minds at work, I spent over a decade as a veterinary technician. I am now working on obtaining my Associates in Early Childhood Education from AB-Tech. I joined the JCC community in March of 2021 and I’m so happy that I did. I believe that working with children is more like gardening than carpentry. I can’t wait to watch these minds grow as they’re nurtured!

Katherine “Kat” Rhames , Hilde’s House Lead Teacher

Dear Parents, Grandparents, Guardians and Fellow Teachers: My name is Katherine Rhames, nickname Kat, as we have several Katherines here at the JCC. I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for about 30 years, and was the Infant/Toddler Pod Coordinator–Lead Toddler Teacher at JCC just over a year ago. I moved back to California to care for and teach my then 3 year old grandson and now that he is entering Transitional Kindergarten I am moving back to Asheville.
I have worked in a variety of settings–Non-Profits, Private Centers, Head Start and owned a Large Family Child Care Center for 8 years when I first entered the field. I also spent about 10 months working as a nanny for a 3 year old during Covid–which shut several centers down. I have held the position of Program Director, Site Director, and classroom Lead Teacher during my time working with the little ones I love. I have cared for newborn to six year olds, but my favorite age is infant/toddler. I am extremely grateful that everyone at JCC has graciously offered to let me return.
I have an AS Degree and BS Degree in Child Development, and an MA in Early Childhood Education.
I am so looking forward to rejoining a wonderful team of teachers, and reconnecting with the families I worked with before, as well as getting to make new and rewarding connections with the families I will meet.

Jamie Samdahl (she/her), Early Childhood Judaics and Nature Specialist

Hello, my name is Jamie! I grew up on a farm in Massachusetts and earned my Bachelor of Arts from Smith College. After graduation, I spent summers working as an interpretive park ranger in New Hampshire, Colorado, California, and Nevada. My husband and I moved back to North Carolina to be closer to his family in 2021. I’ve worked at the J since spring of 2022 and I earned my Early Childhood Credential from AB Tech that fall. I’m especially passionate about birdwatching, camping, and learning Yiddish— but nothing makes me happier than experiencing the garden with your kids! 

Jill Smith (she/her), Reim team

Hello Friends! My name is Jill. I’m 100% Asheville native. I’ve always wanted to work with little children and I’m so happy to join JCC! For the past 11 years I’ve worked at Ingles markets. I have my Early Childhood credential, and working on an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at AB-Tech. My friends describe me as an overly happy bubbly person! I am super excited to get to know you and your children!

Amalya Stone (she/her), Substitute teacher

Shalom, Chaverim! Hello, friends! My name is Amalya, and if you are thinking to yourself, “hmm, she looks familiar,” you would be right! I worked at the JCC from 2017-2020 where I wore many hats including Shalom sub, JCC Kids group leader, PJ Library Coordinator, and Front Desk Gal Extraordinaire. Although my career path took me away from the J for a little bit, I am so excited to be back as a sub, and I can’t wait to reacquaint myself with familiar faces and introduce myself to some new ones. During my day at the JCC, you may find me interacting with the children by singing songs, reading books, and blowing bubbles. Outside of that, on my personal time you may find me knitting, embroidering, roller-blading, sewing, or making hair accessories.

Cate Svendsen, (she/her), Reim Lead teacher

My name is Cate, and I am beyond lucky to work at Shalom Children’s Center. Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, I moved to Asheville at the end of 2023. I received my BA in History and International Affairs from the University of New Hampshire and my MA in Education from Holy Names University. With 5-6 years of teaching experience in early education, kindergarten, and first grade, I am passionate about highlighting each child’s strengths and fostering a love of learning through play.

I find inspiration in seeing children’s excitement for learning and am dedicated to getting to know each child, witnessing their growth throughout the year. I enjoy reading books, singing songs, and implementing project-based learning to create an engaging dynamic educational environment. It is my joy to nurture curiosity and creativity, ensuring every child feels valued and inspired in their learning journey.

Will Tocaben (he/him), Hilde’s House team

Hi, I’m Will.  I have two boys, Noah and Elliot, both of whom went to Hilde’s House and on through Shalom. They loved their experience and I was impressed with the level of care they received. I am from New York originally and moved to Asheville in 1998, and have been working at Hilde’s House with the infants and toddlers since 2013.  I play music in my spare time, focusing on the lute and early music. I have a B.F.A. in guitar and lute performance and received my early childhood education certification at AB Tech. I love working with the toddlers, playing with them, and feel honored to be a part of their lives and development.

Martha Valdivia Diaz (she/her), Taglit Assistant teacher

Hello, my name is Martha. I have two children. We have been living in the beautiful city of Asheville since 2013. I’m from Mexico. I’m a happy and outgoing person and I love chocolate.

I started babysitting at CPC, and then I obtained my Early Childhood Credential at Blueridge CC. I worked for Buncombe Partnership for Children as an Assistant Teacher and from there joined the Verner staff working with children from two to three years old for three years until January 2024.

I’m very happy to now be part of the JCC. I love connecting with the lives of children. I think when words are directed towards children, said at the perfect moment with sensitivity and conviction, they can heal a wounded heart. Words have power!

Melissa Vlahos (she/her), Teva team

My name is Melissa Vlahos. I started working in the JCC school-age programs and subbing in the preschool in the fall of 2021. I grew up in Westport, CT where I discovered my love for teaching at the Unitarian Church Preschool in Westport. After graduating from high school, I continued my passion for teaching by achieving a degree in Early Childhood from the University of New Hampshire. After graduation, I moved to Melbourne, Australia where I taught Pre-K for three years. From there I traveled home through Southeast Asia and Europe before returning the States and taught Pre-K at the JCC in Peabody, MA for 10 years. I also was the director of a summer camp for children ages 3-5 at the JCC. I have two kids, Kelsey and Max, who are now grown adults. My family moved to Boxford, MA where I worked at Harry Lee Cole Elementary as a paraprofessional with the preschool through second-grade special education for 22 years. I moved to Asheville in 2019 and I am now semi-retired, but still feel the calling to work with kids at the JCC. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your wonderful children!