Education
BA in Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
MS in General Elementary Education, Bank Street College of Education
Certificate in Jewish Leadership, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership
Bio
Jessica is passionate about Jewish education with close to twenty years of experience working in the field. Jessica started her career working as a Teach for America corps members in an elementary school in New York City. After which, she spent a year living and working in Israel participating on the Otzma Fellowship program. She has worked as an administrator in a variety of settings ranging from Early Childhood to High School in both public and independent schools. Jessica has dedicated her career to children, education, Judaism, building communities and developing meaningful relationships with constituents. Jessica works as an adjunct professor at American Jewish University , teaching Language and Literacy in the B.A. Early Childhood Education Program. She also works at the Jewish Education Center (JEC) at the Director of Early Childhood Excellence. In this position, Jessica supports and strengthens the Jewish early childhood landscape in Cleveland. She works directly with the affiliated early childhood programs and with engagement initiatives for families with young children. Prior to this role, Jessica was the Director of Early Childhood Services at the Mandel JCC. Jessica is currently participating in the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute, a two year professional development opportunity geared towards leaders in Jewish education.
Jessica also serves as a Co-Chair of JPro Cleveland and is a board member of Starting Point. Originally from southeast Michigan, and a Midwesterner at heart, Jessica now lives in Cleveland with her husband Andrew and their three children. Jessica enjoys traveling, baking, being active, and is a self-described foodie. She loves reading and listening to podcasts and embraces all sorts of new learning experiences - always looking for a new challenge, and a chance to grow professionally and personally.