Our Teachers
Teachers are the links that connect children to the world of school and to the experiences of Jewish living. Our teachers are positive, enthusiastic, lifelong learners who always bring something new to the classroom.
They are a child’s learning guide.
Our teachers are chosen for their love and understanding of children, their ability to be joyful and their willingness to continue their own professional education. All staff undergo criminal screenings and background checks before being hired. All teachers complete state-mandated childcare training classes and are committed to furthering their education and professional development throughout their employment.
Through their guidance and loving care, you and your child will experience this exciting learning journey together.
JESSICA ACLE was born and raised in South Miami, Florida. In 2008, she graduated from New World School of the Arts Conservatory receiving a UF Bachelors degree in Opera Performance. She became a certified Music Together teacher in 2014, which developed her passion for teaching young children. Since then, she has studied Early Childhood Education at Miami Dade College as well as pursuing a career in childhood development. She joined the Margaux School family during summer camp of 2020 and is excited to be here. Her hobbies include singing, cooking, beading and jewelry making, and games nights with her family and friends.
ALISA BODDEN was born in Miami. She worked at Temple Judea as a substitute and volunteer before joining the early childhood staff full time in 2011. She has a national Child Development Associate credential. She really enjoys working with children because they provide her with a different outlook on life and funny perceptions on many things. Their laughs and smiles keep her motivated every day.
LISBETH DI GENARO is an enthusiastic educator who comes to The Margaux School with experience working in early childhood settings throughout Miami. Lisbeth was born in Venezuela and holds an Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College. She takes pride in her ability to establish learning environments that foster academic, social, and emotional growth.
IRMA DRESNER was born and raised in Mexico, where she received her Bachelor’s in Primary Education. She taught early childhood and elementary school for 10 years before moving to the U.S. Since then she’s taught in Miami Jewish congregations for more than 20 years. She began teaching at Temple Judea in 2009. She loves playing, singing, dancing, special projects and doing arts and crafts with her students.
SUE FERNANDEZ has been an early childhood educator in Miami for more than a decade. She worked at Bet Breira prior to joining the faculty of The Margaux School in 2008. Sue holds an Associate in Arts degree from Miami-Dade College. Sue is exceptionally proud of her two sons, and in her free time can be found working out at the gym.
CHRIS GARRISON was born in New York and raised in Miami. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Florida International University. She taught kindergarten for MDCPS for 16 years. Her interests include spending time with her 3 children Ernie 20, Taylor 18, & Zach 15 as well spending her Saturday’s at the farmers market. She loves the idea that she gets to be a part of fostering the love of learning in little ones.
YULIETTE GONZALEZ was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. when she was 3 years old. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and her Master’s in Early Childhood Education at Florida International University. She has been part of the Temple Judea family since 2006. Ms. Yuliette serves as the Mentor Teacher at the Margaux School, supporting all of the faculty in their delivery and implementation of meaningful learning experiences. She has a passion for teaching young children and helping them grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally each day.
SHIRLEY HARARI was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia. She received her Bachelor’s in Science in Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement from Florida International University and also holds a Child Care Center-Program Director credential. She has over ten years of experience working with children. Shirley likes to motivate and inspire students to reach their full potential.
ANNA KARELL was born in Peru, where she earned an associate’s degree in Psychology at Rico Palma University. She has taken several courses at Miami-Dade College toward her Child Development Associate certification. Anna has been part of the Temple Judea family since 1998. During that time she has taught all ages of preschoolers.
JEANNIE NEGRET is originally from New York but has called Florida home for over 25 years. She is excited to be a part of the team of dedicated and talented teachers at The Margaux School. She brings her genuine passion, patience and over 10+ years of classroom experience with her. Jeannie graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelors of Science and is Montessori certified in Early Childhood. She finds joy and fulfillment in contributing to children’s early learning experiences and enjoys watching them grow and flourish.
JACKIE PEREZ was born and raised in Miami, FL. She received her bachelors of science from Florida International University in Recreational Therapy. After working many years at the Margaux school, she decided to go back to school and completed her Masters in Early Childhood Education. Her passion is in child development and watching children learn and grow. Some of her hobbies include painting, being outdoors and spending time near the ocean.
DIGNA PLASKETT was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She studied accounting at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. In 1989 Digna moved to Miami and held her first job in the airline industry as a passenger service attendant until 2013. She then worked at a private academy in Hialeah, FL for 5 years. Digna is grateful and honored to be a part of the Margaux School staff.
NANCY QUEREAU was born and raised in Miami. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida, as well as a national Child Development Associate credential. Nancy grew up at Temple Judea, where she attended religious and Hebrew school. Nancy has worked as an early childhood teacher in the Miami Jewish community for more than 2 decades.
JOE RODRIGUEZ Was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He holds an associates degree in education. Joe has been working with children of all ages and backgrounds since the age of 15. Coaching and early childhood education has been his passion for the last 11 years. Joe is married to his wife and they have two young girls.
YOHANDRA ROSALES was born in Cuba and came to the U.S. when she was 5 years old. She grew up in New Jersey and moved to Miami after high school. She attended Miami Dade College, where her passion for early childhood education began. Yohandra has a National Child Development Associate credential. She has been part of Tempe Judea since 2004, and all three of her children graduated from the Margaux School.
REBECCA RUBIN was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida. This is her first year as a Temple Judea teacher and is so excited to start her career in early childhood education. She enjoys spending time with her family and catching up on the latest movies. She can’t wait to watch the children grow and learn new things.
JILL SIMON was born & raised in Miami, Florida. She is a Temple Judea Preschool alumni. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelors of Arts in 2013. She then decided to pursue her passion for early childhood care and received a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching with a concentration in Reggio Emilia philosophy under the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Her interests include learning new languages, music, poetry, yoga & surfing.
MAYA SLAVIN was born in Argentina. When she finished high school she lived on a kibbutz in southern Israel. She studied teaching at Key College in Beer Sheva, Israel. She has been part of the Temple Judea family since 2005. Maya became a teacher because she enjoys helping others find success. She is passionate about teaching and loves spending time with children.
Photographs Courtesy of JaimeSN Photography