Leadership and Administration
Rachel Happel
Director of K-12 Learning
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Rachel joined the Temple Beth Shalom team as the Director of Elementary Learning in September 2013, after having served as one of the key educational consultants in the development of the Mayim program for the three preceding years. In July of 2014, Rachel assumed the role of Director of K-12 Learning and oversees all aspects of our children's journey from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Rachel has over twenty years of experience in a variety of settings, working with children of all ages and their families to create rich, engaging, and dynamic learning experiences. Prior to joining TBS, Rachel worked for six years at Brandeis University as the Director of BIMA and Genesis, two immersive summer programs for Jewish high school students. From 2002-2007, Rachel worked at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, where she founded and directed their Havayah Program: a mixed-age, elective-based program for grades 8-12. Rachel received an MA in Jewish Communal Service and an MBA from Brandeis University, as well as a BA from Williams College. She lives in Natick with her husband and two daughters.
Sara Berk*
Learning Specialist and Hebrew Coordinator
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sara joined the team at Temple Beth Shalom in August 2013. She works in the K-12 Learning Programs as the Learning Specialist and Hebrew Coordinator. She works with all of the Jewish Learning Guides and Hebrew Educators to help support all students. Prior to joining the team at Temple Beth Shalom, Sara worked as a Special Educator in Sudbury Public Schools and New York City Public Schools. In addition to teaching, she spent Summers 2012-2014 working at URJ Eisner Camp as the Inclusion Coordinator. Sara recently earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certificate and has a Master's degree in Special Education.
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*formerly Wittenberg - newly married!
Deb Hecht
Learning Administrator
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I graduated from Clark University, where I received a BA in Earth System Science and spent several years working as student IT support. I also spent 18 years at the URJ’s Eisner Camp, going from Day Camp to Senior Staff – in my final four years at Eisner, I worked as Teva (nature) staff. This combination of life experience brought me to my current role at Temple Beth Shalom as the Learning & Database Administrator, where I love getting to spend time with kids, faculty, and staff. I get a lot of joy working to improve the ways we manage our systems and data, helping faculty bring technology into their classrooms, and supporting this wonderful community!
Savita Brewer
Learning Administrator
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Coming soon!
Rosie Kahan
Logistics Coordinator
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
A graduate of Marlboro College, I've worked with children at every stage of my life. After graduation, I spent two years working in Vermont with kids with trauma backgrounds and a variety of special needs, and, through that experience, learned extensively about my own beliefs about education. I believe curiosity and questions have an important place in education of any kind, and Jewish education in particular. I've worked with preschoolers all the way through post-high school graduates, and find working with kids rewarding in a way that is truly miraculous. Since coming to TBS, I've spent time in all of the educational programs, from the Children's Center to the Etzim programming. I am delighted to continue my time at TBS and with the incredible community here!
Rabbi Todd A. Markley
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
In addition to his pulpit, pastoral, teaching, and community-building responsibilities, Rabbi Markley oversees our Directors of Learning and seeks to ensure continued progress toward our Vision for Excellence in Learning at Temple Beth Shalom. In May of 2006 Rabbi Markley completed his studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, receiving a Master of Arts in Jewish Education in addition to his rabbinical ordination. A native of Connecticut, Rabbi Markley was an active youth leader in the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) before attending Tufts University where he studied Psychology and Judaic Studies. His outstanding teaching skills and ability to work with students of all ages has already enriched the TBS community experience for our children. He also has extensive experience in Jewish youth work, Jewish Education, and Jewish camping, regularly serving on the faculty of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Eisner Camp. Most recently Rabbi Markley served as a member of the Vision Team for the Union for Reform Judaism’s Campaign for Youth Engagement.
TBS Learning Team
The Mayim leadership team also works in close partnership with our Director of Early Childhood Learning, Ellen Dietrick, and Rabbi Todd Markley. This partnership ensures that TBS provides smooth transitions into and out of the K-5 experience. You can learn more about the TBS learning team here.
Involvement of TBS Clergy
Our clergy team is excited about the Mayim program and is involved in myriad ways in the children’s learning. Learn more about our clergy team here.