Click on a staff member below for more information.
Lee, a long-time teacher, previously worked at the ECS as a Lead Teacher for 4 years. Last year she worked for MCPS as a special educator.
My name is Aurora Pollak, everyone calls me Rori. I believe that all students are unique and thrive in a safe and stimulating environment that supports healthy growth and development. I want to continue the ECS success where the children flourish and explore to reach their full potential. My goal is also to create a warm, loving environment, so the children feel safe to take risks and express themselves. For the last 35 plus years, I have worked in the field of early care and education. I have held positions starting as an assistant teacher, to later becoming a lead teacher, and then, a school director at various programs throughout DC, Virginia, and Maryland. I have a Bachelor’s Degree with a focus on Early Childhood Education and Child Development from the University of Maryland. Additionally, I have a Director’s Credential from the University of the District of Columbia. After nine years as the Executive Director at a full day parent cooperative in Virginia, I wanted to return to working in Jewish environment. Prior to my position in Virginia, I ran the Tikvat Israel preschool. My Judaic background also includes 10 plus years working for the Rockville and DC Jewish Community Centers as well as 20 years teaching religious school. I also have extensive training in various early childhood educational curriculums with a strong emphasis on intentional teaching and Conscious Discipline, a social/emotional curriculum. I am looking forward to continuing the literacy and art programs Eve has developed and seeing where it will lead us.
Dilini is a passionate early childhood educator who has nearly twenty years of experience in the early childhood field. She earned her Child Development Associates (CDA) after relocating to the USA twelve years ago. She also possesses a Diploma in Primary and Preschool education from Sri Lanka. Dilini is currently pursuing an early childhood degree at Montgomery College. Prior to joining B’nai Shalom of Olney, she had taught at the World Bank Children Center, Shaare Tefila Preschool and Primrose School in Bethesda. She believes that every child is unique, and they learn best when they are in a loving, nurturing and secure environment. In her free time, Dilini loves to travel, read, and listen to music. Dilini is excited to join B’nai Shalom ECS!
Arielle is so excited to be joining ECS as part of the Dubim team. She's looking forward to all the fun and learning everyone will have, and finding out what the favorite books of all the Dubim are. Arielle started working in early childhood education in her high school's preschool teacher's program, and completed her 90-hour Child Development certification, with honors, in 2018. She primarily has taught 18-24-month old's, but loves all age groups. Arielle was born in Israel and moved to the US when she was eight years old. She speaks Hebrew fluently. In her free time, she loves to bake challah and spend time with family and friends.
Britzell joins our school as a new assistant teacher excited to learn about the social and emotional development of children. She is happy to join the Pre K team as a floater between both classes to support the teachers and well as the students.
Ilana Bennaim has been with B’nai Shalom of Olney ECS for 24 years, teaching a variety of age groups. She focuses on learning through free play and of course, singing Jewish songs with children. In addition, she leads the Hebrew Club at the ECS. She began her teaching career in the United States at the Silver Spring learning center, gaining her 90 hours early childhood education experience. Before she came to America, she was living in Israel while working as a social worker.
Arlene been an assistant teacher at ECS for the past 8 years. She enjoys helping the children learn and grow. It is great working at ECS and I am looking forward to another great school year!
