Jayne Rosen, Director at Aaron Milken Center, brings an impressive 25 years of experience in early childhood education. Before joining us, she excelled as the director of admissions and assistant director at Temple Israel of Hollywood’s Bay-Nimoy Early Childhood Center. Renowned for her innovative approach, Jayne has a history of designing interactive events and curricula that foster community and nurture a passion for lifelong learning. Her dedication to early childhood development was recognized when she, along with our Parenting Center team, received a fellowship from The First 36 Project. This pioneering program by the Simms/Mann Institute is aimed at enhancing professional development to strengthen the bonds between parents and children.

Jennifer West has worked in early childhood education for 25 years as an educator and administrator. Jennifer was the director of a corporate child development center for 16 years before moving on to the role of Senior Manager of Education and Curriculum for a childcare corporation. Jennifer enjoys helping teachers create curricula that challenge children.

Tami Weiser has been at Wise since 2010. She has a rich background of educational experiences, including serving as the Head of School at Heschel West Day School and Principal of Palisades Elementary Charter School. Mrs. Weiser worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 22 years as a classroom teacher, magnet coordinator, assistant principal, Annenberg Grant coordinator, and principal of a highly gifted magnet.

Rabbi Yoshi graduated from Princeton University in 1991 and was ordained as a rabbi by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1998. He trained as a Jewish educator at HUC’s Los Angeles campus, where he received an M.A. in Jewish Education. Rabbi Yoshi served Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, Calif., as a rabbi and educator for 11years, during which time he contributed to the teacher’s guide to Shalom Ivrit II, and, along with his band Mah Tovu, published Days of Wonder, Nights of Peace: Family Prayers in Song for Morning and Bedtime, a book and companion CD for Jewish families.

In 2009, Rabbi Yoshi and his family moved to Israel when he was named the director of HUC’s Year-in-Israel program. In addition to overall management of the graduate level program, he served as an instructor in Jewish Liturgy. After returning to the United States, Rabbi Yoshi became Head of School at Wise School in 2012, and was named the third Senior Rabbi of Stephen Wise Temple in 2015. Rabbi Yoshi is currently a lecturer at HUC-JIR and a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

Jenna Pitson has a background in early childhood education and was a preschool teacher at Wise. Jenna received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and completed her fellowship with the Simms/Mann Institute’s The First 36 Project in 2018. Jenna is a Wise School alumna, and her own children currently attend Wise School.

Genene Turndorf has been an integral part of our Parenting Center and early childhood education at Wise for nearly three decades as both a parent and educator. After graduating from Stephens College with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, she taught in the Houston Independent School District and Temple Beth Israel’s Shlenker School before joining the Stephen Wise community in 1994. Most recently, Genene completed a fellowship with the Simms/Mann Institute’s The First 36 Project, a program designed to use the latest neuroscience research to educate parents and early childhood educators. She is committed to including and supporting parents in their children’s Jewish education and loves teaching our youngest learners.

Beth Behar has been a dynamic part of Wise Schools since 2008. Raised in Los Angeles and a Beverly Hills High School alumna, she pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in History at Indiana University. Beth's career began in public relations with CNN in London, after which she contributed significantly to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s campaign in Los Angeles. Her political engagement continued with roles in the campaigns of Gray Davis and John Garamendi. Before joining Wise, Beth served as the program officer for The Streisand Foundation. She is also the former chair of ESAD, a coalition representing private schools across Los Angeles. Beth, alongside her husband Bryan, proudly parents two Wise School graduates, Samantha and Jack.

Rachel Mitzman celebrates her 17th year with the Wise/AMC community, stepping into the role of program coordinator at Aaron Milken Center. With a master’s degree in early childhood education from American Jewish University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Adolescent Development (minor in Judaic studies) from CSUN, Rachel's expertise is profound. Her journey in education began as a co-teacher in elementary school, and her passion flourished in early childhood education as a preschool teacher. Additionally, Rachel has achieved success as an Odyssey of the Mind coach, leading teams to top finishes in world finals. Known for her dedication and warmth, Rachel cherishes spending time with her five nieces and nephews, brunching with friends, and enjoying football. She is eager to contribute to the administrative team and collaborates closely with teachers, children, and their families in what she affectionately refers to as her second home.