teachers & leadership

We're hiring! Gan Shalom is looking for great educators to join our team for the Spring, Summer and for next school year. Job description for immediate hire here, but please reach out to our Director, Laura Vitiello with additional inquiries.
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Laura Vitello, Executive Director and Co-Teacher
Laura attended University of Delaware for undergrad, completing a degree in Organizational and Community Leadership and later decided to pursue her Masters in Early Childhood Education at Towson University.  Laura originally began her childcare career as a pre-teen, handing out business cards for her indepedent babysitting venture, in her hometown outside of Philadelphia. She has spent the last seven years expanding her knowledge and practice as an educator and community leader, beginning as a Program Director at a Boys and Girls Club and deepening her understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy in varying preschool environments.  Laura loves spending her time with children reading books and exploring their curiousities. Her passion is driven by children's natural wonder and watching children grow. She is currently working on her AIM4Excellence Director credential and is certified in Nature-Based Learning. Laura currently lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and two new kittens and loves to spend her free time with family and travelling to new places. 
Mary McDowney,  Co-Teacher 
Mary McDowney was born and raised in Washington D.C. and has been teaching for the past 37 years. She has three daughters and four grandchildren. Her favorite part of being an educator is teaching children to be life long learners.

parent leadership

Executive Committee
President - Sara Carnochan
Vice President -Jeff Dunlap and Anat Holtzman
Treasurer - Andrea Lippin and Dan Parent
Membership Chair - MiKell Brough-Stevenson 
Fundraising Chair - Aaron Smith and Shavanna Miller
Communications Chair - Haley Woodward
​Liaison to Hill Havurah Board - VACANT