Our Staff

Mona is the Chief Operations Officer of the JCC and oversees the Early Childhood, Camp and Youth departments, Aquatics, Fitness and Recreation. She has been at the J for 22 years, starting as a Pre-K teacher in the ECC and moving into her current position 5 years ago. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and recently earned an Executive Master’s Degree at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Mona’s husband, Ron, works for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and plays Pickleball at the J every week. She has two children, Ron, who recently moved back from Japan where he was teaching English and Cathy, who works for CIGNA in Athens, Georgia. She is also the proud grandma of 5 beautiful children - Maverick, Emmelyn, Ren, Millie & Haru. In addition to LOVING the J, she loves football, Pokémon, Pickleball, and being a grandma!

Hi! I'm Beth Ann Short, the ECC Director of Administration, and I've been part of the JCC family since 2006. My husband, Adam, and I are proud parents of our two children, Luke and Hailey, who are both students at the University of Kentucky. When I'm not at the ECC, you can usually find me playing pickleball, shopping, or spending time with family and friends. I truly love being part of the JCC and enjoy working alongside our staff and getting to know the children and families who make the ECC such a special place!

My name is Erin Calhoun, and I have been a proud JCC employee since 2000. I hold a degree with honors in Early Childhood Education and am deeply passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment where children and teachers can grow and thrive. I feel privileged to be part of a loving community with a strong Jewish foundation and strive to foster a lifelong love of learning and a strong Jewish identity in every child. Outside of the ECC, I am the proud mom of two beautiful daughters, Meredith and Charlotte. I enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, biking, beach and pool days, and, most of all, spending time with my family!

Hi, my name is Megan. I’ve worked at the ECC since 2021. In my spare time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. One thing I love about the J is that it brings everyone together.

Hi, my name is Angie Young. I have worked in the early childhood field for over 15 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy just relaxing reading a book or catching up on any of my shows. One thing I love about the J is the amazing team I get to work with every day and the welcoming community I now get to be a part of.

Hi, my name is Ann. I just celebrated one year as a Desk Associate in the ECC. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis and singing. One thing I love about the J is the positive and encouraging environment that working at the J provides. And seeing those smiling little faces of our future leaders is also a wonderful perk!!

Hi, my name is Aryana Jarvis. I have been working in this field for about 3 years; I started during my sophomore year at St. George’s and have been at the J for over a year now! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and going out exploring the world. One thing I love about the J is being part of such an amazing team + community and being able to build so many great relationships with children, families, and coworkers!

Hi, my name is Catrina Baise. I have worked in the early childhood feel for 20+ years and my spare time I love spending it with family and friends shopping and taking trips. What I love about the J is they make you feel welcome and part of a community there’s so many great things to do here.

Hi! My name is Connie Lipson, and I’m a floater at the ECC, which means I have the privilege of getting to know all the children here. I have been working at the ECC since October 2023. My two children attended the ECC years ago and are now in their twenties. The atmosphere at both the ECC and the J is something I’ve always loved. Even years later, many of my closest friends are parents I met while my children were attending the ECC. In my spare time, I love going to musicals with my husband or spending time with my friends.

Hi, My name is Debbie Lux . I have worked in childcare for more than 35 years, In my spare time I enjoy watching documentaries relaxing by the pool, taking hikes and my most favorite thing watching my one-year-old granddaughter Autumn . Thing's I love about working at the J is the community of everything we can do here I love working with the children and the staff members. We are all like one big happy family. being here makes me excited to come to work.

Hello, I am Elizabeth Janowitz. Being new to the community I am grateful to have a position in the Early Childhood Center. I have been working with children for 20 years as a preschool teacher and at summer day and residential camps. My first career was in advertising where I worked on the account and creative sides. I am thrilled to be part of the JCC community.

Hi! My name is Amy and I've been a teacher in the ECC for the past 19 years. I feel a special connection to our J community, as my own children went through the ECC/camp programs. I attended Temple University where I got my degree in Public Health Education. I love to travel, especially to the beach! I also like to ride my bike, cook, go to theater, and read.

My name is Aniya! I’ve been in the childcare field for going on 5 years. I have been with the ECC for a year now and have loved the experience the JCC provides not only for its students but staff as well. I love watching my students grow and bloom into the beautiful flowers they are. I am a mom to a precious baby boy; motherhood has been a wonderful journey. During my free time I enjoy reading, trips to the beach and walks in the park with my little one.

Hi, my name is Erin Naylor. have worked in the early childhood field for 20 years. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the movies, spending time with my family, taking care of my fur babies, and relaxing to my favorite music. One thing I love about the J is the sense of community and the welcoming vibe that is given every day!

Hello, my name is Geraldine. I am a proud two-year-old teacher. I truly love what I do. Enjoy helping little ones. Learn, grow, and explore the world around them every day. Watching the children reach new milestone, and build confidence, Brings me so much joy i love making learning fun and exciting for little learners while creating special memories in the classroom each day. I have my TECE1, TECE2, and CDA certification, and I’m passionate about creating a fun, safe, and loving and learning environment for every child.

Hi, I’m Gillian! I have been working in childcare for 7 years and am passionate about creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment for children. In my free time, I enjoy going to the creek with my dog, spending time with loved ones, and exploring new places. What I love most about the J is being part of a supportive community where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Hi, my name is Gina Kaufman & I have worked in the early childhood field for 25+ years, and have been here at the J since I was 17. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband, daughter and dogs. I love shopping, and going to the beach and poconos. One thing I love about the J is the "family feel” . We truly are like family. We share support and kindness everyday! I hope to have your kids one day here in the ECC.

Hi, my name is Jayme. I have been working in this field for 6 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. One thing I love about the J is being part of such an amazing team and community.

Hi, my name is Jennifer. I have worked in the early childhood field for 6 years and I’ve been at the J for 2 years. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, going to the beach and spending time with family. One thing I love about the J is the strong sense of community they’ve built here.

Hi, my name is Jaden I have been working in this field for 3 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. One thing I love about the J is being part of such an amazing team and community.

Hi, my name is Jazmyn! I am an experienced early childhood educator with 18 years of experience working with young children and supporting their growth and development. When I’m not working, I enjoy going to museums, taking road trips, and making memories through new adventures and experiences. One thing I love about the J is a community of people who really like to help other people.

Hello! My name is Joseph St Pierre or “Mr. Joey” for short, and I am thrilled to be part of the team here at the JCC. I’ve joined the ECC team in February and then graduated in May of 2024 with my Associate's degree of Arts in Teaching in Early Care & Education: Birth to Second from Delaware Technical Community College. In addition to my passion for teaching, I enjoy staying active by playing volleyball and enjoying the great outdoors! As a dedicated educator, I believe in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. I am excited to embark on this journey with your little ones and look forward to watching them learn and grow!

Hi, my name is Kerrie Ferguson-Willey. I have been working at the ECC for almost 2 years. In my spare time I enjoy time with my family and grandkids, drawing and art, and going to thrift stores. One thing I love about the J is the great feeling of being part of a caring and supportive community. The people here are the best!

Hi, my name is Kiara. I have been working in this field for 7 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my daughters and fiancé. One thing I love about the J is being part of such an amazing team and community.

Hi, my name is Lia Smith, I have worked in the early childhood field for a year and a half. During my spare time I enjoy Pilates, taking care of my many plants, hiking, and going to the gym! One thing I love about the J is the amazing community and staff.

Hi my name is Lisa Stephey and I have worked at the JCC early childhood center for over 30 years. My biggest hobby is watching my kids at all their sports games. I love working at the JCC because of all the people and families.

Hi, my name is Mahbuba. I have worked in the early childhood field for 4 years. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, watching shows, spending time with friends, and traveling. One thing I love about the J is the close relationships we build with the children and families!

Hi, my name is Noah Forrester. I have been working at the J since 2021. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my giant Flemish rabbit (his name is Pudge). One thing I love about the J is that it is a very supportive community.

Hi, my name is Tinylah but everyone calls me Nylah. I have been taking care of all age groups, but my heart is with the little ones. I have over 8+ years & have my state certifications by the age of 17. I am excited to be a part of the JCC family. I started my own bakery in 2024 and can’t wait for everyone to taste the treats I’ve been creating!

Hi, my name is Rasheda. I have been working in the early childhood field and at the J since January 2013. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, making candles, doing DIY home projects, and spending time with my daughters. One thing I love about the J is that it feels like home to me. I truly love what I do and appreciate the supportive families, strong sense of community, and the relationships built with the children and staff.

My name is Sarah Kalish, and I am happy to return to the ECC as my 4 children went through the program many years ago. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and I also coach soccer and girls’ lacrosse. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Hi my name is Tashay. I have been working in this field for 2 years. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. One thing I love about the J is being part of such an amazing team and community.

Hi, my name is Estefani. I have been working in the early childhood field for about 11 years and truly enjoy helping children learn and grow. I’ve been working here at the ECC for about five years now. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, enjoying outdoor activities, and reading. One thing I love about the J is the sense of community it feels like a second home. I am grateful to be part of such a supportive team

Hey, my name is Traniyah I have worked in the early childhood field for 5 years. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to the gym, watching movies, and traveling. One thing I love about the J is the positive and welcoming community.

Hi! My name is Victoria, but everyone here calls me Tori. Ive been at the JCC since 2025. I have over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and am currently working toward earning my CDA. My passion has always been working with children, and I love watching them learn, grow, and put into practice the skills they've developed while in my care. I am married and have a 13-year-old child. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new foods, exploring new attractions, and taking road trips. I love working at the JCC because of its warm, welcoming atmosphere, no matter where you are on campus you're always greeted with a smile.