Jen Lewis, Director
As director of the temple's Jewish Learning Programs, Jen helps support and organize Jewish learning for all students by creating deeply engaging and experiential programs that support the needs and interests of families and students. Her primary goals are to help students develop a strong sense of Jewish community, a passion for Judaic/Hebrew learning, and an understanding of Jewish values and ethics thru Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”).
Jen has been a synagogue educator for 30 years, beginning with preschool at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles and Beth Am, and most recently teaching 2nd and 4th grades here at CBB since 2008. In 2015, she became the Director of Jewish Learning Programs. She is a longtime resident of Santa Barbara and, along with her husband Stuart, has 3 boys, TJ, Alex, and Isaac. In her spare time, Jen enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools, walking the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara, and spending time outdoors with her family.
If you have any questions related to our Jewish Learning Programs please contact Jen at jen@cbbsb.org or 805-967-6619.
Stacie Raichelle Bowen, Administrative Specialist
Stacie graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2012 with a BA in Psychology and an emphasis on Child Development. She returned home to Santa Barbara to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. After working as a teacher at UCSB’s Orfalea Family Children’s Center for four years, Stacie joined the staff at BHY in 2017.
Stacie has been a part of the CBB community since she was 12 years old. She was a member of the 2007 confirmation class and worked as a madricha and teacher in CBB’s religious school. She was grateful to return home to the CBB community as BHY’s Administrative Specialist, where she enjoys supporting families, children, and the BHY staff. Stacie has had a passion for helping children since a young age.
She is an advocate for the school’s play-based philosophy and enjoys learning from the BHY children every day. Judaism is an important part of Stacie’s life, and she feels it is important to incorporate Jewish values in her work with BHY families. Reach her at stacie@bhysb.org or 805-967-6619.
Dagim Teachers
Nicole Coughlan
Education
- Associate degree in Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
- Attending CSUI for Bachelor’s degree
About Me
- Patient, Spunky, Happy
- Hometown: Santa Ynez
- Family: Mother (Pam), Father (Gilbert), Sister (Christina),
Nephews (Aiden, Jackson), Boyfriend (Lorenzo) - Pets: 2 guinea pigs, Jose and Cuervo
Favorite Things
- Food: Mexican
- Place to visit: Disneyland, beach
- Activities: Dancing (salsa and bachata), reading, hiking, spending time with family and friends
- Music: Pop, Rock, Reggae
“I teach because I get joy from seeing children succeed and knowing I was a part of the process fills my cup. I teach because children remind me not to worry so much and enjoy the littles things in life that truly matter ”
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
About Me
- Caring, Nurturing, Patient
- Hometown: Carpinteria
- Family: Mother (Maria), Father (Felipe), Brother (Gabriel)
Favorite Things
- Food: Mexican
- Place to visit: Beach, parks, concerts, Disneyland
- Activities: Walks on the beach, napping, listening to music, movies
- Music: Pop and Latin Pop
Carina Perez
“I love watching their progress and growth and forming strong bonds with them. I enjoy watching children explore and discover new things! My all-time favorite moments, second to Hugs of course, is when they remember something we taught them.”
Isaiah Fuentes
Education
- Working towards Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
- Loves attending workshops and conferences
About Me
- Funny, Curious, Adventurous
- Hometown: Santa Barbara
- Family: Mother (Jazmin), Father (Carlos), Aunt (Abad)
- Pets: One cat, Bella
Favorite Things
- Food: All food, it makes me happy!
- Place to visit: Beach, Jairpos, Mexico, amusement parks
- Activities: Hanging out with family, going to the beach, driving around
- Music: English and Spanish Music
“I teach because I enjoy working with kids. I feel like I can truly make a difference in their lives. I want to instill in them the feeling of excitement and challenge them to explore more of their environment!”
Tzipoorim Teachers
Education
- ECE certificate with over 50 units and 30 years of teaching
- Loves attending workshops and conferences
About Me
- Dedicated, Passionate, Creative
- Hometown: Montreal, Canada
- Family: Husband Mike, of 42 years & children, Patty who married Cody, & Howard
- I’m a proud grandma of Sage and Charlotte
Favorite Things
- Food: Jewish comfort food, Italian, chocolate (especially dark)
- Place to visit: Montreal, Toronto Maui, Europe, Israel
- Activities: Spending time with family and friends, walks on the beach, Torah study, knitting, coloring and painting.
- Music: Jazz, big band, 60’s and 70’s
Linda Kaufman
“The growth and development that occurs from birth to five has always been amazing to me, particularly, the growth between the age of one and three. Having the opportunity to observe and facilitate blossoming language, motor, and social skills of children in this age group is my passion.”
Jennifer Barene
Education
- BA in Sociology from UCSB
- AA in Communications from SBCC
- Teaching Credential from CSUN
About Me
- Kind, Inclusive, Friendly
- Hometown: Santa Barbara/Marin
- Family: Daughter and three grandchildren
- Pets: Cat (Kitty Purry)
Favorite Things
- Food: Love food in general, too many to name!
- Place to visit: Coffee shops and wherever life takes me.
- Activities: Family and friend time, walks in nature, yoga.
- Music: Variety, but a big fan of 805 Radio Station
“I became a teacher because I love working with little kids and teaching!”
Kofim Teachers
Education
- Many ECE units completed
- Working towards a BA in Early Childhood Education
About Me
- Loving, Fun, Huggable
- Hometown: Santa Barbara
- Family: Mother, Father, Brother
Favorite Things
- Food: Chips, sour candy, croissants, chocolate cake
- Place to visit: Anywhere! I have been to 12 countries and love to travel!
- Activities: Camping, movies, adventures, trying new foods, baking, and cooking
Ivalany (Iva) Carrera
“I love to teach! My favorite part is the feeling you get when the children master something you have taught them. I love witnessing how their minds work and watching them grow!”
Isabel Carrillo
Education
- BA in Child and Adolescent Development
- Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
About Me
- Patient, Kind, Quiet
- Hometown: Carpinteria
- Family: Mother (Sandra), Brothers (Jeorge and Erik), Nieces (Haley and Hanna)
Favorite Things
- Food: Spaghetti with red sauce
- Place to visit: Nature, mountains, beach
- Activities: Hiking, camping, arts and crafts
- Music: Fleetwood Mac
“I teach because I believe all children should have a safe environment with love and patient people. It’s our job to explain and show them the world!”
Yanshufim Teachers
Education
- Working towards Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
- Loves attending workshops and conferences
About Me
- Funny, Curious, Adventurous
- Hometown: Santa Barbara
- Family: Mother (Jazmin), Father (Carlos), Aunt (Abad)
- Pets: I have one cat, Bella
Favorite Things
- Food: All food, it makes me happy!
- Place to visit: Beach, Jairpos, Mexico, amusement parks
- Activities: Hangout with family, going to the beach, driving around
- Music: English and Spanish music
Keyla Lazaro
“I teach because I enjoy working with kids. I feel like I can truly make a difference in their lives. I want to instill in them the feeling of excitement and challenge them to explore more of their environment!”
Monica Ramos
Education
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
About Me
- Patient, Prepared/Organized, Happy
- Hometown: Mexico
- Family: Mother (Irma), Father (Marcelino), Brother (Erik)
Favorite Things
- Food: Ranch Ruffles, Kit Kats, donuts
- Place to visit: Mexico to visit family
- Activities: Spending time with family, arts and crafts, working out
“I teach because I love watching children learn and grow! Their joy while learning and discovering is contagious!”
Karishim Teachers
Education
- Associate degree in Sociology
- Working toward a BA in Early Childhood Education
About Me
- Caring, Reliable, Humorous
- Hometown: Santa Barbara
- Family: Mother, father, two sisters
- Pets: I have 2 dogs: Toby and Buddy
Favorite Things
- Food: Mexican
- Place to visit: Beach, family and friends, fun places
- Activities: Hangout with family and friends, games, movies, walks
- Music: 80s, The Weekend, Spanish artists and more!
Mariana Flores
“I teach because I want to be able to provide a positive and nurturing environment for children. I want to be able to make a difference in children’s lives. They are truly my other family!”
Nicole August
Education
- Associates degree in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
- Site Supervisor Permit
About Me
- Respectful, Reliable, Nurturing
- Hometown: Woodland Hills
- Family: Mother (Linda), Father (Ike), Brother (Jerry), Sister in Law (Anna), Nephews (Ilan, Yonaton)
- Pets: I have a cat named Bella
Favorite Things
- Food: BBQ chicken anything, sushi, dark chocolate, no spicy foods
- Place to visit: Anywhere! Europe and Japan someday!
- Activities: Music concerts, festivals, wine tasting, baking cookies, friend time, baseball games, movies, beach, cleaning
- Music: Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Post Malone
“Education has always been a big part of my upbringing. Each day is a new experience watching children build relationships, learn, grow, succeed. I teach because my love for children makes each day enjoyable and exciting.”
Ariyot Teachers
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Education
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
About Me
- Caring, Loving, Creative, Committed, Organized
- Hometown: Carpinteria
- Family: Husband (Jorge) and son (Emiliano)
Favorite Things
- Food: Pad Thai! Loves trying new foods!
- Place to visit: Hawaii, Spain, Cancun, many more to visit!
- Activities: Beach days, wine tasting, baking
- Music: Spanish and English Music; Country, Electric, Reggae
Brenda Gonzalez-Rico
“I love to teach because I want to help the next generation learn and discover new things. I love creating a positive and loving environment to help build up the children’s confidence.”
Milly Larcher
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
About Me
- Empathetic, Warm, Caring, Dedicated
- Hometown: Long Beach
- Pets: Yorkie named Tucker
Favorite Things
- Food: Pasta, tiramisu, sushi, fresh fruit, COFFEE!
- Place to visit: Banff, Canada, Big Sur, Moro Bay
- Activities: Yoga, cooking
- Music: Devendra Banhart, Allen Stone
“I teach because I love getting to see the world through their eyes, seeing them experience many “firsts” reignites a child-like awe. I also find it deeply rewarding to help kids navigate their emotions.”
Afternoon & Floating Teachers
Education
- BA in Psychology from Cal Poly SLO
- Studied Musical Theater
About Me
- Kind, Enthusiastic, Brave
- Hometown: Santa Barbara
- Family: Mom & Dad
- Pets: 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 1 parrot (August, Poppy, Bam, Ham & Dot)
Favorite Things
- Food: Vegetarian sushi, soup, pizza
- Place to visit: London, Montenegro, Maui
- Activities: Signing, recording, yoga/pilates, dancing
- Music: Taylor Swift, R&B, hip hop, pop
Mia Burridge
“I am always happiest when working with children. I want to help future generations to be kind and compassionate individuals who love themselves and others around them. I love being in the moment with the children.”
Julia Sommer
Education
- BA in Russian Literature from Stanford University
- 16 Early Childhood Education Units from Foothill College
About Me
- Thoughtful, Curious, Compassionate
- Hometown: Menlo Park
- Family: Mom (Janet), Dad (Rick), Sister (Liz), Partner (Will)
- Pets: 2 dogs, Bohdi & Hank
Favorite Things
- Food: Seafood, mango, chocolate & peanut butter
- Place to visit: Beaches, redwood forests, pacific northwest, spiritual sites around the world
- Activities: Hiking with my dogs, reading, puzzles & games, tennis, time with family & friends
- Music: All kinds of music, especially folk music
“I became a teacher to support the community and teach young children how to live with love and compassion. I also love learning from them. Specifically, how to see the joy in the little things life has to offer! I love playing with kids and witnessing their growth. It’s not about being perfect but trying your best with the support of a loving community.”
Education
- 12 Early Childhood Education units
About Me
- Cooperative, Creative, Patient
- Hometown: Santa Barbara
- Family: My mother Arcelia
- Pets: Simba (dog) Oku (cat)
Favorite Things
- Food: Tacos
- Place to visit: Mexico
- Activities/Hobbies: Hikes, Time with family and friends, music, reading
- Music: All types of genres
Wendy Alvarez
“Coming!”