All teachers meet or surpass the requirements for ECE
Gan Israel Preschool Director - Teri Porter
I have been working with children for over 40 years. I started out as an assistant teacher in a Montessori preschool while taking classes at SRJC. I graduated with a BA from Sonoma State and I have my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks in Pasadena. I am passionate about brain development and feel privileged to work with children at a time when their brain develops the most rapidly. It is important to provide children with engaging experiences and the social and emotional skills needed to help them successfully navigate life.
Our school works closely with ELI, Early Learning Institute, and we have all received ongoing professional development training to help children express emotions in a positive way and self regulate.
I reopened the preschool after it closed for the pandemic and I have built a solid team of nurturing and caring teachers who understand the importance of creating a positive preschool experience.
I have two adult children and raising my kids was the highlight of my life. I have enjoyed living and working in this amazing community for 35 years. I feel so supported by the board and my staff and know this is a special place for children, families and the community to gather, work and learn.
Miss Teri may be reached at (707) 763-5136 or by email at Teri@bnaiisrael.net
Miss Lori
Hi! My name is Lori Martinez. I come to Gan Israel with more than 25 years teaching experience. I hold an AA degree and Child Development certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College. I also hold a Site Supervisor Permit through the State of California. I have been happily married to my husband, Paul for 6 years — together for 18 years. We enjoy going to the movies, going out to dinner and watching and attending sports events, especially the Warriors, Giants, A’s, Sharks, and Raiders! We also enjoy taking trips to Disneyland, Reno and Santa Cruz, as we enjoy quality time together.
Miss Molly
Miss Molly began her journey with Gan Israel four years ago, coinciding with the reopening of school after the pandemic. Her passion for children motivated her to return to school to earn her teacher certification. She is a proud mother of two wonderful grown sons. In her spare time, Miss Molly and her husband enjoy hiking, and she finds joy in capturing the beauty of nature through photography and painting. Working at Gan Israel has been a blessing for her, as she considers it a second family. The smiles and excitement on the children's faces make her days brighter, and she is grateful to say she truly loves her job as a teacher.
Miss Krista
Miss Krista has been at Gan Israel Preschool for 3 years and holds an Associate Teaching permit from SRJC. She has Montessori experience and play-based teaching experience.
Miss Krista lives in Petaluma with her husband and 3 daughters, who help out at the preschool from time to time or do babysitting. Her family is active in 4-H raising sheep. She has chickens and bring eggs to make the Friday Challah for the preschool. When Miss Krista is not at work she likes to garden and travel with her family.
Miss odalis
Growing up as the oldest of four, I always knew that I wanted a career in education. I graduated from Sonoma state back in 2023 with a bachelors in Sociology. Now I am looking forward to having the opportunity to start my masters in education this fall.
I am also a mother of two boys, and was born in Jalisco, Mexico. I have been at Gan Israel for the last two years and have fallen in love with the art of of teaching young children. It's a place where learning, bonds, and growth have been planted thus far.
Miss Kiery
Before becoming part of Gan Israel I was a stay at home mom for 6 years. Now, I’ve been at Gan Isreal Preschool for about A year and half. I have experience working in other elementary schools prior to becoming a mom. I’ve learned a lot about working with children, and about myself as a mother and it reinforced my decision to come back to pursue a career in teaching. I am still currently at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Other than teaching, I also have my own family. I have my husband which we’ve been together for twelve years and married for eight. We have two happy boys, Jonathan is six and Jovanni is three. On my free time I love spending time with my family and we like exploring new places.
I enjoy working with children and helping them grow. Looking forward to meeting new little friends and making teaching fun!
Miss Tamara
Miss Tamara is currently in school to earn her AA in Early Childhood Studies. She plans on transferring to SSU to get her Bachelor’s. She has worked in the Beauty Industry as a Licensed Esthetician specializing in eyelash extensions for the past 13 years and is excited to be making this career transition in Education. Miss Tamara has a 6-year-old who went to Gan Israel Preschool starting from when she was 2 years old until she was ready for TK. She actually learned to read while in Preschool!! Miss Tamara and her daughter love reading, visiting new places, and learning new things! She is excited to get to know all your little ones!
Miss Bruna
Bruna Gulick is a dedicated and passionate educator originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now 27 years old, Bruna has been living abroad for the past eight years, where she has built a fulfilling life alongside her husband, Mason, and their beloved Labrador Retriever, Penny.
With a deep-rooted passion for working with children, Bruna finds immense joy in seeing young minds grow and flourish through learning. Her commitment to creating a positive and engaging educational environment reflects her belief in the transformative power of education.
Bruna is currently pursuing her goal of becoming a Master of Education, with aspirations to deepen her knowledge and expertise in the field. She remains driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, helping them thrive both academically and emotionally.
Miss Rachel
Miss Rachel is a passionate Jewish educator dedicated to creating meaningful, inclusive, and engaging experiences for young children. She serves as a Jewish Resource Specialist and teaches at a preschool with a strong emphasis on Reggio-inspired, play-based learning. Known for her creativity, hands-on holiday provocations, and deep connection with students and families, Rachel brings Jewish values to life in ways that are joyful, relevant, and accessible. She is also the proud mom of two daughters, Soleia and Rafaela.