Naama Yaacov, Preschool Director

My name is Naama Yaacov, and I am an experienced early childhood educator. My family and I relocated to Raleigh from Toronto, Canada, one year ago. I am a proud mother of six children and a grandmother.

With over 28 years of experience in the childcare field, including 21 years as a childcare director, I have dedicated my career to supporting teachers, children, and their families. My passion for education is matched by my commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners.

Joining the Hillel Preschool community allows me to connect deeply with my Jewish identity, Israeli culture, and the Hebrew language. I am excited to collaborate with educators, families, and the board to ensure the highest quality preschool experience for your children.

Chaya Weg, Judaics Director

Chaya Weg was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From an early age, she was actively involved in supporting her parents at the Chabad House of the University at Michigan. Chaya pursued her higher education, earning her B.A. in early childhood education. Chaya’s passion for children’s education drives her commitment to nurturing young minds and guiding their growth. She is dedicated to creating environments where children can thrive and develop their unique potential. Chaya enjoys engaging in hands-on activities such as baking and art, finding joy in both creative expression and culinary delights Chaya will lead our Judaic program. Chaya relocated to Raleigh with her husband Rabbi Levi and baby Mendel.

Tonia Wood, Bagel Bouncers Lead Teacher

Hello! My name is Tonia Wood. I am a co-lead teacher in the Bagel Bouncer class, our 1s.
I’ve lived in Raleigh most of my life. I went to Millbrook Senior High School right here in Raleigh. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Promotion and a minor in Nutrition. I went on to Florida International University to pursue a Master’s in Nutrition.
I enjoyed working as a substitute teacher in Rochester, Minnesota for grades preK-12; primarily at the middle school level for 2+ years and at an elementary school for one year during Covid.
I home schooled my kids for seven years. I am the mother of six children with the youngest having just graduated high school in June. I’m happy to be at Hillel and hope to see you there!

Debbie Sienkowski, Super Stars Co-Lead

My name is Debbie! I have always loved working with children! I am originally from Long Island, New York where I worked, (during my teenage years), as a babysitter, nanny and in day camps during the summer.    After receiving a Bachelors degree in Sociology & Psychology, I went on to earn my CDA Certificate.  I worked in NYC at the 92nd Street YM-YWHA, in the Center for Youth and Family for 2 years before moving to Florida.   In Florida, I worked at Temple Beth El as a lead teacher for the 3 year olds until I had children of my own.   I have 3 children.  My youngest child is a graduate of Hillel preschool.  I started working at Hillel in 2014 as a floater and eventually worked as an assistant in the Super Star class.  I became a lead teacher for the Mitzvah Maven class in 2018 and am currently a co lead in the Super Star class.  During my free time I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, hiking and spending time with family and friends.  

Cheryl Maitin, Torah Tykes Lead Teacher

Ms Cheryl is now in her 16th year teaching the 4 year olds, the Torah Tyke Tigers at Hillel Preschool. She brought both Letterland and Learning without Tears to our school. She has been teaching, loving and learning with children for 30 years. She is a graduate of State University of NY at Oneonta with a degree in Elementary Education and has her NC Early Childhood license. Hillel is not only her place of work but also part of her family. She loves keeping in touch with former students and being a part of their family, treating every child as if they were her own. Her husband Larry is a real estate Attorney at the Maitin Law Firm and also a professional magician. Together they have 2 adult Children; Arielle teaches Kindergarten for Wake county. Their son Damian works for a major Financial company near Charlotte. In Ms. Cheryl’s spare time she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read, play Mah-Jongg, paint, redo parts of her house, puzzles, workout and binge watch TV. Ms Cheryl’s philosophy is if you have high expectations, children will work toward them. Play, kindness and social interactions are an important part of learning alongside with academic skills. When children complete her class, they are ready for the challenges of Kindergarten that lie ahead. The Torah Tykes class ends every day saying Be Kind to One another.

Talya Wertenteil, Bagel Bouncers Teaching Assistant

Hello! My name is Talya Wertenteil, and I am thrilled to join the preschool team as a teacher in the Bagel Bouncers class. I recently relocated here from Israel with my husband, bringing a blend of my technical background and extensive experience working with children. I hold a degree in computer science, but my passion for child development has led me to many roles with kids, from babysitting to child watch and summer camps. I am excited to get to know each child and look forward to fostering a warm, supportive environment where they can explore, learn, and thrive!

Shoshi Braman, Mitzvah Mavens Lead Teacher

Shoshi grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where she attended Jewish Day School through junior high, instilling a strong foundation in Jewish education. With over 36 years of experience as an educator, Shoshi has taught a range of ages—from preschoolers to adults—through various settings, including religious schools and tutoring. She has a particular passion for supporting students of all abilities, with nine years of experience as a special education teacher and resource room teacher in Jewish schools in the Philadelphia area. Since moving to Raleigh in the summer of 2018, Shoshi has continued her dedication to teaching by working in both preschool and religious school settings. We’re excited to have her bring her expertise, warmth, and commitment to our community this year!

Kim Greenhaw, Torah Tykes Teaching Assistant

Ms. Kim has been working with Ms. Cheryl for 7 years. She is a native of Raleigh and a graduate of Hillel preschool. She has a psychology degree from Meredith College. Her husband Greg works in software sales and they have two children, Chloe, a freshman in high school and Jackson, a fourth grader. They are also both graduates of Hillel and former Torah Tykes. Ms. Kim is also a certified Red Cross CPR instructor. In her free time she likes to spend time with family and friends, read, binge watch tv, and go on hikes. 

Zella Rutenberg Afternoon Program Teaching Assistant

Zella moved to NC from Israel with her family (husband and 2 teenagers ) 2.5 years ago. Zella speaks Hebrew, Russian and English, she loves working with children, her positive attitude and energy make her a great fit to our Hillel team.

Stephanie Fishman, Super Stars Co-Lead

Hi! My name is Stephanie Fishman and I have been an early childhood educator for 12 years.  I joined the Hillel team in 2021.  I co-teach the Superstar class with the fabulous Ms. Debbie.  I am originally from South Florida and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Florida State University.  Go Noles!  My daughter graduated from Hillel in 2022 and my son is currently a Mitzvah Maven.  We love the community feel here! In my free time, I love spending time with my family, reading, baking, and exploring different family friendly areas in Raleigh! 

Sharon Timor, Mitzvah Mavens Teaching Assistant

My name is Sharon Timor, I was born and raised in Israel.

Ten years ago I’ve relocated to North Carolina with my Family and live in the WF area, raising our 4 children.

I’m well familiar with the Hillel Family as a Mitzvah Maven, Bagel Bouncer and After-care teacher in the past years, as well as a mother of 3 Hillel’s graduate

Dee Dee Thomas Afternoon Program Teaching Assistant

I’m DeeDee, a reformed stay-at-home mom turned preschool teacher. I have two little boys who are the light of my life and a husband who is less so.

I have a BA in English and a BS in Political Science which are useless to me in my everyday life as a preschool jungle gym. But not as much as that Law Degree I received.

I’m a recent NC transplant, by way of Louisiana and Arizona where my extended family still reside.

It is my constant joy and pleasure to spend my days watching little children become more aware the world around them and learn through play and exploration.

If you’re looking for me, I’m knitting so follow the balls of yarn.