The Admin Team
Executive Director
Rabbi Motti Wilhelm
You may find Rabbi Motti telling stories to the kids, leading Brachas, and generally being a presence on campus ensuring all is well. Rabbi Motti is a worldly man, having received his Degrees from the Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand and New Jersey. He has been in the Chabad of Oregon since 2006 and a member of The Gan's Administrative Team since 2011. He has been such a pillar of this community as he interfaces with our parents on a daily basis, continues with education for adults and children, gets youths ready for their bar mitzvahs, helps guide and heal in times of sadness and strife, and always leads his community with chokmah and chesed.
Center Director
Stephanie Faddis
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Stephanie Faddis is an educator with a Masters in Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, with experience in both public and private schools as a lead classroom teacher, co-teacher, and student support advocate. Her professional focus has been on creating student-centered, project-based learning that encourages social-emotional wellbeing for diverse learners. As a parent to a current Gan student and an older Jewish Day School student, she is thrilled to be working in a school that centers joyful Jewish learning, and looks forward to supporting the incredible work of the teachers and staff at The Gan.
Office Manager
Katrina Shoda-Iwasaki
Hi! My name is Katrina and I am excited to be the new Office Manager/Administrator here at The Gan Preschool. This is my first time in an office position, but I have been a teacher in Early Childhood Education for over 10 years and have been in the Jewish Community since 2010. I am excited to be a part of this community and share in the growth and experiences for the children. If you have any questions you are always welcome to pop by my office or shoot me an email at office@portlandjewishpreschool.com
The Morahs
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Pre-K Lead Morah Muriel Smith
Morah Muriel has spent most of her career working in education and has been at The Gan for the past two. She got her masters from PSU in 2020 with an emphasis on arts integration in the classroom. In her spare time she loves anything outdoors including gardening and camping. She also enjoys reading a good book with her two cats Burton and Biggie.
Pre-K Assistant Morah Aurora Schroeter
Preschool Morah Elizabeth Osorio
My name is Elizabeth Osorio and I am the 3s teacher at The Gan. I am originally from Southern California, but came up to Oregon for college. I graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science. I have been teaching in early childhood for 3 years with children 3 months-6 years old. I have enjoyed every moment of working at The Gan in this wonderful community of staff, administrators, parents, and children!
Aurora began working at The Gan in December of 2021. Aurora is passionate about her career of working with children, and brings 8 years of experience working with all aged children across many different settings. Aurora obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from PSU in 2019. Since graduating, Aurora has worked as a residential counselor for at-risk youth, and as an RBT/RBAI therapist assisting children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities in building functional life skills and teaching replacement behaviors for challenging behavior. Aurora loves working with children and is excited to build on her knowledge, and teach skills working as a preschool teacher at The Gan.
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Older Toddler Lead Morah Michelle Manor
I'm Morah Michelle. I have worked at The Gan for many years and have also sent all three of my kids here! I love working with little kids and having fun with them inside the classroom and out on the playground. My degree is in Early Childhood Education. When I'm not at work I like hanging out with my kids or going for a run!
Older Toddler Assistant
Morah Chloe Stewart
Young Toddler Lead Morah Sandra Cotta
I have been at The Gan for a year, an early childhood educator for four years, and have taught children ranging in age from infants and toddlers up to Pre-K. I have my associates degree in early childhood education as well as my preschool teacher permit. I’m working on getting my Bachelors in early childhood education as well and will work toward my masters degree after that. Being a teacher means also being a lifelong learner and I look forward to continuing to learn through my career as an educator.I recently moved to the Great Northwest with my family from Southern California. I have two daughters ages two and seven.
Young Toddler Assistant Morah Journey Colberg
I've always loved working with kids since I started babysitting and nannying when I was young and now I'm thrilled to spend my time at The Gan learning with and from your amazing kiddos. My other passions are art, being in nature, writing and all forms of creativity, and I'm so grateful to be able to combine these in an environment of growth and exploration!
I am from Woodland Washington and moved to Oregon in 2014 and have been in the Southeast area since then. As the eldest sister of 2 brothers and the oldest of at least 10 cousins in my large extended family, I grew up loving being around children. I love the way in which kids see the world, in such a hopeful sweet way, and knowing these kids are our future gives me such hope and happiness. I have always known I wanted to work with children in some capacity; it feels like it is my calling. Since I was in the 3rd grade I always said I wanted to be a teacher "when I grew up", my mom always told me I would change my mind, and here I am 15 years later just as determined! When I am not working or doing classwork, I like to hang out with my kitty Chester, ride my bike, try new recipes, and get outdoors. I am excited to get to know all the new faces I will meet over the next year and beyond. Thank you all for welcoming me into this classroom and giving me the chance to pursue something I feel so passionate about!
Support Staff
Morah Jennica Onstot
Hello! My name is Jennica and I have a BA in Psychology and have always wanted to work with children! When I learned about the opening at The Gan for a floater I jumped on the opportunity to finally be working with children. As a floater, I not only give the other Morahs their breaks and planning time, but I get to know each child in every class and experience their different personalities. This gives me the unique experience to work with all ages, from our sweet babies in 2A to our independent pre-k friends in 4! It's been amazing getting to know all of the Morahs and children here at The Gan!
Morah Madi Loop
Hi, I'm Madilyn Loop, but I often go by Madi. I'm from Southern California where I've been a nanny and a preschool assistant while I attended college for Child Development. I'm new to the area and community, but I'm eager for new experiences.
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