Meet Our Team

Gan Shalom’s professional team consists of teachers and resource specialists who are dedicated to your child’s learning. Lead teachers have certifications and endorsements in early childhood development and participate in at least 10 hours of training per year.

“Teachers and staff are very caring. They are very attentive to the needs of the entire family as well as the needs of the individual child. The teachers are most competent, professional, and compassionate.”
— Gan Shalom Parent

Area clergy are also an integral part of our team, providing guidance on subjects of Judaism and engaging with our children for story-time, sports, play-n-pray, and Shabbat activities.

Sophie Homonoff

Sophie grew up in Des Moines and moved to Washington, DC for college in 1995. In November 2012, she moved back to Des Moines with her husband Matt, daughter Hailey, and son Lester. Formerly a Family Care Coordinator at Early Stages with DC Public Schools, Sophie supported families of children ages 0-5 from time of referral through the child’s placement into special education.Sophie received a MEd in School Counseling from George Mason University and a BA in Elementary Education from American University. Sophie taught elementary school in Montgomery County, Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia for 9 years. Sophie’s primary goal is to support and foster children’s growth and inquiry into Judaism.

MORAH JULI

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
I love reading and when the kids get excited about books. I love it when they find a certain author they like or when they recognize an illustrator. It’s fun to see them make connections between books we have read.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
When my students figure out how to do something that has been a challenge for them, such as writing their first and last name or being able to put together a 36 piece puzzle, or being able to hang their coat on the hook in their cubbie because now they are tall enough!

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
We are all about community and taking care of one another. Not only do the staff help out each other, we have our kids help out others, both in our classes and in other classes. Helping out others is an important Jewish value. It is a mitzvah to help others.

MORAH LISA

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
Greeting each child and parent in the morning. I get lots of smiles and hugs. Also, I love watching and listening to the children as they converse, play and interact throughout the day. They are so kind and loving with their friends.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
It means I have the best job in the world. I get to love, nurture and teach young children. It means giving them the tools to become confident, caring and curious individuals.

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
We really are one big family here at Gan Shalom. We are here for each other and all the children genuinely care for one another.

MORAH RAIZEL

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
Going on nature walks abound Caspe Terrace. The children gain an appreciation for all of the plants and creatures growing in our yards. We also always look forward to celebrating Shabbat every Friday morning.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
I love welcoming our youngest students. It is a unique opportunity to foster an environment that encourages creativity, independence and hands-on exploration. We lay the foundation of creating their Jewish identities by celebrating Jewish values, culture, and traditions.

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
Our students are learning important life skills that will be used later in their social, academic, and professional lives. We work hard to support each child’s development in becoming well-rounded individuals.

MORAH SHAWNDA

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
My favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom is greeting our friends at the front door and on Fridays watching their excitement and Celebration for Shabbat.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
I get to plant seeds daily of learning, love, understanding, friendship, and forgiveness that will impact generations. 

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
The teachers and leadership genuinely work hard to provide a place where kids can explore, grow, and have fun!

MR. ZAK

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
When we get to go outside! I love being outside with the kids. It’s always an adventure.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
It means the world to me. Everyday getting the opportunity to come in and spend time with these children is exhilarating. I always look forward to what the day holds for us.

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
All the time and energy that goes into the behind the scenes work. The teachers at Gan Shalom spend a lot of their free time working to make Gan Shalom what it is. When I walk into the school I can see the love and dedication that has been put into the school since the day it opened.

MR. COLE

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
My favorite part of the day is going outside and watching the kids explore nature and enjoy the seasons.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
It means having the passion and patience to help children learn and grow.

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
We love what we do. There is a great amount of effort, dedication and love put into the school by all our wonderful teachers.

MORAH ASH

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
My favorite part of the day is morning drop off, seeing all of the kids’ smiles, excitement, and connecting with them as they come into school.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
I see my role as a preschool teacher being to support each individual student in whatever way they need, whether emotionally, socially, educationally, or any other way. I am here to help each kid grow, learn, and have fun doing it!

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
I think one thing everyone needs to know about Gan Shalom is that it really is a community. Every teacher takes the time to get to know each student, and it really is amazing to see the bonds students create over the years!

MORAH MARTY

What is your favorite part of the day at Gan Shalom?
When I first arrive and see the children and am greeted by them in the morning. Also, seeing their excitement when a discovery is made outside.

What does being a preschool teacher mean to you?
It is something I fell in love with and feel comfortable doing, even at an early time in my career. I have learned patience and compassion for others and to live in the moment.

What is one thing you think all families should know about Gan Shalom?
The individualized care for each child. The rooms, equipment, endless art and science supplies, and of course, the beautiful outside areas. We are truly blessed to have such an environment to learn and grow in.

Contact Us

If you have questions about our team or would like to get to know us in person, contact us at 515-987-0899 ex. 233 or at ganshalom@jewishdesmoines.org to get more information.

We are currently looking for a Preschool Director for Gan Shalom. If you are interested, more information can be found on our job openings page.