The Albert L. Schultz Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto recently welcomed Caren Gans as the new director of T’enna Preschool.
As director, Gans will oversee the daily activities at the preschool, work with the staff and teachers and be the first point of contact for the parents.
“We are excited to welcome Caren Gans into the T’enna family, both as a parent and administrator,” said Zvi Weiss, director of early childhood and family education at the ALSJCC. “Her strong background both in and out of the classroom, friendly demeanor and enthusiasm made her the perfect candidate for this position.”
Gans’ background in education includes 10 years as a kindergarten teacher at local elementary schools, including Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto. She also served as the founding director of Beth Haverim Preschool and director of Kadima Hebrew Academy’s preschool, both in Southern California.
Gans was attracted to T’enna because of its “dedicated teachers and staff, the involved parent community, the philosophy behind the emergent curriculum, even the attention to the healthy food served,” she said.
Gans resides in San Jose with her husband, Larry, and their two children.
“As an educator, I appreciate how hard teachers work to provide a positive educational journey for their students,” she said. “And, as a parent, I have the same concerns about my children’s happiness, health and well-being as most of the moms and dads.
“Joining the ALSJCC as the new director, I hope my background will help the staff and parents continue to feel comfortable and happy so that T’enna can provide its students the best preschool experience possible.”