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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center

Our Early Childhood Center is guided by a dedicated team of educators and leaders who bring deep experience, shared values, and a commitment to nurturing young children and their families. Together, they create a warm, thoughtful, and well-supported environment where children can grow through play, connection, and discovery.

  • Executive Team:

Emmaline Rosenthal

Founding Director, Early Childhood Center

Emmaline Rosenthal is the Founding Director of the Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center, bringing more than twelve years of experience in Jewish early childhood education, leadership, and community building.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development from the University of Texas and has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a range of settings, including university lab schools and Reggio-inspired environments. Emmaline has held several leadership roles at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, where she designed and led programs, supported educators, and partnered closely with families.

Emmaline is deeply committed to play-based, nature-rich learning and to creating environments where children feel known, capable, and inspired. Her work is guided by Jewish values, strong relationships, and thoughtful structure that allows educators and children to thrive together.

SHALOM (1)

Rabbi Andrew Paley

Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Andrew Paley is the Senior Rabbi and spiritual leader of Temple Shalom and provides vision and guidance for the Early Childhood Center as part of the congregation’s commitment to lifelong Jewish learning. Now in his third decade at Temple Shalom, Rabbi Paley brings a deep dedication to community, education, and values-based leadership.

Ordained in 1995, he holds a Master’s Degree in Hebrew Letters and a Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from The Ohio State University. Rabbi Paley believes strongly in early childhood education as the foundation for Jewish identity, connection, and community.

Deborah Niederman, RJE

Director of Lifelong Learning

Deborah (Debbie) Niederman brings decades of experience in Jewish education, curriculum development, and congregational leadership to Temple Shalom and to the Early Childhood Center.

Debbie played a key role in shaping Temple Shalom’s early childhood vision. She initiated and developed foundational programs including Munchkin Minyan, Munchkin Music, and Sunday morning early childhood classes, creating meaningful entry points for young families. These programs laid the groundwork for what would ultimately become the Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s degree in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Debbie was recognized as a Reform Jewish Educator in 1995 and received an Honorary Doctorate in Religious Education in 2018.

A nationally respected leader in the field, Debbie has been actively involved with the Association of Reform Jewish Educators for more than twenty years, including serving as its president. Temple Shalom is the fourth congregational learning community she has led. She is also a co-author of the CHAI: Learning for Jewish Life curriculum developed by the Union for Reform Judaism and has held multiple leadership roles within the URJ, including Associate Director of the Leadership Institute, Regional Educator, Congregational Consultant, and Curriculum Writer.

Gretchen Reynolds

Nature Educator & Justice Garden Lead

Gretchen Reynolds brings a deep commitment to nature-based learning, sustainability, and community care to the Temple Shalom Early Childhood Center. As Nature Educator for the ECC and a leader of Temple Shalom’s Justice Garden, she helps children develop curiosity, confidence, and respect for the natural world through hands-on, outdoor experiences.

Gretchen believes that nature is a powerful teacher and that time spent outdoors supports not only cognitive growth, but also emotional regulation, empathy, and joy. Her work intentionally connects classroom learning with the environment, helping children build meaningful relationships with the world around them.

In her role with the Justice Garden, Gretchen also helps lead a vibrant volunteer community dedicated to food justice and environmental stewardship. The garden has donated more than 3,200 pounds of fresh produce to neighbors in need and offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, both in and beyond the garden. Gretchen is always happy to welcome new volunteers, offer tours, and help community members get involved.

 

David Lamden

Executive Director, Temple Shalom

David Lamden oversees Administration and Operations at Temple Shalom, supporting the infrastructure that allows the Early Childhood Center to thrive. He works closely with ECC leadership, clergy, staff, and lay leaders to ensure the school operates smoothly and thoughtfully.

David is a trusted and accessible resource for families and congregants, providing guidance, logistical support, and a welcoming presence within the broader Temple Shalom community.

 

Dr. Stephanie Hirsh

Executive Officer

Dr. Stephanie Hirsh is a nationally recognized education leader, writer, and consultant whose work has focused for more than four decades on strengthening teaching, learning, and leadership. She is the former executive director of Learning Forward, where she served for over 30 years and coauthored numerous books on professional learning, including her 2024 volume on curriculum-based professional learning.

A former teacher, district administrator, and three-term elected school board member in Richardson ISD, Stephanie remains deeply engaged in educational innovation. Her work with the Early Childhood Center reflects a commitment to strong systems, professional growth, and thoughtful leadership in service of children and families.

 

  • Advisory Board:
Sadie Funk

Sadie Funk

Sadie Funk is the Co-Founder and National Director of The Best Place for Working Parents®, a national network advancing family-friendly workplace practices across the country. Founded in Fort Worth, the initiative now spans 14 states and 24 regions, engaging more than 2,500 companies and over 5 million employees.

She also leads The Best Place for Kids!®, a community-driven initiative focused on ensuring children have access to learning and life success opportunities from cradle to career. Sadie serves as Board Chair for the Brazelton Touchpoints Project and lives in Dallas with her husband and two children.

Roberta

Roberta Bergman

Roberta Bergman has spent her career advocating for children and families through leadership in early childhood education and public policy. As former Senior Vice President of ChildCareGroup in Dallas, she secured more than $300 million in public and private funding and was widely recognized as an expert in child care and early education issues.

Her service includes leadership roles with national and state child care organizations, testimony before Congress, grant review work for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and supervision of graduate students through the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work.

Noel

Dr. Noel J. Rigley, PhD

Dr. Noel J. Rigley comes from three generations of early childhood educators and brings both professional expertise and personal passion to the ECC Advisory Board. Alongside his daughters, he is the owner of multiple Primrose Schools in the DFW Metroplex and is deeply involved in all aspects of school operations, from curriculum implementation to family experience.

A longtime Dallas resident and Temple Shalom member, Dr. Rigley is committed to creating high-quality, values-driven early learning environments that serve children, families, and the broader community.

  • Center Construction Advisors:

Marshall Funk

Stephanie Hirsh

Michael Hochman

Adam Mandel

Cristie Schlosser

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