We couldn't be happier with Temple Beth-El's ECC and Stephen loves Ms. Bethany (so loving and patient!). Ms. Melissa (so attentive and loving), Ms. Alice (we can't even begin to tell you how much Stephen loves her), etc. It's very comforting to know Stephen is in GREAT hands and I have recommended TBE ECC to other moms, friends and even mom groups on FB! You are doing amazing work and have so much passion. Thank you!!!! 

Thank you for all the enriching moments our daughter and our family shared at TBE during her year in VPK at the ECC. I had great comfort each day seeing all the creative activities she was steeped in and the joyful environment she was doing them in.

All the little touch points: classical music on in the class, a pleasant fragrance wafting in the air and the double welcome greeting from numerous teachers daily! Everyday there were thoughtful and interesting creative activities, the classroom was well-appointed with enriching and educational books, toys and centers. The supplemental actives of gymnastics, Stretch and Grow and gardening are above and beyond other VPK programs.

Having parents drop off their children inside the classroom rather than curbside also another special feature at TBE. None of my daughter's friends in other programs knew what was going on in their child's classroom and marveled at this as did I. 

Each month the extra-curricular events and the celebrations of all the Jewish holidays great and small impart another level of hands on learning. The classroom was always meticulous, the children's artwork was always the most current and sunlight and fresh air abound. All the teachers know each child, even though that are not in their class which inspired comfort in the children knowing they are cared for. As a result, no real behavior issues in the children. Many parents today are selective as am I with what our children should/will eat and these requests were handled with ease. 

Our daughter now has friendships that transcend our time at the school and memories too. Thank you for welcoming us to be a part of the ECC.

Randi Nash-Ortiz 

director of early childhood education

Randi has been in the Early Childhood profession as a teacher, mentor and director for over 30 years. She has been the Director at Temple Beth-El's Early Childhood Center since 2005. Throughout her many years working with children and families, her passion for this profession continues to grow. Randi's level of energy and experience make her suitable for the Early Childhood Center Directors position. Randi brings a wealth of experience to Temple Beth-El as she has held positions at some of the finest facilities, including the University of Alaska's Child Care Center, Director of a Preschool in Anchorage, and Assistant Director at the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center in Miami. Randi has a Birth-Five certification from Miami Dade College School of Education, Florida Child Care Director Credentials; she has served on the ECA Pinellas Board and is currently serving on the Board of Pinellas Technical College. Randi and her husband, David, have 2 amazing children, Danielle and Brandon. 

CLICK HERE to contact Randi
or call (727) 350-5885. 

Ms. Bethany

Teacher

Bethany has been at Temple Beth-El since
2017 and working with children since 2007. In
her free time, she loves running, hockey, college football (Go Noles!) and being on the water. She has completed all of her Early Childhood hours through DCF as well as CDA course. 

Ms. Audrey

Teacher

Ms. Audrey has been teaching since 2001, with experience ranging from toddlers to school-aged children, with her predominant focus on three and four year olds since 2001. Additionally, Audrey has her Child Development Associates degree and Director’s Credential, and is a proud mother of two.

Ms. cynthia

Teacher

Cynthia has been working at TBE since 2020. She has been working with children since 1994 ranging from infants to school-aged children, with her main focus on infants. Cynthia has her National CDA certification. She grew up in Jacksonville, FL, and moved to St. Petersburg in the early 1980's. She loves spending time with family and devoting time to the sick, homebound and those less fortunate.

Ms. mARCY

Teacher

Marcy has been working at TBE since 2020 and has been a preschool teacher for over 19 and a half years. She is really excited in becoming part of the ECC family and bringing with her some creative talents. Marcy enjoys
creating different works of art that she inherited
from her mother and relaxing with her furry
feline child. She has a passion for volunteer work for animal shelters and homeless charities. During her 19+ years she has obtained a Florida State Child Development Associates degree as well as her National Child Development Associates degree.

Ardra Green

Early Childhood Center
Assistant Director
& Teacher

Ms. Ardra, our assistant ECC director, has been at the Early Childhood Center since 1999. She grew up in St. Petersburg and loves to go fishing, bike riding and do anything outdoors. She is family oriented, with two great kids and four beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys home decor and is always redecorating her home. She holds a Birth-Five Credential and Director’s Credential. Ms. Ardra is constantly seeking and updating classroom ideas and practices. 

Ms. Alice

Teacher

Ms. Alice has been working at Temple Beth-El since 2010. She has one daughter and a wonderful son-in-law with three grandchildren. She is actively involved in her church, working with children from 3-18 years old where she orchestrates the theater, praise dance and stomp. Her biggest pride and joy is watching the kids perform. She loves shopping, spending time with her family and spoiling them too! She holds a Birth-Five Credential.

Ms. Terri

Teacher

Terri has been at TBE since 2007, from office work to classrooms. Everyday is an adventure in the classroom! Terri has completed all her
Early Childhood hours through DCF and is
currently continuing her education. She is
married and has a wonderful son, Joshua.

Ms. melissa

Teacher

Melissa has been at TBE since 2019 and has been working with children since 2014. She earned her B.A. in Early Care & Education from
Florida Atlantic University. She has completed
and passed all requirements necessary through
DCF and received her Birth-5 Staff credential.
Melissa was born and raised in New York and
moved to sunny Florida 4 years ago. In her free
time, she loves working out, shopping, traveling
and spending time with her family and French
Bulldog, Louie.

Ms. SYLMARIE

Teacher

Sylmarie has been working at Temple Beth-El since 2000 and has been working with children since 2016. She holds a Birth-5 credential and has her before and after school DCF modules completed. She enjoys singing and teaching her children's body parts using Spanish words. On her free time she loves reading, going to the beach, and relaxing with her dog at the pier and enjoying the beautiful sunsets.

Ms. JESSICA

Teacher

Jessica has been working at TBE since 2020 and has been working with children since 2012. She was born and raised in Colorado. Two years ago she moved to Florida. If she isn't traveling, she is enjoying her free time at the beach with her husband. Jessica has completed all of her Early Childhood hours through DCF and is currently continuing her education.