Meet Our Staff!
Our teaching team is experienced, nurturing, and deeply committed to creating a safe, joyful learning environment for every child. Each educator brings unique strengths—creativity, patience, enthusiasm, and expertise—that help our classrooms thrive. Together, we support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth through hands-on learning and meaningful connection. Families can feel confident knowing their children are guided each day by caring, dedicated professionals who truly love what they do.
Preschool Director
Shanna Caras
I have a deep love for learning and teaching, a passion that was initially sparked when my own children attended The Preschool at Temple Tiferet Shalom many years ago.
I began teaching here in 2015 and have since taught every age group, cherishing every minute spent with our students. The Preschool is truly a special place—a wonderful, tight-knit community of fabulous educators, kind families, and amazing children. My passion lies in early childhood education and development. I enjoy continuously learning new ideas, philosophies, and approaches in the field, and I am currently working toward earning a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Lead Teacher
4/5 Year Olds
Sevi Mulcahy
With 14 years of teaching experience and my sixth year at The Preschool at Temple Tiferet Shalom, I am passionate about nurturing young children as they grow, learn, and discover the world around them. I began working in education because I love helping children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning. I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education and especially enjoy the warm, supportive community at our preschool and partnering with families to help each child thrive. As both a teacher and a parent, I also have a personal connection to our program—my two children, Mila and Michael, both attended this wonderful preschool.
Lead Teacher
3 Year Olds
Barbara Steinberg
Mrs. Steinberg has been a teacher at the Preschool for over 30 years and she has made it her mission to help children learn and grow. She studied education and art at the Univ. of Mass. in Amherst and received a BA degree in Art and Design. Over the years she has participated in many classes and workshops in Early Childhood Education and Jewish Studies, Mrs. Steinberg raised her 4 children in Danvers where she lives with her husband.
Lead Teacher
4/5 Year Olds
Stephanie Dailey
My name is Miss Stephanie. I have worked with children, professionally, for over 25 years, eight of them at this school. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have taught children of all ages. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to see the children of this school grow, learn and flourish. From a teenage babysitter, to college, to teaching and then motherhood, I don’t remember a time not being surrounded by children. Due to the complete contentment in that world of amazing young learners, I pride myself on providing a comfortable and safe atmosphere with patience, understanding and ease. My goal is for the children in my class to feel loved, safe and make happy memories.
Lead Teacher
3 Year Olds
Maria Martin
Over the years, I have worn many hats but I have been in education for over 20 years. I started working at the preschool level and later had the opportunity to work as a high school vocational job coach working with special education students. However, I found my heart is in preschool where I feel privileged to watch and help little minds take in the world around them and blossom. I love to travel and have a never ending bucket list of places I want to visit. With my parents having been chefs, I am a foodie who loves trying new foods/restaurants as well as cooking. I also enjoy antiquing, thrifting and keeping fit.
Lead Teacher
Toddlers
Erin Almeida
I have worked as a toddler teacher, as well as in childcare administration, since graduating from college in 1999. As a stay at home mom, I took some years off when my children were young. Looking for a preschool for my first child, I knew I'd found something special at Temple Tiferet Shalom. The knowledge, kindness and warmth of the staff stood out, and I immediately enrolled him. My children are now teenagers, graduates of the preschool- and 11 years ago I started working at TTS as a toddler teacher. This preschool has been a part of my life for 15 years, both as a parent and teacher, and it is a truly special place. I love working with toddlers because they are just beginning to figure out the world. It is a joy to see things through their eyes, teach them using simple activities, and help them develop skills to navigate social situations.
Aide
Cheri Horton
Toddler Aide
Mikayla Cabral
Toddler Aide
Marie Colella
Teacher/Aide
Lauren McDermott
Aide
Stacey Kovacek