EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

ECE Business Manager

rgordon@alpertjcc.org

Hi, I’m Rachel, I handle a variety of tasks for the ECE including the registration process, enrollment and waitlist management.  I assist with the creation of the ECE budget and fiscal management.  I lead tours of the ECE and assist parents and families with questions regarding tuition, payments, classroom assignments, changes in schedules, and more!  I assist the ECE Director with policies and procedures and help with overall logistics and operations of the ECE.    After receiving my MA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies I began my career at the AJCC in the Youth Department.  It was then I discovered my passion for working for Jewish non-profits.  I later went on to work for other Jewish non-profits before finding myself in the accounting world.  I became an auditor at a CPA firm specializing in non-profits.  I am excited to be back at the AJCC where my career started!  Working as the Business Manager combines my passions of the Jewish community and numbers.      I love the fact that I get to work at the place where I grew up!  I began my journey at the AJCC when I was an infant and my parents were new to Long Beach and enrolled in the parent and me classes at the AJCC.  Ever since the "J" has felt like my home away from home, as I attended the ECE through kindergarten, the summer camp (at the time it was Camp Kadima) and the afterschool program.  So many of my memories of growing up are of times spent in the "old building" and later as a teenager being so excited about the new building where my friends and I participated in a variety of teen programs.  I am so excited that now my daughter will join the ECE and be part of this incredible AJCC community!  It is so great to be able to work at the AJCC in the ECE, where I got my educational beginning, and to see the future generations as they begin their journey!   The values that drive me are love (for family, friends, Judaism, community), learning/education, dedication, respect, tikkun olam (repairing the world).     When I am not working, what I enjoy most is spending time with my daughter!  I love being with family and friends, going to museums, seeing movies, reading, and musical theater.   

Early Childhood Education Center Director

egould@alpertjcc.org

Hi, I’m Emily! I'm thrilled to be your Early Childhood Education Center Director. My management experience has provided me with a strong understanding of what it takes to lead employees in an effective & positive way, as well as problem solving and customer service.  As a director, I am a partner with my staff in professional development, program quality, and brand building. I joined the J to find a work family! What I found was not only a job I love but a place where my children could make life long friendships! What drives me is my experiences in early childhood education that provide me with a variety of perspectives from which to guide and serve children. It is my desire to routinely improve and enhance every project in our program while demonstrating intelligence, humor, warmth, and concern in partnership with children and their families. As a mother of twins when I am not working I enjoy spending time at the beach, doing hot yoga, and hanging out by the pool!