Our caring staff nurtures your child's growth in a safe, supportive environment.
Our dedicated staff at Gan Shelanu Preschool Center is committed to creating a nurturing and enriching environment where every child can thrive. With a focus on providing personalized attention and fostering a supportive atmosphere, our experienced team ensures that each child’s unique needs and interests are met. Meet the passionate individuals who make our environment a truly special place for early learning and growth.
Ilanit Meir
My name is Ilanit Meir and I am the proud owner and director of Gan Shelanu Preschool. I am also the lead teacher of the Pre-K level program at our school. I am married and a proud mother of three amazing girls!
I have obtained a UCLA bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies and a Pepperdine University Master’s degree in Education. I have a teaching credential degree in Elementary education from UCLA. I completed my studies by earning an Early Childhood Certificate degree from UCLA Extension.
I have been teaching kiddos for the last 26 years! Over the years I have taught many levels. My passion, however, is the teaching Preschool/ Pre-K level. That of course led me to open my first school 18 years ago making it the most rewarding decision I made in my life!
Looking back, I am so excited to share that I have helped raise, educate, and make a difference in many kids’ lives. I love having that power as an educator to be able to shape and instill a love of learning through my own positive energy and excitement.
Nowadays, I am back in the classroom teaching the Pre-K level and I love it. As a previous kindergarten teacher for 15 years, I know how to prepare our Pre-K students to excel and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in kindergarten.
My philosophy of teaching is balanced. I try to push kids to the limit of their abilities and celebrate with them their successes. On the other hand, I know when to loosen up and have fun. Happy children are learning children!!
I look forward to having you join our warm Gan Shelanu Preschool Center Jewish/Israeli community, and have you and your child begin experiencing adventures full of smiles and tons of happy memories!
My name is Ms. Donna and I have been with Gan Shelanu for over 16 years! I am the teacher for the 3–4-year-olds and also the assistant director of our school.
I have a degree in early childhood education as well as a master teacher certification through the state of California.
My specialty is connecting with the little ones and creating a fun and colorful classroom atmosphere that promotes growth and independence. I believe children thrive in a loving and nurturing environment that includes music, play, and of course age-appropriate rules.
In my spare time, I like to sing and dance and take care of my mom and my little dog Tink who absolutely owns my heart.
Teaching is not a job for me, it has always been second nature. I love our school and all of the children who have blessed my classroom, and I look forward to another year of lifelong memories and many more forever bonds.
Shalom Everyone, My name is Ms. Lisa and I am the proud Savta of two Gan Shelanu Preschool graduates!
I am the lead teacher at the cutes group of Gan Shelanu Preschool- The Toddlers! Teaching this age level in my opinion is the most rewarding and fun!
I have been a teacher in Israel for the last 22 years at various levels. At Gan Shelanu Preschool, I have been enjoying my 8 years teaching the youngsters group.
I like working at Gan Shelanu Preschool because we have a well-developed teaching curriculum enhancing the children from the youngest group to the oldest group. Our school is a happy learning place!
In my class, I immerse my students in the Hebrew language. Jewish holidays, seasons, and many more units I have developed over the years.
Looking forward to teaching, hugging, singing, playing, and creating fun memories with your little guys.
Hello, I’m Ms. Azu! I am a teacher’s assistant here at Gan Shelanu. I am a very active person who loves playing sports, throughout my life, I’ve played baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, and football.
I am one of six children so playing sports was a very big thing in my family growing up. I started working with children when I was 12 years old assisting my old baseball/softball coach and just finished my last year coaching a little over a year ago when my sister entered high school.
I am currently enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College pursuing my AA in Early Childhood Development and soon will be transferring to university to continue my education in the field.
Ever since I was a baby in preschool, I’ve always told my mom I wanted to be a teacher and thanks to Ms. Ilanit I am living that dream!
This is my third year here at Gan Shelanu and I absolutely love the environment here. As much as we help, teach, and guide your children, they do the same for us as well. I have learned so much here at Gan Shelanu and continue to do so with your child very soon!
Hello Families! My name is Ms. Destiny. I have a big family of 5 sisters and 2 cats. I am a certified teacher’s assistant at the Pre-K level.
I am very excited to meet you as you join our community in the future. I have been working at Gan Shelanu for 3+ years and it has been AMAZING thus far.
The environment at our Gan is like no other as we are all here as one big family!
My future goal in life is to continue studying and keep on learning many new things in the field of education. working side by side with Ms. Ilanit inspires me and I hope to be just like her one day and teach like her! I enjoy spending my days with children and shaping their little minds. Looking forward to meeting you soon.
My name is Orily Ayala. I’m married and a proud parent of four beautiful children. My eldest daughter is 32, and my youngest is 6. My second oldest son is a practice manager at a veterinary clinic, and my other son is currently working on getting his bachelor’s.
I have been working at Gan Shelanu for 17 years with energy, dedication, and a positive, proactive approach. My experience has allowed me to develop fun and engaging classes that children love. I enjoy working at Gan Shelanu because we are a supportive team, always helping each other out. Every day, I learn something new, and I’m reminded that each child is unique and special.
My goals are to continue studying and to keep working with children.
Looking forward to caring for your child in our amazing Toddler group!
Hello, my name is Miriam Garcia. I have three children, whom I love with all my heart, and I love spending time with them.
I have many goals in my life, and I believe in God that they come true. One of them is to return to school and continue my education.
I have been working at Gan Shelanu Preschool for over three years. My position is a floated assistant and to cook for your growing children. I enjoy cooking with great love and I love it even more when I see all those beautiful children eating the food that I prepare for them with all my heart.
I love waking up every day and going to work at Gan Shelanu Preschool because Our team and Leader are the best!
