Ronit Ben Shir, Interim Director
Ronit Ben Shir joined the Bernice B. Godine JCC Early Learning Center in 2011 from the JCC ELC, Acton, which she opened in 2002. She is a seasoned early childhood educator, with more than 15 years of experience. Ronit’s first priority is to get to know every child and every family, and to work closely with every staff member. She has a BA in Art History and Israeli Studies from Haifa University and an MA in Early Childhood Education from Kibbutz College of Education, Oranim Tiv’on. Ronit is also working on a MA in Special Needs in a Jewish Setting at Hebrew College.
Amy Bolotin, Assistant Director
Amy Bolotin joined the JCC Early Learning Center in September of 2010 as the Age Group Coordinator for the Infant/Toddler program. In this role, she provides direct supervision and support of the educators in each infant and toddler classroom, acts as a parent liaison, and coordinates with other Godine staff. Previously, Amy’s work with young children and their families has included early intervention, day care, and preschool education. Amy holds an MS in Infant and Parent Development from Bankstreet College.
Malgosha Szlempo, Assistant Director
Malgosha Szlempo joined the JCC Early Learning Center in October of 2011. She has been working with children for more than 30 years, first as a Child Psychologist in Poland, and then as the Director of the Yal-Day-New Day Care Center in Brighton, Massachusetts. In her role at the JCC, she provides direct supervision of the educators in the three and four year old classrooms, oversees the school's adherence to Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations, and insures that each classroom maintains the optimal teacher:student ratio. Malgosha holds holds an MS in in Psychology from University of Wroclaw and passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam for the state of Massachusetts.
Kenda McDowell, Ledgewood Developmental Specialist
Kendra McDowell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and has been working at Godine since 2007. She has more than a decade of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings, including clinics, group homes, shelters, inpatient psychiatric units, and schools. In addition to supporting children with physical, emotional or developmental challenges, she provides advocacy for parents, helping to connect them to available community resources for both children and families. Kendra holds a BS in Deaf Studies and an MSW in Clinical Social Work, both from Boston University.
Adele Kaplan, Special Projects Manager
Adele Kaplan worked at the JCC Early Learning Center as a toddler and preschool educator from 1982 to 1999, then retired from the classroom and has held a number of other roles at Godine. In her current position she is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Massachusetts Quality Rating System (QRIS) and other key initiatives. Adele holds degrees in Early Childhood Education from Westbrook College and Pacific Oaks College.