Preschool Staff
We are proud to have an extraordinary team of educators who recognize each child as an individual and love them deeply. Our teachers are continuously growing their practice with yearly professional development hours and they embrace their partnership with your family. They make regular posts to Remini, our communication app, including photos and explanations of what you are seeing and the intentional and educational value of the activities.
Director of Early Childhood Education
Sheila Purdin
Sheila Purdin began her career in early education twenty eight years ago in her native Seattle. She is on the board of Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism, serving as VP of Marketing. During her twenty years in the Atlanta area, she was director of two Reform preschools, actively participated in the Jewish Early Childhood Council of Atlanta as both chairperson and conference coordinator. She previously sat on the PJ Library of Atlanta board and participated in the URJ Pursuing Excellence in Your Early Childhood Center Community of Practice. Sheila is thrilled to be a part of the Temple Sinai Preschool and greater synagogue community. She lives with her dog, Lulu, and has two adult children who are pretty fantastic.
Preschool Assistant Director
Rachel Cram
Rachel Cram began her career in early education with Americorps in an infant classroom with Early Head Start. It was here she found her calling. Rachel then spent over a decade with the Denver JCC, serving as an educator, ECC Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Director. During that time Rachel was selected to participate in the Jewish Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute (JECELI), a highly competitive national program training exemplary leaders and as a Sheva Leadership Institute Fellow. Most recently Rachel has led a privately owned school, The Wonder Academy, through the pandemic, creating a safe space for children and educators to thrive. Rachel’s decision to join the administrative team at Temple Sinai Preschool felt, “like coming home.” She has a deep love for the Jewish community. Rachel spends her time away from work hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding and being in the mountains with her husband, Matt, her two daughters, Gwen and Amber, and their dog, Bear.
Preschool Operations Manager
Kelsey Oliver
Kelsey Oliver is a Temple Sinai Preschool alum. She started her career with Temple Sinai as an Assistant Teacher and moved through the ranks becoming a Lead Teacher in a 2-year-old and then a 4-year-old classroom. Kelsey has settled in the preschool office but still enjoys visiting the classrooms. In Kelsey’s free time you can find her spending time with her family and enjoying being a mom.
