Our Philosophy
Gan Mah Tov provides a nurturing educational environment for infants to children 5 years old. Our approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for our Jewish heritage through hands-on learning experiences, allowing children to explore their interests and pursue their passions.
We believe in igniting a love of learning. Our curriculum is tailored by age group to ensure a stimulating and engaging experience for each child. We provide rich and meaningful Jewish content, including education and exploration related to Jewish holidays and traditions, Israel, and the Hebrew language.
Our dedicated staff, comprised of caring and highly qualified professionals, supports children as they develop important social skills and empathy. They provide a solid foundation for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for a successful future.
Through teacher-guided activities with opportunities for child-initiated exploration, Gan Mah Tov promotes active learning and intellectual growth.
We prioritize open communication with parents, sharing our philosophy, goals, and program to facilitate active involvement and education. Together, we partner to support your child's development and celebrate their achievements.
Gan Mah Tov is committed to nurturing the whole child and fostering a lifelong love for learning rooted in Jewish values and traditions. Join us on this enriching journey of discovery and growth!
Meet our Teachers and Staff
Gan Mah Tov’s educators hold credentials in early childhood education and are passionate about this field. Our teachers believe in the importance of tailoring learning to the child. They always adapt the learning experience to meet the needs of each child.
Each year, we invite two to three young women from Israel to come and serve as Hebrew and Israeli cultural ambassadors in the classrooms. These “Banot Sherut” create lifelong connections with our children and the wider Gan community. As each Jewish or Israeli holiday approaches, they prepare our children through language, song, dance, and art to celebrate the day in authentic Israeli fashion. Children in our Gan are well prepared to continue their Hebrew education at local Jewish Day Schools or Synagogue-based Hebrew School programs.
Dr. Beverley Weinberger - Director
A graduate of UC Berkeley with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University, Bev's academic and professional journey has been dedicated to intensive research on child psychology. Her postdoctorate work included child and family therapy and school advocacy at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland. Bev has been an active member of Beth Jacob for over a decade. All three of her children are Gan Mah Tov alumni, she has served on the Gan Parent Committee, and she currently serves on the board of Oakland Hebrew Day School.
Rabbi Gershon Albert
Rabbi Gershon Albert has been the senior rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland since 2014. Originally from Montreal, Canada, he received his rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). Rabbi Albert believes in the nexus of Torah and modern life, and in the power of lifelong learning to transform communities, families, and individuals. Being a passionate musician, he is committed to enhancing Jewish ritual and spirituality through music and song. He brings his love of music into the classroom during our community Shabbat programming.
Morah Sierra Warren
Sierra grew up in the Bay Area, right in San Francisco. She completed her education at California State University East Bay with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught children for nine years and thinks humans are fascinating, especially the tiny ones! She adores facilitating reading circles and art time with children, allowing them an avenue to be creative and express themselves. Sierra believes learning should always be fun and inclusive for both teachers and students, perhaps just a bit messy too!
Morah Torie Banks
With a Bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Jewish studies, Morah Torie is in her fifth year at Gan Mah Tov. She is passionate about empowering children to be independent and kind. She is currently serving as the Director of the Gan Mah Tov Summer Camp. Torie enjoys reading, fitness, and podcasts.
Morah Tiffany Blair
A graduate of Saddleback Community College, Tiffany has four years of experience teaching infants and toddlers. She believes in modeling kindness and love. Outside of teaching, Tiffany enjoys hiking, playing the guitar, and swimming.
Morah Brenda Manriquez
Morah Brenda specializes in Early Childhood Education and has five years of teaching experience. She cherishes the opportunity to bond with each child as she guides them in self-discovery. Brenda loves spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking traditional recipes.
Morah Rosa Manriquez
With a lifetime of childcare and two years of professional experience teaching infants and toddlers, Rosa loves the affection children show to one another and their teachers. She also cherishes watching them grow. Rosa believes that the best way to teach a child is to model the behavior for them. Outside the classroom, Rosa enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, staying informed by watching the news and cooking meals for her family.
Morah Elizabeth Valadez
Morah Elizabeth has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and five years of experience as a preschool teacher. She is passionate about nurturing each child's unique development in a caring and stimulating environment. Morah Elizabeth aims to create a classroom where students feel safe and encouraged to reach their full potential. Outside of teaching, she enjoys hiking with her husband and three dogs, roller skating, and spending time with her family.
Morah Stephanie Wu
With an educational background in ECE that includes coursework in Child Growth and Development as well as Child, Family, and Community, Morah Stephanie brings a wealth of passion to our preschool. She delights in witnessing their growth, curiosity, and enthusiasm as they explore the world around them. Her educational philosophy centers around creating a supportive and engaging environment where every child feels valued and inspired to learn. Stephanie's goal is to encourage each student to reach their full potential, fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy in learning.
Peek Inside the Gan
When our children step into Gan Mah Tov, they enter a vibrant and nurturing space where every corner is designed to spark curiosity and delight. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a stimulating environment where children can learn, explore, and grow to their fullest potential. It's a place where imaginations soar, friendships blossom, and the joy of discovery is celebrated every day.
For infants, sensory bins filled with textures, shapes, and colors encourage hands-on exploration and foster early learning experiences.
Toddlers delight in a world of discovery, with low shelves filled with age-appropriate toys and manipulatives beckoning them to explore. Areas with large, gross motor toys stimulate their imagination and physical development, while soft cushions invite them to gather for storytime or quiet moments of reflection.
For older children, the classrooms are set up for dynamic, hands-on, collaborative learning experiences with opportunities for play and creativity. Learning stations include literary, scientific, art, and other interest areas with activities catered to diverse developmental stages. Soft rugs and cushions provide comfortable seating that encourages children to gather for group activities or quiet play.
Opportunities for imaginative play abound throughout Gan’s outdoor spaces, with play structures, pretend play areas, an herb garden, and toys designed to promote running, jumping, climbing, balancing, and riding.
