Meet our Teachers

The staff at Beth Jacob Preschool is made up of experienced early-childhood educators who are full of love and dedication to children.

ANN CAUTERUCCI

director, beth jacob preschool

Ann Cauterucci is the founding director of the Beth Jacob Preschool. Her more than forty years in Jewish early childhood education include twenty years at Ta’Enna Preschool at the Palo Alto Jewish Community Center, where she taught and ultimately directed the program.

Ann has led numerous teacher-training workshops both locally and nationally, and coordinated a mentor teacher program for Palo Alto Community Child Care.

She received the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education in 2003.

LAURI FLAXMAN

Lauri has been at Beth Jacob Preschool since it began in 2002, and she teaches our Facilitated Playskills class.

Lauri received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Illinois in speech pathology. After working as a speech therapist for six years in the public schools, she began her teaching career. She has been teaching preschool for over 20 years, and previously taught at Ta’Enna Preschool at the JCC in Palo Alto

In 2010, Lauri received the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Educaion.

JULIE KANTOR

Julie comes to the preschool having previously taught at the PJCC in Foster City.  She has a BA in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a MEd in Early Childhood Education from DePaul University in Chicago. Julie is the mother of three children.

NATALYA MARTYUSHOVA

Natalya has been on the preschool staff since 2003, teaching in our class of 3½ year-olds. Natalya wears many hats at CBJ and she also teaches second grade in our Religious School, runs our weekly Tot Shabbat program, and makes sure all children are happy and safe at Camp Shofar during the High Holy Days.

DAVE MUELLER

Dave received hands-on experience as a stay-at-home dad for his two sons.  During which time he received an AS in Early Childhood Education from Canada College.  His time as a co-opting parent for three years at his children’s preschool gave him invaluable experience in the field and he is enjoying the time with our preschool children.