Meet Our Staff

The educators at Teva Tots Preschool are the heart of our program. Each staff member is loving, caring, and dedicated to nurturing every child as a unique individual. By building strong, positive relationships, they create the foundation for meaningful learning and growth.

Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our educators see themselves as collaborators, researchers, and co-learners in the children’s discovery process. They foster curiosity by designing activities inspired by children’s interests, asking thoughtful questions, and actively participating alongside them. As Loris Malaguzzi said, “The teacher is not the one who teaches, but the one who helps the child to learn.”

At Teva Tots, we are committed to ongoing professional development to continually deepen our expertise and provide the highest-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education.

Since moving to Flagstaff from Chicago in 2006, Chaya dreamed of creating a preschool that blends nurturing care and meaningful early education rooted in Jewish values. That vision came to life with the opening of Teva Tots Preschool at the beautiful Molly Blank Jewish Community Center, now proudly entering its fifth successful year.

Chaya holds a B.A. from Thomas Edison State College and teacher certification from Bais Chana in Safed, Israel. With over 20 years in education and leadership, she has worked as a preschool teacher, supported children with special needs, and founded Flagstaff’s Hebrew School of the Arts and Camp Canyon.

At Teva Tots, Chaya leads a program rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which emphasizes child-led exploration, creative expression, and strong, respectful relationships. This approach aligns deeply with Jewish values such as wonder, inquiry, community, and the inherent dignity of each child. Chaya is dedicated to cultivating a rich, nurturing environment where children are seen as capable, curious, and full of potential.

Chaya also brings with her a wealth of personal experience as the proud mother of 10 children, ranging in age from 2 to 19. She draws on both her professional background and life experience to guide her leadership and ensure that Teva Tots Preschool continues to offer a joyful, high-quality early learning experience.

Victoria (Tori) Damjanovic is an Assistant Professor specializing in early childhood education and special education. She began her career as a preschool teacher and later worked as a Behavior Analyst and specialist for children with developmental delays.

After earning her Ph.D., Tori directed the teacher-educator laboratory preschool at USF, coaching teachers in inquiry-based learning, social-emotional development, and early childhood pedagogy.

Recently, she moved to Flagstaff to serve as Pedagogical Liaison for NAU’s Early Childhood Development Center and provides professional development to local preschools.

We’re excited to have Tori collaborate closely with our teachers at Teva Tots, providing ongoing, hands-on professional learning focused on pedagogical and early childhood content rooted in Reggio-inspired practices.

With six years of experience in educational and volunteer roles, Lacey brings a deep passion for nurturing children’s growth and development to her role as Lead Teacher. Now in her third year at Teva Tots Preschool, she is a valued member of the team, known for her warmth, creativity, and dedication to each child’s well-being. Inspired by her mother, a lifelong educator, Lacey is committed to creating an engaging, supportive classroom environment where children feel empowered to thrive and reach their full potential.

Lacey’s background in social work and behavioral health gives her a unique ability to support children’s social-emotional development, including building confidence, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills. She incorporates creative approaches, such as yoga, to promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and body awareness, fostering a holistic sense of well-being in her students.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, and Gilbert, Arizona, Lacey moved to Flagstaff in 2019 to complete her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, with minors in Creative Media and Film and Journalism, at Northern Arizona University. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring the local farmers market (especially sampling salsa), playing soccer with kids, and adventuring with her dogs in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest.

Kaylee grew up in Southern California and moved to Flagstaff in 2018 to attend Northern Arizona University, where she earned a B.S. in Psychological Sciences with an emphasis in Clinical and Health Psychology and a minor in Social Work. She is currently pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University and hopes to use her degrees to become a school counselor, where she can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young students.

Kaylee is passionate about early childhood development and supporting children as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically. With a strong foundation in psychology and social work, she understands the importance of building trust, promoting positive behaviors and coping mechanisms, and fostering resilience from a young age. Kaylee brings a warm, empathetic presence to the classroom and is excited to help create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, empowered, and excited to learn.

Outside the classroom, Kaylee enjoys reading, painting, baking, adventuring, and spending time with loved ones.

Kim Beyer’s passion for working with children began early while babysitting in her Long Island neighborhood by the age of 12. That early connection sparked a lifelong dedication to nurturing young learners and supporting their growth.

After moving to Arizona for college, Kim earned a master’s degree in K–12 education, along with a degree in early childhood education. While pursuing her graduate studies, she gained hands-on experience working in daycares, which deepened her understanding of child development and the importance of early learning environments. She also brings a strong foundation in counseling, further enriching her ability to support the social and emotional needs of children.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, Kim has spent the majority of her career working in Montessori schools, where she found a natural alignment with the philosophy of child-led, hands-on learning. Her work in Montessori settings has deepened her belief in fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence in every child.

Recently relocated from Phoenix, Kim is excited to be part of the Flagstaff community and looks forward to continuing her journey of inspiring and supporting children in a meaningful way.

Originally from Oklahoma, April moved to Northern Arizona in 2010 shortly after completing her degree at Oklahoma Baptist University. She began her career in elementary education at Grand Canyon School, located in Grand Canyon National Park, and has since dedicated herself to working with children in a wide variety of settings.

Over the years, April has taught 1st grade, 7th/8th grade Math and Science, and Preschool; earned her Early Childhood Education endorsement; traveled internationally to Mexico and Zimbabwe to serve children; and became a certified foster care parent.

April views children as capable, curious, and full of potential, and believes they deserve meaningful guidance and rich opportunities to explore and grow during their formative years. She is excited to be part of the Teva Tots team and to return to working with preschoolers, her favorite age group!

I recently moved to Flagstaff to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Development, a field I’ve been passionate about for as long as I can remember. I've always enjoyed working with children and finding meaningful ways to support their growth and development. 

My experience as a gymnastics coach allowed me to connect with kids from a variety of backgrounds and confirmed that helping children thrive is what I want to dedicate my career to. Being part of their learning journey is incredibly fulfilling, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m grateful to have found a path that brings me so much joy and purpose, and I’m excited to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

Dana moved to Flagstaff in 2019 to be with her grandchildren. Dana has always worked with children since early high school, when she began teaching at her first daycare. She received her AA degree in Elementary Education and Art. She married her military husband, ran her own home daycare, and was licensed through the Military Family Child Care program for almost 20 years. She was also a teacher's aide in South Carolina and then in Flagstaff before coming to Chabad as the Office coordinator. She also loves spending time with her family, quilting, and hiking.

Chef Tony Strupeck, formerly of Karma Sushi, has become a beloved and familiar presence at Teva Tots. Known for his warm smile and friendly nature, Tony brings passion and care to every meal he prepares, creating wholesome, delicious kosher lunches and snacks that the kids truly enjoy.

With a deep commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients, Tony ensures that every dish is both nutritious and kid-friendly. His kitchen is a place where good food and genuine care come together to nourish both body and spirit.

When he’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Tony loves hiking, traveling, and adventuring in the great outdoors. He’s also an avid music lover, often playing guitar, and cherishes time spent with friends and family.