Meet Our Teachers

Ms. Kyanna is a Managing Instructor and Head of Curriculum for Power Tots. She is a true Washingtonian who loves being from the nation’s capital. She has over ten years of experience working with children as a teacher, nanny and coach. She has spent most of her life cheering in some form, whether on the mat or behind the scenes, which has helped her understand the sport of gymnastics. Ms. Kyanna has been a volunteer competitive cheerleading coach with DC Parks and Recreation for 7+ years, motivating and encouraging young women to be confident while building positive relationships through core skill and team building exercises.

Originally from Haiti, Ms. KC grew up in Boca Raton, FL and moved to D.C. to attend Georgetown University. She developed an appreciation for mind-body-centered fitness in 2002 when she became an ashtanga yoga practitioner. After a decade of working with adults as a personal trainer and Pilates and yoga instructor, she began to teach children in 2012 and has since taught at numerous schools and early childhood centers.  Kéthia works with children on a foundational yoga practice to instill a mind-body-spirit connection that can be transferred to all areas of their lives. She encourages everyone to become the best that he or she can be mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Ms. Iana has always had a passion for working with babies and children. She has a Masters Degree in Education and has taught several different ages. When she had her first daughter in 2015, she used baby signs and saw the tremendous value in helping her communicate at a young age. She is really excited to work with other families who are interested in using baby sign language too!

Kati DePetrillo is a Board-Certified Music Therapist, having completed her graduate training at Drexel University in Philadelphia and clinical internship at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine in New York City. Kati has experience with a diverse range of populations and particularly appreciates the work she has done with children. Most recently she has worked in the medical setting, specializing in music therapy interventions for infants. She has additionally been involved with neighborhood programming and is very much looking forward to meeting the members, families and staff that make up the vibrant community at the EDCJCC!

Dr. Heather Diamond is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in downtown Washington, DC.  She earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from The George Washington University and has several years of experience working in community mental health, college counseling centers and court settings.  She completed her residency at The Catholic University of America counseling center, providing psychotherapy to the undergraduate and graduate student population. As a mom of three young children herself, Dr. Diamond has a special interest in adjustment to parenthood concerns and in developing a sense of community for young families.

Ms. Lindsay has worked in early childhood education throughout her career. In addition to degrees in developmental psychology and education policy, Lindsay is a certified pre-kindergarten classroom observer, providing feedback on dozens of DC pre-k, toddler, and infant programs. Outside of her work at the EDCJCC and helping her own 3-year-old son get ready for preschool, Lindsay conducts classroom evaluations and presents seminars for parents on navigating the DC pre-kindergarten lottery.

Hope completed her Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Millersville University, then taught choir and general music in the school setting from 2011 to 2014. Hope holds two teaching certifications and has performed in a variety of ensembles and solo recitals throughout her lifetime. She has extensive training and experience working with children of all ages and abilities. Hope’s passion for music and love for children led her to found Tunes 4 Tots in 2014. Hope remains the primary music instructor and point of contact for Tunes 4 Tots.

Ms. Nina is a native Washingtonian who has been enjoying reading, singing, creating, and exploring alongside her two boys since the first was born in 2014. Nina graduated from Dickinson College in 2003 with a BA in Art and Art History and later completed a Masters program at the Corcoran in the history of decorative arts. She has been taking art classes at the Corcoran and Glen Echo Park ever since she was young child, and she loves making all forms of art, especially sculpture and mixed media. Nina is excited to bring her passion for creating and her love of early childhood into the Getting Ready for Preschool classes this year.

Ms. Michelle has been educating and entertaining young children since 2002. She spent 8 years as Director of Operations for musiKids Inc. in Bethesda, MD. She is the music specialist for a number of area preschools and also leads musical programs for  toddler and preschool birthday parties.  Michelle performs all over the DC area and is very proud to be a part of the musiKids cd “Gilly Good Morning” which was nominated for a 2012 Wammie for Best Childrens Recording.

Mr. Ari has been working with young children since he was in high school, and loves to combine his early childhood educational background with his fifteen years of guitar experience to provide the musical enrichment he truly believes is essential to a well-rounded education (not to mention having a rocking great time). After a varied career as a camp songleader, substitute teacher, toddler music provider, hebrew school musician, and private guitar instructor in both NYC and Massachusetts, he is now the EDCJCC Preschool music specialist as well as teaching various classes and lessons all over the DC area.

Joey Jenkins is a drummer, songwriter, guitar player, and music educator who has been active in the DMV’s musical community for over a decade. He has made teaching others how to comfortably navigate academic and performance settings in a musical context a priority for nearly as long. Has taught students of all ages, individually and in a classroom setting – from those who have never played, to advanced players seeking to expand their understanding and ability. Joey feels that Tunes 4 Tots is an extraordinary vehicle for the essential work of shaping the next generation, and feels privileged to be a part of that mission.

Dr. Taylor Lerner is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Dupont Circle and earned her doctorate and masters degrees in clinical psychology at The George Washington University. Prior to private practice, Dr. Lerner worked in a variety of mental health settings, including community mental health facilities, children’s and psychiatric hospitals, university counseling centers, and schools. She completed her residency at The Psychiatric Institute of Washington and her post-doctoral fellowship at Georgetown University Counseling Center. Dr. Lerner works with individuals from all backgrounds but is particularly passionate about supporting those navigating reproductive mental health concerns. As a mother of 2 preschool-aged children, Dr. Lerner has a deep appreciation of the challenges and joys associated with the transition into parenthood and beyond. Read more at http://www.drtaylorlerner.com/

Miriam Szubin is the Director of the Parenting Center and the Director of Preschool Admissions at the Edlavitch DCJCC. She has an M.A in Education and decades of experience as an educator of all ages. Formerly a teacher at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, she has taught tots and adults at the EDCJCC since having her first child back in 2007, and has been running the Parenting Center since 2010. Her three boys have grown up at the EDCJCC and have loved participating in the Parenting Center, Preschool, Afterschool, and Camp programs.

Ms. Jamie is a Managing Instructor and Head of Center Development at Power Tots and has been with the company for 10 years. She has a Safety Certification with USA Gymnastics, is CPR certified for infants, children, and adults, and also has a KarmaKids Yoga certification. Jamie loves helping little kids develop their motor skills, and cognitive ability. She has really enjoyed meeting and working with children all over the DMV!