Meet Our School Partner Connectors
July 16, 2025 | People in Our Neighborhood
By Amy Goldberg
Over the past few years, The Network launched a partnership to bring connectors to Jewish preschools and day schools. Partner connectors, parents of students in Jewish preschools and day schools, serve as community builders, engaging with families and connecting them further to the school and larger organization they are part of whether a synagogue or JCC. They bring families together to build connections and make them feel part of a community, not only a place where they drop their kids off for school. This year, as the program continues, we are looking to strengthen these partnerships with our schools and build stronger connections among the school staff and connectors.
Preschool Partner Connectors
Brooke Berman (she/her)
Beth Tfiloh Preschool Partner Connector
- Grew up in Pikesville and lives there with her husband, 2 daughters, and labradoodle
- Former elementary school teacher
- Currently a part time dance teacher/choreographer and stay-at-home mom
FUN FACT: Brooke is passionate about organizing and loves all types of crafting (sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, painting, and scrapbooking to name a few).
Email: brookeleighberman@gmail.com
Jessica Nare (she/her)
E.B. Hirsch @ Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Preschool Partner Connector
- Southern California native
- Multifaith family
- Career in higher education with a passion for student engagement and inclusive practices
- Made the big move from sunny San Diego to Baltimore in 2024!
- Now happily settled in Mt. Washington with her spouse, Tim, and their two sons, Albert & Philip
Fun Fact: Didn’t see snow until college—now she’s hooked on winter sports, especially cross-country skiing!
Email: jlnare@gmail.com
Jill Silbert (she/her)
Beth El Preschool Partner Connector
- Grew up in Potomac, MD but moved to Baltimore for nursing school and stayed!
- Currently working as a school nurse but used to work in the hospital.
- Married to Jeremy and has a 6 year old son and a 4 year old daughter.
- Loves the Beth El community and so excited to connect with all the families there!
Fun Fact: Loves coffee, music and being with my friends. Recently have rediscovered my love of running and have been training for half marathons.
Email: jillrsilbert@gmail.com
Jamie Surell (she/her)
Goldsmith Preschool Partner Connector
- Baltimore native currently living in Timonium with her husband, Michael, and daughters, Charlotte and Lucy
- Speech Language Pathologist
Fun fact: I love photography, and especially love taking pictures of my girls!
Email: surell.jamie@gmail.com
School Partner Connectors
Jenna Lessans (she/her)
Krieger Schecter Day School Partner Connector
- Pikesville native
- Lives in Owings Mills with her husband and 3 kids
- Professional background in environmental management, specifically climate change policy
Fun Fact: Jenna loves spending time outdoors, especially playing tennis and pickleball!
Email: jenna.lessans@gmail.com
Melissa Zim (she/her)
Beth Tfiloh School Partner Connector
- Grew up in Snohomish, Washington, and relocated to Pikesville with my husband Adam, and our two children four years ago.
- My husband and I now own a home physical therapy practice, a2z Physical Therapy.
Fun Fact: I love playing golf whenever I get the chance, although I don’t get to play often.
Email: Melissa.zim94@gmail.com