My name is Romina Naparstek, and I have been a Jewish educator for more than twenty years. I began my Jewish journey in Argentina as a student at Tarbut and spent many years enjoying the JCC Hacoaj. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida International University, a master’s degree in Jewish Education from Gratz College, and participated in the renowned “Project Zero: Visible Thinking” at Harvard University.

I began my early childhood teaching career at the Cuban Hebrew Montessori on Miami Beach as an Assistant Teacher. I grew through the ranks to Lead Teacher and eventually, upon completing certification requirements, became the Assistant Director at the school. I served as Lead Teacher at our ECA summer camp program and Youth Director for the J’s Hebraica department. I also served as FIU Hillel’s Young Adults Division Director and was credited for increasing the program’s on-campus participation by more than 400. I was nationally recognized by the Jewish Community Centers of North America with a scholarship that allowed me to complete my Master’s degree and our Greater Miami Jewish Federation as Volunteer of the Year for founding Limmud Miami—a Jewish learning conference that celebrates Judaism in all forms.

I earned my Associate’s degree in Baking & Pastry and have spent the past five years developing my passion project- a Jewish cooking curriculum working with JCCs, synagogues, religious schools, and museums. I am thrilled to have my two children enrolled in our ECA program.

The Early Childhood Academy is the entry point to all the wonderful activities the MARJCC offers children of all ages. I hope you choose to learn more about us and become part of the MARJCC family!