Aleph Academy
where arts and academics meet
STAFF
Administration
Sarah Cunin
Sarah is the founder and Organizational Director of Aleph Academy with extensive experience in early childhood education. She has undergrad degrees in Behavioral Sciences, Human Services and Judaic Studies, a Masters of Education and was a JECEI/Covenant Fellow in conjunction with Bank Street College and Harvard University. She is passionate about positive parenting and innovative, quality education for young children.
Alisha Churchfield
Alisha is the Program Director at Aleph Academy. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Behavior Analysis. She has worked directly with young children, in various settings, for over 10 years. Alisha also serves as our on-site Pyramid Model coach and helps teachers and families address challenging behaviors with a positive team-based approach.
Laura Sullins
Laura is the Assistant Director at Aleph Academy. She has a degree in English Literature for teaching High School but since then her passion has been early childhood education. Laura has experience working with children and families from birth to age six as well as running a small home based preschool. Being a mother of three children, she understands that the foundation for education begins with a quality early learning environment.
Rishonim
Ketantanim
Gan
Ms. Lauren
Coming soon!
Zoe grew up in the East Bay Area and has been babysitting/nannying since she was 12 years old. She graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo in 2018 with a major in Sport Management and a minor in Integrated Marketing Communications. Post college, she got a job working for the Los Angeles Chargers. Although she absolutely loves sports, her biggest passion is working with kids so last year she decided to go back to get her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has one semester left of classes to take and then will be finished with this degree as well. In her spare time, she loves being outside and active, and hanging out with her husband and puppy.
Ms. Zoe
Ms. Emily C
Ms. Emily has worked with young children for the past five years as a camp counselor and nanny. Since starting her career at Aleph, Ms. Emily decided to get her Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate's Credential. Ms. Emily's care and attention makes every child at Aleph feel at home. When Ms. Emily isn't taking care of little ones she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband.
Gan
Ms. Caitlyn
Ms. Sharon
Gimmel
Ms. Bella began her career in Early Childhood at Aleph and hopes to one day become an Elementary school teacher. She is currently working on a degree in Human Development and Family Studies at TMCC. All children benefit from her calm demeanor and her patience is apparent in all that she does. We are lucky to have her here at Aleph Academy.
Ms.Bella
Ms. Myah
Ms. Myah has been working with preschool-aged children for the past 1.5 years. She is currently studying nursing at TMCC, but her interests and career might change! Ms. Myah was born and raised in Nevada, and loves to hike and read classical novels in her spare time. Ms. Myah's care for every child is apparent throughout the day at Aleph.
Gesher
Ms. Anne
Ms. Anne started her career in the field of Archaeology and Geology, but soon found a calling in education. With 20+ years of experience, a master's degree in ECE, and her role as school Pedagogista, she shares her wealth of knowledge with staff and students at Aleph. She is a National Geographic Certified Educator and a lifelong learner, even taking part in a Reggio study tour in Italy. Ms. Anne is also a Nevada Registry approved trainer and provides on-site staff trainings for our Aleph team.
Teva
Emily was born in Reno and has lived here all of her life. She has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. She participated in AmeriCorps as part of the High Desert Farming Initiative and participated prior to joining us at Aleph she was a Student Steward Educator for Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Emily has a deep connection with being in nature, and that couples with a passion for learning with young children. The students’ big hearts, big ideas, humor, and compassion are what makes her “job” so enjoyable. Emily continues her personal education by taking early childhood education classes that focus on the power of play, social equity, environmental stewardship, and recently became a National Geographic Certified Educator. She enjoys neighborhood walks, listening to music, reading, hiking, and being outdoors.
Ms. Emily P
Judaics
After moving from Israel with her family a year ago, Morah Maayan began at Aleph as a classroom parent volunteer. As the Judaic teacher, Morah Maayan incorporates her Jewish heritage, Israeli culture, and M.A. in Art Therapy to provide the children with a wonderful Judaic experience. In her free time, Morah Maayan loves to do arts and crafts and go on walks.
Morah Maayan
Chef
Lisa Alameda
Chef Lisa went to culinary school at Truckee Meadows Community College, engaged in intensive self-study, and traveled to Italy to master Tuscan cooking. Lisa has a passion for fresh, whole foods and can often be found in the garden. She is Health and Food Safety certified and brings a wealth of knowledge to our school, along with amazingly delicious and healthy meals.