Meet the Directors
Director: Brooke Pertnoy
Director of the Barbara & Jack Kay Early Childhood Learning Center, Brooke Pertnoy, has dedicated her career to early childhood learning with working over 15 years at the preschool and a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Brooke is a graduate of the prestigious Jewish Community Center Association of North America’s Sheva Center Leadership Institute for Early Childhood Professionals. This national leadership development institute is a three-year program that enhances the skills of exceptional early childhood staff interested in increased responsibilities and leadership roles in early care and education. The Mandel JCC is one of five programs in the country part of the JCCA’s Sheva Center Lab communities- which is a school that models excellence in early childhood education for other JCCs. She is also a graduate of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Emergent Leadership Program.
Assistant Director: Lauren Strauss
Lauren has over 10 years of Early Childhood experience, working with students ranging from infant to six years old. In her 10 years of working in Education, she has worked in Public, Private, Charter, and Montessori schools. Lauren first began her work with children when she was in High School as a camp counselor. Prior to her career at the JCC, Lauren was a Montessori Lead Toddler teacher for 6 years, where she then became the Toddler department head. While working as a lead teacher, Lauren obtained her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.
Director of Inclusion: John Kabot
John Kabot is the Director of Special Needs for the Mandel JCC. Before joining the JCC family, he oversaw the Broward County Public Schools Preschool department. John also served is the Director of Education for The Victory Center which provided services to children from 3-22 years old. He started his career at the Baudhuin Preschool of Nova Southeastern University where he served as a teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and administrator. John has a forty year-old brother on the autism spectrum which is his driving passion in the field.
Assistant Director of Curriculum: Jessica Friedman
Jessica has an absolute passion for early childhood education. She strongly believes in cultivating collaborative relationships with teachers and families, building trust and partnerships that are essential to maintaining a successful school. Her educational philosophy is centered on the belief that high-quality learning experiences, grounded in best practices and emerging curricula, foster lifelong learners and innovative thinkers. She is committed to hands-on, experiential learning, where children are actively engaged and invested in their growth.
For more information, to register or to schedule a tour, call us at 561-712-5252 or email earlychildhoodpbg@JCConline.com.
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