Our Staff

Class Information

Parparim (2's Class)
In the 2's class our main focus is on social skills. Most 2-year-olds are just beginning to talk so we encourage language use all the time. In addition to talking, the students are also learning how to play with friends and beginning to share the classroom toys. For many of our students this is the first time they've been away from their parents in a child care situation so they are also learning to work through their separation anxiety and discover that mom and dad will always come back for them.

Through the year we learn about colors, as well as some shapes, letters and numbers. We explore our world through sensory experiences. When it's raining - we're jumping in puddles. When the leaves are falling we go for hunts to find the different colors and enjoy the cooler weather. When it's hot we have water days and wash our cars on the playground. In the spring we're planting seeds and taking care of our baby plants. The Parparim class is a wonderful place to explore and grow!

Potty training assistance provided. (Max. 10 children)

Goorim (3's Class)
Our 3's class, called the Goorim, is designed to encourage your child to discover the world around them with hands on exploration. They learn to care about themselves and others by using their words. They learn manners and how to be independent and confident in their own abilities. We teach listening skills and teamwork and foster confidents ones own abilities. Most importantly, it is a safe and nurturing environment where your child can grow and learn at their own speed.

Potty training assistance provided. (Max. 15 children)

Tsfardim (4's Class)
Half-day preschool program available three or five days per week. A developmentally appropriate, pre-kindergarten curriculum to enhance your child's readiness for school.

(Max. 15 children)

Early Care (All ages)
Early morning option beginning at 7:30 each day. Children may attend 1-5 days per week. Drop-in available.

Stay and Play (All ages)
After-school option from 1:00 to 2:30 each day; children may attend 1-5 days per week. Outdoor activities (weather permitting) on our playground including art and a quiet area. Drop-in available.

All programs include music, art, drama, cooking, science, outdoor play, early literacy and math skills, gross and fine motor skill development.

Staff photo

Lisa Ehreeich

Director of Administration

Lisa has a long, heartfelt attachment to the Fresno Jewish Day School. Both of her children attended the program from 2000 - 2005. For four of those years Lisa served as Vice President and Treasurer on the schools Board of Directors. The Ehreeich family's association with the community continues with membership in Temple Beth Israel, attendance at TBI Religious and Hebrew schools and with the many friendships that were formed here.

Lisa holds a Master's Degree in Social Work with specialization in Children and Families, but her true passion is for administration. She has administered programs nationally from Special Events at Duke University to educational conferences and trade shows in NY, Dallas, and Atlanta. She is presently continuing her education in Early Childhood Education Administration with the goal of a second Master's Degree.

While dedicated to the program at FJDS, Lisa still maintains a very active family life. Her children, currently 13 and 9, study karate, piano, and art. Both are involved in scouting. Lisa has been both Girl scout and Boys scout leader for several years. The family lives in Sierra foothills, on a small ranch, with fruit trees, big dogs, and several cats. Lisa loves quilting, horseback riding, reading, cooking and camping.

Staff photo

Mara Hocker

Director of Education

Mara has been involved with Fresno Jewish Day School since 1997: first as a parent, then preschool teacher, and then as an art and Judaic specialist. Mara has also worked at Jewish preschools in Los Angeles and Cherry Hill, NJ, as well as with Clovis Unified's State Funded Preschool Program.

Mara has a BS from UC Davis in Design. After graduation she discovered that she enjoyed working with children more than designing their clothes and so she returned to graduate school. She received a Master's degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from CSU Northridge.

Mara lives in Fresno with her husband and two boys, ages 16 and 13. She enjoys family, friends, painting, sewing, scrap booking, exercising, reading, baking, camping, and traveling.

"FJDS holds an extremely important place in our community. I am excited to continue the traditions established here during the past 25 years, while looking forward to being involved with the new challenges of today. I'm glad to be a part of such a unique and special place."


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Staff photo

Korissa Brown

Teacher - 3's Class

I am the 3 year olds teacher here at FJDS. I have earned by Bachelors Degree in Child Development in May 2005. In addition, I am also the Kid's Club Manager at Fort Washington Fitness. I am the older of 6, experience taking care and teaching children since I was 10. I love football, kayaking, singing, reading and watching movies. I love working at FJDS because I really believe in the school's philosophy. The teachers and parents are great and I have made life long friends here.