Our Team

Gan Chabad is staffed with trained early childhood educators. Each member of our school faculty is sensitive to the needs of the children and their families and is strongly committed to quality Jewish education.

The faculty meets weekly to discuss curriculum, plan programs, and share and exchange ideas. In order to uphold the high standards of our program, staff development is ongoing throughout the year. This ensures that our teachers remain alert to today’s families' ever-changing needs and to current research findings.

Our director and our teachers are an unusually dedicated group of professionals whose level of commitment to each child does not stop at the classroom door, and whose commitment to early childhood education is truly an avocation. As a result, they bring a unique and special blend of professional skills and personal experience to their jobs.

  • Tzippy Mann

    Chabad Co-Director / Executive Director

    Tzippy Mann, our beloved program director of Chabad of Venetian & Sunset Islands, is a tremendous asset to our Gan team.

    Her rich background in the field of education, which started with her teacher's training in Australia, along with her years of experience teaching both young and old, make her a pillar and go-to for all staff.

    Tzippy is an organic part of our program and uses her talents in our Gan environment with the additional title as "Bubby" (grandma) to our beloved children.

  • Rhina Etienne

    Director / Lead Toddler Teacher

    Morah Rhina has been a Montessori preschool-kindergarten teacher for thirteen years.  Prior to working as a lead teacher at Casa Dei Bambini, she owned two in-home daycares for Air Force families in Montana and New Mexico while homeschooling her son. Morah Rhina's lasting passion for child development led her to further her education in Montessori Philosophy. She acquired two certifications for ages 3-6yrs and infant/toddler development, as well as a B.A in Early Childhood Development. In addition to Morah Rhina's certifications, she founded A Little Room 2 Grow, a Montessori Consulting service for families and progressive schools.

    Morah Rhina is thrilled to be apart of the Gan Chabad community.

  • Esty Amar

    Lead Primary Teacher

    Morah Esty holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has a deep passion for early childhood education. Esty’s enjoys cultivating a warm and structured classroom where children feel safe, curious, and excited to learn every day.

    In addition to teaching, Esty works as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting children with autism and developmental needs through ABA strategies. Her background has trained her to meet each child with patience, understanding, and individualized care.

    Esty’s grew up in Jewish schooling, where she developed a strong foundation in Jewish values, traditions, and learning. Throughout her career, much of her work has been dedicated to serving Jewish children within the community, integrating both educational and Judaic principles in a meaningful and developmentally appropriate way.

    Esty is so happy to be part of our Gan community. She looks forward to getting to know you and your child as we grow and learn together!

  • Ahuva Lipkind

    Assistant Teacher

    Morah Ahuva brings lots of light and love into our classrooms. She is an enthusiastic educator who is thrilled to be teaching these bright minds at Gan Chabad Children’s. With a deep commitment to effective learning strategies, Ahuva has received specialized training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which informs her approach to individualized student support and positive behavioral development in the classroom. Dedicated to her professional growth, Ahuva is currently completing a Bachelor of Science (BS) with a focus on Early Childhood Development and Education. In her free time, she is passionate about teaching confidence and skill-building in the water, serving as a swim instructor.

  • Sharon Richter

    Registered Dietitian

    Sharon Richter is a Registered Dietitian in practice in Manhattan for over 20 years. Her objective is to help others achieve a healthier lifestyle by creating incremental goals that are both physically and mentally challenging and most importantly; achievable. Her program does not include strict depriving diets, but rather nutrition education to reach one’s goals through healthy lifestyle choices.

    Sharon holds both Masters and Bachelor of Science degrees in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. While obtaining her Masters, Sharon worked with Dr. Howard Shapiro where she counseled and conducted nutritional research for his best-selling weight-loss books.

    Understanding the importance of nutritional education within the community, Sharon has worked closely with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and also was a board for WITS (Wellness in the Schools), Healthination, and Sports For Youth. She has contributor to various media outlets including the Dr. Oz and The Today Show. Sharon enjoys reaching as many individuals as possible to help educate on the benefits of a balanced diet and lifestyle. As an active athlete, she has completed two New York City marathons, participated in a 100-mile spin events and enjoys practicing yoga and weightlifting. Sharon lives in NYC with her husband and 3 daughters.