Meet Our Staff

An important aspect of any school is its faculty.  Our staff consists of trained professionals concerned with the individualistic development of each child.  At Ivy League Pre-School each child has the opportunity to discover, create, and grow in a caring, warm, and academic environment.

Teachers and Assistants at Ivy League integrate many different learning styles into their daily curriculum in order to accommodate all of the children in the class.  By using visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic learning styles, teachers can reach a wide range of students with different abilities and strengths.  At Ivy League we feel it is very important to have mature, experienced and nurturing teachers and assistants who love to inspire children.  Our teachers provide guidance, creativity, and encouragement to make learning fun, new, and exciting.   Each year we look forward to having the consistency of adult staff caring for your children.

At Ivy League, we encourage an open relationship between students, teachers, and parents.  We encourage regular communication and welcome parents to come observe and participate in their child’s class.  We are always available to answer any questions that you may have.  In addition, each teacher can also contact you by email if you prefer.

Rachel Elfenbein

Director

Rachel has been a part of the Ivy League family for 29 years. She has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and is ecstatic to be your leader! Rachel completed her student teaching at Ivy League Pre-School, and has been a part of our camp program every summer. She was an instructional assistant in the Manalapan Township School District as well as a teacher at the JCC of Scotch Plains. Rachel loves to spend time with her family, Husband, and friends!

Erika Mandel

Camp/School Office Manager and Events

Erika Mandel has been part of the Ivy League family for 23 years. She currently spends her time taking care of her business and taking care of Ivy League Day Camp and Pre-School all year round. Erika is a graduate of Rider University with Bachelors in Elementary Education and Mathematics with minors in Early Childhood Education and Entrepreneurial Studies. Erika is also certified in Middle School Mathematics and Technology. When she is not working at Team ELM or Ivy League, she loves to cook and spend time with family and friends. Ivy League has forever been her second home, and there is nowhere else she would rather be!

Ada Weinstock

Pre-K Assistant

Ada Weinstock has been a part of the Ivy League family for over 16 years. She began her career working with the 2-year-old program but found her passion assistant teaching the Pre-K program. Her time at Ivy League began long before her career, when she enrolled both her children in the school. Ada takes pride in building a strong academic foundation with her students. It brings a feeling of fulfillment to be able to watch her students learn to read for the first time, create beautiful arts and crafts for their families, and so much more. Each year Ada has a strong desire to inspire and get the children prepared for their future years of education. She is super excited for what this new school year will bring. Ada is extremely family oriented and loves quality time with her family, being with her dogs( as she is a big animal lover), and the beach!

Tammie Schmid

3 Year Old Teacher

Tammie Schmid is a three year old teacher and has been at Ivy League Pre School for 24 years. She has taught the Mommy and Me Program, the 3 year old Class, the 4 year old Enrichment Class, and our after school Sports Program. She loves teaching and finds it very rewarding to see her students grow in knowledge, confidence and skills. She loves the playful honesty and never ending curiosity of her students. She looks forward to all of the smiles and laughter that her students exhibit on a daily basis. When she has free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. In addition, she is an avid Cross Fit member and enjoys basketball, playing with her dog, and going to the beach.

Michelle Hornstein

3 Year Old Assistant

Michelle Hornstein is an assistant teacher working with the three year olds. This is her fifth year working at the pre- school and has previously worked at Ivy League Day Camp as well. There has been a Hornstein family member at the day camp or pre-school since 1998! As an assistant, Michelle loves watching the children grow and discover new things every day. Michelle enjoys helping the students with their art projects! She loves how curious and fun they are and misses the times when her own 3 children were that age! In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as her dog Cleo. She's ready and excited for this New Year ahead!

Erica Birenkrant

2 Year Old Teacher

Erica Birenkrant has been with the Ivy League family for over 11 years combined with both the day camp and pre-school. She is delighted to be a part of the teaching staff having worked in the 2-year-old and 3-year-old programs. Erica’s warmth and compassion creates a special home away from home environment and eases the separation between parent and child. Her gentle approach and loving arms provides the safety and security a child needs to flourish in a school setting.