Learn More About the Teachers in Our Jewish School
MEET OUR DEDICATED EDUCATORS
ALYSSA PESSAROFF KISCHEL - RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR
I have been working in Education for 20 years, in formal and informal educational settings. I worked in an after-school program in Lincoln, MA for 10 years, was the Peabody Senior USY Advisor for 5 years, was a Paraprofessional at the Lincoln Preschool for 3 years, was a private nanny for 2.5 years, and worked at the Peabody JCC as an Infant/Toddler teacher for the last 9 years. In 2023, I graduated from Hebrew College, earning my master’s in Jewish education.
This past August, I started a new journey as the Assistant Director at the Congregation Shirat Hayam Center for Early Education. I have been working in the Temple Ner Tamid religious school since we reopened in 2018 as the Assistant Director and Hebrew/tefilah teacher for the students in grades 2-7. I am super excited to be the director of the religious school and I am honored to be a part of something so special to an amazing community.
Growing up as the daughter of Cantor Sam Pessaroff (z”l), his passion for the Jewish religion and teaching the youth left a long-lasting impression. With my own passion for Judaism and teaching, I love to share my knowledge and experiences with today’s youth. I have a great understanding of children of all ages and needs. With my creativity and energy, I like to bring fun and games to myher teaching, as well as making learning personal and meaningful.
In my free time, which is very rare, I enjoy relaxing while watching TV and movies (good or bad), Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream, and watching the Celtics and Patriots! I also love Haribo gummies, the color purple, and I live with my husband, Mike, and our Golden Retriever, Gracie Mae.
Contact: RSdirectortnt@gmail.com
Jocelyn Zimmerman
Hi! My name is Jocelyn Zimmerman and I am so excited to be a part of the TNT religious school! As a member of Temple Ner Tamid since I was born, I have attended Hebrew school here many years ago and then went to the Epstein Hillel School, formerly known as Cohen Hillel Academy. One of my favorite things about TNT is being able to put my passion of working with young children to use at all times! I remember attending temple services as a child and slowly migrating my way to Jr. Congregation services to help out with the younger children.
I knew I had a passion for working with young children for as long as I can remember! I am a fellow “Brokie”, where I attended Camp Pembroke as a camper for 7 summers, became a CA and traveled to Israel for 5 weeks and then became a counselor for 3 summers. Aside from spending time with my friends and family and shopping, you can find me at “work”! I say “work” because it’s not actually work for me.
I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world! I have been working at a childcare center since I was a senior in high school. I teach infants, toddlers and preschoolers. But spend most of my time as a classroom teacher for preschoolers. My favorite part of my job is seeing them grow and develop over time especially those infants who then I see graduate Pre-K when they are about 5 years old!
I graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education focusing on Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education. While at school in New Hampshire I was been a Hebrew school teacher for children ages 3-5 and have been a part of the TNT religious school since 2020. I have loved all of these opportunities and am so excited to teach all of your children so close to home!
Contact: jocelynzimmerman2498@gmail.com
Virginia Sullivan
Hi! My name is Virginia, and I’m so excited to be a part of the Ner Tamid Sunday School team! I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and recently graduated from Endicott College. I’ve been teaching Sunday School since I was in high school, and working with children has always been something I’ve loved. I currently work with the preschoolers at Shirat Hayam, where I get to combine my love of teaching, creativity, and helping children grow. I’m passionate about creating a warm, welcoming classroom where children can learn, ask questions, build meaningful connections to Judaism, and have fun! I’m so excited to get to know all of the students and families this year.
Contact: virginiasullivan04@gmail.com
Amanda Lewis
Hi! My name is Amanda, and I’m so happy to be back at Temple Ner Tamid as part of the Religious School community! I grew up attending Ner Tamid’s Religious School and was Bat Mitzvahed here in 2015, so being back feels especially meaningful to me.
I graduated from Ithaca College in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minors in Mental Health Counseling and Art. In 2026, I earned my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from UMass Boston. I currently work as a School-Based Mental Health Counselor with The Home for Little Wanderers, where I work with children ages 7–14.
My connection to the Jewish community has been a big part of my life. I’ve been a Youth Advisor for the JCC Youth Group and spent 15 summers at Camp Pembroke as a camper, counselor, and most recently, Head Counselor. Through Pembroke, I traveled to Israel with the Dor L’Dor program in 2018 and returned as a counselor in 2024 for the program’s trip to Spain and Portugal. I also participated in Onward Israel in 2022, living in Tel Aviv for five weeks while interning with a professor conducting research on trauma in the IDF.
I love working with kids and helping them find meaningful connections to Judaism, community, and one another. I’m so excited to be back at Ner Tamid and to share this experience with our students!
Contact: alewis02359@gmail.com