About — Intown Jewish Preschool

MEET THE leadership

Dena Schusterman
Executive Director

Dena has been involved in early childhood education for over 15 years. She is passionate about delving into the way young children learn and works to implement these best practices into the school fabric of IJP. Dena’s vision for a school is one that is based on the value of being a lifelong learner and creating an environment where children love to learn.

Sonja Knighton
pedagogista

Sonja holds a BS in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University, more than ten years of teaching experience in early childhood education, and nine years of directorship In Reggio Emilia and NAEYC accredited preschools.

She has cultivated a broad spectrum knowledge of pedagogy and learning philosophies, including Reggio Emilia, Inquiry Based Learning, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. She has invested herself in studying several social-emotional curriculum such as: Conscious Discipline, The Pyramid Model, The Five Love Languages for Children, Love and Logic.

rena gray
assistant director

Rena holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has 15 years of experience working in a preschool environment (10 of them at IJP!). As Assistant Director, she works behind the scenes to help IJP fulfill its purpose: to provide rich learning experiences for our students while fostering meaningful Jewish foundations for IJP families.

Meet the Team