DIRECTOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Lihi Shadmi was born in Tel Aviv and moved to Los Angeles at age 4. After traveling the world in her early-adult years she was inspired to make art and study early childhood education. Lihi graduated from Cal State Long Beach where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics.
Since 1998, Lihi has worked at SIJCC in various capacities. She taught in the Preschool for 6 years, and was instrumental in creating and implementing the Jewish curriculum. As Associate Director of ECE Lihi gets to work closely with teachers and children, while also leading the music program; playing guitar and singing songs throughout the week. Lihi strives to create a joyful and meaningful space for children and their families and is honored to be an instrumental part of a community to which she has long been connected. Her two boys, Aviv and Lev, are proud alumni of the SIJCC Preschool and lifetime lovers of graham crackers. You can find Lihi on Friday mornings leading the preschool community in our weekly Shabbat sing-a-long.

DIRECTOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Elizabeth Schwandt has worked in early childhood education for almost 20 years. She is dedicated to promoting the importance of a true developmental, play-based program here at the SIJCC’s ECE Program, and believes fully that early childhood is the critical period of human development. Her daughter, Rae—a graduate of the ECE Program and now a student at Atwater Avenue Elementary School—would agree!
Liz has been at the helm of several organizations that serve young children (with a wide variety of needs and profiles) and completed her doctorate in Child Clinical Psychology in 2023. Her research examines the role of attachment in developmental neurobiology between the ages of 2 and 6. She has served as a clinical faculty member of several graduate institutions and has spearheaded several public health intiatives aimed at supporting Southern California’s most medically underserved families. Most importantly, Liz considers her position to be the perfect culmination of her life’s work and passions—she is committed to offering children opportunities to engage joyfully with each other and adults, to explore with wonder and security, and to tolerate the word “no” without the world ending.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Sharon Eisman is a former ECE Parent. She forgot every form, didn’t read a single email, left multiple stuffed animals and lunches behind, and now karma has come back to make sure our ECE families are in tip-top shape. You may recognize her from helping conceive and run multiple live comedy events in Los Angeles, as well as the JCC Cabaret and our 2019 Days of Awesome. If not, you may just see her face in the front office, drinking coffee. In a clear cry for help Sharon is also getting her Masters in Gastronomy from Boston University.