Congregation Sha'are Shalom Gates of Peace
Our Staff
Jessica Wadler • Director of Education & Youth Activities
Jessica is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience working in a combination of both religious and secular education. In addition to her classroom experience, she has worked extensively with school teams as a mentor and trainer. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on inclusive classrooms, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Jessica believes every student should feel safe, respected, and engaged within their learning environment. She is committed to advocating for all learners as well as supporting the CSS teachers in creating meaningful Jewish experiences and opportunities of growth for our future generations of caring citizens.
Jessica’s children are a constant source of inspiration and she credits her grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles with instilling a lifelong devotion to both Judaism and education, as well as a commitment to equity and inclusion.
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Jessica continuously seeks and welcomes community feedback, works collaboratively to plan and implement curriculum and programming with CSS staff and volunteers and is always searching for new inspiration to positively impact the development of our religious school and community.
Sheryl Brotman • Co-director RUJEC
Sheryl is a graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, where she began her career in Jewish Education, teaching Hebrew and Judaics. After a few moves, including Taipei, Taiwan and Seattle, Washington, Sheryl, her husband Joel and their three children moved to Leesburg in 2002 where she began working in Jewish Early Childhood Education and at Sha’are Shalom’s Religious School.
Sheryl has been with RUJEC for more than 10 years, serving as a teacher, activities coordinator and co-director. She lives in Lansdowne and spends her free time talking to and visiting her grown daughters in New York City and Baltimore. Sheryl also enjoys trying to get through a good book, exploring the area’s wineries, going to the movies and getting in her 10,000 steps a day.
Allison Musa • Co-director RUJEC
Allison grew up in Richmond, Virginia and has a BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama. Upon completion of college, she moved to Dallas, Texas where she met her husband Jeff and began her teaching career. In Dallas, she worked as both a teacher and an assistant director of a private school program with children age 6 weeks to 6th grade. Allison received her Masters’ degree in Long Term Care Administration in 1997 from the University of North Texas and moved to Loudoun County in 2005 with her family.
Allison began at RUJEC in 2007. She has had many roles including assistant teacher, lead teacher, enrichment instructor, and co-director. Allison is adjusting to an empty nest by walking with friends, reading and eating yummy food.