Debbie Massarano, Director of Lifelong Learning

Debbie grew up in Southern California involved in Jewish camping (UAHC Camp Swig), Temple Youth Group, and NFTY.  She earned her degree in Child Development from California State University at Fullerton.  In addition to her teaching experience in public schools, she has worked in several Jewish Day Schools as a teacher and Judaic Studies Coordinator and in Temple complementary schools.   Her teaching experiences include a specialty in working with students with learning differences.  Her expertise lies in providing meaningful, spiritual experiences through prayer, study, and community.  During her sophomore year in college, Debbie participated in the inaugural year of the NFTY Machon Greenberg Leadership Institute in Jerusalem, spending nine months studying at Hebrew Union College, learning Hebrew and traveling through Israel.  During a second 15-month visit to Israel, she lived on Kibbutz Lotan for three months and was involved in the Educational Program of Netzer Olami (the International Reform Zionist Youth Movement) based in Jerusalem.  She served as Regional Educator of the Southwest and Midwest Councils of the Union for Reform Judaism consulting with congregations on educational programming from early childhood through adult education.  Debbie has three wonderful children – Nathaniel, Micah and Abby – a beloved yellow lab named Teah.

Bonnie Rubinstein, Director of Early Childhood Education

Bonnie has a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland as well as Texas certification in Early Childhood Education. She took graduate courses in Jewish Education at Baltimore Hebrew College and was President of the Child Study Association of Maryland. All of her professional experience has been in the field of Early Childhood Education as a teacher, Assistant Director and now Director. She participates in accrediting preschool programs through the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She was on the board of the Teacher Learning Center for many years and was also a charter member in the establishment of the Jewish Preschool Coalition of Dallas. She was one of the authors of the book Teaching Gratitude to Young Children published by Thanksgiving Square in Dallas. Bonnie believes strongly in providing quality programs for young children.

Barrett Harr, Director of High School and Youth Programs

Barrett has a BA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas where she concentrated in Religion, Child Development, and Gender Studies.  Always working with youth, ever since she was one herself-whether it was teaching gymnastics, babysitting, teaching Religious School & Pre School, working as a camp counselor, or as a volunteer youth advisor, Barrett has always been drawn to working with youth. Most recently she has run the 8th-10th grade Religious School program at another local congregation. A member of NATE (the National Association of Temple Educators), Barrett comes to Temple Shalom with a rich understanding of the needs of Jewish Youth, the programs available, and endless energy and drive to create a vibrant and diverse youth community at Temple Shalom.