After graduating with a BA in Psychology/Elementary Education from Lehman College, Sheila began working for the NYC Board of Education, while working on her Master’s Degree in Education. At her first school, Sheila was assigned to a second grade classroom. The following year, full day Kindergarten was introduced and the school secretary thought she would be perfect for that. And she was right. Sheila spent many happy years as a teacher of Kindergarten children in that school. Following that, the District Office reached out to Sheila offering her the Director position for a specialized Pre-K Program. Family College at Mercy College was a remarkable program that allowed Mercy College parents and their Pre-K children to attend school on the same campus. This was a funded program that worked exceedingly well for three years. Next, Sheila joined the staff at another district school, where she enjoyed many more years as Kindergarten teacher and then as an Academic Intervention Support Specialist for grades K, 1, and 2. Then came retirement #1.

 

Shortly after retiring, Sheila began working for Bank Street College (thanks Nancy!) where she  facilitated NYC-wide Social Emotional Learning workshops for staff, mentored new teachers in best practices in their classrooms and also coached Pre-K teachers, principals, students and staff, again citywide, in a math program which emphasized critical thinking and math exploration. Building Blocks was a remarkable program for 3 and 4 year olds that she was very happy to be a part of. Then came retirement #2.

 

After her second retirement, and after almost 40 years in education, Sheila was asked by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to become a Trustee for the Yonkers Board of Education. Of course, she agreed. Sheila is one of 9 Trustees and serves as chair of the Personnel and Community Affairs committee. Additionally, Sheila is a long-time member of the Aquehung Women’s Democratic Club, where she serves as VP.

 

Sheila has also been the leader of the Caring Community since its inception in 2012. Along with Rabbi Kenter, Mark Sloane, Lisa Goldman, an organizational construct was developed that we, along with and sensitively guided by Rabbi Stein, still use today. If you ask Sheila she will tell you that being a part of this amazing effort has been one of the top joys of her life and is privileged to be part of. But if asked again, Sheila will tell you that nothing compares with or is possible without the overwhelming love and support of her husband, children and grandchildren.

 

After meeting at Lehman College in 1972, Sheila and Hal consider themselves beyond fortunate. This past September, they celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their vows under the Chuppah, with Rabbi Stein, surrounded by love.