Staff

Lisa Scott

Director, Gan Elohim Early Learning Center

Lisa Scott was Assistant Director of Early Childhood at Gan Elohim for four years prior to becoming our Director. Lisa has made her career working in Jewish education. After teaching kindergarten for 14 years at the Maimonides School in Brookline, Lisa pursued a Master’s Degree in Special Education at Framingham State University and taught 1st through 3rd grade in that field. Lisa then moved to administration, first as an Assistant Principal, and then as Secular Studies Principal and Student Support Services Coordinator. In 2011, Lisa’s passion for early childhood education brought her to the FJECC at Temple Israel in Boston, where she was the Assistant Director and the Director of Admissions for seven years before joining the Gan Elohim community.

Melanie Gerard

Director, Development

Melanie Gerard joined TBE in February of 2023 to oversee the organization’s fundraising operations. Previous to TBE, Melanie was the Director of Advancement at UMass Hillel at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. In this role, she managed the advancement portfolio, including all fundraising efforts, records and gift processing, university collaboration, and parent/alumni engagement. Melanie began her fundraising career at Camp Yavneh in 2013 and has served as a lay leader in local organizations including Hadassah Boston, Solomon Schechter Day School, and the City of Newton Creative Arts Council.

Melanie holds an MBA from Bentley University. Prior to becoming a fundraiser, she worked in the private sector for 15 years in business development and market research for high-tech and financial service firms. She lives in Newton with her husband Michael and three kids.

Stephen Ashkinos

Executive Director, Administration & Operations

Stephen joins TBE as Executive Director of Administration and Operations following his years as the Regional Development Agent for Brooklyn Water Bagels. Previously, Stephen was the COO of a New York-based creative solutions company where he managed operations as well as expanded their business model to include an inhouse advertising agency. Stephen also founded and served as CEO of an award-winning portfolio of companies in New York City that included a live action production company, design and visual effects company, and editorial facility.

Stephen lives in Sudbury with his wife Jennifer and two daughters, Jamie and Sydney.