Samantha Ashley

I feel incredibly grateful to serve as Director of Netivot Shalom Preschool and to support our community in nurturing each child’s growth, confidence, Jewish identity, and joy in learning.

I graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Legal Studies. Since joining Netivot Shalom Preschool in 2021, I have had the privilege of growing as an educator, mentor and leader alongside this incredible community.

I am passionate about creating warm, inclusive, and child-centered learning environments where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to explore. Through thoughtful, nature-inspired spaces and experiences, I encourage children to approach the world with curiosity and creativity.

The Jewish values of kavanah (intentionality) and shomrei adamah (guardianship of the earth) are integral to my work as an educator. I am passionate about sustainability, incorporating open-ended and reused materials into the classroom, and helping children develop meaningful connections to the natural world through play and exploration.

One of my favorite parts of teaching is building strong partnerships with families and fostering a classroom community where children, caregivers, and educators feel connected, supported, and valued. I am committed to building trust across our school community, ensuring that relationships are rooted in care, communication, and a shared sense of belonging.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, camping, hiking, creating stained glass jewelry, and thrifting. I love bringing my passion for creativity, sustainability, and the outdoors into my work with children.