Hebrew School Staff
Nanci Siegel Manson
Nanci has worked at Beth El as the Director of Education since 2013. She came to Beth El after serving 16 years as the Director of Early Childhood Education at Har Zion Congregation that was once in the Scottsdale area. During Nanci's last two years there, she also held the title of Director of the Religious School. Nanci grew up in St. Louis Mo. and is a graduate of The University of Missouri, St. Louis where she earned her degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. Nanci and her husband, Roy, have a blended family of 4 adult children and 1 grandson, the light of her life. Nanci enjoys working with her staff, families, and the children in the program, developing their Jewish identity and the teachings of the Torah. Nanci lives in the Scottsdale area and enjoys the outdoors, running, reading a good book, and playing with her grandson in her free time.
Wendy Adair
Wendy Adair has been at Beth El as assistant to the education director since 2005. Wendy joined Beth El with her husband in 2004, and together they raised 5 children, all of whom are now adults. Wendy has celebrated the B’Nai Mitzvahs of 4 grandchildren here at Beth El. They have attended Beth El Preschool, and Hebrew School, and youth group at Beth El. A 9th grandson was born in August and is about to begin preschool here at Beth El. The community here at Beth El feels like my family, according to Wendy. My grandchildren have had so many exciting experiences such as attending Camp Ramah in California, which has really enhanced their Jewish pride and identity. Wendy is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Temple Beth Israel as a child. Prior to coming to Beth El Congregation, Wendy worked as a Caseworker and Parole and Probation Officer, retiring in Eugene, Oregon, before moving back to Phoenix. Wendy loves working for the Talmud Torah. She enjoys all the students and their families. Wendy will be celebrating her two 12-year-old grandchildren their B’nai Mitzvah on April 30, 2022.
Michele Gusdorff
We are fortunate to have Michele Gusdorff teaching in our Talmud Torah for 13 years. Michele holds both a BA and MA from Temple University where she majored in Speech and Language Pathology. She also holds a Hebrew Teacher’s Diploma from Gratz College.
In addition to many years experience as a Speech Therapist in the Philadelphia School District, Michele taught in Philadelphia area religious schools and was an active volunteer and board member at synagogues.
To contact Michele, email michele@gusdorff.com