Our Educators

Aaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Religious School & B'nai Mitzvah Training -- 215-646-5806 x232

Aaron Nielsenshultz is a life-long educator with experience in all age ranges, from early primary through adult learning. Throughout his career, Aaron has fostered a desire to make the learning experience better and more meaningful for students, no matter the setting. His love of education and his passion for Jewish knowledge came together more than ten years ago when Aaron moved from working in higher education to working in the world of Jewish education, and he could not be happier doing what he calls the best work of his life. He is always eager to take questions and receive feedback.

You can contact Aaron through email or you can look for him in the Spain Lobby greeting students every day religious school is in session.

Chana Tillman, Assistant Religious School Director -- 215-646-5806 x236

Chana Tillman became a part of the Beth Or family in August 2023. As the Assistant Religious School Director, she works closely with Aaron to ensure a successful educational, social and emotional school year for each individual student. She wants every student to feel the bond she feels with Judaism and to be proud of themselves and their heritage.

Chana has lived and worked in the Jewish community her entire life, from attending Jewish day schools and camps to being the Director of a Jewish Early Learning Center. She feels that being a part of educating the Jewish youth is her calling, especially during this troubling time, and truly enjoys working with students of all ages.

Sara Baum, Early Childhood Director -- 215-646-5806 x240

Sara Baum has been a teacher of Early Education for many years. She has been part of the Center for Early Childhood Education at Beth Or since 2015. Sara earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Hartford and began her career as a Kindergarten teacher. Sara later found her way back to Early Education and began teaching preschool in an infant classroom. Sara has since been in many different age groups and enjoys being a part of the administrative side of the center. Sara’s love for Jewish education comes from her mother who taught in a Jewish preschool for over twenty years. Judaism has always been a driving force in Sara’s life. She was active in USY and her University’s Hillel.  Throughout all of Sara’s experiences, working with other teachers and families has been a passion.  Sara, her husband Josh and their daughters Isabella and Maeve feel lucky to have found a home and community here at Beth Or.

 Sharon Carlin, Assistant Early Childhood Director -- 215-646-5806 x238

Sharon Carlin needs no introduction, particularly if you are a family with young children in our congregation. She began her career at Congregation Beth Or in 2006 as the Administrative Assistant for the CECE. She was promoted to the position of Administrative Coordinator for both the CECE and Religious School in 2014. With her love, knowledge and commitment to the CECE, she was promoted into the position of the Assistant Director of the CECE in 2019. Sharon and her husband Jimmy, along with their three children Sean, Ryan, and Rebecca have been members of the congregation for over two decades. Recently, the Carlin family has grown to include daughters-in-law Danielle and Logan, and granddaugher Sophie Gray.

Beth Or is fortunate to have a wonderful group of passionate, talented, caring, and tenured teachers who are dedicated to enriching our children's Jewish education in our CECE and religious school programs.