Congregation Beth Israel’s administrative team is committed to providing a supportive team to Chanen families and staff. We strive to provide a warm and supportive environment for our students, parents, and students.
Chanen Staff
Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin
Rabbi and Executive EducatorRabbi Sara Mason-Barkin was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in May, 2010, after receiving her Masters Degree in Jewish Education in 2008. Prior to her studies at the Hebrew Union College, Sara earned her Bachelors Degree from Brandeis University in Sociology and Judaic Studies.
Rabbi Mason-Barkin began her career as an educator in a Jewish day school. While teaching, Sara discovered a passion for helping people of all ages find meaningful moments of Jewish connection in their own lives. This dedication to pursuing further work in the field of Jewish education led her to Jerusalem, where she began her rabbinical studies.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Rabbi Mason-Barkin has spent significant time in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Rabbi Mason-Barkin lives with her husband, Josh, and her three children, Charlie, Sela and Milo.
Shaleen Hill
Chanen Preschool, DirectorShaleen Hill, M.A., as the new Director of Young Family Learning & Engagement at CBI’s Chanen Preschool. Shaleen received both her BS in Early Childhood Education and an MA in Special Education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (“UNLV”).
Shaleen brings nearly two decades of experience working with babies, toddlers and young children in both administrative and in-class roles within prestigious programs such as Las Vegas Country Day School which far exceeded our stated skills and competencies. We are confident that our children will continue to love their preschool, and our teachers will thrive under Shaleen’s direction. We know when you meet Shaleen, you will immediately feel the warmth of her smile along with the embrace of her energy and spirit.
Shaleen, her husband, Ryan, and children Dion (9) and Ellie (7), recently moved from Las Vegas and are excited to call Arizona their home.
Erika Curtis
Assistant Director of Jewish Life and Programming