Parents Place, Palo Alto, CA (ParentsPlacePeninsula@jfcs.org)

Full Feedback…Boogie to the Beat

Chaia May-Pienknagura has been an instructor at Parents Place since June, 2000. She teaches Boogie to the Beat, a music and movement class for children ages 1 to 5 and their parents. This class meets weekly for an hour for 8 sessions.

Chaia is a gifted teacher who brings a tremendous amount of warmth and wisdom to her classes. She uses he guitar, and a variety of instruments to provide a rich and stimulating music program, and is able to keep the children engaged throughout the hour. At the same time, she is able to offer parents information about what the children are experiencing and learning, and how it helps in their development. She is able to manage the group well, and is flexible and resilient if a lesson plan needs to change because of behaviors.

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Chaia is a conscientious and responsible, and a pleasure to wor4k with. She as shown a great deal of growth in her ability to work with families and is an asset to Parents Place.

Pull Quotes…
Chaia is a gifted teacher who brings a tremendous amount of warmth and wisdom to her classes. She provides a rich, stimulating and engaging music program to the children, and also offers parents information about their children’s experience that helps in their development.

Karen Friedland-Brown, MA
Parent Education Coordinator
Parents Place, Palo Alto, CA (ParentsPlacePeninsula@jfcs.org)

TEACHER TRAINING (SECULAR)

DeAnza College, Early Childhood Teacher Education Program, Cupertino, CA (deanza.edu)

I wish to thank you for your excellent presentation to my class of preschool teachers. Many complimentary remarks were made by the students. You kept the entire class engaged and energized.

Past presentation from other teaching artists have usually provided a narrow view of the large realm of music and movement. I wasps very pleased at the flowing mixture of music, song, vocalization, movement and drama you used. The multicultural emphasis was excellent as it mirrors the focus of DeAnza College with its diverse student population.

Your enthusiasm and energy was wonderwork to see. You have such a diversity of talents that your are pleased with. Thank you again. I hope you can share with us in the future.

Sandi Kovach-Long
Instructor, Early Childhood Education Teacher
DeAnza College, Cupertino, CA

Every single person raved and made very positive comments about how much fun your presentation was. It was really terrific!
Donna Weir, Music for Minors, Docent Training Program for Schools

Thank you for your participation in the Fifth Annual School-Age Child Care Conference. Your expertise was an important part of our conference. Those who attended responded very favorably to your session.
Jennifer Bruckner, Coordinator, Regional Office of Child Care

Anonymous evaluations from worship participants
The objectives for the workshop were very clear, and the material was comfortably paced and presented in a way that was easy to follow. What I learned was very useful in my work.

EDUCATIONAL MEDIA (SECULAR)
The Fisherman Who Caught a Smile

I’ve been listening to you alld day. May kids won’t play anything else!
Arlinda Smith, Palo Alto, CA

I really, really, really, like you’re your music.
Katie Lee Adair, Age 6

PERFORMANCE (SECULAR - FOR CHILDREN)
The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were treated with sensitivity and respect. The teaching of the songs of peace was paced perfectly. The children of all ages were engrosses. To see my daughter singing songs of peace was deeply inspiring.
Cindy Harris, Schoolteacher and mother of Coco, age 7 and David age 11

Chaia May’s program was fun for all! She established great rapport with an audience that ranged from babies and toddlers, up to elementary school-age children and adults.
Pat Langi, Menlo Park Library (menloparklibrary.org)

Chaia’s program was a delight for all. Her sense of fun and easygoing style had everyone singing along to traditional favorites and original tunes. She established great rapport with an audience that ranged from toddlers to elementary school students and adults. Chaia’s lovely voice put a smile one everyone’s face. Thanks you Chaia!
Dee Ellman, Menlo Park Library (menloparklibrary.org)

Thanks a bunch for a great kick-off for our Summer Reading Program! We all enjoyed the zany, upbeat songs your shared. Anything that helps keep the children’s attention by participation really captures their imagination and spirit, and your songs certainly did that! Your warmth and sincerity towards children shines through in your performance.
Roberta Bowman, Calabazas Branch Library, San Jose, CA (sjlibrary.org)

Chaia’s warmhearted, energetic approach brings out the best in all children, engaging even the most highly spirited, while empowering and awakening their imagination, feelings and sense of self worth.
Dionne Janice Clabaugh, Director, Junior League of Palo Alto Nursery School (thejuniorleague.org/paloalto)

What magic you weave with your beautiful singing voice, the fabulous guitar and your creative up-beat manner. Your are truly a master entertainer and educator.
Judy Gregory, Peter and the Wolf Music Docent in the Schools

We could not have asked for a better pre-school performer to kick off our summer! Your music was delightful and your experience with keeping crowds of children entertained was very obvious.We love entertainers who can show such audience rapport and fill a room with music at the same time. It’s a real gift!
Susan A. Jones, Children’s Services, Pleasanton Library (ci.pleasanton.ca.us)

Chaia has the ability to fain children’s trust and participation.
Mother of 4 and 2 year old children, Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose, CA, Program Evaluation, (cdm.org) (need name of program)

I appreciate the cooperative, professional attitude you had. It made Jim’s and my job much easier. (NEED PROGRAM NAME, ETC.)
Holly Murray, Amnesty International (amnesty.org)

PERFORMANCE (JEWISH - FOR CHILDREN)

Congregation Kol Emeth, Palo Alto, CA (kolemeth.org)

Full Feedback…Torah for Tots
I am pleased to recommend Chaia may to you as a Jewish educators with special talents that have served our congregation and other institutions so well.

Chaia has been conducting our Torah for Tots program twice a month and has performed this responsibility in exemplary manner,. She has shown creativity, ingenuity and devotion to this difficult talks. It is doubly difficult due to the many restrictions that Shabbat places on the program, i.e. no arts and crafts and no instruments. Despite this restrictions, Chaia has created a program that holds not only our youngsters interest but that of their parents as well.

This accomplishment is a result of the resourcefulness of Chaia. I am certain that many other in CAJE (The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, www.caje.org/index2.php) would benefit from Christy’s experience and programming tips. She has much to share and to offer in this rather new programming being adopted by increasing numbers of our congregations.

Pull Quotes…
In her Torah for Tots program Chaia has shown creativity, ingenuity and devotion. Chaia has created a program that holds not only our youngsters interest but that of their parents as well. She has much to share in this rather new programming being adopted by increasing numbers of congregations.

Fred Nathan, Education Director
Congregation Kol Emeth, Palo Alto, CA

You’ve done a fabulous job with the Junior Choir this year. Their production of “Joseph” not to mention their stellar performance at the Shavuot festival. It’s clear how much time and effort your put in with them.
On behalf of the congregation, I would like to thank your for all the work you’ve done this year. I hope that we’ll work together in the future. Thank you so much.
Rabbi David B. Cohen, Congregation Beth Am, Los Altos, CA (betham.org)

JEWISH PROGRAMS

Stretching to Shacharit – workshop participants’ quotes from Marin North Bay newspaper

Pull Quotes…Women’s’ Movement

Chaia’s Stretching to Shacharit workshop puts me in the right space for being open to the Shabbat experience. We use movement to extend the idea of personal expression in prayerThis class is a creative experience of prayer that

Susan Desmond, Stretching to Shacharit workshop participant

Chaia says about stretching to Shacharit…
a) The blessing is about creation, so we visualize what it is women create in the world, then we dance and paint our creations in the air with our scarves.
b) Stretching to Shacharit is a bonding experience for women in a safe environment.
c) It’s a powerful experience because during the movement the mind is free to experience healing, and reflection on the spiritual elements of Judaism. It’s a way to make prayer more personal that compliments traditional Talmud study. The prayer says, “may the tallit spread it’s wings over my life force”, and that’s what we do in the movement circle.

Congregation Kol Emeth, Palo Alto, CA (kolemeth.org)

Full Feedback…Torah for Tots
I am pleased to recommend Chaia may to you as a Jewish educators with special talents that have served our congregation and other institutions so well.

Chaia has been conducting our Torah for Tots program twice a month and has performed this responsibility in exemplary manner,. She has shown creativity, ingenuity and devotion to this difficult talks. It is doubly difficult due to the many restrictions that Shabbat places on the program, i.e. no arts and crafts and no instruments. Despite this restrictions, Chaia has created a program that holds not only our youngsters interest but that of their parents as well.

This accomplishment is a result of the resourcefulness of Chaia. I am certain that many other in CAJE (The Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, www.caje.org/index2.php) would benefit from Christy’s experience and programming tips. She has much to share and to offer in this rather new programming being adopted by increasing numbers of our congregations.

Pull Quotes…
In her Torah for Tots program Chaia has shown creativity, ingenuity and devotion. Chaia has created a program that holds not only our youngsters interest but that of their parents as well. She has much to share in this rather new programming being adopted by increasing numbers of congregations.

Fred Nathan, Education Director
Congregation Kol Emeth, Palo Alto, CA

Temple Beth Jacob, Redwood City, CA (templebethjacob.org)

Full Feedback…Mommy, Daddy and Me
Chaia has done a spectacular job as the head of our Mommy, Daddy and Me program. She has served in this capacity for several years, and has made it the success that it is. This program brings together parents and children up to the age of six to celebrate Jewish holidays prior to the time they actually occur. Through a combination of storytelling, arts and crafts, and music, the holidays are concretized for the participants in a very meaningful ways. Chaia has the extraordinary ability to relate well to both children and their parents. She is creative and innovative in the way she presents her program. Although the program is held under the auspices of the Synagogue, it is open to bon-members as well , The program is always very well attended and extremely well received.

Pull Quotes…
Chaia has done a spectacular job as the head of our Mommy, Daddy and Me program. Through a combination of storytelling, arts and crafts, and music, the holidays are concretized for the participants in a very meaningful ways. The program is always very well attended and extremely well received. Chaia has the extraordinary ability to relate well to both children and their parents. The program is always very well attended and extremely well received.

Rabbi H. David Teitelbaum
Temple Beth Jacob, Redwood City, CA

Congregation Beth David, Saratoga, CA (beth-david.org)

Full Feedback…Torah Education Day

I want to add my personal thanks for your outstanding contribution to the rousing success of Congregation Beth David’s Torah Education Day.

Those participants who chose your workshop, Torah in Song and Story, thoroughly enjoyed your levelly voice and the charm with which you delivered your melodic messages. We were delighted to be able to add your special talents and perspectives to our list of offerings.

The Year of the Torah is a very special experience for our congregation. Education is one of the primary goals of this project, and events such as Torah Education Day certainly helped fulfill the goal in fine style.

On behalf of every connected with the Torah Project, pleases accept our warmest appreciation for the time, talent and effort your shared with us.

Pull Quotes…

Participants in your Torah in Song and Story workshop thoroughly enjoyed your lovely voice, and the charm with which you delivered your melodic messages. We were delighted to add your special talents and perspectives to our list of offerings.

Eleanor Weber Dickman, Torah Education Day Coordinator
Congregation Beth David, Saratoga, CA

TEACHER TRAINING (JEWISH)

Temple Beth Hillel Preschool (need address and website)

Pull Quotes…

a) You should be very proud. You were fantastic! You kept these teachers engaged for three hours after they had taught an entire day, We hope to have you back next year and invite the teacher from the neighboring Jewish pre-schools.

Debbie Leaf, Preschool Director
Temple Beth Hillel Preschool (need address and website)

b) Thank you for your ideas. I was able to use your songs and warm-up activities not only at music time but for transitions between activities. They really helped me during the challenging times of the day.

Laurel Wolf, Preschool teacher
Temple Beth Hillel Preschool (need address and website)

BAJE Teacher Workshop (NEED REAL NAME, ADDRESS, AND WEBSITE)

Pull Quotes…

a) I was truly inspired by your workshop at BAJE. Thank you for sharing your useful “secrets”. I can’t wait to use them in the classroom.
Kate Speizer, Early Childhood Jewish Education Teacher, Monte Sereno, CA

b) Well organized presentation, full of relevant ideas. Chaia is so enthusiastic and so eager to pass her ideas on to us.

c) Excellent handouts, visuals and songs!

d) Wonderful, very effective. I learned more new songs for Shabbat and other holidays.

e) I learned lots of great ideas to share. Chaia has a nice way about her that makes everyone feel good.

(B through E are anonymous…) BAJE Teacher Workshop Participants
BAJE Teacher Workshop (NEED REAL NAME, ADDRESS, AND WEBSITE)

Chaia is a wonderful addition to the enrichment of our program. She gets the children moving while they are learning, opposites, patterns and the use of tones of voices. Our children love to sing and dance with Chaia she brings her guitar and usually other items like rhythm sticks, scarves, mini drums, etc. She recently did a puppet story that had children and adults engaged. WE LOVE CHAIA!

Kim Donaldson

Assistant Director

The Children's Pre-School Center

ORGANIZATIONS SERVED – PARTIAL LIST
Synagogues and Jewish Preschools
Congregation Beth AM
Congregation Kol Emeth
Temple Beth Jacob
Temple Emmanu-El
Children’s Discovery Museum, Early Childhood Resource Center, San Jose, CA
Los Angeles Children’s Museum
KTEH Channel 54, San Jose, CA
Villa Montalvo, Arts Center, Children’s Day, Saratoga, CA
Public Libraries in CA
Menlo Park
Pleasanton Palo Alto
Sunnyvale
Oakland
Los Altos
San Carlos
Woodland
Woodside
Willow Glen
San Leandro
Santa Clara
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Stanford Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
DeAnza College, Cupertino, CA
Foothill College, Child Development Program
UCLA Mardi Gras
UCLA, Davies Children’s Terminally Ill Ward
California State Northridge, Children’s Theater
Linden Tree, Children’s Bookstore, Los Altos, CA
Kepler’s Bookstore, Menlo Park, CA
Bob and Bob, Judaic Store, Palo Alto
Camps
YMCA Multicultural Camp, Palo Alto
Albert Schultz Jewish Community Center
Jewish Community Center, San Jose
City of San Jose, Living History Days
Peninsula School Fall Festival, Menlo Park
Schools
Landel Elementary School, Mountain View
Washington Elementary, San Jose
Peninsula School, Menlo Park
Walter Hayes Elementary School (NEED CITY)
Jane Lathrop Middle School (NEED CITY)
Garden Gate Elementary School
Music for Minors, Mountain View, CA
San Jose Civic Light Opera