Our Team

Lieba Mintz - Director

Lieba Mintz is the accomplished Director of the Preschool of the Arts, where she passionately fosters creativity and early childhood development. With a strong background in early childhood education and a deep appreciation for the arts, she has dedicated over a decade to enriching the lives of young learners. Under her leadership, the Preschool of the Arts has become a vibrant community hub, where innovative programs integrate learning, art, play, and movement—encouraging children to express themselves, explore their imagination, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Lieba believes in nurturing each child’s unique talents in a supportive environment that sparks confidence and curiosity. Her vision and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers.

Originally from New York, Lieba also serves as a rebbetzin and Hebrew School teacher. Beyond her professional roles, she is the proud mother of seven children, balancing her devotion to family with her commitment to early childhood education and community life.

 

  • Nayrel Cano

    Toddler Classroom - Lead Teacher

    I’m originally from Nicaragua, where I went to university to become a doctor. After moving here three years ago, I joined the Preschool of the Arts and discovered my passion for early childhood education. I began as an assistant teacher and am now the lead teacher in the toddler room. My first language is Spanish, and I am so excited to share it with our students through songs and activities. Working with toddlers brings me so much joy—I love creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where little ones feel confident to explore, learn, and grow. In my free time, I enjoy painting, drawing, and hiking. My hope for this school year is that the children will learn in fun, meaningful ways while creating lots of colorful art projects along the way.

  • Ellie (Elizabeth) Pierson

    Preschool Classroom - Assistant Teacher

    I am so excited to begin my journey at the Preschool of the Arts! Growing up in Nicaragua, I developed a passion for teaching and giving back to my community, which led me to volunteer with children from an early age. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring in diverse settings—from leading lessons in Rwanda and conducting field research in Kenya, to serving as a Teaching Assistant and History Ambassador at Santa Clara University.

    Fluent in both English and Spanish, I love fostering creativity, kindness, and curiosity through art, stories, and exploration. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, painting, and spending time in nature. I look forward to getting to know each child and family and being part of such a warm, welcoming community!

  • Marti Norman

    Preschool Classroom - Assistant Teacher

    I am so excited to join the preschool at the JCC Chabad in Aspen as an assistant teacher. I have a background in medicine and a love for working with children, helping them learn and grow through curiosity, creativity, and play. I recently moved to Aspen and enjoy spending time in nature. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of your children and being a part of their learning journey this year.