Preschool Teachers
Our educators are the backbone of our school.
Claudine Guralnick
Ms. Claudine was born and raised in Israel where she also served two years in the Israeli Army. She has over 23 years’ experience working in early childhood education. In addition to heading the preschool, Ms. Claudine is also our Jewish educator for families with young children and the head teacher for our youngest learners. Her deep knowledge of Jewish culture, traditions, and practice, ensure that our students learn about, feel connected to, and enjoy Judaism. Ms. Claudine is the recipient of the Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish Education and has been recognized on a community-wide level for her exemplary accomplishment in Jewish early childhood location.
Caitlin Gregory
Ms. Caitlin has worked at Har Zion since August 2022. She studied zoology in college, and says she loves teaching her students about nature and animals. When Ms. Caitlin isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband and her son, who attends Har Zion preschool.
Garron Segal
Ms. Garron joined the Har Zion community as a parent in 2016. As a teacher, she strives to instill in children a love of learning through hands-on experiences. Ms. Garron believes that kids are capable beings who are worthy of respect and should be active partners in their education. Before teaching, Ms. Garron worked in the nonprofit sector. Now an Oak Park resident, she enjoys reading as well as spending time with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Kate Birch
Ms. Kate only recently joined the preschool life, having previously worked as a milliner for more than 30 years. She says she feels like she’s found her niche at Har Zion. As she puts it, “at what other job do you get to end each day with a dance party?”
Lauren Memmen
Ms. Lauren graduated from Harry S. Truman College where she received her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Preschool Education. Ms. Lauren enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her 4 and a half-year-old son, and being around her family.
Nathan Chott
Mr. Nathan graduated from Illinois State University, where he studied geology and topography. He enjoys camping, hiking, and visiting national and state parks and forest preserves. After spending years as a commercial real estate appraiser and home inspector, Mr. Nate decided to pivot and explore early childhood education (and what better place than Har Zion!). He hopes to share his love of music and art at the preschool and to engage in creative activities like painting and playing musical instruments.
Euzhan Sims
Ms. Euzhan grew up in Naperville, Illinois, and recently moved to Oak Park. She attended Northern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in visual arts. She is currently a freelance artist, with a focus on abstract painting and mixed media. She loves to use bright colors, geometric shapes, and fun patterns in her pieces. She enjoys biking, ice skating, attending concerts, and watching movies in her free time.