Our Educators

Aaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Religious School -- 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.

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.

Rachel Shapiro, Youth Engagement Advisor -- 215-646-5806 x236

Rachel Shapiro joined Beth Or as Youth Engagement Advisor in Fall 2021. Prior to joining the staff at Beth Or, Rachel worked with children as a camp counselor since 2013. She has a passion for growth and creativity and always tries to find unique ways for children to learn, grow and express themselves. Rachel has a strong desire to teach adolescents the importance of Judaism and what it means to be Jewish in an exciting and fun environment. She values building strong relationships with not only her students, but their families as well. Rachel is a 2020 graduate of Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She currently resides in Ambler and loves to take on new adventures, try different restaurants and explore new places. Feel free to stop by her office to give her recommendations as she always loves to chat!

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.