Childrens' Services Staff

Robin Brous, Director of Early Childhood Services, Associate Executive Director
Robin's background is in education and camping. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration, a New Jersey Principal certification and elementary teaching certification. Robin has been at the JCC for over 18 years. She began in the JCC preschool, directed Camp Yachad for 13 years and currently runs the JCC's Early Childhood Services Department in addition to serving as Associate Executive Director.  Robin was recently selected as an initial cohort of 20 fellows for the Jewish Experiential Leadership Institute a leadership and professional development program which will help participants apply Jewish frameworks, including values, ethics, texts and traditions, to setting their organization’s vision.

 Leslie has been a pre-K teacher at the JCC for the past five years and the Nature Specialist at Camp Yachad.  In September 2012, she moved into the role of Assistant Early Childhood Director, broadening her scope of involvement for our families and children. Leslie holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, and her creativity and imagination always shine through when she's working with children.  The JCC has been a meaningful and lively community center for her and her family for many years.

Mary Ann Kukis, Director of After School Services
Mary Ann has devoted her career to children. For the last three years she has been the JCC's Director of After School Services. Prior to that she spent time in public school education and 16 years at the JCC's Camp Yachad. She has been an avid volunteer with children, serving as a scouting Cub Master and a Girl Scouts Assistant Scout Leader in Westfield.

Robin Wander, Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Robin holds a BA in elementary school education and taught kindergarten at the JCC for 11 years. Robin is the 2010 award winner of the Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education and coordinates all school special events and Jewish programming.

Ricki Solomita, Early Childhood Administrator
Ricki's background includes 25 years experience in Human Resources at the Sherwin Williams Company.  She has worked in administration at Camp Yachad and the Early Childhood program for the past eight years.  She currently coordinates all administration, purchasing and customer service in the Early Childhood Department.

Ellen Staple, Play Zone Manager
Ellen, who holds a BA and Masters Degree credits, worked in the New York City school system as a prevention and intervention counselor. She also worked at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a hospital administrator.  Ellen was an assistant teacher in the JCC kindergarten program prior to assuming the role of Play Zone Manager.