Meet Rachel Turniansky

We’re thrilled to welcome Rachel Delman Turniansky to the Stoler Early Childhood Education Center! In her new role as Director of Inclusion and Abilities, Rachel is committed to ensuring that every child feels truly valued, supported, and celebrated. Read on to hear directly from Rachel about what fuels her work and inspires her every day.

What excites you most about joining the Stoler Early Childhood Education Center?
I’m excited to support the ELC’s mission of ensuring that every child is included in a meaningful way. Early childhood experiences lay the foundation for lifelong skills, values, and a strong connection to the Jewish community. To be part of a place where every child feels truly valued, welcomed, and celebrated is an incredible opportunity. I’m so happy to be supporting the ELC to prioritize meaningful inclusion for all children and their families.

What role do you see families playing in building inclusive classrooms?
Families are essential partners in creating inclusive classrooms. Open communication and collaboration between families and educators help ensure that every child feels supported. When families and schools work hand in hand, we strengthen our community and build a culture where everyone feels they belong.

How do you hope to support teachers and staff in your new role?
I look forward to partnering with teachers to both address their immediate concerns and help them proactively set their students up for success. The Stoler ELC is fortunate to have such dedicated educators, and I hope to support them by enhancing the tools they already use, introducing new strategies, and being a resource they can rely on as they nurture every child’s growth.

Were you involved in the Jewish community growing up? If so, how did that shape your journey?
I grew up in a strongly connected Jewish home, and even though I lived in a diverse community, my Jewish involvement was always central. Those values and experiences continue to shape me today, guiding how I approach my work and how I see the world—always through a Jewish lens.

Do you have a favorite Jewish value or teaching that influences your work?
There are so many words of wisdom in Jewish tradition that relate to inclusion. In Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Ancestors, Rabbi Tarfon teaches: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” This deeply resonates with me because the work of building a truly inclusive and welcoming community is ongoing. While we may never fully “complete” the task, each step we take brings us closer to that vision—and it is work worth doing every day.

If you could swap jobs with anyone at the JCC for a day, who would it be and why?
In my teens, I spent my summers working as a lifeguard, and I’ve always loved swimming. If I could swap jobs for a day, I’d choose to be back at the pool—both to reconnect with that part of my past and to enjoy the energy of the water (with the bonus of some extra swim time!).

Coffee, tea, or something else — what keeps you going during the day?
A good cup of coffee in the morning helps me start strong, but I’m working on switching to water as the day goes on!

Rachel’s warmth, experience, and dedication to inclusion are already making a difference at the Stoler Early Childhood Education Center. Be sure to say hello when you see her around campus — she looks forward to connecting with families and staff as we continue to grow together. 

Interested in joining our team? Learn more at jcc.org/jobs