Meet Our Team
With an average class size of 12, our students and teachers become incredibly tight-knit.
Teachers are the foundation of CBI Forest School.
Our teachers are well-versed in child development, both through educational training and relevant experience.
Our educational framework is based on the belief that children are born active learners. Teachers collaborate with students and are encourage them to ask questions, seek answers, find experts, and draw conclusions.
Teachers document children’s progress, validating the children’s work and enabling ongoing assessment. The children’s thoughts and ideas are documented through photography, video, displays, and writing, as the teachers strive to support each child’s development to the fullest extent.
Our staff is comprised of educators who love to learn and support exploration in the classroom by planning a curriculum based in developmentally appropriate outdoor experiential learning.
EDUCATORS FIRST
continuing education
We believe that learning is a lifelong journey for everyone. Our faculty continues to participate in ongoing professional development in their work to provide quality experiences for children.
FACULTY REQUIREMENTS
Our faculty members receive a health clearance by their respective health care provider. Our teachers are trained and certified in CPR/first aid. Fingerprinting and background checks are required for all staff.
Interested in a career in the forest or becoming a part-time volunteer with our classes?
Our Director, Jill Abbey-Clark
Jill Abbey-Clark (she/her/hers) is the Founding Director of CBI Forest School and director of Education at Congregation Beth Israel.
As Director of Education at CBI, Jill oversees the early childhood education, elementary, synagogue religious school, and camp programs.
She also serves on the senior leadership team and oversees the PJ Library program of Central Virginia.
Jill has over 25 years of experience as an educator, focusing on Jewish education for the past 18 years.
Before going into administration, Jill taught elementary and preschool for 15 years.
Jill has also held a number of volunteer and lay leadership roles in the Jewish early childhood arena, including as a coordinator and presenter for the Paradigm Project.
Jill holds a BA in Jewish Studies and Sociology from Tulane University and a Master of Education in special and elementary education from Lesley University.
In 2012, Jill was selected to participate in the first cohort of the Jewish Early Childhood Leadership Initiative (JECELI) and co-led a director’s community of practice for 2 years following the fellowship.
In 2020, Jill transformed the synagogue’s early childhood center into a Forest School serving children 18 months thru 4th grade.
In 2022, Jill was awarded the Covenant Award in Jewish Education from the Covenant Foundation, recognizing exceptional Jewish educators who have made an impact on Jewish life through innovative educational practices and models.
Meet the Team
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Sophie Allen
DIRECTOR OF Operations ・DIRECTOR OF CBI JOURNEYS
Sophie grew up in the lush Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Attending an adventure camp throughout her childhood instilled within her a strong desire to provide others with meaningful experiences in the outdoors.
Sophie earned a B.S. in Outdoor Education and a Minor in Environmental Studies from Montreat College in May 2010. Sophie is a current Wilderness First Responder. For over a decade she has coordinated and implemented expeditions and educational experiences across North America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania for a wide range of participants from all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Sophie has greatly enjoyed being a part of the CBI Administration and this unique teaching community. She is excited to continue empowering students to connect with the natural world and pursue learning through curiosity and wonder.
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Drew Goodman
Communications & Office Manager
Drew grew up right here in Charlottesville and he has been a member of the CBI community for his entire life. From an early age, Drew grew an appreciation for his faith and has always looked for ways to share his passion with the local, Jewish community.
Drew graduated from the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland in 2011. He then began a career in print journalism at the Daily Progress in Charlottesville. In addition to the Daily Progress, Drew has had bylines in the Chicago Tribune, the Elite Daily, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and dozens of other publications.
After spending seven years working for a search engine marketing firm and the Virginia Institute of Autism, Drew arrived at CBIFS in the fall of 2023. Drew thoroughly enjoys spreading the school’s one-of-a-kind message on social media and other digital media platforms.
Want to See Our Teachers in Action?
Check out what a typical day is like in words, photos, and videos — from morning drop-off to afternoon nature studies.
See how our teachers incorporate the natural world and our values into their lessons and their relationships with students.