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.