Meet the Professional Team  

Synagogue Manager - Annie Simmons 

Having worked for nine years for the Movement for Reform Judaism, initially as a secretary to the Director of Finance and the Director of Synagogue Support, then moving on to co-ordinate the Biennial Reform Movement Conference and organise Jewish Journeys, Annie joined FRS in January 2007.  No two days are the same, she says, adding: ‘the day flies by and I am constantly meeting lovely people!’

  

Director of Education – Debbie Juggler     

Debbie has been Director of Education at FRS since April 2009. Prior to University she was a madricha for FZY, worked on summer camps, led Israel tour and was an Educator on Europe tour in 2002. After graduating from the University of Leeds in 2000 Debbie qualified as a history teacher, becoming Head of Department and leading school trips to Berlin, Krakow and Auschwitz.  At FRS, alongside the Education team, she has replaced the traditional format of Religion School with Kochavim and established greater links with RSY-Netzer, the youth movement for Reform Jews. Debbie lives in Chigwell, Essex with her family and her favourite flavour ice cream is Haagen-Dazs' Strawberry Cheesecake.

 

Kindergarten Head Teacher – Sharon Lee

Sharon has worked for the past 20 years in the Early Years sector, joining FRS Kindergarten as Headteacher in January 1998.  In 2006 the Government introduced the new Early Years Professional Status (EYPs) which is described as the gold standard for those working with children under the age of five and we were thrilled when Sharon was awarded this status when she became one of the first EYPs in the country in February 2007.  Sharon is married to Cliff, who she says really understands what it is like to be married to someone who loves her work and he has learnt not to mind when they are out shopping and he finds himself laden him down new equipment that Sharon just has to buy for the kindergarten.

 

Educational Co-ordinator – Rachel Fidler

Rachel is in the privileged position of being a professional member of staff as well as a member at FRS.  She first started working at FRS helping out in the office, stopping when Dora was born and then again before the birth of Jack. Now Rachel has a part-time role of Youth and Education Co-ordinator where, amongst other things, she supports the Director of Education as well as organising the children's services. 

 

Bookkeeper – Debbie Marks

Debbie joined FRS in September 2006 after having worked at the Wolfson Hillel Primary school for nine years. ‘I always said when our sons left school there I would also leave but it took me three years to find something I liked.’ Debbie now works three days a week managing the synagogue’s finances.