four questions

Robin Pappas chats with Platinum.

It will be a school year of "firsts" for ROBIN
PAPPAS of West Bloomfield. The director of the

WHAT BOOK, CD OR OTHER
MEDIA DO YOU LONG TO SHARE?

new Hillel Day School Early Childhood Center

I would share my new collection of Dr. Jean
Feldman's CDs. Dr. Jean is an early child-
hood educator who makes learning fun
through song. She inspires teachers across
the country with her engaging songs and
creative activities focused on topics rang-
ing from mathematics to learning all of the
state capitals. I recently went to her two-
day workshop and bought her collection
of CDs. I can't get enough of them. I feel
every early childhood educator should use
Dr. Jean as an inspiration in the classroom.

is busy preparing for fall, when Hillel will open

its doors to preschoolers ages 2-4. A new wing

and playground were added to the Farmington

Hills facility. It's designed to accommodate up to

120 students. "This is a challenge and journey

I'm ready to take on," said Pappas. "The Early

Childhood Center will be a warm, nurturing

environment where children can explore, learn

and grow in a Jewish setting." Pappas, 49, is a

graduate of Wayne State University with degrees

in elementary education and early childhood

education. For the last seven years, she's been
a teacher with the Detroit Public Schools Head Start program. Prior to that, Pappas also

taught at Congregation Shaarey Zedek of Oakland County. All along, she's been busy

raising her own children: Jeremy, 24, a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological

Seminary in New York, and Kayla, 21, a graduate of Indiana University who is pursuing

a career in education. Pappas says she simply can't wait to get back to school. "We're

committed to creating a place where children are excited, motivated and interested in

learning," Pappas said. "This is the age where we start the foundation of education."
Here, we ask Robin Pappas our version of the Four Questions.

— Robin Schwartz

i.
///itaken

work he put into the ark and creating a safe
place for so many animals. His story is a
great one to remember. It gives us insight to
daily life and reacting to adverse situations.

WHAT IMPORTANT LIFE
LESSONS HAVE YOU RECENTLY
LEARNED?

I learn important lessons every single day.
Recently though, I have learned to always
reach for your goals. Even if they seem far
and distant, it's important to continue doing
your best and never give up. I've learned that
all things, whether good or bad, happen for
a reason. Goals and dreams are attainable.

IF YOU COULD HAVE BRUNCH
WITH ONE BIBLICAL OR
HISTORICAL JEWISH FIGURE,
WHO WOULD IT BE?

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE
SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT
YOU?

Noah (and all of his animals). I've always
loved hearing the story of Noah and how
hard he worked building the ark to save the
animals from the Flood. It would be amaz-
ing to be on the ark and to see his hard work
firsthand. I'd love to talk to him about the

Most people would be surprised to know
that I really hate to shop. My family and
friends always get frustrated with me when
we go. If it isn't on my list or we don't find
it within the first 20 minutes, it's not
happening.

the

--..)
-z- - - - - d ea /tit
i

-

13 • i

9U/Ini ii i...

Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery &
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. EACS

Certified by The American Board of Surgery, The American Board of
Plastic Surgery & Fellowship Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive
Breast Surgery

(248) 865-6400

5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfield

248427-0

31205 Grand Riv
Farmington Hills, MI

k

Cabinet Refacing

NOW AVAILABLE

24848041 00

2061 E. Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48083

www. ranatetransformations.com

P 1 8 •

AUGUST 2010 •

JN platinum