Samantha Golding, Kindergarten Teacher (Mrs. Golding)

Born and raised in Houston, Mrs. Golding grew up among the Beth Yeshurun community, as her family has been long-time members of the congregation. Mrs. Golding attended The Emery/Weiner School where the continuation of her education honored the traditions and teachings of Jewish studies. She proudly accepted her admittance at Syracuse University in upstate New York, where four years of vigorous and thoughtful study in Child and Family Studies and Psychology led her to graduating Magna Cum Laude. With a passion to apply her degree, Mrs. Golding began her journey as a Kindergarten teacher at BYDS. In her free time, Mrs. Golding and her husband love to attend Houston sporting events, movies, and taking walks with their rescue dog, Shadow. Mrs. Golding is excited for her fourth year to work alongside such an inspirational team and be part of a wonderful family atmosphere within the Jewish community at BYDS.

Adrienne Louden, Kindergarten Teacher (Ms. Louden – soon-to-be Mrs. Rance)

Ms. Louden has been teaching in the education field for twenty years.  She was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2015, she relocated to Houston to be closer to family. Ms. Louden has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First grade in public, private, and charter school settings. In December 2003, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Vocal Music from Lincoln University of Missouri. In May 2010, Ms. Louden graduated from Lesley University with a Master’s in Education, with an emphasis in Instruction and Curriculum birth through twelfth grade. She has taught in the Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, and Texas. In Ms. Louden’s personal time, she is an active member of her college alumni association and sorority. She also belongs to a professional choral group and is a mentor for high school girls. Ms. Louden enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. This upcoming fall she will be getting married and becoming Mrs. Rance. “My teaching philosophy: teach each child at his or her own pace. Children are natural born learners and it is our job to cultivate them to their highest potential. I believe in trying new and old strategies for the best outcomes since each child learns differently. You never know what it will take for a student to have a ‘eureka’ moment.”

Jean Kessler, Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Mrs. Kessler)

Jean Kessler was born in South Africa and immigrated to Houston at age 10. Mrs. Kessler is starting her 12th year at BYDS. She taught Pre-K for 10 years at BYDS and assisted with 1st grade this past year. Jean graduated from UT with a BA in Sociology and Social Work. She furthered her education by receiving a Master’s in Social Work from University of Houston. She practiced as a social worker, providing therapy to children and adolescents for ten years. She then received her CDA (Child Development Associate) Certification. Jean has been married for 20 years to her husband Micah, has three teenage children who are all BYDS graduates, and is a BYDS Alumna herself.