Senior Staff

Stuart Brown, Executive Director

Stuart Brown has been the Executive Director at Temple Shaari Emeth since July, 2017. With over 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, he brought his personal and professional passions together to serve the congregation. Stuart worked for the City of Cincinnati for twelve years, first in the City Managers Office of Research, Evaluation, and Budget, and for several years overseeing large scale downtown and neighborhood development programs. He returned to his native New Jersey in 2000 to serve as City Administrator in Summit and then held the position of Township Manager in Aberdeen. Immediately prior to starting at TSE, he was the Director of Operations at Bnai Keshet, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Montclair. Stuart has experience serving on the Board of Directors of non-profits and has held consulting positions for several non-profit and government agencies in the state of New Jersey. Mr. Brown resides in Aberdeen with his wife, Nancy, son, Harrison (17) and daughter, Ally (22), and rescue dogs Ellie and Jett.

Melissa Pescatore, Director of Religious Education

Melissa Pescatore loves her work as the Director of Religious Education at Temple Shaari Emeth. Before stepping in to her current role in 2015, she fulfilled various positions at Temple Shaari Emeth since 2008, including Family Program Coordinator, Religious School Administrator, and Hebrew School teacher, building close relationships with families and students in grades K-12. Melissa received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Monmouth University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey. Serving as the Educator in the congregation where she grew up as a student, she is passionate about instilling a love of Jewish learning and building a strong, positive Jewish identity in her students. She lives in South Brunswick with her supportive husband, Mark.

Sheryn Cohen, Director of the Early Learning Center

Sheryn Cohen has worked in early childhood education for over 10 years collectively in the classroom and as the Director of the Early Learning Center.

Over the years she has participated in Jewish early childhood learning opportunities and as a member of the ECE-RJ. She is also a member of the local Federations Directors group. She is an active participant in these groups attending workshops and conferences and webinars.

Sheryn continues to lead the Early Learning Center program, continually striving to incorporate best practices in Jewish early childhood education. Sheryn’s belief is that when children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical needs are met they can learn at their own pace and develop both a positive self-image and self-confidence.

Sheryn has been a member of Temple Shaari Emeth for over 12 years. She was President of Sisterhood, the junior and senior Youth Group advisor and has experience serving on the Board of Trustees.

Sheryn resides in Manalapan for over 20 years with her husband Doug, daughters Rachel (22), and Alyssa (19).