Inna (“EE-nah”) Shepard was born in Ukraine. In 1989, when she was 10, her family relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where they enjoyed the freedom to embrace Judaism. Inna spent many formative years at the Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst (a JCC) and has fond memories of camp — especially since that’s where she met fellow camp counselor and future husband Rob. We caught up with her as she was moving into her new director’s office at the Cohn Early Childhood Learning Center…
What attracted you to Birmingham?
When my daughter Sammy was accepted to UA, we decided to move south with her. We started to research the area in search of Jewish life. I’ve always found that areas with JCCs have that. That’s how we decided that the Birmingham area would be a good fit for us. Sammy will start at UA this fall.
What are your first impressions of Southern life?
That people are truly welcoming. Southern hospitality has been strong.
How are you balancing family life between here and up north?
For the next few months we will be going back and forth, which might be a bit challenging, but we’ll get through it.
Do you have special plans for Passover?
My husband and kids [Sammy and son Zachary, 14] will be in town for Passover so we can still have our family together. This will give us the opportunity to spend one of my favorite holidays together and give us time to explore Birmingham.
How did you get into working with children?
I started working in the NYC banking industry and quickly realized that a desk job is not for me. I had worked with children as a teen in the camp setting and decided to pursue that field for my master’s degree. Originally I thought early childhood would be a brief pit stop as I pursue elementary education, but I ended up falling in love and turned it into a new career — and passion.
How do you summarize your approach to early childhood education?
My approach is to give every child an opportunity to learn in their own way, which will develop their curiosity and creativity, and using a play-based approach.
What’s your vision for the Cohn ECLC?
To give every child that walks through our doors the best care we can possibly give. Care that is loving and nurturing and where children will learn and grow.
What occupies your time outside of work?
My kids occupy most of my free time, but as a family we enjoy traveling. Once a year we take a trip — usually out of the country to discover a new place. We love food, so going to new places to try new cuisine is one of our favorite things to do as a family.
If you got to be a preschooler again, what would be your favorite part of the day?
Free play! This would give me the opportunity to discover new and fun things in the classroom.