Our Nursery School Director

Nursery School Director Melanie Blitz

 Melanie Blitz came to Gates of Prayer Nursery School in 2006 after nearly fifteen years as a special education teacher for Jefferson Parish schools.  She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1975 with a BS in Elementary and Special Education.  During her teaching career she served as a private tutor, 504 school coordinator, performed pre-assessments for at risk students, served as assistant summer camp director, and taught pre-school autistic classes.  She also developed an after school enrichment program for at risk students for her school.

Melanie and her family have been apart of Gates of Prayer for over 50 years.  She served on the Temple board, was an officer of Sisterhood, taught both in the Nursery school and Sunday school and served on various committees over the years.

Her professional career outside of education includes serving as an officer of the Estelle Gervais Family Foundation, editor of Challah Day Cooking II for Gates of Prayer Sisterhood, co-hosted a morning Passover cooking show with Frank Davis, contributor to two children’s cookbooks, owner of Melanie’s Creations catering and bakery for over 20 years and caterer to the “stars” such as Governor Edwards, Chief Zwelivelile Mandala and Robert Stack of the 80’s TV show “Unsolved Mysteries.”

Melanie is a member of Gates of Prayer Sisterhood, National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, ERERJ (Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism), and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).

A very important part of her life is family…. Her husband Richard Blitz of 36 years, two children, two precious granddaughters and a schnauzer Buddy. She enjoys sharing her passions for travel, cooking and entertaining with her family and friends.