MEET THE TEAM
AHAVA MCLAUGHLIN
areyvutajelc@gmail.com
Co-Founder, President & Mom
"Ahava is a Traditional Holistic Practitioner who helps families across the nation address allergies, gut dysbiosis as well as co-infections. She has always had an affinity for homeschooling as it aligns with her holistic view on life. When her eldest was little, she taught him from home how to read at age 3 and how to do math through fun and play. She now homeschools 2 out of her 3 children. Ahava is a big proponent of reading aloud to children of all ages and that it should never stop. Learning should be fun and can begin by curling up together with a good book.
When 2020 rocked the world, her eldest daughter struggled with the isolation that ensured. She found an agricultural space where her kids could thrive outdoors. Many families joined for weekly farm animal life interactions and spaces for explorative and sensory play. This is where she met Odelia and the other founding families. Areyvut was soon born and brought to the next level in 2021.
Ahava is the Curriculum Director at Areyvut and has extensive knowledge to help families navigate and choose the right curriculum for each child. She is a founding Board Member and is involved with the day-to-day operations of homeschooling at Areyvut’s agricultural Learning Center."
SHOSHANA REUVENI
areyvutajelc@gmail.com
Onboard Welcoming Committee,
Volunteer Coordinator, PR
"Shoshana feels lucky to become a mother later in life, as it gave her the opportunity to do a lot of research regarding discipline, education, health and nurturing of a child. She knew she was looking for something different than the traditional babysitter/school system. She believe children deserve and need much more than that. Shoshana wanted to be a part of her son's growth and development every step of the way. She feels very privileged to be able to give her son this lifestyle. Her love for the outdoors, sunshine, fresh air and hands-on learning has perfectly integrated into the farm learning center, where members can be a community and family of like-minded people who believe in nature, respecting children and following their lead. As Shoshana puts it, "A place where I never has to tell her son 'don’t touch' or 'sit down'; instead I say 'touch gently' and 'come sit next to me.'"
ALEXANDRA PATAO
areyvutajelc@gmail.com
Board of Directors, Fundraising, Director of Operations
"As a city mom Alexandra always imagined her kids would be educated in some alternative, progressive schools, but as life would have it they were hurled into homeschooling and never looked back. The term itself doesn’t do justice to the amazing experiences they’ve had as a family, being able to actually live and grow and learn together, which is nothing like “schooling” at all.
As Alexandra's oldest child never could quite stomach the unnatural separation of mother and child, they struggled to fit into societal expectations. Although it’s been a journey of self-realization, they’ve always been destined to be where they are today, learning and growing together. Parents play many roles in their children’s lives, and for Alexandra, nothing could be more natural than to also be their primary educator and advocate. Who else would be more invested into their success, joy and health?
She is excited to be raising her three amazing children in Florida, among a community of parents who care so deeply about their connection to their children as much as she does. As Aristotle said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."
DEVORY HANDWERGER
areyvutajelc@gmail.com
Board of Directors, Membership Director, Educator
"Devory fell into her homeschooling journey in 2008, when her older kids were all under the age of five. Initially, the reasons were more practical than ideological. The local preschools, lovely as they seemed, just couldn’t offer anything to rival the rich, multi sensorial experience Devory realized was possible if she stepped outside the box. Within weeks, she saw that kids could truly thrive outside of traditional school.
Looking back, Devory feels grateful for those sweet early years, and the raw, deep connection and joyful learning that happened almost effortlessly. Learning and life were entwined with each other. They played a whole lot. Her kids made mud pies and art, music and messes... lots of them! Together they read books on the weekly Torah portion, Jewish holidays, American history and bedtime classics while snuggled on the couch. Every day they explored the breathtaking wonders of G-d, whether it was stepping waist high through a pristine cypress swamp in the Everglades, netting crabs at the beach, climbing majestic live oaks at the park, identifying native plants or watching newly hatched butterflies take flight. Her children’s innate talents, personalities and strengths emerged more and more as time passed. Devory cherishes the friends she made along the way, relationships that made every experience richer and more meaningful.
Eventually, Devory saw her children move on to Jewish day schools and new opportunities for growth and discovery, and she tries to support them on their unique journeys in a fast changing world. Today she is grateful to be continuing to homeschool her two younger children with Areyvut, a beautiful, diverse community of passionate Jewish parents and children who are devoted to growing alongside their kids and making the world a better place as they do. As Devory says, "Childhood is fleeting, and every moment spent together is a gift."
SHARON COHEN
areyvutajelc@gmail.com
Financial Director
"After relocating from Texas to Florida for Areyvut, our family made a big transition that changed our lives for the better. In Dallas, my son was enrolled in a traditional Jewish school setting, but it was a challenging experience for both him and our family. Seeking a better fit and more sheltered lifestyle , we joined the Areyvut homeschool co-op in July 2023. Since then, we’ve found a warm, welcoming community and a learning environment that truly aligns with our morals and values within Judaism. It’s been a rewarding journey, and we’re so grateful to be part of something that feels like home."
CHAIR COMMITTEE
AHAVA McLAUGHLIN
SHARON COHEN
ALEXANDRA PATAO
SHOSHANA REUVENI
DEVORY HANDWERGER
WHERE TO REACH US
areyvutajelc@gmail.com
FEEL FREE TO CALL US
(954) 710-0235
(917) 600-2224
AREYVUT AJELC
Agricultural Jewish Enrichment Learning Center | areyvutajelc@gmail.com
Located on a small farm in
East Davie, FL 33328
Address to be released when you become a member due to safety and security.
Hours of Operation:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Access to AJELC Programs will be provided with a complete registration and valid Membership or Family Day Access Pass.
