2015 Honorees--Sheryl Pearlstein
For the past 15 years, Sheryl Pearlstein has dedicated herself to the advancement of GOA’s mission. As board chair from 2012-2014, Sheryl was instrumental in helping to complete the Building on Tradition campaign, the school’s $32.5 million endowment and capital campaign. Her work soliciting donors helped to ensure the expansion and renovation of the Wilf Lower School Campus. Sheryl also oversaw the completion 
of GOA’s Strategic Plan.
of GOA’s Strategic Plan.In addition to her role as immediate past board chair, Sheryl has also served on various committees for GOA over the last 12 years, including the Executive committee, School Finance, Strategic Planning and Head of School Support committees. She also served as chair of the Development committee and as president of the Parents’ Association.
Sheryl’s commitment to GOA is undoubtedly a family affair, as her affinity for GOA and day school education is shared by her entire family. Along with her husband, Sam, the Pearlsteins have been important school donors. Sam has served on many school committees and is currently the chair of the GOA Foundation Board. Her parents, Doris and Mike Saranga, have been generous supporters of GOA ever since their oldest grandson began attending the school. They also created the Saranga-Goldstein Math, Science, and Technology Endowment Fund with their friends Leslie z'’l and Roslyn Goldstein, which laid the groundwork for the current accomplishments in STEM at GOA today.
Her in laws, Rabbi Aaron Pearlstein z”l and wife Peggy, were early supporters of Jewish day school education and were founders of the Solomon Schechter Day School in New London, CT where her husband Sam attended. They have also been consistent donors to the Shomrei Torah Annual Campaign.
Currently Sheryl is co-chair of the UJC MetroWest Agency Presidents and Executives Forum and is pursuing a Masters of Social Work. Additionally, she has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and received her MBA from NYU Stern School of Business.
Prior to her involvement at GOA, Sheryl served on boards, including UJC MetroWest, Women’s Department/Philanthropy and Family Connections of New Jersey. Professionally, she held vice president positions at Goldman Sachs and Bankers Trust.
Sheryl and Sam’s three sons have all attended GOA. Joshua graduated in 2012 and is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania. Noah is graduating GOA this year, and Aaron is currently in the 9th grade.