Our team makes this place special.
We are a team of passionate educators who believe that learning begins with love, respect, and genuine connection. In our classrooms, everyone—including the children—calls teachers by their first names, reflecting the trust, warmth, and equality we value. We see ourselves as collaborators and co-constructors, learning alongside the children as we explore their questions and ideas together.
Our teaching teams are intentionally built around the principles of collaboration. Each classroom is led by Collaborative Teachers so that every educator has the opportunity to fully engage in reflective, interactive practice. This model fosters a vibrant professional community, where teachers share ideas, observations, and interpretations of children’s learning, constantly inspiring one another and deepening their work.
More than half of our faculty hold, or are working toward, Master’s degrees in education or related fields. We are equally proud of the many teachers who bring rich backgrounds beyond the classroom—in theater, history, and design; as practicing artists, photographers, dancers, and musicians; and as parents themselves. These diverse passions and experiences flow naturally into our classrooms, giving children authentic connections to the arts, sciences, and human stories, and adding new layers of creativity and perspective to our shared learning every day.
Administrative Team
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Kristen joined TCS in 2009 as a Pre-K teacher, becoming the director in 2010. Kristen attended Cornell University where she earned a B.S. degree in Human Development with concentrations in Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education. At Cornell, Kristen was involved in research with infants and young children studying language development, spatial awareness, and the relationship between them. She then completed the Harris Fellowship in Child Development and Early Childhood Education at Yale University where she was a preschool teacher at Calvin Hill Day Care Center, a model progressive early childhood center, and also participated in seminars with the clinical child psychiatry team at the Yale Child Study Center. Kristen then went on to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, earning a Master of Education degree in Human Development and Psychology. Her background in child development, developmental psychology, and early childhood education guides her work at TriBeCa Community School, implementing social constructivism and Reggio Emilia-inspired work with children, teachers, and parents. She is thrilled to be beginning her 18th year at TCS and looks forward to another incredible year!
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Meg joined the TCS team as a teacher in 2012, and has been the Education Director since 2017. She worked as a classroom teacher with 2s, 3s and 4s children for fifteen years, served as the director of the West Side YMCA Summer Arts Camp, and was a drama and music specialist in after school programs in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She received a BFA at Tisch School of the Arts in Theater with Honors from New York University, and a MST in Early Childhood/Childhood K-6 Education from Fordham University. Additionally, she had the opportunity to study the Reggio Emilia approach firsthand at the Loris Malaguzzi Center in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Meg works alongside teachers as they develop curriculum and innovative learning experiences with the children.
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Christina is thrilled to be entering her seventh year at TCS! Before serving as Admissions Director, Christina taught in our 2s classrooms and acted as Atelierista. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is currently pursuing an MSEd in Early Childhood Development and Learning with a concentration on Severe/Multiple Disabilities at Hunter College School of Education. Christina has worked in education for more than a decade as both a classroom teacher of 2s and 3s and, before TCS, as the special education coordinator for an upper Manhattan charter school.
She is inspired by the Reggio Emilia pedagogy and is excited to share this educational approach with families as they begin their preschool years!
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Dawn has been a key member of the TCS family since 2018 and has been in the Early Childhood field for over 20 years.
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Doug leads school operations, in collaboration with Kristen, and serves as the school’s Director of Enrollment. His previous experience was as a co-founder of Portfolio School (a project-based K-8 school in NYC). He also has been a creative project manager in media, film, children’s play systems, communications and graphic design. Doug holds a BA from Princeton, an MFA from Columbia and an MBA from Baruch College.
Educators
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Ally is excited to return to the TCS team for another school year! She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education. Ally has experience working with children in both early childhood and special education settings and is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive classroom where every child feels supported and confident. She believes children learn best through exploration, play, and meaningful hands-on experiences and enjoys following their interests and curiosity through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. Outside of the classroom, Ally loves playing tennis, practicing yoga, taking long walks in central park and exploring new restaurants around the city. She is so excited for the year ahead and looks forward to learning, growing, and building a joyful classroom community with the children and families at TCS!
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Amanda is returning to the TCS team for her ninth year as a 4s teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Pace University. She has been teaching preschool for over thirteen years, and has a strong passion for working with young children. Amanda believes all children are capable learners and is inspired by their curiosity and wonder every day. She enjoys implementing a child-based, Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum and is thrilled for another school year!
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Amber is a certified early childhood educator and published writer based in Brooklyn who is thrilled to embark on their sixth year as a 3s teacher at TCS. She earned a B.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education with a minor in American Sign Language from New York University. With three prior years of experience as a public school teacher and two years as a Teacher Director at a play-based preschool in Bed-Stuy, Amber enjoys integrating all she’s learned across New York’s educational landscape. She is dedicated to emergent curriculum design, partnering with children and working with families to enhance learning through play, theory construction, and community-centered practices.
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Annie joined TCS in 2019 and is thrilled to be returning as a 2s teacher the upcoming school year. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education from New York University and her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Hunter College. Before joining TCS, Annie had the wonderful opportunity to work at a charter school as an ESL teacher and later as an Educational Director at a preschool on the UES. Outside of school, Annie enjoys running along the Hudson River and making it her mission to try every ice cream shop in NYC. She can’t wait to get to know each of your children and families and is looking forward to a fun and wonderful year together!
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Ashanti joined TriBeCa Community School in 2018 as a floating teacher. In this role, she had the wonderful opportunity to spend time in each classroom, working alongside all of the children and teachers throughout the program. She is excited to continue her journey at TCS as a collaborative teacher for her fifth year.
Prior to joining TCS, Ashanti spent two amazing years at a preschool in Queens, where she taught 2-year-olds. Outside of teaching, Ashanti enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and fishing. She is excited to begin another fun-filled year of learning, growth, and new adventures with the children!
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Bella is excited to begin her third year at Tribeca Community School. Bella received a BA in Outdoor Leadership and Education at Warren Wilson college, in Asheville NC where her passion for child-led learning and garden education began. Bella also earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education upon moving to New York. Bella has taught 2s and 3s for the past five years centered around the Reggio Emilia approach. Prior to joining TCS, she taught DOE 3K in a nature based program for 2 years. Each summer, Bella can be found working in the gardens on her brother's farm in Maine. Bella is frequently inspired by the curiosity of young children and is delighted to begin another year of joyful learning!
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Candice is thrilled to welcome another wonderful school year at TCS, stepping into her fifth year as a collaborative teacher. An early childhood educator for the past 20 years across New York City, she brings deep experience and joy to working with both twos and threes. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and is excited to continue on to her PhD in education policy and leadership. In the classroom, Candice brings lots of enthusiasm, using storytelling, music, and playful exploration to encourage each child to share their unique ideas and personalities.
Beyond TCS, Candice shares her love for outdoor discovery by leading her own nature and enrichment programs around the city, where she specializes in turning everyday academic concepts into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences and outdoor adventures. At home, she is the proud mom of an eleven-year-old son, and in her free time, you can find her dancing, listening to music, touring the city, and bringing warmth and fun to everyday life.
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Caroline is an artist, dancer, educator, and parent who has spent the last 20 years teaching – and discovering right alongside – young children. Across this time, she developed a series of creative movement labs for three to five-year-olds; offered outdoor nature-based programming to mixed age groups in Prospect Park; and designed interdisciplinary kindergarten curriculum that playfully introduced foundational academics through art, hands-on investigation, and creative-expression. Most recently, she co-directed and served as Atelierista at a Reggio-inspired preschool in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Connecticut College, where she completed the Interstate Teacher Certification Program for elementary educators and received her cross-endorsement in dance education. She’s delighted to be joining the TCS community this Fall, and looks forward to meeting its wonderful children and families!
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Clare is excited to be returning to TCS for her tenth year teaching. After working with the 3’s for many years, she is looking forward to moving up to the 4’s class! Clare holds a BA in Creative Writing and Literature, and an MA from Bank Street College in Early Childhood Special and General Education. Outside of school Clare enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time in nature in and out of the city. She particularly enjoys TCS’s emergent curriculum, and loves incorporating both her own passions and the children’s passions into the school year.
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Devinah is delighted to begin her fourth year teaching in TCS. She has been teaching a mix of age groups (2’s, 3’s and 4’s) for 17 years and is excited to be 2’s teacher this year. She was previously a 3’s teacher for three years at TCS. Devinah is originally from San Francisco and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University in California. She feels incredibly lucky to spend her days alongside your children and truly values her time in the classroom. She is inspired by your children daily and their thoughts, ideas and little moments shared throughout the day are always on her mind, even after school hours! She deeply values building community through the relationships in both the classroom and with your families.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University in California. Before joining TCS, Devinah taught in San Francisco for 14 years and experienced working in 2s, 3s and 4s classrooms.
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Dzuli has been a floating teacher at TCS since 2016. She spends time in each classroom, working with all children and teachers in our program.
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Eleni is so excited to start her third year at TCS! She has spent most of her life working with children through nannying, and graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then worked in behavioral psychology, before returning to school to complete a Masters in Psychology with a focus on child development. In her free time, Eleni loves to try new restaurants, go on long walks around the city, go to baseball games (Go Yanks!), read, and hang out with her cat.
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Florence is thrilled to return to TCS for her sixth year in the Two's room, building on her prior experience teaching the Threes. Before joining TCS, she served as an assistant teacher at the Bank Street Family Center for several years, including two years as a paraprofessional. With over 25 years of experience in education, Florence brings a wealth of dedication and passion to her work. Outside the classroom, she enjoys painting, dining with friends, and spending time outdoors with her children. She is overjoyed to welcome another wonderful school year!
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Grace is so excited to be joining TCS for her fourth year as a 4s teacher! She holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Theatre from New York University. Grace aims to foster curiosity and community in the classroom, creating a space where children can share their theories and meaningfully connect with the world around them. She has spent the past seven years teaching performing arts to children of all ages, and strives to bring the same creativity to the classroom. Outside the classroom, she enjoys dancing, reading, and trying new restaurants around the city.
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Hayley is thrilled to return for her fifth year at TriBeCa Community School as a 4s teacher, after four wonderful years in the 2s program. Before joining the TCS team, she taught 3-K and pre-K for five years at a preschool in Washington Heights. Hayley earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies at USC, focusing specifically on the design and implementation of culturally responsive nutrition education programs in elementary schools. After moving back to New York, she went on to complete a Master’s degree in Early Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education.
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Heather is thrilled to join for her second year at TCS! She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Psychology from Fordham University and a master’s degree in General and Special Early Childhood Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Originally from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, she has been living in Brooklyn for almost 15 years now. She has worked professionally for more than 10 years as a caretaker, developing arts programming for young children, and previously working at schools from ages 3 months to 6 years. Outside of teaching, she enjoys photography, fitness, and all the fun adventures that this exciting city has to offer! Heather’s daughter, Jade, will be joining the 2s in Room 4 this year!
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Katie is an Early Childhood Educator, mother of two young children, artist, and musician. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Art from NYU and a Master of Science from the University of Kansas in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She taught for four years at a Reggio inspired IB school in Kansas, and three years teaching at a Classical School on the UWS. This is her fifth school year at TCS! She has a deep passion for educating parents and professionals about the importance of the early years, developmentally appropriate education and discipline for young children, as well as inquiry-based learning. In her free time, Katie loves to bike around NYC with her children, run, listen to audiobooks, paint, bake with her children or find the best breakfast pastry around.
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Kenzie is pleased to be returning to Tribeca Community School for her fourth year in the Twos program. She studied literature and creative writing before later going on to earn a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education. Born and raised in California, Kenzie has taught 2s, 3s, and pre-k for the past twelve years in a variety of programs, most recently in Brooklyn and before that, in Portland, Oregon, where she was first introduced to the Reggio approach, and she is so grateful to continue that work every day at TCS. Kenzie’s favorite things about teaching twos are partnering with parents to create beautiful, inspiring first school experiences for families, fostering children’s emerging sense of self, and building loving, caring classroom communities.
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Kiera is thrilled to be joining the TCS community for her first year as a Collaborative Teacher. She brings eight years of teaching experience, including seven years in special education supporting neurodiverse learners. Prior to joining TCS, Kiera served as the Director of Education at a school for neurodiverse students, where she partnered with teachers, students, and families to create individualized, engaging learning experiences. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Childhood and Special Education from St. Joseph's College and her Master's degree in Literacy Education from SUNY Oneonta. Kiera is grateful to be returning to the classroom, where she feels most at home. She is excited to partner with children and families, celebrate each child's unique strengths, and foster a classroom filled with curiosity, creativity, and joy.
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Lizzie is thrilled to return for her sixth year at TCS as a 3s teacher. Before joining TCS, she taught children ages two to four at a preschool in Park Slope, Brooklyn for six years. Lizzie graduated from Mitchell College in Connecticut with a Bachelors in Liberal and Professional Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She is continually inspired by her students and eager to help foster their love of learning and discovery. Lizzie is passionate about teaching children to be kind to one another and creating an environment where children feel welcomed.
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Maddy is thrilled to return for her third year at TCS as a collaborative 3s teacher! She earned a bachelor’s degree in Literary Studies and Documentary Poetics from Eugene Lang College. Prior to working at TCS, she taught children ages 1-5 at a preschool program in Manhattan, and has been working with children in a variety of capacities for much of her life. She is passionate about learning and growing in community, and feels deeply honored to explore and create alongside the children and teachers that she works with. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys writing, spending time in nature, and connecting with animals. She is so excited to embark on this year's journey alongside you and your children, and can’t wait to meet you soon!
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Marisa is thrilled to be joining TriBeCa Community School as a first year collaborative teacher. This will be her sixth year teaching, after previously teaching kindergarten and first grade in Utah’s public schools. She is excited to be immersed in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which she was first introduced to in her undergraduate studies at Utah State University. Marisa holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She is currently finishing her MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. Marisa is passionate about an educational approach that is holistic, child-centered and recognizes each child as a unique individual with a variety of needs, passions and interests. In her free time, she loves to get outside, run in Central Park and explore the city with her fiancé.
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Mika is thrilled to be joining the TCS team as a full time floating teacher after her months as a substitute in the 2025-26 school year. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Performance from SUNY Purchase, and is passionate about the role of performance in our day to day lives. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Mika has an acute understanding of the unique experience that is growing up in NYC. She loves sharing this experience with the students at TCS as well as the children she nannies for every afternoon. On the weekends, Mika enjoys fiber arts, cooking, and spending time with her elderly cat.
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Nicole is excited to return for her fifth school year at TCS. She holds a BFA in Theater and has been a professional working actor on stage and screen for the past 30+ years. She also has her MAEd in Early Childhood Education with experience teaching pre-k thru 2nd grade in both NJ and NY. She is looking forward to resuming private piano instruction for children ages 5 and up after school hours at TCS (please reach out to her for rates/availability). She has two children, both seniors this year, in college and high school. In her free time, Nicole enjoys making time for long walks in nature and reading.
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Rachel is excited to be returning for her fifth year here at TCS! She holds a BA in History and Theatre and her MAEd in Early Childhood Education. This is Rachel’s eighth year as a teacher, previously working as an actor specializing in Children’s Theatre. Passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach, Rachel loves to delve deeply into the children’s passions and interests. WIth a fondness for cooking, Rachel loves to bring her own culinary interests into the classroom and of course into her enrichment classes. Outside of TCS, Rachel can be found exploring the many playgrounds in Brooklyn with her son and husband.
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Sam is an artist, early childhood educator, and urbanist based in Queens, NY. Growing up along the Harlem Line in New York shaped her interest in the intersections of language, community, and place. She earned a BA in Urban Studies and Photojournalism from The New School University, and is currently pursuing her masters in early childhood and special education from Bank Street College of Education. Sam's teaching practice draws on translanguaging pedagogy, social constructivism, and the Reggio Emilia approach to explore how children and communities make meaning in their environments. She has co-created projects in schools, cultural institutions, and community spaces across New York, often using visual art, sound, and interactive installations to foster dialogue and reflection. Sam is returning for her 6th year as a collaborative teacher at TriBeCa Community School, and is grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside such an intentional team of educators.
Samantha is currently pursuing her master’s in Early Childhood Special Education at Bank Street College of Education and is grateful to be returning for her fifth year as a collaborative teacher at TriBeCa Community School.
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Stephanie brings 20 years of experience working with young children, including 15 years as an Atelierista. She joined Tribeca Community School in Fall 2021, where she has been fostering children’s capacity to theorize and co-create knowledge through Loris Malaguzzi’s concept of The 100 Languages. As an artist herself, Stephanie is deeply inspired by the way young children perceive and make connections to the world around them, particularly how they use materials as metaphors to express their ideas. With a BFA in Printmaking and Book Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Stephanie is thrilled to return for her 6th year at TCS.
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Tiffany is delighted to begin her seventh year at TCS. Bringing over fifteen years of classroom experience and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Sociology. This year, she will be a floating collaborative teacher as she prepares to welcome twin boys!
Tiffany is inspired by the image of the child as capable, curious, and full of ideas. She loves observing children’s thinking, listening to their theories, and creating space for them to wonder, investigate, and make meaning of the world around them. She is continually inspired by the TCS community, both as an educator and as a parent.
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Tanisha is thrilled to begin her fourth year teaching at the Tribeca Community School. She previously attended Hunter College where she obtained her BA in Psychology and MS in Early Childhood Education. The Reggio Emilia Approach used at TCS continues to influence her growth as an educator as she delves deeper into the approach and its principles. At the root of her teaching philosophy is her desire to honor children’s learning process and their theories about the world around them. Her favorite things to do outside of school are watching Knicks games and spending time with family and friends.
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Tracy is beyond joyful to be returning for her fourth year at TCS! Originally from Washington state, she majored in Early Childhood Education and Musical Theatre. Prior to TCS, she was working at PS40 in Gramercy. In her free time she enjoys swimming, dancing ballet, and playing chess. She's passionate about incorporating music & natural materials into the classroom environment and can't wait to meet you!
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Yaniza is thrilled to be joining TCS this year! She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and certifications in First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfège Levels I & II from The Hartt School at University of Hartford. Yaniza is also on track to complete her Kodály certification there in summer 2027. The passion and enthusiasm for bringing the joy of music to young children runs deep, as Yaniza is a seasoned singer-songwriter and performer, and loves to help ignite musicianship in little ones too. She has also been teaching private ukulele lessons for 6 years and is looking forward to opening up her roster to TCS students. Yaniza is beyond excited to sing, dance, and create with you this year!