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

  • 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 17th 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 sixth 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!

A woman with dark, curly hair wearing hoop earrings, a gold necklace, and a navy blue sweater with white stripes, smiling in an office or workspace with photos and artwork in the background.
  • Dawn has been a key member of the TCS family since 2018 and has been in the Early Childhood field for over 20 years.

A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair, beard, and glasses, wearing a brown jacket and dark shirt, standing indoors with binders and a pink artwork on a wall in the background.
  • 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

  • Amanda is returning to the TCS team for her eighth 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 at Pace University. She has been teaching preschool for over ten years, and has a strong passion working with 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!

  • Amber is a certified early childhood educator and published writer based in Brooklyn who is thrilled to embark on their fifth year as a 3’s 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.

  • Annie joined TCS in 2019 and is excited to be back as a 3s teacher this upcoming year. Annie 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. Prior to working at TCS, she had the wonderful opportunity to work at a charter school as an ESL teacher and then as an Educational Director at a preschool on the UES. In her spare time, Annie enjoys going for a run along the Hudson River and is learning how to crochet. She is excited to be back for another wonderful year!

  • Ashanti has been a floating teacher at TCS since 2018. As a floater she spent time in each classroom, working with all children and teachers in our program. Now she’s excited to continue in the role of a collaborative teacher for her fourth year. Prior to working at TCS, she spent an amazing two years at a preschool in Queens where she taught 2-year-olds.

  • Bekah joined the TCS team in the 2024-2025 school year. As a floating teacher in Ericsson/ North Moore,  she spends time in each classroom, working with all children and teachers in our program. She has worked with children for many years through church programs, summer camps, nannying, and  teaching. Her influence to teach children and always keep a child-like spirit comes from her mother who taught preschool for many years. She enjoys reading mysteries and going to the movies along with spending time in any body of water she can find. Bekah is excited to be back for another wonderful year at TCS!

  • Bella is excited to begin her first full 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 four years centered around the Reggio Emilia approach. Prior to joining TCS, she taught DOE 3K in a nature based program for 2 years. Bella is frequently inspired by the curiosity of young children and is delighted to begin another year of joyful learning!

  • Christine is overjoyed to be spending her second year with the 2s. She recently graduated from NYU with her masters in Documentary Film, Community Activism, & Arts Education. Christine finds delight in incorporating elements of personal storytelling, creative collaboration, and empathy building with the children and youth she co-creates with. She continues to be inspired by the curiosity, innovation, and resilience of children, an unhindered creativity she aspires to within her own life.

  • Clare is excited to be returning to the 3’s at TCS for her eighth year, and her ninth year of teaching! She holds a BA from Wheaton College, Massachusetts in Creative Writing and Literature and an MA from Bank Street College in Early Childhood Special and General Education. In her free time Clare enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time in nature in and out of the city.

  • Devinah is delighted to begin her third year teaching in the 3s classroom at TCS. 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.

  • 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.

  • Eleni is so excited to start her second year in the 3’s 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 has focused on child development in her studies, as well as in her work after graduating, working in Special Education. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Psychology at the New School and hopes to continue on to her PhD, and continue concentrating on development and work with children. In her free time she loves to try new restaurants around the city, spend time outside, and play with her cat!

  • Florence is thrilled to be returning to TCS for her fifth year in the Two's room, having previously taught in the Threes as well. Prior to joining the TCS team, she was an assistant teacher at the Bankstreet Family Center for several years. She also spent 2 of those years as a paraprofessional. Florence has been a part of the education field for 20+ years.

  • Grace is so excited to be joining TCS for her third 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 dinners with friends.

  • Hayley is thrilled to return for her fourth year at TriBeCa Community School as a teacher in the 2s program. Before joining the TCS team, she taught 2s classes, as well as in 3-K and pre-K for 5 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. 

  • Heather is joining us for her first 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!

  • Katie is an Early Childhood Educator, mother of two young children, artist, musician and parent and professional educator as well. 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 fourth 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.

  • Kenzie is pleased to be returning to Tribeca Community School for her third year in the Twos program, which she adores. She studied literature and creative writing as an undergraduate before later going on to earn a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Born and raised in California, Kenzie has taught preschool 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. She is so grateful to be part of a school that allows her to continue that work every day. Kenzie’s favorite thing about teaching twos is fostering children’s emerging sense of self and building a loving, caring community in the classroom. 

  • Lizzie is thrilled to return for her fifth 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. 

  • Item deMaddy is thrilled to return for her second 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 she is 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!scription

  • Maria is excited to be returning to TCS for her second year as a 2s teacher! Before joining TCS, she spent six years in an elementary school in Park Slope, first as a teacher assistant and later as a paraprofessional in special education. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and continues to study ASL, as it has become a big part of her teaching career. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking, and can be seen around with her dog walking along the Hudson. 

  • Nicole is excited to return for her fourth school year at TCS, teaching the 3s. 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, having taught 2nd grade and Pre-K while living in New Jersey before moving back to NYC in 2018. She is looking forward to resuming teaching piano to children ages 4 and up after school hours at TCS (please reach out to her for rates/availability) in addition to teaching infant/toddler music classes “Little Beats & Melodies” at the Hudson Campus on Tuesdays at 3:30 and 4:30. She has two children, both juniors this year, one in college and the other in high school. In her free time, Nicole enjoys making time for long walks in nature, yoga/pilates and reading.

  • Rachel is delighted to be starting her seventh year working at the TriBeCa Community School. The Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy is at the core of all of her work in Early Childhood Education. Rachel attended Queens College where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with minors in Cultural Anthropology and Education. She is currently working on her Masters degree in Early Childhood and Special Education with Touro University.  Her favorite aspect of teaching is sparking children’s curiosity and their sense of wonderment in nature.

  • Rachel is excited to be joining TCS for her fourth year as a Twos teacher! She earned her BA in History and Theatre and her MAEd in Early Childhood Education. This is Rachel’s seventh year as a teacher--previously, Rachel was teaching at other Reggio-inspired schools in Manhattan.

  • Rozzy is excited to be returning to TCS for her second year as a floating teacher. Having graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a Master of Arts in Art History, she went on to gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from University College London. Rozzy taught pre k at a state primary in London for a number of years, before discovering the wonderful Reggio approach. When the opportunity arose for her to move to New York, she was thrilled to be able to become part of TCS and develop her practice within a creative, supportive environment. Rozzy loves working collaboratively with the children in her care, and enhancing learning through playing, questioning and wondering.

  • Sadie is thrilled to be returning to TCS for her 3rd year as the 2s/3s Atelierista. As an artist and educator, she brings 10 years of experience facilitating material explorations in school, museum, community, and outdoor education settings. Sadie is passionate about learning alongside young children and supporting their curiosities, especially about the natural world. She received her MA in Art Education from NSCAD University and her BA in Visual Art and Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College.

  • 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 space. She earned a BA in Urban Studies and Photojournalism from The New School University, and her work 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.

    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.

  • 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 4th year at TCS. 

  • Tiffany is delighted to begin her sixth year at TCS. She proudly holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Sociology and has been teaching young children for over fourteen years in a variety of school settings and philosophies. Tiffany is passionate about an approach to education that nurtures each child’s autonomy, independence, and uniqueness. She finds joy in observing what inspires young children and encouraging their curiosity, theory testing, and idea formulation. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking, discovering the city’s hidden gems, and learning about people and their stories. 

  • Tanisha is excited to begin her third year teaching at the Tribeca Community School. She 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. In her spare time she is an avid basketball fan, reader and lover of all things family. 

  • Tracy is beyond joyful to be returning for her third 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!