Meet Our Team

Renata was born in Odessa, Ukraine. She came to New York when she was six years old. She attended Hunter college and earned a dual Masters in Education and Special Education before entering the field as a teacher and a child therapist. After growing as an educator, Renata decided to open her own Childcare center that offers each child an individual approach to grow and succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Renata was always inspired by the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori and values the importance of a creative curriculum that focuses on developmentally and academically appropriate goals and objectives.

As a mother of three young children, Renata understands first hand that children learn at their own pace and believes in the importance of creating a loving, nurturing, and safe environment built around children’s limitless curiosity and natural desire to learn.

With a New York State teaching certification and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College, I offer a blend of five years of classroom teaching experience and three years of educational director experience. As a dedicated Education Director at Kinder Prep, I have honed my skills within and beyond the classroom, fostering growth and learning. Being a part of the Kinder Prep family has been an incredible journey, and I am honored to utilize my expertise to make a difference in the lives of students every day. Fun fact about me: I am a huge pet lover, adding a personal touch to my professional endeavors.

Hello, my name is Toni Timmerman, and I am extremely proud to be a part of such a strong leadership team here at Kinder Prep. I’m originally from Long Island and moved to Brooklyn Heights 2 years ago. I am a graduate of Wagner College, on Staten Island, where I received my Master’s in Early Childhood Special/General Education and my Bachelor’s in Childhood Special/General Education and Theatre Studies/Speech. I hold 4 separate NYS DOE teaching certifications, ranging from birth through 6th grade, in both special and general education. I have been teaching professionally for over 6 years and have held the position of Educational Director for the last 2 years. I am extremely dedicated to the Montessori method, as it was the basis for my early childhood education throughout graduate school. I have also led Montessori based classrooms for the majority of my teaching years. I enjoy using the Montessori method to instill independence and a love of learning in young children. On a personal note, I am very family-oriented and love to travel and explore new places in my spare time. I have a love of theatre, music, and the arts and I often incorporate them into my personal pedagogy, as I understand how important they are in a young child’s educational experience. Early Childhood Education is a passion that is very close to my heart and I am looking forward to using my skill set to support all of our unique young learners!

Hello, my name is Mayiya Ponce, and it brings me great joy to be a part of the dedicated team at Kinder Prep. With more than three years of dedicated service in the field of Early Childhood Education, I embarked on my journey by nurturing children aged 1 to 3 years old. Over time, I had the privilege to gain invaluable experience working with children across all age groups within Early Childhood Education. Joining the Kinder Prep Admin Team has afforded me the opportunity to contribute my abilities and positive guidance, fostering an environment conducive to achieving enjoyable and successful outcomes for our children. During my leisure hours, I find joy in activities such as reading, shopping, traveling and cooking.  I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and embrace new challenges that ultimately contribute to the development of their confidence. Every day, we endeavor to deliver a comprehensive and enduring education to each and every child entrusted to our care.

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My name is Lorena Barragán, I’m from the country of Colombia. I love New York City and being a part of this community. I am a Psychologist graduated from El Bosque University, with an additional specialty in Educational Psychology from the University of La Sabana. Being an early childhood Teacher to me means putting myself at the service of the community, especially of small minds with big hearts.

I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the International Seminar on Early Childhood Education at Florida International University, and I’ve studied Conscious Discipline in Orlando Florida with Dr. Becky Baileys.  These experiences and knowledge acquired during these years have also been thanks to work experience, in different Public and Private Educational Institutions. I have developed the special educational needs of Functional Diversity program in educational institutions I have worked for Inclusion in the Regular Classroom.

I’m passionate about education, creative arts, and ethics as I am committed to everything I set out to do. I am happy to be a part of the Kinder Prep team!

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My name is Daria Zhezhu, and it is with immense enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the lead teacher of the "Cardinals class" at Kinder Prep Montessori. Hailing from the picturesque country of Ukraine, I bring a diverse range of experiences and a passion for nurturing young minds.

With a strong foundation in political science, I embarked on a journey into the world of education, and I've been privileged to be a part of the Kinder Prep Montessori team since February 2022. Before joining this wonderful community, I spent five enriching years working in I’m daycare, honing my skills in creating nurturing and inspiring learning environments for children.

As a devoted Montessori teacher, I am deeply committed to fostering child-centered learning that empowers and respects each individual. I believe in the transformative power of the Montessori approach, and it's my goal to create an environment where curiosity is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and each child's unique potential is recognized and cultivated.

It's a privilege for me to be a part of your child's educational journey, and I'm excited to create meaningful connections with both you and your young learners. Together, we'll embark on a year of growth, exploration, and discovery, where every child's progress is celebrated and cherished.

I look forward to an exciting and transformative year ahead!

My name is Claudia Amador and I am from the country of Venezuela.  Working with babies and children brings me lots of joy, as I get to creatively express myself with our little learners. Being trustworthy, reliable, and responsible are amongst my top pillars of this incredible field. Next being creative and passionately seeking the creative arts in my free time to paint and dance are also important to me.

In addition to working in early childhood, I also work with  for teen-aged young adults in my church and also I had the experience of being a camp guide. My studies have been focused on Speech Therapy, so I like teaching and working with children on how to develop their language skills. In addition to the fun day ahead, children also learn Spanish with me!

My name is Diana Hrynyshyn, and I'm a teacher for young children from Ukraine who brought my creativity and energy to the United States. With a master's degree in Early Childhood, I've spent 5 years working with kids, and it brings me joy to help them grow.

Among my interests are travel, books, mountain hikes, and a strong passion for self-improvement. As a teacher, my goals extend beyond just teaching; they include nurturing and guiding the growth and development of each child.

In my career, I've always been interested in using unique methods, like Montessori and creative approaches. I believe that every child is a special person with their own abilities. My goal is to inspire kids to love learning and help them develop their unique skills and talents.

Now, I'm proud to be part of Kinder Prep Montessori Nursery & Preschool, where we're creating opportunities for each child to explore their interests and reach their potential.

Hello everyone my name is Rahman! I'm a certified Teacher Assistant and a professional Child Care Provider for the last ten years. This fall I'll be continuing my education in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College. I have three amazing daughters, eighteen outstanding nieces and nephews. I enjoy spending time with my Family & friends. I love to read, dance, watch tennis and travel. Being around kids has taught me patience and at times you have to put yourself in their little shoes. One of the things that makes me smile with kids is that you know they may not be paying attention but they're definitely listening. That lets me know I'm doing something right. I plan on continuing to share my unique experiences with Kinder Prep Brooklyn Heights.What I hope for all the kids is, when they transition into chapters of their life's that it's ok to fly a kite, jump in puddles, pretend, build a fort, play in the rain, pick your nose, run around barefoot & imagine. Dream big & whatever they decide to be in life make sure it makes them happy.

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Hello, I'm Viktoriia, a passionate and experienced kindergarten teacher with eight wonderful years of working closely with children in Ukraine, China, and the United States. My journey in education has been incredibly fulfilling, and I find joy in the unique experiences each child brings to the learning environment. My commitment to fostering a love for learning led me to pursue a second master's degree in Education, a journey that reflects my dedication to continuous growth and development. I firmly believe in the power of personalized education, taking extra time to understand and appreciate the individual differences among my students. As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I am thrilled to join the team at Kinder Prep Montessori Nursery & Preschool. It's a place where I can channel my passion for early childhood education and contribute to the nurturing and holistic development of young minds. I am excited to be part of a community that values each child's unique journey and provides a supportive and enriching environment. Let's create a world of curiosity and joy in learning together!

Hello everyone! My name is Mira and I really love and enjoy teaching 3K! I was born and raised in New York and I would not have it any other way. During my free time, I enjoy relaxing with a book, watching movies, and enjoying the fresh air. I have years of experience working with children from birth to 3 years old, and it has been an amazing journey. Working with children is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience! It is amazing to see children grow every single day, watch them learn something new and have a fun time doing it. I cannot wait to see my students thrive and accomplish new and exciting things and for me to be able to help them along the way.

My name is Lourdes Juarez and I am from the country of Argentina. I am a passionate individual who believes in supporting development and achievement through love, attention, and understanding.

Since I was young, I have been drawn towards Early Childhood Education, having developed a genuine passion for working with young learners and witnessing their growth. I find joy in helping them develop their language, academic, creative art, social and motor skills on a daily basis. I also enjoy the privilege of challenging them to be curious and inquisitive.

When I am not thinking about my kiddos, I love to dance, listen to music, cooking Argentian food, reading, and sharing quality time with my family and friends. I am grateful to team up with you in this journey during your child's growth and development.

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Hello Parents! My name is Crystal Martinez, I am Mexican American, born and raised in Brooklyn NY. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, and I am currently working on getting a bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration. Before going to education settings, I was working in a precinct assisting in events like street fairs, NYC Marathons, patrolling during nights, and much more. After that, I was part of the DOE for two years where I worked as a substitute teacher where i assisted in guiding students between classes and aiding in lesson planning, to leading after-school programs focused on tennis for 8-10 years old and engaging art activities for kindergarteners, my journey has been filled with enriching experiences. Now, as a lead teacher at Kinder Prep Montessori, I cherish the opportunity to nurture young minds and foster their growth and development. Being part of this dedicated team brings me immense joy, as I witness the magic of learning unfold each day. My passion lies in cultivating independence in my students from an early age, i love building and showing love to my little Ducklings as they learn to navigate the world around them.

My name is Elene Tamarashvili and I am from the country of Georgia. I believe in supporting development and achievement through love, attention, and understanding. Working with children is a rewarding experience for me as an individual and turning this honorable job into a profession is the best of both worlds. I love creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where each and every student feels special and valued. I enjoy seeing my students become independent thinkers and learners. I find joy in helping them develop their language, academic, creative art, social and motor skills on a daily basis. I am happy to be a part of the Kinder Prep Team!

Nicole Ponce is a dedicated and experienced infant teacher assistant with a passion for early childhood education. With six years of experience working with infants at multiple daycare centers, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her journey in early childhood education began in Ecuador, where her love for nurturing and guiding young minds first blossomed.

As a mother herself to a sweet baby boy, Nicole understands firsthand the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for infants. She holds an associate degree in early childhood education and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in the same field, further enhancing her skills and knowledge.

Nicole has a deep understanding of the developmental needs of infants and has gained extensive hands-on learning experience with children aged 3-12 months. She finds joy and fulfillment in working with infants and believes in the power of engaging activities such as reading and singing songs to support their learning and development.

Joining the teaching team at Kinder Prep is a source of pride for Nicole. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and care for all the precious babies in her classroom. Nicole recognizes the challenges parents face when entrusting their little ones to the care of others, and she is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to ensure their peace of mind.

With Nicole as their teacher assistant, parents can rest assured that their infants are in phenomenal hands. Her commitment, experience, and genuine love for working with infants make her an invaluable asset to the Kinder Prep community.