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 two 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.

My name is Victoria Wallak and I have been working in childcare for more than ten years with children from the ages of 3 months to 5 years old while also going to school to continue my education in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. From an early age I knew I wanted to work with children as I am the oldest of 8 siblings and have always found joy in teaching and helping them grow. Being the Director here at Kinder Prep gives me the opportunity to bring all the knowledge I have in the classrooms to the center I have been with for almost three years. I was fascinated by Kinder Prep from the first day I came in for my interview because of the amount of care they truly put into their centers. The owners Renata and Irina always listened to my ideas and allowed me to grow as a teacher while exploring my teaching abilities. When I was promoted to assistant director I found a different love I had not experienced in child care. Being a part of a team that truly puts the kids first and offers them the best education and resources available to them while also putting the families and their needs first was inspiring.

I give my all to the children here at Kinder Prep and truly do consider my parents, children, and staff our family. I will always put them first and offer the best care I can while also being as supportive and communicative through the children’s early education journey.

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My name is Ashlie Labarriere. I have been working in Early Childhood Education Since 2016. I found my passion for teaching younger children as a camp counselor. I am pursuing my master's in both general and special education. My experiences as a teacher in all the different classrooms over the years have made being an Educational Director even more special. I love being able to provide teachers support and become someone they can lean on for guidance. For the 6 months, I have been a part of the Kinder Prep admin team I have had a chance to build unbreakable connections with staff, children, and families. I am so honored to be a part of the Kinder Prep Family.

I am overjoyed to be joining the Kinder Prep Montessori team! I have been dedicated to early childhood education for fourteen years, with a Masters degree in Childhood Education, and NYS professional certification. Dearest to my heart is the Montessori method, as I also hold 3-6 Early Childhood AMS certifcation from West Side Montessori. Everything about how Montessori honours children and growing learners is what I respect and aim for in this field. On my personal time I love traveling with my family and visiting them across the globe. I speak spanish and portuguese and enjoy a multicultural world, especially languages and cusine. During my career I have also lived in Asia where I joined a dynamic administrative team and have been in management for the past five years. Overall, child centered learning is my passion, as learning through play is the magical model for young learners. I look forward to this next stage of my journey at Kinder Prep Montessori.

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I have been a caregiver and educator for twenty-one years ranging from infant care to fifth grade. I am a mother and grandmother and have always had a passion for teaching and nurturing very young children. I am certified and have a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

It is most rewarding to see the progress as each child emerges as a different child from one’s classroom than when they first began. My goal is to help children discover and explore their own potential for learning and gain the confidence to apply what they learn to their own world.

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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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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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I am a proud native New Yorker who is Guyanese American, I studied Early childhood education at North Hampton college in Tannersville, PA. I have been teaching since 2014. I am passionate about the development and overall well-being of children. My heart leaps for joy when I see children fall in love with learning, reading, and using their imagination! I believe children grow where they are loved, protected, and encouraged.

In my classroom I vow to always create an environment where children can be children, culture is celebrated and fun and learning co-exist. My favorite things include: reading, exploring, drinking coffee, enjoying family time, and living life on a mission! Fun facts about me include having a twin sister and  love cooking and baking!

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I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Borough of Manhattan Community College. I have over three years of experience working with children ranging from the ages of 1 to 3 years old. I chose to work with children because ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. I find my inspiration everyday through working with little children and knowing I am a part of their first school experience. I feel that it is a gift to me to help them explore the world around them. 

I was born in Ecuador and moved to the US in 2006. In my free time I enjoy Zumba, shopping, working out, traveling, hanging out with friends, watching movies and cooking.

Joining the Kinder Prep team has made me grow in so little time and I feel lucky to be teaching in a loving environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help built their confidence. Kinder Prep is a place where children can grow socially and emotionally. We strive every day to provide a lasting love for education in each child that comes to the center. The most exciting moment is seeing one of your students apply the skills that you have thought them, working with little children is patience, flexibility and love. Kinder Prep is a special place, and I feel very fortunate to work alongside such dedicated and warm-hearted teachers.

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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!