Brooklyn Preschool & Daycare · 5 Locations

Our Team

The People Who Make Kinder Prep Extraordinary.

Our dedicated, certified teachers bring warmth, patience, and genuine investment to every child, every day, creating the safety and trust children need to explore freely, grow boldly, and thrive without limits.

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Leadership

Founder & Leadership

Portrait of Renata Flider, Owner & Founder at Kinder Prep Montessori

Renata Flider

Owner & Founder

Renata founded Kinder Prep after years working as both a teacher and child therapist, and as a working mom who experienced the Montessori method firsthand with her own children. That combination of professional expertise and personal conviction shaped everything about how Kinder Prep works. She holds dual Master's degrees in Education and Special Education from Hunter College and remains actively involved in the growth and direction of every Kinder Prep center.

Masters in Education - Hunter CollegeMasters in Special Education - Hunter College

Brooklyn Heights

Our Brooklyn Heights Team

Meet the directors, teachers, and caregivers across our Brooklyn Heights centers.

Portrait of Melissa Nascimento, Director (Brooklyn Heights I) and Head of Montessori Curriculum at Kinder Prep Montessori

Melissa Nascimento

Director (Brooklyn Heights I) and Head of Montessori Curriculum

With 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Melissa brings deep expertise and genuine warmth to her role. She believes the relationships children build in their earliest years shape everything that follows and shows up every day with that conviction.

Masters in Childhood EducationNYS Professional Certification
Portrait of Toni Timmerman, Director — Brooklyn Heights I at Kinder Prep Montessori

Toni Timmerman

Director — Brooklyn Heights I

With 10 years of experience in education, Toni brings a rare combination of creativity and specialized expertise to early childhood education. Her background in Theatre Studies/Speech informs the way she thinks about language, expression, and how young children learn to communicate and connect.

Masters in Early Childhood Special/General Education — Wagner CollegeBachelors in Childhood Special/General EducationBachelors in Theatre Studies/SpeechNYS Certification: Early Childhood General EducationNYS Certification: Early Childhood Special EducationNYS Certification: Childhood General EducationNYS Certification: General Special Education
Portrait of Tina Rozenfeld, Director — Brooklyn Heights II at Kinder Prep Montessori

Tina Rozenfeld

Director — Brooklyn Heights II

With over 15 years of experience, Tina's dual specializations in Early Childhood Education and Speech-Language Pathology give her a uniquely holistic perspective on child development. She's passionate about creating environments where every child, regardless of how they learn, feels fully supported.

Masters in Early Childhood General EducationMasters in Early Childhood Special Education2x NYS Professional Teaching Certification
Portrait of Mayiya Ponce, Assistant Director — Brooklyn Heights I at Kinder Prep Montessori

Mayiya Ponce

Assistant Director — Brooklyn Heights I

Mayiya supports the Brooklyn Heights team with dedication and care, ensuring the highest standards of education and wellbeing are maintained for every child, every day.

3+ Years in Early Childhood Education
Portrait of Anna Fratsiian, Teacher - Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Anna Fratsiian

Teacher - Preschool

Hello, my name is Anna, and I have the pleasure of teaching an amazing class: "The Hummingbirds", here at KinderPrep. I bring a wealth of experience and a strong educational foundation, holding a master's degree in Education and three years of hands-on experience, working with children in both Ukraine and the USA. My journey in education began as a teacher's assistant, where I developed a passion for supporting children's growth and learning. Joining the esteemed team at Kinder Prep feels like a dream come true. Every day, I am inspired by the laughter, achievements, and unique personalities of the children. They bring me so much joy, and I am thrilled to return that joy through our daily activities and discoveries. Let's work together to create an incredible, nurturing space where our children can thrive, explore, and grow.

Portrait of Yuliia Rybalkina, Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Yuliia Rybalkina

Teacher - Toddler

Hello everyone! My name is Yuliia, and I'm originally from Ukraine. I'm thrilled to be part of this wonderful community and have the opportunity to work with children. I have a background in early childhood education, specifically with toddlers and preschoolers. I am passionate about guiding young children in their journey to grow into kind, creative, and generous individuals who are well-prepared for success. It brings me so much joy to witness their development, knowing that I play a meaningful role in their day-to-day learning. My teaching approach emphasizes learning through play, problem-solving, and open communication, creating a supportive environment where children can explore and grow. I look forward to building positive relationships with each child and nurturing their curiosity and love for learning.

Portrait of Nataliia Kondriuk, Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Nataliia Kondriuk

Teacher - Toddler

Hello! My name is Nataliia, and I am originally from Ukraine. I have been working with children as an educator since 2012. From the very beginning, I discovered a true passion for helping young minds grow, learn, and explore the world around them. It brings me great joy to support children on their educational journey, to guide them with care, and to celebrate each step they take toward gaining knowledge and independence. I am honored to be a part of a profession that allows me to make a meaningful difference in children's lives. I believe in creating a nurturing, respectful, and joyful environment where every child feels valued and inspired to learn. Watching them grow is the greatest reward.

Portrait of Dasha Zhezhu, Teacher - Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Dasha Zhezhu

Teacher - Preschool

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 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!

Portrait of Nicole Ponce, Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Nicole Ponce

Teacher - Infant

My name is Nicole and I'm so excited to be part of the infant team here at Kinder Prep! I have over seven years of experience working with infants in different daycare centers, and my journey in early childhood education first began in Ecuador, where I discovered my love for nurturing and guiding young children. As both a teacher and a mom to a sweet boy, I understand how important it is for little ones to have a safe, loving, and engaging environment. I have had the joy of working hands-on with infants as young as three months, supporting their growth through activities like reading, singing, and play that encourage their development. Seeing babies learn and thrive brings me so much happiness and fulfillment. Joining Kinder Prep is truly an honor for me. My goal is to make every baby feel safe, cared for, and celebrated each day.

Portrait of Claudia Amador, Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Claudia Amador

Teacher - Toddler

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 teen-aged young adults in my church and I also 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!

Portrait of Rahman Ross, Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Rahman Ross

Teacher - Infant

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.

Portrait of Mira Gonzalez, Teacher - 3-K at Kinder Prep Montessori

Mira Gonzalez

Teacher - 3-K

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.

Portrait of Lourdes Juarez, Teacher - 3-K at Kinder Prep Montessori

Lourdes Juarez

Teacher - 3-K

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.

Portrait of Crystal Martinez, Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Crystal Martinez

Teacher - Toddler

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. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to care for and teach your little ones. It brings me so much joy to build meaningful relationships with each child and to be a positive, consistent presence in their daily lives. I truly enjoy supporting children's social, emotional, and cognitive development through engaging, age appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. It is incredibly rewarding to guide children as they grow in independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every child feels valued, supported, and loved. I cherish the opportunity to observe each child's unique personality and to thoughtfully adapt my teaching to meet their individual needs. Thank you for trusting me with your children, it is a privilege I hold close to my heart.

Portrait of Salome Barrera, Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Salome Barrera

Teacher - Toddler

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to care for and teach your little ones. It brings me so much joy to build meaningful relationships with each child and to be a positive, consistent presence in their daily lives. I truly enjoy supporting children's social, emotional, and cognitive development through engaging, age appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. It is incredibly rewarding to guide children as they grow in independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every child feels valued, supported, and loved. I cherish the opportunity to observe each child's unique personality and to thoughtfully adapt my teaching to meet their individual needs. Thank you for trusting me with your children, it is a privilege I hold close to my heart.

Portrait of Vivian Szeto, Teacher - Pre-K at Kinder Prep Montessori

Vivian Szeto

Teacher - Pre-K

My name is Vivian, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Kinder Prep Montessori family. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College, where I double-majored in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) and English and received my initial teaching certification. I am currently completing my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Throughout my education and professional experiences, I have had the privilege of working with young children in a variety of early childhood classrooms and school settings. I completed my practicum teaching hours at our sister school, Five Stars Montessori, where I gained valuable hands-on experience supporting children's academic, social, and emotional development. Over the years, I have worked closely with children of different ages and developmental stages, helping to create engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity, independence, and confidence. As an educator, I believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and loved. My goal is to create a warm, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and discovering new interests. I am passionate about providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore the world around them while developing strong academic and social-emotional skills. I am always excited to get to know our young students, celebrate their unique personalities, and support them as they grow and learn!

Williamsburg

Our Williamsburg Team

The educators and leaders who make our Williamsburg center a second home.

Portrait of Victoria Wallak, Director at Kinder Prep Montessori

Victoria Wallak

Director

Victoria has spent over 10 years working with children from 3 months to 5 years old, the full Kinder Prep journey. She combines hands-on classroom experience with ongoing academic study, bringing both practical intuition and fresh thinking to her leadership.

8+ Years in ChildcareStudying Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Portrait of Kamilia Duisheeva, Educational Director at Kinder Prep Montessori

Kamilia Duisheeva

Educational Director

Kamilia leads with a Montessori-rooted philosophy centered on connection, play, and honoring each child's cultural identity. She creates classrooms where every child, whatever their background, feels genuinely seen, valued, and at home.

Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education — New York University (NYU)Bachelors in PsychologyNYS Certification: Early Childhood EducationNYS Certification: Special Education10+ Years of Experience in Education
Portrait of Jerika Figueroa, Lead Teacher - Pre-K at Kinder Prep Montessori

Jerika Figueroa

Lead Teacher - Pre-K

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.

Portrait of Rochelle Northe, Lead Teacher - Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Rochelle Northe

Lead Teacher - Preschool

Hello families! My name is Róchelle Northe, and I'm so excited to be part of your child's learning journey here at Kinder Prep. I've been teaching for about six years now, and it truly is my passion. I've studied Early Childhood Education in college because I love working with young learners and helping them grow, both academically and emotionally. Currently, I'm continuing my education by studying psychology with the goal of becoming a guidance counselor. Supporting children not only in their learning but also in their emotional well-being is something I care deeply about. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending my time doing things that keep me creative and active. Some of my favorite hobbies include painting, going on bike rides, and taking road trips to explore new places. These activities help me recharge and bring fresh energy into the classroom. I'm really looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and can't wait to get to know both you and your child better.

Portrait of Liubov Pasichna, Head Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Liubov Pasichna

Head Teacher - Infant

Hello! I'm Luibov, and I'm delighted to join the team as an infant teacher. Originally from Ukraine, I hold a degree in Philology, which has given me a profound appreciation for language and communication. Though my academic background is in Philology, my passion for early childhood education has led me to focus on nurturing and supporting infants. In the classroom, I strive to create a warm and stimulating environment where our youngest learners feel safe and loved. My goal is to support their early development through engaging activities and meaningful interactions that foster curiosity and growth. I'm excited to bring my background and enthusiasm to the team and look forward to making a positive impact on our infants' early learning experiences.

Portrait of Madlena Korkeliia, Head Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Madlena Korkeliia

Head Teacher - Infant

Hello, I'm Madelina, and I'm thrilled to be the Infant Teacher at Kinder Prep! My journey in early childhood education began back in Ukraine, where I found my true passion for teaching. I discovered the joy of nurturing young minds and helping them grow and develop in those early years. I worked in Kinder Prep Bridge Park as an Infant Teacher and have worked as an assistant teacher in the Ducklings classroom. Being a teacher has been incredibly rewarding to see the progress and milestones each child achieves under my care. My approach is centered around creating a warm, supportive environment where infants feel safe to explore and learn. I understand the unique needs of each child and strive to provide individualized attention to help them thrive. Being an Infant Lead Teacher is more than just a job for me—it's my calling. I'm dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of these little ones and supporting their growth every step of the way.

Portrait of Karen Correa, Lead Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Karen Correa

Lead Teacher - Toddler

Hi, I'm Karen, and I'm truly excited to be a part of the Kinder Prep family! With a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, I've dedicated over 18 years -and counting- to the field of early childhood education. During that time, I've had the privilege of supporting young learners through some of their most formative years. I believe that childhood should be filled with meaningful, joyful, and developmentally rich experiences-and I strive every day to make those moments count for every child in my care. I'm passionate about fostering curiosity, confidence, and compassion in each of my students. Whether we're exploring the alphabet, experimenting with colors, or working through social-emotional milestones, I aim to create a space where children feel seen, safe, and celebrated. I also believe that life is what we make it-so why not make it fun? A sense of joy, wonder, and humor is at the heart of everything I do, both in and out of the classroom. I'm looking forward to growing alongside this amazing team and helping shape the bright futures of the Kinder Prep community!

Portrait of Nari Zharzholadze, Head Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Nari Zharzholadze

Head Teacher - Toddler

Hi, my name is Nari! I am thrilled to be a part of the Kinder Prep team! I was born and raised in Georgia (Europe) and have a degree in Linguistics and Education. My true passion is teaching young children. I have over five years of experience as a teacher, working in daycares in Germany and the U.S., as well as in an Au Pair program in Austria. My goal is to create a warm, engaging, and nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to learn. I look forward to being part of your child's early learning journey.

Portrait of Iryna Genega, Assistant Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Iryna Genega

Assistant Teacher - Infant

Greetings! I'm Iryna, an Assistant in the Infant Classroom. I've been part of the Kinder Prep family for several years and have enjoyed working with children of various ages. I am passionate about creativity and strive to provide the little ones with plenty of opportunities to express themselves. The highlight of my role in the infant classroom is witnessing their growth and development during these vital early stages. You'll often find me chatting with the babies and showering them with affection!

Portrait of Valentina Jimenez, Lead Teacher - Early Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Valentina Jimenez

Lead Teacher - Early Preschool

¡Hola! My name is Valentina, and I am a dedicated educator currently pursuing my Master's in Early Childhood Education. Born and raised in Colombia, I bring a diverse perspective to my work, supported by a background in psychology, which helps me understand and nurture each child's unique needs. With 18 years of experience in cheerleading, I bring vibrant energy and an active approach to the classroom, creating an engaging and dynamic learning environment. As a lead teacher, I am committed to fostering growth in all areas—academic, social, and emotional—while guiding my team to ensure every child has the best possible learning experience.

Portrait of Tekla Nemsadze, Assistant Teacher - Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Tekla Nemsadze

Assistant Teacher - Preschool

Hi, I'm Tekla, and I'm delighted to be part of the Kinder Prep family as a Teacher's Assistant! With a background in early childhood education and hands-on experience supporting children aged 2–5, I'm passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environments where little ones can grow and thrive. I enjoy guiding children through Montessori lessons, creative play, and hands-on activities that spark curiosity and support social, emotional, and cognitive development. With strong organizational skills and a structured approach, I strive to maintain a classroom that is both engaging and orderly. I love building connections with children and their families, ensuring each child feels seen, supported, and encouraged every day. I'm excited to collaborate with the Kinder Prep team and help our young learners explore, learn, and flourish!

Portrait of Gvantsa Bedoshvili, Assistant Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Gvantsa Bedoshvili

Assistant Teacher - Infant

My name is Ms. Gvantsa, and I'm so happy to introduce myself as the newest member of the Chicks classroom! I'm truly excited to begin this journey with you and your little ones, and I feel honored to be part of such an important stage in their lives. I come from the beautiful country of Georgia and bring with me over five years of experience working with children from 3 months to 4 years old. Supporting young children during their earliest years brings me so much joy, and I'm passionate about creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment where they can thrive. As your child's teacher, I aim to foster a space where they feel loved, supported, and free to explore the world around them. Through play, discovery, and lots of laughter, I'm committed to helping each child grow with confidence and curiosity. I look forward to getting to know each of your little ones and building strong, supportive relationships with families along the way. Let's make this a joyful and memorable year filled with learning, laughter, and love!

Portrait of Teo Nemsadze, Assistant Teacher - Pre-K at Kinder Prep Montessori

Teo Nemsadze

Assistant Teacher - Pre-K

Hi, I'm Teo, and I'm excited to be part of the team as an Assistant Teacher. I've been working in early childhood education since 2021, with over three years of experience supporting young children in daycare settings. In my role, I work closely with lead teachers to maintain a calm, nurturing classroom where children feel safe, supported, and free to explore. I enjoy engaging children in age-appropriate routines, play-based learning, and group activities that encourage growth and curiosity. Building strong relationships with both children and families is important to me, and I'm committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment every day. I'm passionate about helping children develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively, and I look forward to continuing this meaningful work as part of the team.

Portrait of Juliana Alarcon, Lead Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Juliana Alarcon

Lead Teacher - Toddler

My name is Juliana, and I am so excited to introduce myself as the new teacher in your child's classroom. I'm originally from Colombia and am 25 years old. I love to bring my culture and language to the classroom and engage children in learning Spanish. I bring over 5 years of experience working with young children and have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Previously, I worked at Kinder Prep Brooklyn Heights for 2 years teaching children ages 1-4 years. I love biking and hiking and enjoy bringing my active nature to the classroom. In my spare time, I also enjoy reading, being outdoors, and watching series. I live close by and feel that being a part of Kinder Prep Williamsburg is meant to be! I am a loving, patient, charismatic, and creative person. My goal is to promote a warm, inclusive environment where your child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. I look forward to building strong connections with each child and family as we share this special stage together, filled with care, growth, and lots of fun!

Portrait of Lorena Pena Cortes, Assistant Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Lorena Pena Cortes

Assistant Teacher - Toddler

Hi, I'm Ms. Lorena, and I'm so excited to join the Williamsburg team as a Co Teacher! With hands-on experience working with young children, I've developed a deep passion for supporting their growth in safe, creative, and nurturing environments. I truly enjoy being in the classroom, where I bring patience, empathy, and a playful spirit to each day. I love engaging in activities that spark children's imagination and support their social and emotional development. Whether I'm helping with circle time, exploring art and sensory materials, or encouraging group play, I aim to make every child feel seen, supported, and included. Creating a positive, welcoming space where children can thrive is something I care deeply about, and I'm excited to collaborate with the Williamsburg team to help our little learners grow and shine together!

Portrait of Sofiia Sonikidi, Assistant Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Sofiia Sonikidi

Assistant Teacher - Infant

Hi! I'm Sofia Sondiki, and I'm thrilled to be an Infant Room Assistant Teacher. I have a deep love for working with infants and enjoy creating a warm and nurturing environment for them to explore and learn. Building trusting relationships with the children is really important to me. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside and finding new activities that inspire creativity in the classroom!

Portrait of Azjanay Smith, Lead Teacher - Early Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Azjanay Smith

Lead Teacher - Early Preschool

My name is Azjanay Smith, and I am so excited to be part of the Red Robins classroom and such a wonderful community. I cannot wait to get to know all of the children and be part of their everyday learning and growth. I am currently attending Brooklyn College, where I am working toward my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I also earned my Associate Degree from BMCC and bring over four years of experience working with young children. My educational background and experience have continued to grow my passion for early childhood education and supporting children during such meaningful stages of development. Working with children has always been something very special to me. I love creating a classroom environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore, learn, and express themselves freely. I believe the early years are so important, and I am dedicated to helping each child feel confident, cared for, and excited to learn each day. I am truly looking forward to being part of the Red Robins classroom and building wonderful connections with both the children and families!

Portrait of Isabel Ramirez, Lead Teacher - Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Isabel Ramirez

Lead Teacher - Preschool

Hola Familias, My name is Isa Hoyos, and I am an Early Childhood Education teacher with over 15 years of experience working with children from 3 months to 7 years old. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating safe, loving, and engaging environments where children feel supported to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. I truly enjoy guiding each child through their unique developmental journey while encouraging curiosity, creativity, independence, and emotional well-being. Building strong, positive relationships with both children and families is very important to me, and I believe communication and trust are key to a wonderful school experience. I am very excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to getting to know your children, supporting their learning, and sharing many special moments together throughout the year.

Portrait of Maykel Angelica, Assistant Teacher - Early Preschool at Kinder Prep Montessori

Maykel Angelica

Assistant Teacher - Early Preschool

¡Hola! I'm Ms. Maykel Angelica, and I am so excited to join Kinder Prep as both a Spanish language teacher and a teacher assistant in the Red Robins classroom! I am passionate about early childhood education and love supporting young children as they grow, explore, and discover new skills. I enjoy introducing Spanish through songs, stories, movement, and play, making learning fun and engaging. As a teacher assistant, I also support daily routines and help create a warm, structured, and nurturing classroom where every child feels safe and confident. I look forward to being part of your child's learning journey!

Portrait of Salome Kilanova, Head Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Salome Kilanova

Head Teacher - Toddler

Hi, I'm Salome, and I am thrilled to be joining the ducklings classroom! I hold a Master's degree in Education Administration and previously worked at a private daycare, where I gained valuable experience supporting children and families in a nurturing environment. I truly love working with children and feel that my mission is to help create a space where each child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. I enjoy building strong connections with children and supporting their development through care, patience, and play-based learning. I'm very excited to be part of your child's day and look forward to getting to know you and your family!

Portrait of Larisa Krysko, Assistant Teacher - Infant at Kinder Prep Montessori

Larisa Krysko

Assistant Teacher - Infant

Hi, I'm Larisa, and I am so excited to be joining the Chicks classroom! I bring experience from my previous role at another childcare center, where I supported infants and young children in their earliest stages of growth and development. I truly love working with infants because every day is filled with meaningful "firsts"—first smiles, first sounds, first movements—and I feel so fortunate to be part of those special moments as they unfold. As a mom myself, I understand how important it is for families to feel confident, comfortable, and connected when choosing care for their little ones. I bring that same sense of warmth, attentiveness, and respect into the classroom each day. I am passionate about creating a calm, loving, and engaging environment where babies feel safe to explore, grow, and thrive at their own pace. I look forward to getting to know each child and partnering with you in their early journey.

Portrait of Yuwah Devi, Assistant Teacher - Toddler at Kinder Prep Montessori

Yuwah Devi

Assistant Teacher - Toddler

My name is Yuwah, and I'm very excited to be joining the Kinder Prep community as a new toddler teacher! I have over six years of experience working with children of different ages, which has helped me understand how each stage of development is unique and important. Over time, I discovered that working with toddlers is especially meaningful to me. I love this age because it is a period of incredible growth—children are learning to communicate, explore their independence, and make sense of the world around them. It's so rewarding to support them as they build confidence, curiosity, and social skills every day. I'm passionate about creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment where each child feels supported and encouraged to learn through play and discovery. I am truly excited to join Kinder Prep and to get to know you and your children!

Coming Soon

Greenpoint & Gowanus

Meet the team beginning to take shape ahead of our Greenpoint and Gowanus openings.

Portrait of Accalia Frey, Educational Director at Kinder Prep Montessori

Accalia Frey

Educational Director

I am truly excited to be joining the KinderPrep Greenpoint community and to build meaningful relationships with children and families during such an important stage of growth. As a New York State certified teacher with a professional certification in Birth–6th Grade, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education and a Master's degree in Special Education. With over ten years of experience in early childhood education, I bring a strong foundation in both teaching and leadership, having supported programs serving children from infancy through elementary age. As an Educational Director, I am deeply committed to creating thoughtful, engaging environments where children feel confident, capable, and inspired to learn. I value strong partnerships with families and believe in supporting educators to create nurturing, high-quality learning experiences for every child. Outside of my work, I enjoy staying active, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to supporting each child's growth and learning at KinderPrep.

Masters in Special EducationBachelors in Early Childhood and Childhood EducationNYS Professional Certification: Birth–6th Grade

More of the Greenpoint and Gowanus teams will be introduced as we open our doors.

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Passionate about early childhood education? We are always looking for dedicated educators to join the Kinder Prep family.