Meet Our Team
I was born and raised in South Brooklyn, and after spending several years living in both North Carolina and Texas, I am proud to be raising my own family back in Brooklyn. I grew up in a household where academics and the arts were considered equally valuable, and after finishing my public school education at Midwood High School I moved on to graduate from the UNC School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Studies. From there I began gigging as an opera singer, traveling to and singing in some truly amazing places. I eventually got my Master of Music from the University of North Texas, and it was while teaching and performing in educational outreach programs across Texas that I first fell in love with the energy and curiosity of young children. I eventually moved on to spend several years teaching both music and general education preschool to toddlers, and ultimately found my niche at Northside, head teaching in a 2s classroom while finishing up my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Brooklyn College. I was completely inspired by our Reggio-inspired philosophy and committed fully to the capable and creative image of the young child. I continued as a head teacher at Northside for 7 years, also taking Adjunct Professor positions at both BMCC and Queens College, before stepping into the role of Head of Preschool in the fall of 2020. I currently live in Carroll Gardens, just a two minute walk from my childhood home. Our home is filled with laughter and chaos caused by my son, who just started as an Owl this year, our rambunctious pup, and my husband, who is a New York City firefighter. Although I still enjoy making music with friends and taking in the NYC Arts scene, I now spend most of my free time singing Cocomelon, learning about rare dinosaurs, crocheting, rooting for the Yankees, and relaxing at the lake.
Born and raised on Long Island, I currently reside in Huntington with my wife and partner of 21 years and our twin girls (9). I started my career at Williamsburg Northside School over 20 years ago as a Head Teacher in the Preschool 2s program. Over these past two decades at Northside I have worn many hats, including working in Admissions for over 10 years (currently my title is Director of Enrollment and Administration for our Preschool 2s, 3s and PK program). I began my Early Childhood Education studies while in Santa Cruz California in 1995. This experience further cemented my desire to move back to New York and continue my work with young children. I have a strong passion for teaching and making sure every child’s needs are met, respected and validated. I have dedicated a huge portion of my life to working with preschool children and creating a sense of community for the families we serve here at Williamsburg Northside. I am a proud Owl!
I was born and raised right here in Williamsburg and currently live out in Queens with my wife and two daughters. I've been here at Northside for 15 years now, and both of my children have come through the Preschool.
My favorite thing about working at Northside is being given the opportunity to help as needed throughout the building, and to feel the appreciation from my colleagues and our families in return. When i'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family.
I was born and raised in Westchester, NY and I am now pushing my 8th year living in Brooklyn. I started at Northside in 2015 as an assistant teacher, moved on to head teach both 2s and 3s. Finally, just three years later, my dreams came true and I became the in-house Art Teacher at the preschool. More recently, I've shifted away from being the ONLY in-house Art Teacher as I've taken on my more recent title of Director of Student Life. I graduated from Saint John’s University with a degree in Graphic Design, but after realizing I did not want to spend all of my time in front of a computer, I decided to return to school to get my Master’s degree in the area that combines two of my biggest passions: Art and Children. My other passions include my rescue pup, Gator, and directing a sleepaway camp in Western Mass, which i've been with since I started as a camper in 2001. I strive to make our school and the Art Studio a place for ALL children to feel welcome and safe, to be creative, to explore and to get messy!
I am the Student Information Coordinator based at the front desk of the Preschool. I was born and raised in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area and have lived in Williamsburg ever since. I started my career at Williamsburg Northside School over 23 years ago as a teacher in the summer camp program. Since then I've been a camp counselor and co-teacher, and after years of working with children, I decided to shift over to Administrative work. I have two boys (men), Justin and Jeremy, who came through the Preschool themselves, many moons ago. In my free time, I enjoy sketching and digitally creating comic-book Sci-Fi style characters - A few of my pieces have actually been auctioned at our annual school gala!
I grew up on the Upper West Side, and moved to Williamsburg in 1996. From age 8 through middle school I performed with a children's theater company; a truly formative experience. I began studying music as a vocal major at LaGuardia HS, and majored in Theater at SUNY Binghamton. I have at least 25 years experience teaching theater and music to children of all ages in camps, afterschool programs, and schools. I have also worked extensively in intergenerational theater, bringing senior citizens and teens together to create plays based on personal shared stories.I believe that all people, no matter their age, have creative impulses that are worthy of nurture and attention. I aim to create an atmosphere of joy where children can explore the full range of their natural musical abilities, and take pride in mastering new skills.
I was born in Columbus, Ohio, but grew up in both Jacksonville, Florida and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am a first generation Cambodian American, and the youngest, and only daughter, of my siblings. Much of my passion in teaching children stems from many experiences in my adolescence as a summer camp counselor, babysitter, and tutor of various ages. Now, I am celebrating my fourth year being a part of the Northside Community, having had a wonderful time assistant teaching in a 2’s, 3’s, and Pre-Kindergarten classroom. My intention is to empower children to be their own choice maker and change maker through creating a thoughtful environment where all can explore, wonder, most importantly, have fun in the Art Studio (aka we love to get messy!) My educational background is from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Sociology with a double minor in Gender and Women's Studies, and Studio Arts. Outside of the classroom, I love to tend to my plants, try new recipes in the kitchen, and travel to new places far and wide.
I was born here in Brooklyn, NY and have lived here my whole life. I am now also raising my own children here in this wonderful place. I have been a part of the Northside community for over thirteen years as an assistant teacher, and this year in a new role as the preschool Spanish specialist. I am very excited to explore the Spanish language alongside our young learners! I believe that creating a fun, safe, collaborative and warm learning environment is essential as a teacher and I strive to achieve this every day! When I am not teaching I enjoy exploring new places with my family and capturing moments through photos!
I was born and raised in Brooklyn where I currently am raising my 8 year old daughter. My family comes from North Carolina and the Barbados and that has a huge influence on my cooking style. Marking my 10th year working in the food industry, I recently started my position here as the head chef. I first got my hands in the kitchen at 8 years old helping my mom cook dinner and prepare for thanksgivings. By 10 I made my first meal by myself and from then on I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew that one of my dreams was to have my own food business so when I went to Edward R Murrow high school I started selling cupcakes. I went to college and learned the ins and outs of the business and got my culinary arts degree, then by 2018 I got my business license and made it reality. I started STUFFED with a specific food concept but found my identity through food over the years and rebranded. Specializing in soul fusion food I cater, do pop ups, sell baked goods during the holidays and private chef work.
Growing up with my mom as an educator my whole life I spent a lot of time in different schools. I got to understand a little deeper about the lives of different children. When working in a school previously I saw up close how lunch affected each student differently. It inspired my passion for food injustice and I started a food donation program and reduced food waste program in 2019.
In my free time I watch lots of movies and tv shows, listening to music, watching stand up comedy, teaching my daughter to cook and spending time with my friends and family.
Hi, my name is Emilio Rosa and I was born and raised right here in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I love sports and not only am a die-hard Yankees fan, but I love to play baseball as well! I am also an avid runner and will be running my fourth marathon this November at the TSC New York City Marathon. Other hobbies I enjoy include fishing, hiking, and camping. I also love to travel!
My name is Maria and I am originally from Brooklyn. I was raised right here in Williamsburg. I've been part of the Northside team for 6 years, working both here at the preschool as a member of the maintenance team and then over at the Lower School, serving as the Food Service Coordinator. I am excited to be back at the preschool, in my new role as Sous Chef. I've been working with children for more then 10 years, and I love working with them because I find working with kids to be both exciting and unpredictable. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, reading books and traveling.
