Welcome to the Preschool!
The Preschool Faculty is a group of extraordinarily dedicated, committed and creative teachers. They are active in the classroom and beyond. The following is a brief introduction to our faculty:
3’s Program:
RED ROOM - Suzanne Stevens is a veteran early childhood educator and administrator with a wealth of experience both here and in the U.K., Australia. and Bermuda. She begins her 13th year at BFS. Suzanne finds joy in storytelling and books in general. Suzanne will be assisted by Cristina Valenti, who has taught in the Brooklyn Friends Afterschool and Camp programs for the past six years. She has a background in Human Relations.
YELLOW ROOM - Kate Engle begins her third year at Brooklyn Friends. She has a special interest in Emergent Curriculum Development and is a talented storyteller. Kate will be assisted by Laura Obuobi, who is currently completing her Early Childhood and Special Education Degree at Columbia Teachers College. Laura has a background in psychology and a special interest in Educational Policy and Administration.
BLUE ROOM - Vanessa Reynolds begins her fourth year at Brooklyn Friends School. She has a background in Music, plays the bassoon, and has a special interest in the promotion and building of community as the basis for learning. Vanessa will be assisted by Camille Fobbs who returns to Brooklyn Friends Preschool this year. Camille teaches in the Brooklyn Friends Horizons program during the summer. She has an extensive background in Educational Theater.
4’s Program:
GREEN ROOM - Sharon Carter is a master teacher and early childhood educator in her 18th year at Brooklyn Friends School. Sharon particularly enjoys mentoring teachers. She will be assisted by Elizabeth Jonckheer who is starting her second year in the Preschool. Liz is completing her graduate degree at Hunter College in Early Childhood Education and has a background in Art History and Visual Arts. She is a marathon runner.
ORANGE ROOM - Niamh Dolan has taught at Brooklyn Friends for 10 years. Niamh began teaching in the Preschool and subsequently taught First and Second Grade in the Lower School for four years. She is now in her second year back in the Preschool Fours. Niamh has a special interest in language and literacy and the creation of literacy games. She will be assisted by Tomomi Iwamoto who has a background in visual arts and children’s museums. Tomomi enjoys sharing her love of her Japanese culture.
PURPLE ROOM - Lisa Ventry begins her sixth year of teaching at Brooklyn Friends School. Lisa has a background in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts and History and Latin American Studies. She has a special interest in the observation and recording of student learning and the development of curriculum based on children’s investigations and interests. She will be assisted by Robin Stewart who is a veteran early childhood educator with experience teaching preschool children for over 25 years. She has a special interest in storytelling and music and the joy of being with children.
Preschool Floating Assistants:
From 12:00-3:00, Preschool daytime teachers are assisted by two Preschool Floating Assistants and the Preschool Afterschool Coordinator.
Claudia Lewis (Afterschool Coordinator) is an alumna of Brooklyn Friends School. She has taught and administered the Preschool Afterschool Program for six years. Claudia has a background in Human Development and Family Studies, and has a special interest in cultivating a responsive, creative and enriched environment for children.
Jazelyn Montanez is also an alumna of Brooklyn Friends and has worked in the Brooklyn Friends Athletics program, Afterschool, Camps, and Horizons programs for the past six years. She has a background in Communications:Television and Journalism. Jaz is a singer and dancer who loves to promote an environment of artistic exploration.
Jackie Ortiz is an experienced Afterschool Early Childhood teacher. She has been teaching in the Preschool Afterschool Program for over 10 years. She has a background in English Literature and has a talent for promoting a calm, nurturing and caring environment for children.
Our specialists will continue to provide immeasurable enrichment to our children’s classroom program. They are Margaret Bary and Helen Tocci - Dance, Kathy Hartzler - Library, Tony Soll - Sing, Nancy Tanney - Music
The following support faculty will also provide their expertise to our Preschool: Dr. Bruce Arnold - Pre- and Lower School Psychologist; Shari Epstein - Psychology Extern
In addition, our Faculty serve on a range of Committees within the school. Many of our teachers hold leadership roles in Diversity and Quakerism initiatives such as Undoing Racism at Brooklyn Friends School and the Quaker Self Study. Teachers are also active in the Early Childhood and Independent School world at large. Our teachers have presented at numerous workshops, and engage in activism and community service work.