Meet the LSS Staff

Danielle Ferrante
Social Skills Director

_{Danielle Ferrante is currently the Social Skills Director at LearningSpring. She has been working with children diagnosed on the autism spectrum for 25 years. Danielle holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services, specializing in Mental Health Counseling, and has completed her certification in School Building Leadership from St. John’s University. She is a certified trainer of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention from Cornell University. She has published an article in the Autism File about social skills and drama as an intervention tool for working with children on the spectrum.}

Eileen Shamroth
Academic Director

_{Eileen Shamroth graduated from Fairfield University with a B.A. in Psychology. Additionally, she received her dual Masters from Hunter College in Special Education and General Education, and Supervision License from St. John’s University. She taught for several years in the NYC Public School System, before becoming a head teacher at LSS for three years. She is starting her seventh year as LearningSpring’s Academic Director.}

Samantha Ender
Instructional Coordinator

_{Samantha Ender started as an Assistant Teacher in the Maple classroom in 2014. She then moved onto being a Head Teacher in the Cypress class for four years. Afterwards, she moved to the Willow class for two years. Currently, she is working on the academic team as an Instructional Coordinator.}

Christina Franceschi
Academic Coordinator

_{Christina Franceschi is excited to begin her fourth year as the Lower School Curriculum Coordinator at LearningSpring. Previously, she was the head Magnolia teacher for four years and enjoyed working with our new students and families LearningSpring families. She received her undergraduate and Master’s degree in Special Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY and has her teaching certification for Special Education from Birth-Grade 6. She is really excited to continue to support students and our teachers to help develop our curriculum for the upcoming school year!}  

Nikki Gelfand
Social Skills Coordinator

_{This will be Nikki Gelfand’s 10th year at LearningSpring. After graduating from Teachers College at Columbia University with a Master’s degree in Special/General Education, she started at LearningSpring as an Assistant Teacher in the Sequoia class. Soon after, she became a Head Teacher in the Oak class where she taught for six years. Currently, she is the Social Skills Coordinator and this will be her third year in this role.}

Lindsey Thwaites
TCI Curriculum Coordinator

_{Lindsey Thwaites started working at LSS in 2006 and is currently in a new position as the TCI Curriculum Coordinator. Lindsey is originally from Wilmington, Delaware but has lived in the city for 15 years now. If she is not in NYC, she is down in Charleston, SC enjoying southern living. She continues to enjoy all of the wonderful moments at LSS working with the students, staff, and parents.}

_{Lindsey is looking forward to another great year here at LearningSpring!}

Lauren White
Academic Curriculum Coordinator

_{Lauren White is beginning her 11th year at LSS. She started her LearningSpring career as a student teacher in Willow and enjoyed her experience so much that she stayed! She worked as an Assistant Teacher, Head Teacher and most recently as the Upper School Curriculum Coordinator. She loves that this role gives her the opportunity to work closely with teachers and students throughout the building!}

Jeanne de Jesus
Head Teacher

_{Hello! My name is Jeanne de Jesus and I will be the head teacher for the upcoming school year. This is my fourth year at LSS and my 19th year as a teacher. I have a bachelor’s in Speech Pathology as well as a Masters in Special Education and training in the Wilson Reading program. In my spare time I absolutely love reading books and spending time with my friends!}

Mercedes Delgado
Assistant Teacher

^{Mercedes Delgado is thrilled to be a part of the LearningSpring School team. Mercedes has her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Herbert H. Lehman College. She began her teaching journey in 1996 and has been an educator since then. Mercedes has had experience in teaching early childhood through 8th grade. She started in LSS in September of 2021 andI am Mercedes Delgado. I am an Assistant Teacher in the Juniper classroom at Learning Spring. I am a graduate of Herbert H. Lehman College with a B.A. in Physical Education and General
Education. I have been an educator for over 27 years. Teaching is my passion and I look forward to a great new school year. is looking forward to continuing to love, nurture and help our children succeed and become the best version of themselves.}

Eva Feola
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Eva, and I will be one of your assistant teachers in the Juniper classroom at Learningspring. This is my second year teaching, and I have a Bachelor of Science in Mild Moderate Disabilities from the University of Arizona. I enjoy sports, concerts, and traveling.}

Hunter Sherretts-Woulfe
Head Teacher

^{My name is Hunter Sherretts-Woulfe and I am the Head Teacher of Sassafras. My husband, myself, and our two dogs recently moved to Manhattan from Kansas City. We are both born and raised Kansas natives and have really enjoyed getting acclimated to the city! I am a graduate of Kansas State University where I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education, my Masters in Special Education, and where I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Special Education (I really love my Wildcats). I have taught for several years, first as a general education teacher and more recently as a special education teacher in a large public school. When I am not working with the wonderful students and staff here at LSS, I enjoy running and biking, good music, great food, and any excuse I can get to find a good rooftop and enjoy the wonderful NYC views.}

Shannara Ivey
Assistant Teacher

_{Hello, my name is Shannara Ivey but I prefer to go by Ivey. This is my first year at LearningSpring but I have been working with children for about 8 years. Of those 8 years, 5 have been working with children on the Autism Spectrum. I am very excited to be here and support my new group of kids. Fun Fact, I enjoy playing computer games and painting. I like to have a very positive mindset to start my day off!}

Sean Martinez
Assistant Teacher

_{Hello, my name is Sean Martinez and this is my second school year working with LearningSpring. I’ve been working with kids on the autism spectrum for a little over 5 years now and love it. I am native to the Bronx – been here all my life. I love comic books and video games and I try my best to make it to comic con every year! I look forward to getting to know you and the kiddos. Here’s to the
brand new school year!}

Asheema Khan
Head Teacher

_{I am so excited for this school year. I have been teaching for about 16 years and absolutely love my job. This is my fourth year teaching at LearningSpring and I am looking forward to another great year. This school year will be FILLED with fun, LOTS of learning and new adventures. I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and my Master’s in Special Education. I can’t wait to get to know all of you and I am so excited to work with you and your children in the
Poplar classroom. I have two boys, 17 and 14, who I spend all of my spare time with (when they allow me to) and I love to travel when I can. I am looking forward to working with you and your
littles ones and to a GREAT school year.}

Ariel Johnson
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Ariel Johnson and I’m from Queens, New York. I went to BMCC to study Early Childhood Education. One thing about me is that I have a skincare business that I plan on launching next year and I love to travel and bake. I’m really excited to meet everyone and have a fun-filled school year. I look forward to meeting you all soon.}

Gabby Staffiero
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Gabrielle Staffiero and this will be my first school year at LearningSpring. I am originally from Westchester County, NY but have been in Florida the past few years! I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida where I received my Bachelors in Psychology and my Masters in Exceptional Student Education. I have worked in general education and special education classrooms throughout the Orange County Public Schools! While I am not in the classroom, I enjoy taking walks throughout the city, trying new restaurants, NFL Sundays, and completing crossword puzzles. I am so excited for the upcoming school year and to
create a positive classroom environment for your children.}

Serena Edelman
Head Teacher

_{I’m very excited to introduce myself as Spruce’s head teacher. I started at LearningSpring in 2022 and am so proud to be a part of this wonderful community. Coming up to the 7th floor is a big transition year for our students and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching all the growth that happens in the Spruce classroom each year! I graduated from Temple University in 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood & Special Education. Before moving to NYC, I taught ELA learning support in Philadelphia. I love, love to read and literacy has always been one of my favorite subjects to teach. I grew up in Montclair, NJ, not too far outside of the city! I love visiting family at home and spent my summer Roxy & Gordon spending as much time on the beach as I could. My favorite things outside of school are exercising (shout out Orangetheory), reading and my two dogs!}

Arlette Espinal
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Arlette Espinal, a TA at LearningSpring. I started my career here at Learning Spring in 2021. I am so excited to see what this new school year brings. I spent this summer exploring the city with my son, Jacob. Prior to working at LSS, I worked at a daycare for two years. In my free time I like doing puzzles, love listening tomusic, watching movies, and spending time with my family. I am so thrilled to work with each and everyone of you in Spruce this year!}

Javier Reyes
Assistant Teacher

_{I’m Javier Reyes, and I was born in Houston, Texas and raised in the boogie down Bronx. This will be my 2nd year as a TA at LSS and I’m excited for the upcoming year in Spruce. Being enthusiastic, creative and caring is essential in my work ethic working at LSS. My favorite hobbies consist of Art, Music Production, Photography and spending time with my pet.}

Jill Layden
Head Teacher

_{My name is Jill Layden, and I am the head teacher in Cypress. Before joining LearningSpring, I was a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Prior to that, I taught 1st and 3rd grades as a general education teacher in Chicago. I graduated from DePaul University in 2016 with a Master’s of Education in Literacy and Specialized Instruction. I am passionate about building a strong classroom community where everyone feels included, valued, and excited to learn! When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, and exploring the city!}

Carol Linen
Assistant Teacher

_{My Name is Carol Linen. I will be one of the Assistant Teachers in Cypress. Before LearningSpring, I worked at the Reece School. This will be my fourth year with Learning Spring and I am so excited to start a new school year with the Cypress class!}

Ta-Liyah Thomas
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Ta-Liyah Thomas. I will be working in the Cypress classroom this year! This is my second year at LearningSpring. I can’t wait to experience a fun new school year with the children.}

Suzanne Martin
Head Teacher

_{My name is Suzanne Martin. I am Elm’s Lead Teacher. This is my first year at Learning Spring but I have been teaching for eighteen years. I have worked primarily with children with autism, but I also have experience with supporting children with ADD/ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and emotional regulation challenges as well as students with disabilities and giftedness. I am also a parent of a child with special needs. I have my Masters in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter College. I love traveling and trying food from different cultures. When I can, I try to infuse the curriculum with cultural diversity and aspects of New York City art and culture.}

Lindsey Alloy
Associate Teacher

_{My name is Lindsey Alloy. I am one of Elm’s Assistant Teachers. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2022, where I studied Youth and Social Innovation and Psychology. I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Childhood Education and Special Education Grades 1-6 at Touro University. This is my first year at Learning Spring, but I have 2 years of teaching experience in a variety of school settings, including 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade. Some of my hobbies include dancing, biking, and spending time outside. I am so excited to meet everyone and have fun learning together this year!}

Meghan Merlain
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Meghan Merlain. I am Elm’s Assistant Teacher. This is my first year at Learning Spring, I have been working with children with special needs for about 4 years. I am currently in nursing school. I love working with children. I am so excited to meet each and everyone of you.}

Gen Santos-Lane
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Gen Santos Lane and I am one of the assistant teachers in Elm. I joined the LearningSpring community in November 2022. I was born in the Philippines, where I received my BA in Behavioral Science and MA in Early Childhood Education. I moved to New York in 2002 and have worked in the education field ever since. During my free time I love spending time with my daughter. I’m looking forward to getting to know our new Elm family!}

Eileen Marcus
Head Teacher

_{My name is Eileen Marcus, and I am very much looking forward to my first full year at LSS. A little bit about myself; I have been a special education teacher for over 20 years. I have a BA in Political Science and History from the College of New Rochelle and an MSED from Mercy
University. In my spare time I enjoy participating in community theater, reading, exploring New York City, watching movies and visiting museums. I also enjoy cooking, trying new restaurants, and volunteering with the New York City Cat Coalition, a local rescue group.}

Shaebaun Benjamin
Assistant Teacher

_{Hello Willow Families! My name is LanAnh Nguyen and I’m going on my 7th year as an Assistant Teacher at LearningSpring and my 3rd year as Assistant Teacher Mentor. I grew up on the sunny coast of Southern California. I came to New York to pursue an education and received my degree in Inclusive Childhood Education from Fordham University. Prior to LSS I worked as a teacher in a community-based Head Start Preschool Special Education and Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom. In my free time, I love creating memories with my son by conducting science experiments or creating art projects, reading, traveling, cooking and baking. I believe that the mind never stops growing and so I love learning new things and try to do something new every week that is out of my comfort zone. Let’s have a wonderful new school year!}

LanAnh Nguyen
Assistant Teacher

_{Hello Willow students and parents! I am Shaebaun Benjamin and I am one of the teaching assistants in the Willow class. I’m so excited spending this coming year with you! I love to cook and I love the Yankees, Knicks, and Giants.}

Kristin Clark
Head Teacher

_{Kristin Clark is excited to jump into her 1st year as Head Teacher at Learning Spring. Kristin has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University as well as a Master’s in General and Special Education (All Grades) from Relay Graduate School of Education. She began her teaching career in 2018 and has been teaching Special Education since. She is the Head Teacher in our newest classroom, Birch, and is looking forward to fostering strong relationships with her students and continuing her mission of helping create equitable outcomes for all of our students.}

Marbelis Arechiga
Assistant Teacher

_{Hi! My name is Marbelis and it is my second year at LearningSping. I have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and have been working in the educational field for four years. I can’t wait to form relationships with the Birch students.}

Aniki Darling-McGregor
Assistant Teacher

_{Hi! My name is Aniki Darling-Mcgregor. This is my first year at Learning Spring. Some of my hobbies are scrapbooking and reading. I am super excited to work and getting to know all of the wonderful kids!}

Lauren Levit
Head Teacher

_{I’m Ms. Lauren, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as Oak’s new head teacher. I joined LearningSpring in 2021 as an assistant teacher and have recently been promoted to this exciting role. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Early Childhood & Special Education and later earned my master’s in Literacy Education from Hunter College. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, spending time at the park, and playing with my dog. I look forward to working with you and your child this year!}

Drew Lawrence
Assistant Teacher

_{Hello. My name is Drew Lawrence, this is my first full year at LSS but my 18th year in educational settings. I’m currently finishing up my undergraduate degree in Psychology. Born and raised in
New York City, I like to cook, bike and watch sports. I’m excited to meet our students and guide
them to success.}

Carolee Tucker
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Carolee and this is my second year at LSS. I was in
the Oak classroom last year and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of your children! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, listening to music and drawing.}

Mat Johnson
Head Teacher

_{This is Mat Johnson‘s tenth year at LearningSpring. In 2013, he graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in Psychology and Creative Writing, and finished his master’s degree in Special Education at Touro College in 2017. In his spare time, Mat is an avid musician and loves the outdoors. Mat is very excited to be working with all the tremendous staff and students at LearningSpring and is looking forward to a great year.}  

Charleena Copeland-Taylor
Assistant Teacher

_{Charleena graduated from Emerson High School in Buffalo, NY with a culinary diploma and Seal. Most of her career she spent in the Customer Service field. This is my fourth year at LearningSpring School and I am looking forward to my future here.}

Nicole Counts
Assistant Teacher

_{Hi. My name is Michel Mateo, and I will be the assistant teacher for the Redwood class. I am currently in school in the early childhood education program. I graduated with my Associate’s degree back in 2017 and decided to continue my education to become a teacher. I was born and raised in uptown Manhattan (Inwood). My passion is teaching; I have 10+ years of experience with children, from working in summer camps, babysitting my nieces and nephews, working at a preschool/daycare as a TA and a head teacher, a paraprofessional, to finally a TA for a field where I know suits me best.}

_{In my free time, I love spending time with my daughter and family and enjoying every moment I can with them.}

Adriana King
Assistant Teacher

_{My name is Adriana King. I will be the assistant teacher in Redwood. This is my fourth year working with children with special needs and other will be my first year here at LSS. I am currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Education Administration. I am ready and optimistic about the new school year!}

Tricia Slatowski
Head Teacher

_{My name is Trisha Slatowski and I started working at LearningSpring in 2022! I am originally from Philadelphia and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education (K-8), as well as a Master’s Degree in Special Education (K-8) from Saint Joseph’s University. When I’m not busy teaching, I enjoy reading, walks in the park and spending time with family and friends.} 

Megan Chin
Assistant Teacher

_{Megan Chin graduated from Baruch College with a B.A. in Psychology. She discovered her passion for working with children while she babysat her young niece and nephew for a few years. Megan has also gained experience working with children of all age groups. This is her third year at LearningSpring School and she is looking forward to her future here.}

Maria Rodriguez
Assistant Teacher

_{Hi! My name is Maria Rodriguez. I’ve been at Learning Spring for 2 years now. I was an assistant in Redwood last school year and I have the amazing opportunity to be part of Sequoia this year! I’m so excited to continue to work and bond with all of our incredible kids!}

Courtney Roebuck
Assistant Teacher

_{Courtney Roebuck (She/Her) graduated from Central State University with a B.A. Degree in Mass Communications. Courtney is excited to start her seventh school year at LSS as a Teacher Assistant and Teacher Assistant Mentor. Courtney thrives on creating a fun yet challenging environment for students to learn and grow. As a T.A. Mentor Courtney enjoys modeling/assisting new and returning T.A. staff on bringing their “best selves” into the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys attending concerts, comedy shows and trying new restaurants in NYC.} 

Gabby Schneider
Assistant Teacher

_{Megan Chin graduated from Baruch College with a B.A. in Psychology. She discovered her passion for working with children while she babysat her young niece and nephew for a few years. Megan has also gained experience working with children of all age groups. This is her third year at LearningSpring School and she is looking forward to her future here.}

Jake Treccapelli
APE Teacher

_{Jake Vincent Treccapelli is the Physical Education Teacher at LearningSpring School. He received his Master’s degree in Physical Education at Adelphi University on Long Island. He is a Long Island native based in Manhasset. He is passionate about creating an environment in the gym where all students can feel safe and have fun. He is also passionate about teaching his students the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and instilling in them a passion for physical activity. In his free time, he likes to spend time with family and friends, go for walks and watch the New York Rangers.}

Jessica Giacchino
Arts Enrichment Coordinator

_{Jess Giacchino is the Arts Enrichment Coordinator at LearningSpring School.  She has a degree in Textiles from Rhode Island School of Design and is currently in the Arts Education Program at City College for her MFA.  She started as an Assistant Teacher at LearningSpring in the beginning of 2021.  She is interested in the intersection of arts and access, embracing creative problem-solving, and promoting having fun in the classroom.  In her free time, she likes to go to the movies, weave, and spend time with her friends and family.}  

Aliza Greenberg
Community Outreach Coordinator

_{Aliza has been with LearningSpring since 2015 and is the Community Outreach Coordinator. Aliza received her BA in Psychology and Education from Bryn Mawr College and her Master’s Degree in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.} 

Kimani Magloire
Library Specialist

_{Kimani Magloire is the Librarian at LearningSpring School. He is excited to help the children in our community learn how to use library resources for their educational purposes. He has a Master’s degree in Library Science and History with a Bachelor’s in History and Classics from Queens College. He worked as a Library Intern in the Brazilian Endowment of the Arts and as an Information Assistant in the Rosenthal Library. He also worked as an Archival Intern in the Wyckoff House Museum, as well as a Curatorial Intern in both the Brooklyn Museum and the Library Company of Philadelphia. In his free time, he loves to read and learn about mythology.}

Anne Ryan
School Nurse

_{Anne Ryan-Negron is our school nurse. This is her 18 year at LSS. Anne is a lifelong resident of Chelsea and has 2 children. Prior to LSS, Anne worked for Visiting Nurse Service as a manager. Most of her experience has been in emergency nursing as a staff RN in the Emergency Room at a Level 1 trauma center. She has also worked for many years as the head nurse for the US Tennis Open. She has experience in Emergency Care, general medical\surgical, and has worked in acute and chronic pediatrics. Anne is also a Reiki level 1 and 2 certified Reiki practitioner. Anne is looking forward to keeping your children happy and healthy. Currently, Anne holds an ARC instructor card, AHA ACLS card and is a member of the NYC Emergency Response Team.}

Jill Spataro
Literary Specialist

_{I have been a literacy specialist for many years and have worked with a wide variety of students from Pre-K all the way up to high school. I’ve learned so much from working with such a diverse population over the years, especially how important it is to build a positive relationship with my students to help them reach their fullest potential.}

_{I have a Master’s Degree in Literacy Studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in both Elementary Education and Psychology. I have two grown children and three rescue dogs and, in my free time, I enjoy traveling, cooking and reading, to name a few.}

_{I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with your children. I thoroughly enjoy seeing their personalities shine through as they work to build upon their ever growing literacy skills!}

Melanie Woerner
Clinical Director

_{Melanie Woerner is the Clinical Director at LearningSpring, where she began in July of this year. Before joining this team, she worked at Manhattan Star Academy as a social worker and coordinator of family services. Most recently, she served as a school counselor at Avenues: The World School. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University and is a licensed clinical social worker.}

Junaid Amin
School Psychologist

_{Junaid Amin is a School Psychologist/Counselor at The LearningSpring School. He is integral to the clinical team and will be working closely with students and their teachers, occupational therapists, speech and language providers, and parents. Mr. Amin is a licensed school psychologist who acquired his training from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has experience working with children in elementary, middle, and high school settings. As a School Psychologist, he is passionate about providing students of all backgrounds and abilities a voice to help them acquire opportunities to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Mr. Amin is a constant advocate for students and seeks to utilize evidence-based practices to support students and families. His passion for helping students and families motivates him every day to come to work willing to learn, collaborate, and seek results. In his free time, he likes to cook, watch netflix, read, and explore unique restaurants.}

Naomi Mendez
School Counselor

_{Naomi Mendez is happy to be a part of the LearningSpring School team. Naomi has her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology, during which she became a member of the National Psychology Honor Society of Psi Chi and shortly afterwards received a Masters of Science Degree Certification of Advanced Study in School Counseling with a bilingual extension, also becoming a member of the National Education Honor Society of Kappa Delta Pi. She has been working in the field of education for 10 years, she gained her first experience as a service coordinator working in Early Intervention and continued on to work as teaching assistant in DOE public schools and charter schools. Naomi has worked with a wide range of children from 3 to 14 years old. She started in LSS in January of 2022 as a teaching assistant and upon the completion of her Master’s Degree she was promoted to the role of Counselor. She is excited to provide support and guidance for the social emotional growth of students, being a part of their educational journey is what has always and continues to motivate her as a counselor.}

Karla Bonilla
School Social Worker

_{My name is Karla Bonilla and I am LearningSpring’s Bilingual/Spanish School Social Worker, LMSW. I have been apart of the LSS community since 2015. I began my journey at LSS as a Teacher Assistant and have been a counselor since Summer 2021.I’ve received a Bachelors with a major in psychology at Queens College and a Masters in Social Work at Touro College. I am so excited for this upcoming school year!}

Erin Sweeney
School Social Worker

_{Erin Sweeney (she/her) graduated Columbia University with a Masters in Social Work and is a NYS certified LMSW.  Erin is excited to be working at Learning Spring for her second year!  As a Learning Spring Counselor, Erin uses a student-centered and play-based approach to support each student in improving their emotion regulation, self-advocacy, and social skills. Outside of school, Erin enjoys running, baking, and spending time with her family.}

Samantha Sampson
Head – Occupational/Physical Therapy Department

^{Samantha Sampson started her journey with LearningSpring as a part-time physical therapist In 2017. She appreciated the school community, camaraderie, and support so much that when she was offered a full-time position in 2019, she immediately accepted. After many years as a key member of the department, she has now taken on the role as the Head of Occupational and Physical Therapy Department. She is excited to grow in this role and to continue supporting our students and school community in this new position.}

Samantha Silfen
Occupational Therapist

_{My name is Samantha, and I will be the Cypress and Sassafras classroom occupational therapist for this school year. It has already been wonderful getting to know your children. I look forward to an amazing school year.}

Eliza Berman
Occupational Therapist

_{Eliza is an occupational therapist at LearningSpring School. She has been with LSS since January 2022. She received her bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College and her doctorate of occupational therapy from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. She has previously worked in both private and public schools and outpatient pediatrics. When she is not working she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking.} 

Chasity Duran
Physical Therapist

_{Chasity Duran graduated from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree. Chasity is excited to join the LearningSpring School for her first year. Chasity aims to provide students with the tools necessary for them to acquire new movement skills as well as learn different ways to navigate their environment in the safest and most independent way possible. Through a student-centered, play-based framework, she supports each student in enhancing their strength, endurance, posture, gross motor skills as well as building confidence through movement. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family and going for long walks.} 

Lauryn Browne
Occupational Therapist

_{Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is Lauryn Browne and I will be the OT in the Willow classroom this year. This is my second school year at LSS and my first year as the Willow OT, although I’ve already worked with most of your children in Cypress this past school year. I’m looking forward to continuing to get to know and work with your children this year!} 

Michelle Marron
Head – Speech/Language Pathology Department

_{Michelle Marron has been a speech-language pathologist at LearningSpring since September 2019 and holds an M.S. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from New York University.}

_{Michelle is a fun-loving SLP who has years of experience working with the pediatric population across a variety of settings, from private home care to charter schools. In therapy, she enjoys nurturing each child’s sense of identity and loves to foster their creativity through dynamic, playful sessions. She is thrilled to bring this therapeutic approach and collaborate with the classroom teams for another school year!}

_{In her spare time, Michelle tries to enjoy all the best NYC has to offer by dining at new restaurants, attending concerts, and walking to different neighborhood parks. When home, she loves to bake and cook!}

Emily Atkinson
Speech Language Pathologist

_{Emily Atkinson (she/her) graduated from New York University in 2018 with an M.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, and holds a professional certification from NYS as a  Teacher for Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). Emily has worked at LearningSpring for three years. Prior to joining the LSS team, Emily provided Early Intervention speech-language services to families in a clinic setting as well as in homes. Emily uses a strengths-based, child-led approach to therapy that fosters students’ social-emotional wellbeing and development.}

Marykate Kahl
Speech Language Pathologist

_{Marykate Kahl is a Speech Language Pathologist at LearningSpring School. She has been with LearningSpring School since October 2022 and previously worked in private practice, outpatient, and school settings gaining experience in early intervention, school age populations, and adults since 2020. Marykate graduated from Marywood University with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. Marykate is PROMPT trained and enjoys expanding her knowledge of different treatment areas to find the approach most suitable for each individual student as well as including students’ individual interests within their lessons. Marykate also enjoys trying new foods, traveling, and reading a good book.} 

Alooma Tete
Director of Development

_{Alooma Tete is an event and fundraising professional with experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit industries. She enjoys working with Margaret, the Board of Trustees, LSS parents, alumni and friends, and last but not least our awesome teachers and staff. She is married and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and three kids.}

Wing See Har
Admissions Coordinator

_{Wing See Har is delighted to begin her 16th year at LearningSpring School. This is her tenth year as the Admissions Coordinator. She is excited to welcome new and returning families to the beginning of the school year. Wing is looking forward to meeting with prospective students and their families over the course of the year. In her spare time, Wing likes to travel, watch and play sports, and spend time with her family and friends.} 

Faith Garcia
Administrative Assistant

_{Faith Garcia is the Administrative Assistant at LearningSpring School. She is passionate about assuring our students and staff have the resources and services needed to succeed above and beyond the classroom. She previously worked at a vet clinic which increased her passion for always lending a helping hand. In her spare time, she loves to take care of her pets, read, and play video games. She is looking forward to assisting the LSS community and is excited for this school year!}

Crystal Rand
Development Coordinator

_{Crystal Acevedo Rand is the Development Coordinator at LearningSpring School. She graduated with a BA in Journalism from Hunter College. She is a Bronx native based in Brooklyn. She is passionate about creating media that reflects the knowledge and emotional fulfillment that students receive here at LearningSpring. She is also passionate about community and family wellness as it relates to socioeconomic grounding.}

Narjis Hancharick
Facilities Manager

_{Narjis joined the LearningSpring community in 2017 as the Facilities Manager.  She received her BA in Liberal Studies from The New School and gained facilities experience from her time in the Plant Department at The Chapin School. Narjis is looking forward to her sixth year at LSS!} 

Hector Arroyo
Custodian

_{Hector has been with LearningSpring as a Custodian on the Facilities Team since 2018. He is responsible for keeping the facility safe and clean for our students, staff and visitors. He also helps with the setup and breakdown of on- and off-site events. He lives in the Bronx with his wife of 35 years, and is a proud father and grandfather.} 

Antonio Benitez
Custodian

_{Antonio Benitez graduated from TCI with an Associate’s degree in Facility Management. He has been a part of the LearningSpring Community for 13 years. He returned in June 2019 after 4 years of working as a property manager for educational facilities in Manhattan. He is looking forward to using his skills to help improve this great facility for the students this year.}

Graig Arne
Security (Sub)

_{Graig Arne is a professional with 20 years of experience with a proven knowledge of management, multi-tasking and service. He is a dedicated professional and is dedicated to the mission of LearningSpring School.}

Anthony Martinez
Security

_{Anthony Martinez is a retired NYPD Police Officer who joined the LearningSpring School in 2019. He is the proud father of two children and lives in Staten Island. He attended St. John’s University as a political science major in Queens/Staten Island. He is looking forward to a wonderful year at LearningSpring ensuring the safety of all the children and staff.}

Christopher O’Brien
Security

_{Chris O’Brien is a retired NYPD Police Officer who joined LearningSpring School last year. He attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. He is the father of two sons. He is looking forward to a great year at LearningSpring keeping everyone safe.}

Caroline Bookhout
Finance Manager

Anita Ozadowicz
Senior Accountant

Miriam Pollack
Human Resources Manager

_{Miriam Pollack is the HR Manager, she has been here since 2014.  Prior to that she worked in the private sector, but now that she has had this opportunity to join LSS she will never go back to the for profit world again.}