The 5th Annual Art of Play and Wonderment Conference:

FOSTERING BELONGING

Co-Founder and CEO, ReimaginED Teaching

Antonia Cameron is the co-founder and CEO of ReimaginED Teaching, a coaching community devoted to transforming teaching and learning in education. Toni’s current interests are focused on revitalizing early childhood math learning as well as finding ways to develop transformative feedback cultures in schools. Her latest work, Early Childhood Math Routines Empowering Young Minds to Think, was published by Stenhouse in April 2020. Prior publications include Agents of Change and How Content Coaching Transforms Teaching, co-authored with Lucy West, which is used nationally as a tool to mentor coaches and other leaders. 

Director of Early Childhood, Friends Academy

Abigail Cook-Gonzalez is the Director of Early Childhood at Friends Academy in Locust Valley, NY. Previously, Abby was the Director of Brooklyn Schoolhouse in Clinton Hill and head taught for more than ten years at Reggio-inspired programs throughout the Northeast. She received her graduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education and her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont. Abby believes that children are natural researchers and capable problem solvers who construct knowledge as they interact with the world around them. She has been commended for her creative, engaging, and pedagogically sound documentation based on the Reggio Emilia approach to education.

Head Teacher, Beginnings Nursery School

Andrew Hauner is an early childhood educator and artist–researcher currently teaching at Beginnings Nursery School. He has worked with children and families across educational contexts in NYC, including Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Imani House, Blue School, and P.S. 10K. His arts-based research into creativity and education has been exhibited internationally. Hauner's recent articles are “Artistic Research as Citational Practice” (Acta Academiae Artium Vilnensis) & “Creative Documentation: Making My Research Lens Visible” (Innovations in Early Education: The International Reggio Emilia Exchange). He is interested in the Reggio Emilia approach as a way of seeing, challenging, and leveraging his teacher subjectivity and cultural lens.

Seedlings Head Teacher, Corlears School

Benna is an early childhood educator who has been teaching for 14 years in the U.K. and the U.S. She is currently a Head Teacher at Corlears School teaching young 2s in the Seedlings program. Benna is passionate about her work with young children and believes they are extremely capable individuals who never cease to surprise us. She is currently pursuing an advanced certificate in Early Intervention and Parenting at Brooklyn College.

Associate Professor, Brooklyn College

Beth Ferholt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Art Education at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, and an affiliated faculty member in the Ph.D. Program in Urban Education at The Graduate Center, CUNY and Preschool Education Research Group at the School of Communication and Education, Jönköping University. She studies playworlds: a form of adult-child joint play and a way of being, in which play is combined with art or science. Her research focuses on play, imagination, creativity, perezhivanie, early childhood education and care, and methods for the study of all of these.  

Curriculum Specialist, Barrow Street Nursery School

Brenna Fisher is a social practice artist interested in how artistic expression can be used to foster empathy, connection, and community. Brenna works in drawing, painting, and writing. 

Brenna works as a curriculum specialist at Barrow Street Nursery School, a Reggio Emilia- and Bank Street-inspired preschool in the West Village. She also teaches at the Greenwich House Music School where she co-created Curious Creatures Summer Camp there in 2022. 

Formerly, Brenna worked as a 3/4s classroom teacher. During that time, she attended Hunter College and completed her Master's in Early Childhood Education. Her thesis investigated the ways drawing promotes social justice and empathy in early childhood settings.   She is also an alumni of the New York Arts Program and continues her involvement with them through shows and workshops.

​Brenna also developed and oversaw visual arts programming as the art director of Kingsley Pines Camp and worked as a teaching artist at the Children's Museum of the Arts in NYC.

Brenna’s undergraduate education took place at College of Wooster where she graduated with a B.A. in Studio Art and a minor in English.

Director, Brooklyn Schoolhouse & Adjunct Professor, Brooklyn College

Brian Billings currently serves as the Director of Brooklyn Schoolhouse, a Reggio-inspired preschool in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. He is an adjunct professor in the Early Childhood and Arts Education Department at Brooklyn College and leads workshops via Teaching Beyond the Square. Prior to his current work, Brian served as an early childhood educator in both private and charter school settings. He believes strongly in the capability and capacity of children, and sees children’s ideas, interests and curiosity as the inspiration for authentic learning, curriculum and classroom design. Brian is an advocate for play and has been influenced by the teaching philosophies and practices of Reggio Emilia, Maria Montessori, David Sobel, and Fred Rogers.

Educational Consultant, ReimaginED Teaching

Chelsea is an educator with more than 15 years of experience in New York City schools, both public and private. Through her experiences as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, and school-based math coach, Chelsea remains passionate that everyone — students and teachers alike — deserves the opportunity to engage with mathematics in ways that resonate personally and that this kind of engagement is a way to break down barriers and make learning accessible to all. She deeply believes that all teachers, and all students, can learn math and that the path to equity lies in involving learners in ways that are meaningful to them.

Student, Brooklyn College

Fatima Shoukat is a senior at Brooklyn College majoring in Early Childhood Education. Her path in this field is driven by a passion for instilling a sense of belonging and wonderment in young minds. Shoukat's hands-on experience with infants and children aged one to three has solidified her calling to create nurturing environments where every child feels a deep sense of belonging and an opportunity for discovery.

Currently, she plays an active role in the infants classroom at the Brooklyn College Early Childhood Center, where she is dedicated to providing enriching experiences for the youngest learners. Shoukat is also excited to participate in the Art of Play and Wonderment Conference, where she'll have the opportunity to learn from other professionals in the field. For Shoukat, early childhood education is more than a career path; it's a calling, and she is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners.

Student, Brooklyn College

Hibsa Arif was born in Afghanistan and immigrated to the U.S. when she was 5 years old. Hibsa is set to receive her Master's degree from Brooklyn College in May 2024, and she will be the first in her family to earn a postgraduate degree. Hibsa has been teaching for 4 years and doesn't see herself doing anything else; seeing children smile fills her days with purpose and meaning. 

Early Childhood Developmental Specialist, Corlears School

Hillary has partnered with multilingual children and families in both progressive education, and clinical research settings for the last 10 years. She holds an M.S. Ed. in early childhood education with a bilingual and special education extension from CUNY Brooklyn College. She is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi honors society in education and National Association Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She also earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Rochester. Hillary is most passionate about supporting the healthy growth and development of all children, in partnership with their families and teachers. She believes that children are our future and it all starts with play, inquiry, and wonderment.

Curriculum Specialist/(M)atelierista, Barrow Street Nursery School

Jahidah currently works at Barrow Street Nursery School as the Curriculum Specialist/Matelierista. Her 30 years of experience include roles at Hunter College Elementary School and the Herbert G. Birch Early Childhood Center. She has also spent many of those years working at several independent preschools in the metro area. These past few years Jahidah has had the opportunity to present her children’s book The Blended Garden at several preschool communities in the NYC area. Her local and national presentations have included The Little Sprouts Conference, The Preschool Mindfulness Summit, Teaching Beyond the Square, and the P.O.C.C conference.

PreK Associate Teacher, Corlears School

Jameel is an educator who approaches teaching with a blend of flexibility, fun, patience and compassion. He puts his students first, and loves nothing more than guiding young children to "eureka moments" on their journey of discovery and wonderment. He brings his quirky sense of humor, widely varied interest and intellectually curious attitude into every endeavor. Jameel often says that teaching is what he does, but being of service to children is a governing principle of who he is.

Education Director, Puppetry in Practice

Jason Leinwand is a visual artist and designer with an M.F.A. in Studio Arts from NYU and a B.A. in Studio Arts from Wesleyan University. In addition to leading animation, early childhood and mural painting residencies with PiP, he is also an Adjunct in the Early Childhood Education Department as well as the Childhood, Bilingual and Special Education Department at Brooklyn College. In the summers, Jason is also the Director of the Children’s Circus of Middletown, CT a 5-week summer camp circus program for kids ages 5–15.

Archival Development and Teaching Associate, The Touchstone Center for Children

Jeanie Yeo holds a M.A. in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College and completed her undergraduate studies at Bucknell University. She advocates for a play-based education that values nature and the imagination to give rise to problem solvers, critical thinkers, and empathetic individuals who ultimately become leaders within the community. Currently, she works with educators through her roles at the Touchstone Center and the Wildlife Conservation Society to promote this approach. Inspired by her work with Richard Lewis, she developed a curriculum to explore mindfulness and critical thinking in children through play in nature and hopes to continue that conversation with others within and across disciplines.

Special Education Teacher, ADAPT Community Network Manhattan Children’s Program

John D’Amico is an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in a Medically Frail Preschool Classroom. John graduated from Hunter College in May of 2019 with an M.S. Ed in Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families with Annotation in Severe/Multiple Disabilities. In Early Childhood Education it is important for educators and other professionals that work with young children to be adaptable, patient, and creative in order to assist young children master goals related to academics and activities of daily living.

Founder, Brooklyn Schoolhouse

Kim Turnbull (she/her/hers) founded Brooklyn Schoolhouse in 2015. Kim was Lead Teacher of the first class, and then continued on as Director. Before starting Brooklyn Schoolhouse, Kim was Lead Teacher at Beginnings Nursery School from 2009–2015.  Prior to teaching at Beginnings Nursery School, Kim was a teacher at City & Country School, the Sarah Lawrence College Early Childhood Center, ABC Cassidy’s Place, and Central Park East 1 Elementary School. She earned a B.A. in Literature and Painting from Sarah Lawrence College in 2004 and a dual M.S. in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Sarah Lawrence College in 2009. Kim believes that respecting each child’s unique way of creating and learning is paramount. Joining the child in the joyful and exciting processes of discovery is key to instilling a life-long love of learning. She believes in inquiry-based learning, and the power of play and wonderment in the process.    

Faculty & Supervisor, William Alanson White Institute - Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy Training Program

Lisa Dubinsky, Psy.D. is a faculty member and supervisor in the Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Training Program (CAPTP) and co-director of the Parent Center at the William Alanson White Institute. She has a private practice of psychotherapy with children, teens and adults, and is an early childhood consultant at a preschool.

Head Teacher, Churchill School and Center

Maya Krueger is a special education teacher and advocate who was trained in Floortime 20 years ago when her son was first diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Her engagement with the special education community led her to Bank Street where she received a Master’s degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education. She has been a classroom teacher at the Churchill School for over 10 years and has shared her passion for Floortime intervention with educators and parents at Bank Street, NYU, and CUNY as well as NYSAIS conferences.

Adjunct Lecturer, Brooklyn College

For over 20 years, Mayra Baldi has served in multiple roles in the field of early childhood in NYS and NYC: assistant teacher, lead teacher, grade leader, bilingual teacher, TESOL teacher, ICT teacher, dual language teacher, early childhood director, instructional coach and so forth. She is passionate about culturally responsive practices, supporting emergent multilingual learners, and promoting progress on issues of racial equity and inclusion. Mayra understands the importance of creating a rigorous developmentally appropriate early childhood program for all young children and she has supported leaders, teachers, and colleagues in the endeavor. In recent years, Mayra joined the NYC Division of Early Childhood as the division embarked the history-making expansion of what would eventually be Pre-K for All and continuing with 3K for All. 

Co-Director, Downtown Little School

Meredith Gary, M.S.Ed. is the Co-Director of the Downtown Little School, a progressive preschool for children ages 2-5 in the Financial District of lower Manhattan. Meredith has 28 years of leadership experience in the field of early childhood. In addition to her work as a school director, Meredith leads guided support groups and workshop series for parents through the Hudson River Park Mothers Group and leads workshops for teachers through her work as an NYNAEYC Professional Development Specialist. She is the author of a children's book, Sometimes You Get What You Want.

Executive Director, Puppetry in Practice

In addition to his role as Executive Director at Puppetry in Practice, Michael Perreca has served as Producing Director of Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Mass.; Managing Director of Making Books Sing in NYC; and Artistic Director of Bristol Valley Theater in Naples, NY. He was Director of Advancement for LEAP, Director of External Relations for the York Theatre Co. and Development Director of TADA! Youth Theater. He has directed productions throughout the U.S. and NYC. At Brooklyn College, he teaches “Performing Arts Techniques for the Classroom Teacher."

PreK Head Teacher, Corlears School

Michelle Malakoff, M.S.Ed., is Head Teacher in the PreK classroom at Corlears School. She holds a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's in Education from Hunter College. Michelle strives to create a classroom community that nurtures children's growth in a fun, positive environment. She especially loves creating messy hands-on activities to help foster imagination, creativity, and exploration.

Lead Teacher, Montessori Day School of Brooklyn

Poppy H. O’Neill is an early childhood educator and the lead teacher in the Seagulls classroom at the Montessori Day School of Brooklyn. Poppy grew up with lots of opportunity for play thanks to a semi-feral childhood in Maine. In high school she competed on the Speech team in Storytelling and Dramatic Interpretation, representing Maine at the national meet her senior year. Poppy pursued a Film degree at Vassar College, studying film production and history, and then moved to New York City. After stints in the corporate world, Poppy turned to teaching. She started out as a middle school teacher of ELA, and then discovered that young children were her people. Poppy engages in play through baking, quilting, and hiking with her family.

Student, Brooklyn College

Safeya Musaid is a senior in Brooklyn College majoring in early childhood education. As a student teacher, she loves the a-ha moment when a child understands a concept they had been struggling with. Safeya is a mother of two boys; her eldest is three years old and every day is an adventure. 

Early Childhood Integration Manager, Grand Street Settlement

Saundra Ayala is an early childhood educator with a deep passion for art and its role in young children's development. With Master's degrees in art history and early childhood education, Saundra believes that art is not only a form of self-expression but also a powerful tool for building critical thinking, problem-solving, and expressive language skills in young children. During her time as a teacher and in her current role as an Early Childhood Integration Manager, Saundra has experience researching, designing, and implementing art-focused curriculums that are developmentally appropriate for young children.

Play Theorist and Essayist

Scott G. Eberle, Ph.D., past Editor of the American Journal of Play and Co-editor of the Handbook of the Study of Play, was Vice President for Interpretation and Play Studies at The National Museum of Play Strong in Rochester, New York where he developed scores of exhibits including American Comic Book Heroes and the Battle of Good vs. Evil, and Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street? Trained in social and intellectual history and author of several books and articles, Eberle’s publications include “The Elements of Play Toward a Philosophy and a Definition of Play,” “Playing with the Multiple Intelligences,” and Classic Toys of the National Toy Hall of Fame. Eberle now writes the popular “Play in Mind” column for Psychology Today.

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Brooklyn College

Shaheen Usmani is an Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood Science Education at Brooklyn College, CUNY. Shaheen is a strong proponent of joyful learning. She has been teaching science education in the early years, philosophical models of education, and effective early childhood learning environments for more than two decades. Shaheen strongly believes the study of nature is an important source for learning science. She has practiced and developed many science projects and videos that are simple and feasible. She often says, “We just need to STOP and look around and we will be surprised at how many lessons can nature teach us.” Her work and teaching are often described as useful, joyful, playful, and innovative.

Early Childhood Leadership Coach, NYC Public Schools & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Brooklyn College

Shequana Wright-Chung, Ph.D. is an Educational Administrator supporting Early Childhood leaders, teachers and coaches with facilitating meaningful and responsive practices for all young learners ages birth through 5 years old. She also collaborates with in-service and pre-service teachers at Brooklyn College to explore and deepen the intersections of early childhood math, literacy and play practices. Shequana is passionate about fostering mathematical learning spaces that centers, values and extends the brilliance that each young child brings, especially children who have been historically underserved and marginalized.

Student, Brooklyn College

ShuTing Weng is a senior at Brooklyn College majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is on track to receive her undergraduate degree in May 2024 and plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master's degree. Her journey into the education industry began during her senior year of high school when she volunteered at a preschool. It was through interacting with the children that she realized her passion for teaching and decided to pursue it as a future career. Weng believes that the most crucial aspect of working with children is to remain respectful and patient. She advocates for a supportive and inclusive classroom community, which she sees as essential in providing a trusting and safe environment for children to explore, learn, and achieve much more.

Co-Executive Director, Chances for Children NY

Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW, NCPsyA, is an educator, psychotherapist, and social worker. She is Core Faculty for the Relational Health Fellowship at UMass Chan, led by Dr. Ed Tronick, since 2016. Silvia is the Co-Executive Director of Chances for Children NY since 2018. In 2019, Silvia joined the faculty of the Early Childhood Education/Art Education programs at Brooklyn College. Silvia is the author and illustrator of internationally recognized picture books for immigrant children and their families. Silvia was the Connecticut Infant Mental Health 2014 Jane C. Award recipient for Excellence and Exemplary Service to Infants, Young Children and Their Families.

Senior Member, Puppetry in Practice

Dr. Smartypants, (Ph.D., JKLMNOP, Puppetry non captiosus and summa ineptiis) is a world-renowned expert on all things puppets. As a senior member of Puppetry in Practice, Inc, a nonprofit arts-education agency, he has inspired thousands of puppets and fellow educators around the world to embrace both seriousness and silliness in the classroom. He often guest lectures at Brooklyn College and was a co-creator of Puppets as Essential Workers during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has spoken at several Play conferences over the years and is currently set to co-author his first published book.

Early Childhood Coach, New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute

As an educator for the past 48 years Steve has worked in a variety of roles and capacities: teacher, assistant principal/principal, executive director, early childhood coach, book club facilitator, and conference/workshop presenter.

Steve has worked with children and adults in public/private elementary schools, private/public preschools/daycare facilities, and family childcare settings.  In all of these roles his work has revolved around observing children, documenting their work in a manner that makes their thinking visible, and creating curricula that follows children's interests while fostering discovery, joy, and wonder in the world. 

For the past eight years as an Early Childhood Coach for PDI, Steve has supported teachers and school administrators to develop their skills and capacities to work with the adults and young children in their lives. Steve’s coaching stance is relationship/strength-based and is influenced by the foundational principles of Powerful Interactions (Jablon, Dombro, & Stenson) and the work of Elena Aguilar.

In Steve's capacity as a member of the Leadership Initiative at PDI he has presented on the following topics: Powerful Interactions; Coaching with Powerful Interactions; Reflective Supervision; Exploring Anti-Bias Early Childhood Education.

Steve holds Masters Degrees from Bank Street College of Education in Supervision & Administration and N-6 Elementary Education; a NYS T-TAP Professional Development Specialist Credential, and a NYS T-TAP Coach Credential.  

Founder and Facilitator, Embodied Learning

Tommaso Lana is a mentor, facilitator, and founder of Embodied Learning. He grew up in Italy, in a Montessori/Reggio environment. He has been living and working internationally since 2005 (Germany, Australia, USA) and is currently based in New York. Tommaso supports and motivates ECE leaders in exploring and appreciating young children's learning potential through their sensory competence and movement. His experience spans training educators' teams for award-winning educational projects (Google Children's Center, Children's Center at Caltech), consulting high-end cultural institutions (The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center), and mentoring managers in large public service systems (Los Angeles Public Library).

Associate Professor, Brooklyn College

Dr. Xia Li is an associate professor of early childhood education at Brooklyn College. She teachers undergraduate and graduate courses on math pedagogy. Her research involves investigating and measuring preschool teachers’ math pedagogical content knowledge in counting and numbers, number relation, as well as other content areas.

Teacher and Studio Specialist, Brooklyn Schoolhouse

Zoe Halatyn has been a Teacher and Studio Specialist at Brooklyn Schoolhouse since 2022. Zoe graduated from Skidmore College in 2019 with a degree in Studio Art and Education. Her prior experience includes teaching at Days of Wonder Child Care Program in Westchester County alongside Mohini Shapero-Arditi, a consultant dear to and trusted by Brooklynn Schoolhouse.

Zoe believes art is an effective avenue for teaching foundational social emotional skills. She holds reverence for every mark a child makes and acts upon the belief every child is capable of achieving their creative visions. Zoe embraces the organic nature of learning, inviting "mistakes" and mess into the process, celebrating them as opportunities for growth and joy.