Meet the Early Childhood @ MCC Team
Leadership and Administration
Martha Lee
Sarah Toles
Jessica Bieber
Jessica Bieber is entering her ninth year at Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center and has been honored to be a part of the school’s amazing journey for almost a decade. At MCC, Jessica has taught in infant and toddler classrooms and held the role of education director for Infants, Toddlers, and 2s for several years.
Jessica is now the associate director of enrollment and admissions and is happy to be more deeply involved in making the school the diverse, equitable, and accessible place it is today. Additionally, Jessica treasures her role as a parent in the school; her daughter has been at MCC since she was an infant, and is now in Pre-K. Outside of MCC, Jessica is also a postpartum doula and lactation consultant.
Yulis Guevara
With nearly two decades of unwavering commitment to early childhood education, Yulis Guevara is a seasoned leader and proud Native New Yorker. She earned a dual Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education and holds New York State Professional Certifications in both Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, Birth to Grade 2. Throughout her extensive career, Yulis has dedicated herself to shaping the educational landscape for young minds, drawing inspiration from the vibrant and diverse tapestry of her Lower East Side community. As a mother of two, she brings a deeply personal understanding of the profound impact early education has on a child’s development.
Laneska Rosario
Laneska is an experienced director in children and family services with a demonstrated history of leadership in the non-profit sector since 2000 and a Lower East Side Native. She has worked managing youth and family programs within DOE schools and a community center on the Lower East Side for University Settlement. She also had the privilege of leading The Family Resource Center of Northern Manhattan under Vibrant formally known as the Mental Health Association of NYC and opening the first DOH-funded Circle of Security Parent Coaching Department of NYC.
She is skilled in program operation and development, early childhood education, family services, navigating mental health systems, and bridging communication/connections between cross systems and individuals. She is a strong community leader with an early childhood education and organizational psychology background.
Chris Quimi
Coming soon
Jasmine Stroman
Stephanie Smith-Waterman
Stephanie Smith-Waterman brings over 25 years of experience serving children and families in a variety of mental health and educational roles. She is dedicated to holistic and preventative services including fostering healthy communication, problem-solving, and early childhood education to promote well-being within our community. She has joint Master’s Degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Public Service Management (MS Mgmt) from NYU and an undergraduate degree in elementary education. Stephanie provides on-site supportive interventions and consultations for youth, teachers, and families, as well as offers regular referrals and close collaboration with the Askwith Kenner Family Resource Center (FRC). In her free time, you can often find Stephanie taking walks, making music, and spending time with her family, especially her three children and husband.
Chloe Lin
Chloe Lin has joined our team two years ago and is one of our program coordinators at MCC Early Childhood. She is able to speak English, Chinese Mandarin, Wenzhounese, and some Cantonese. Prior to joining our Early Childhood team, she worked at a major airline as a supervisor specializing on pricing analysis, revenue and travel production management. Her past work background gave her full experiences and understandings of customer services, event planning, coordination and office administration. She is a problem solver and loves seeing the smiles on people’s faces after issues/questions getting resolved or answered, and she also enjoys being around lovely children, so this is why she decided to join our team. Outside of school she loves photography, art, architecture, cooking and hiking.
Ana Rodriguez-Nelson
Ana Rodriguez-Nelson is a program coordinator for EC@MCC. She sits at the first floor reception area. Ana enjoys contributing to the exciting community advances that happen every day at the Educational Alliance. She graduated from Mercy College with a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Organizational Leadership. While in school, she earned the Beta Upsilon Chapter Delta Mu Delta of Business membership for her exemplary academic performance and leadership skills, and made the Dean’s list for several years as well as earning the Psi Chi certificate, The International Honor Society in Psychology. She also earned a Family Development Credential from the University of Connecticut, Center for the Study of Culture, Health and Human Development. Throughout her career, she has held several coordinator positions, which amount to more than 25 years servicing the underserved population of New York City within the Non-Profit/Government sector. She is committed to helping families and excited to be part of the commitment to break the cycle of poverty among our families by presenting a holistic approach that addresses and assists our families’ lives. She is inspired daily by her husband, four children, and two grandchildren to give her best. In her free time, she likes to read, crochet, knit, and play with her granddaughters.
Tiana Bennett
Tiana is the program coordinator for the second floor. She is entering her third school year with MCC and she is excited to welcome back the students!
Teachers
Abigail Laub
Abigail Laub has been a lead teacher in the 2’s classroom at Manny Cantor Center since 2021. She has a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. Abigail also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management from New York University. Upon completion of her graduate degree in 2016, Abigail taught Kindergarten at Bank Street School for Children. She also taught preschool at Packer Collegiate Institute. Abigail has worked in an ICT classroom at P.S. 87, and first grade in an ICT classroom at P.S. 234. Abigail worked for the United Federation of Teachers Welfare Fund where she began her journey to becoming an educator.
Abigail was born in Guyana, South America. New York has been her home for the past 25 years. She lives on the Lower East Side with her husband Sam, daughter Vashti and their dog Rosie.
Aika Martin
Aika Martin is excited to continue working with early childhood at Manny Cantor Center. She has been teaching at Educational Alliance for over ten years. Aika was born and raised in Japan. Aika entered early childhood education almost accidentally when she came to NY, and since then, teaching young children has become her passion. When she joined EC @ MCC, she was inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado, through a partnership with the Boulder Journey School.
Alberta Marshall
Alberta Marshall has been teaching at Educational Alliance for a little over five years. Alberta believes that every day is a new day and that early learners see the world with a unique perspective. She believes that part of her role as a teacher is to build a secure line of support for families. She is planning on furthering her own education to support her own learning. Her interests outside of work include crochet, speed walking, and a love of the outdoors.
Alyssa Bales
Apolonia Euvin
Apolonia is a head teacher in the two’s program. She has been dedicated to working with children for over a decade, bringing more than 10 years of experience to the classroom. Apolonia holds a degree from Hunter College, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of early childhood education.
Art is a significant part of Apolonia’s life, and she loves integrating creative activities into her teaching to inspire and nurture the creativity of young minds. Seeing children express themselves through art is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
Apolonia is also a mother of two wonderful children, and her youngest attended MCC, which gives her a unique perspective and a personal connection to the world of early childhood education.
Chanel Lewis
Chanel Lewis has worked at Educational Alliance for over twenty years with young children, in various roles. She has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Borough of Manhattan Community College. She loves working with young children and learns so much from the relationships she builds with them. She is a mother of an 11 year old son. Outside of teaching, Chanel loves to read and listen to music. This coming year, Chanel will be one of our Floater teachers at EC@MCC.
Danna Sanchez
Danna Sanchez is a Puerto Rican, Dominican native New Yorker. She graduated from BMCC with an Associates degree and is now pursuing a Bachelors degree in early childhood special education and early childhood education at Medgar Evans College. Working with children in afterschool programs, learning labs, summer camps, nannying preschools, and even her family has etched one core belief in her as an educator. Children who are our future doctors, reporters, artists, archaeologists, etc. and it is her responsibility to nurture and guide each child individually as she was once by her own teachers. When she is not working, Danna enjoys playing the drums, engaging in water and adrenaline sports, watching movies, DIY projects, and of course shopping. She also loves her city and giving back to her community by working with children. She has always had a passion for children since she was young.
Diamond Fox
Diamond Fox is an sssociate teacher in the toddler classroom and is a passionate and dedicated early childhood educator with four years of professional experience working with children. Currently in her second year at the Manny Cantor Center, Diamond brings a unique blend of warmth and humor to her classroom, creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.
As a mother herself, Diamond understands the importance of fostering both educational growth and emotional well-being in young learners. Her approach to teaching is centered around building strong, supportive relationships with each child, ensuring that they feel valued and encouraged every day. At MCC, Diamond continues to make a lasting impact on her students, helping them develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
Esneidi Peguero
Esneidi Peguero is returning for her third year at MCC. She has worked with children for the past 6 years and couldn’t be happier with her profession! Children are truly a gift and Esnedi thinks it’s wonderful seeing them grow and learn in front of our very own eyes. As a floating teacher this past year, she is looking forward to building relationships with more children as well as guiding them through milestones and providing a comfortable and nurturing environment for them. When not in the classroom, Esneidi enjoys spending time with her dog, Lucio, and traveling! She hopes that we will make this upcoming school year successful and come out stronger than ever before.
Faith Wellington
Faith is excited to join the team this year at Manny Cantor Center with over 10 years of experience working in early childhood education as a teacher. Faith loves the joy, energy, and curiosity young children bring to the classroom. She strongly believes in supporting the whole child during their time in the classroom through play-based and emergent curriculum. Previously, Faith worked at the Williamsburg Neighborhood Nursery School in Brooklyn. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. When she is not in the classroom, Faith loves spending time with her husband and four kids getting outdoors, hiking, camping, and stargazing.
Hadley Ward
Hadley Ward is an associate teacher in the infant classroom. She is excited to begin her first year at Manny Cantor Center and continue her career in early childhood education. Hadley has been working with children professionally for ten years in many different settings including kindergarten, pre-school and overnight camp. She emphasizes curiosity and fun each day in the classroom.
Hadley is passionate about supporting confidence in young learners and enjoys celebrating their day-to-day accomplishments. Hadley is currently pursuing a Dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Education with a focus on Early Development through Bank Street Graduate School of Education and Hunter College. She is looking forward to developing strong relationships with children and families at MCC this year.
Haley Rappaport
Haley Rappaport has worked at Manny Cantor Center since the fall of 2021 on the first floor with toddlers. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in education. While in Vermont, she worked at Trinity Children’s Center as an assistant teacher with three- to five-year-olds. She loves working with children and their families to create a safe and meaningful school experience for everyone. Outside of school, she loves reading, baking, skiing, and ice skating. She looks forward to the school year ahead!
Ilia Panganiban
Ilia Panganiban was born and raised in Sacramento, CA before moving to New York City. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language Arts from Hunter College and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has experience working both as a classroom teacher and a science teacher. She loves working with early childhood students because of their imagination, creativity, and curiosity. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, going to museums, and traveling.
Jasmine Mcallister
Jasmine is an associate teacher in our toddler classroom.
Jatnna Tavarez
Jatnna Tavarez has been working in the early childhood education field since 2012. Jatnna holds an associate degree in early childhood education with a concentration on infants and toddlers. After that Jatnna completed her bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Psychology. Jatnna taught for 4 years as a head teacher early in her career at Educational Alliance. During her years as a teacher, she developed a passion for working with children and families directly and began her journey as a Home-based Case Manager. Jatnna plans to continue her work in education and is currently enrolled in school to earn a master’s degree. In her free time, Jatnna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and going to the gym.
Jaylene Matias
Jaylene is an associate teacher in our 3K program.
Jazmine Paulino
Jazmine Paulino has been working with children since she was a teenager. This interest led her to get an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and more recently a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from SUNY Empire, focusing on all aspects of development throughout the lifespan. Jazmine loves learning about children’s interests and how to bring those to the classroom, and is excited to get to know each of the children in her class and help guide them through their development. Outside of school, Jazmine has two cats, and loves playing sports.
Jill Spinello
Jill Spinello has a BA in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Children’s Studies from Brooklyn College. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education at University of Colorado through a partnership with the Boulder Journey School. She was inspired to become a preschool teacher after staying home with her son for the first three years of his life and witnessing his awe and wonder as he explored the world around him. It was through that experience that Jill developed a passion for emergent curriculum and an inquiry-based approach to learning. Children are born with an innate curiosity and the role of teachers, Jill believes, is to foster that curiosity in order to cultivate a life-long love of learning.
Jiwon Choi
Jiwon Choi has been an early childhood educator for almost twenty years. She believes strongly that school must be a place where children are given time and space to work out their feelings and ideas in order to be the most engaged and proactive learners they can be. Jiwon holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College and an M.S. degree in Information & Library Science from Pratt. She is excited for a dynamic and collaborative school year, and will be returning this year in a hybrid role as part-time floater teacher and library and media specialist, working with our Education team to revamp our children’s libraries, and collaborating with teachers to co-create meaningful curriculum using children’s literature with special attention to an anti-bias lens.
Kristina Goodwin
Kristina Goodwin is a dynamic early childhood educator passionate about innovative learning. She’s worked in childcare for over a decade. She believes wholeheartedly in the Reggio approach to learning and education and constantly seeks ways to cultivate safe and welcoming learning environments, all while fostering child development. Her approach to teaching involves hands-on interactive lessons, discussions, and exercises that allow the children in her care to explore their interests in the natural world around them.
She decided on a career in education because she is passionate about creating an atmosphere for children that supports and encourages a love for learning from a young age. She will often say, “Toddlers are my people.” because she genuinely enjoys working alongside them and appreciates each curious mind and unique personality in our toddler community. The toddler years go by quickly, and she believes it is a privilege to have this opportunity to support each child during a time of incredible growth.
Just like the children, she loves Early Childhood @ MCC! She looks forward to each new partnership with families to support and encourage the children. She believes MCC is a place to gather to dedicate time, thoughts, and love to this common goal and value: children. When she’s not teaching and learning, Kristina is a mother to her three wonderful children, a girl and two boys aged 20, 19, and 17. Her passion for working with children comes from being a mother and her many years as a nanny for various families on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she’s lived all her life. Kristina and each of her children attended Educational Alliance when they were children, so it’s safe to say that she is passionate about our school community and believes in the saying, “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.”
Lauren James
Lauren is an associate teacher in our 2’s classroom.
Leticia Perelstein
Lisa Ann Hobbs
Lisa Ann Hobbs has been working with children, ages birth to high school since 2010. She learns from working with children every day and feels that her work keeps her young. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at Brooklyn College in Early Childhood Special Education, with a concentration in Psychology. When she’s not teaching, Lisa enjoys knitting and immersing herself in nature.
Lisa Lu
Lisa Lu is a dedicated educator and long-time resident of the Lower East Side for over two decades. With a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and holding the title of a certified NYS teacher, she has imparted knowledge to eager young minds for more than a decade. Embarking on her second year at MCC, her enthusiasm for teaching remains unwavering. Beyond the classroom, Lisa unwinds through exploring new destinations, capturing moments through her camera lens, and cherishing quality moments with her loved ones.
Lucy Wen
Lucy Wen is from China, and has two children. Lucy has been an assistant teacher at Educational Alliance since 2003. She began as a volunteer in the classroom and through those interactions, she was able to recognize the importance of giving children an environment that encourages play, exploration and learning. As a teacher, she enjoys seeing each child develop intellectually, socially and physically. Lucy is proud to be attending a CDA course and hopes to pursue an Associates Degree in early childhood development. She has adopted a philosophy that teachers are the best facilitators of learning. Lucy believes that it is very important to have children in an environment that is consistent and secure. Outside of teaching, Lucy loves to sing, play ping pong and badminton and travel!
Luis Durango
Luis is thrilled for his first year as an associate teacher in our toddler classroom. Coming onboard with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Connecticut, he’s worked in various corporate settings for the past decade. More recently, he took on a role as a family caregiver, inspiring him to work closer with child development. He is very excited to contribute towards an encouraging learning environment, as well as cultivate a strong sense of community within the classroom. In his spare time, he loves playing music, visiting museums, and biking all around Brooklyn.
Mariano Wainsztein
Mariano Wainsztein is a musician, filmmaker, and educator. He has taught across the agency at Educational Alliance since 2016. As Early-Childhood music teacher at MCC, he brings the joy of music-making to young children, along with more than two decades of experience in the field. As Music and Film Educator at the Center for Recovery and Wellness, he works with adults of all ages and backgrounds to support their recovery process with music and film classes. At the Sirovich Center for Balanced Life, he’s the Director of the Vocal Ensemble and leads the Intergenerational Singing Group, supporting the role of music and the arts in the lives of older adults. Mariano is also a LABA Fellow alumni, which is an integral part of the Arts and Culture Program at EA’s 14th Street Y. Mariano is an adjunct professor at the Film and Media department at Hunter College, CUNY. He’s the recipient of awards from the Franklin Furnace Archive and the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.
Maritza Hernandez
Maritza Hernandez has been working with children for twenty six years. She has been a teacher at Educational Alliance for twenty years, working with infants and toddlers as an assistant teacher. She holds a Child Development Associates degree with infants and toddlers, her commitment to working with children having begun when she became a mother herself.
Marleny Ventura
Marleny Ventura graduated with an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education from Borough of Manhattan Community College and will continue her education at City College to earn her Bachelor’s. She enjoys seeing each child make progress in every area of their growth. She strives to create a community of learners in a positive and fun environment. She uses her free time to be with her kids, cook, and spend time in nature.
Nina Li
Nina Li is excited to continue her work at EC @ MCC with her fellow colleagues and incoming families. She has worked with children of different ages throughout her college years. She believes that every child is a unique individual with his/her own personality and it’s essential to build collaborative relationships with families in order to help our children explore the world around them with confidence. Learning happens in multiple ways and there’s always something to learn. Nina enjoys listening to music, crafting, and learning new words in different languages.
Oliver Cope
Oliver Cope (he/him) is a recent graduate from Wesleyan University where he studied psychology, history, and education studies. He has worked with kids ages three and four for five summers now and is eager to take the next step at Manny Cantor Center and Education Alliance! Having grown up in and around lower Manhattan, he looks forward to working in the Lower East Side and applying what he has learned during his undergraduate experience in tangible, meaningful ways. Some of his prior work experience includes being a counselor at various summer camps across New York State, creating project-based learning curricula for an education technology organization, spearheading his college newspaper as an editor-in-chief, and leading his college’s all-gender frisbee team as a team captain. He aims to translate these skills into the classroom and is beyond excited to start the year!
Padmini Persaud
Penelope Adames
Pui Yin “May” Chan
May is so excited to be back to work at MCC. She is working as a Home-Based Family Advocate this year and before that, taught in the 2’s classroom for 6 years. She has a CDA Certificate completed from The Bank Street College of Education and looks forward to new challenges to help more families and children.
Rachel Scobie
Rachel Scobie was raised in Massachusetts where she spent her days drawing comics and making home movies with her 5 older brothers and sisters. After working in the advertising world, she followed her heart and began working with young children. During her years at the NYC schools My Little Village and the Williamsburg Neighborhood Nursery School she loved building caring communities of confident learners. She holds her Masters in Early Childhood Education, earned at Hunter College, but deep down feels she learns the most from her students! In her spare time Rachel enjoys gardening, watching movies and eating popcorn with her husband, James, and snuggling with her handsome cat, Reggie. Rachel is delighted and honored to be joining the community at Manny Cantor this coming year!
Rosario Loyola
Rosario Loyola was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and moved to New York City as a child, where she was raised. She has been a teacher for nearly eight years, four of those at MCC, and is looking forward to her fifth year. Before joining MCC, she worked as a teacher and home visitor for the Columbia University Early Head Start program. She already holds a CDA, and this fall she will graduate from Borough of Manhattan Community College with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood. Being a mother ignited her love of education. Her daughter and two sons introduced her to a fulfilling career working with young children. Her favorite pastimes are going to museums and strolls in the park. She enjoys taking her kids to the beach in the summer, where they can play in the water and relax in the sand.
Sherry Yang
Sherry Yang majored in Childhood Education at City College of New York. She has spent time volunteering and working at NYC daycares and public schools since high school. Ever since middle school, she had her eyes set on becoming a teacher. She believes that teaching is very fulfilling work because one learns and grows alongside students. In her free time, she likes to read books of all genres, paint with watercolors, and try new cooking recipes.
Sophia Macaluso
Sophia graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2021, where she studied political science and philosophy. This is her second year teaching at MCC and she is excited to be working in a 3s classroom again! Sophia plans on pursuing a degree in child psychology and is thankful for all she has learned and will continue to learn at MCC!
Stephanie Rios
Stephanie Rios has been working with young children for 13 years and counting. She is returning for her fourth year as a teacher at EC@MCC, where she has mostly spent her time with toddlers. She really loves working with children, and loves seeing the world through a child’s perspective. Stephanie has lived in NYC for most of her life, where she now has a young child of her own. She is a bit of a hobbyist, and she also likes going on adventures with her child who is entering Kindergarten.
Taylor Haniff
Taylor Haniff has always had a strong passion for working with children. Some of her past experiences working with children include working at a summer day camp for about 4 years and working at a science camp for third graders. She is drawn to teaching because not only is she able to help expand the curious minds of the children she works with, but she also learns so much from them while doing so and can see the world how they do. It’s very fascinating to her! During her free time, she loves painting, playing volleyball and spending as much time with her family as possible.
Teianna Morgan
Teianna is an associate teacher in our Pre-K program.
Ting Ting Li
Ting Ting is an associate teacher in our Twos classroom.
Uzma Qasim
Uzma is a head teacher in our Pre-K classroom. She graduated from NYU with an MA in TESOL and has a BA degree in Psychology & Childhood education. Her interest for teaching began at age 5, as she always taught her peers how to draw, read, and do math.
Uzma began working with children ages 3 to 18, teaching them the foundations and a love of learning. She enjoys working with younger students and helping them build confidence in their ability to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally.
Winifred Aycardi
Winifred is an associate teacher in our toddler classroom.
Winnie Loo
Winnie was born and raised in New York City’s LES and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from CUNY Hunter College. With an interest in in the workings of the mind and behaviors, Winnie discovered a joy in working with children, watching them progress in their individual areas of development. She is excited to learn and create cherished memories with every child in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, Winnie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, and seeking out for the best cafes in the city!