kelsey Nathaniel   |  executive director for the school

Kelsey obtained her undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology from Loyola University Maryland.  Upon graduation, she moved to Bangkok, Thailand where she taught English to students aged 3-10. In 2013, Kelsey moved to Savannah, Georgia to complete her graduate work in speech-language pathology at Armstrong State University.  Settling in New York, Kelsey began work as a speech-language pathologist in the early childhood setting. Kelsey first came to CHP to provide speech therapy services to a few of our children. In 2018, she joined our faculty as a classroom teacher and was instrumental in launching CHP’s DEI initiative. In 2021, Kelsey moved into the Education Director role after returning from parental leave following the birth of her son, Mack. In the Fall of 2023, Kelsey became the Executive Director for the School.

stacy foote  |  executive director for operations & enrollment

Stacy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/English Literature from Baruch College in New York City.  She spent the early days of her career working as a corporate event planner on Wall Street. For seven years she worked in this fast paced environment planning conferences, closing dinners, golf outings and seminars.  Although the hours were long, the position brought her to exciting places such as Europe, Asia, and beyond.

After the birth of her first child, Stacy took a hiatus from the workforce to stay home with her children.  She was very involved in the PTA at her children’s school at the time, PS 58 The Carroll School.  In 2011, she returned to the paid workforce and joined the team at CHP. Born and raised in Brooklyn Heights, Stacy has very fond memories of attending Grace Church Nursery School and The Packer Collegiate Institute from K-12th grades.

Outside of CHP, Stacy enjoys going to movies, swimming in the ocean, and spending time with her two children and her cats, Oliver and Holly.

elise birrittella  |  Curriculum Coordinator

Elise is excited to enter the role of Curriculum Coordinator at CHP this year after teaching the morning only threes last year. She comes from a long line of educators and has always known that working in a school is her passion. Elise graduated with a BA in English Literature from Binghamton University and then received a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. She worked at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn Heights for three years, where she taught children ranging in ages from three to six. She then taught at Barrow Street Nursery School in Greenwich Village for six years, working with four and five year olds.

Elise became a part of this wonderful community five years ago when her two children attended CHP. She served as the secretary for CHP’s Board of Directors for three years and really enjoyed learning more about the school during this time. In her free time she loves to read, explore Brooklyn with her family and take long walks. After taking a few years away from teaching to support her children during their own CHP years, Elise is happy to be back in school working with all of the teachers and children!

Alex Kavo | LEAD teacher

Alex holds a MS.Ed in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education. He has always had a passion for working with children from years spent as a teacher, and program designer. Prior to joining the CHP community, Alex worked at the Bank Street School for Children and Blue School as a classroom teacher, a STEAM teacher/coordinator, and After School Director. Alex has also worked as an independent child development consultant and parent coach. Alex lives in Manhattan with his two cats and tortoise. He enjoys playing music, reading, and taking walks along the East River. Alex is thrilled to bring his experiences to Cobble Hill Playschool!

Andrea Shuman | LEAD teacher

Andrea has been teaching early childhood in Brooklyn for 12 years. She grew up in Chicago with her parents and two sisters who loved living in the city as much as escaping it. She learned to love people and food as well as trees and lakes and frogs. Andrea stayed in the midwest for college, earning a degree in Elementary and Special Education, and during this time she had the opportunity to teach at an international school in her mother's hometown of Guatemala City. She moved to Brooklyn after college and has been teaching here ever since. Most recently, she completed her M.S.Ed in Language and Literacy from Lesley University and loves to explore language development with children through play, songs, poems and picture books. Prior to joining CHP, Andrea taught pre-k and kindergarten in a few different Brooklyn communities including Red Hook, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene. The opportunity to teach in various settings and communities has led Andrea to a passion for progressive and equity-focused education, and for classrooms full of active, hands-on learners who are exploring nature, stories, friendships, and themselves. When not at school, Andrea loves to spend time with her family, which includes her husband, sisters, nieces, and doggy!

Alison Logan |  LEAD TEACHER

Alison has been teaching for almost twenty years, twelve of which have been in the Montessori Method. She is a Chicagoland native, though she moved to NYC from New Orleans in July 2024. She holds a BFA Theatre degree from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Alison is currently getting her MS.Ed in Early Childhood Education from Northwestern Missouri State University. Alison has created numerous extracurricular specials at her former schools, including Creative Movement and Drama. She has also taught Fairytale Ballet, CCD, and Vacation Bible School in the past. Alison also worked at Prairie Fire Children's Theatre, touring and teaching a new city of children a show (Beauty And The Beast) in a week's time. Alison is thrilled to be a part of Cobble Hill Playschool! 

nancy dean-hunt |  Art specialist

Art Specialist Nancy Dean-Hunt brings to CHP her passion, dedication and training in visual arts and early childhood development where she introduces students to visual arts as a means of exploring their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Nancy’s relationship with CHP began in 1993 when her first child was a student, and she joined CHP as a teacher in 1998.

Nancy’s interest in art began in nursery school and continued in the public schools of Winchester, Massachusetts, as well as in many specialized art programs including the Intensive Visual Studies Institute at Phillips Andover Academy.  She holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Child Development Associate Degree from Bank Street College. Nancy continues to paint on commission.  During the summer, she often assists her husband, an art fabricator, on projects for many renowned clients.  Nancy and her husband are also a singing/songwriting duo whose music has been featured in half a dozen independent films.  Their five albums include the 2005 national release “Broken Wheel” (Rustic Records) and recently independently released “Dream World.” 

anna gothard  |  Performing Arts Specialist

Anna (she/they) joined the CHP team in 2021 as the Music Specialist and expanded her role to Music and Performing Arts Specialist in 2022. She brings over a decade of experience as an early childhood educator to CHP, as well as a background as a working actor and musician in NYC and a passion for curriculum design. Anna studied at Muhlenberg College and Accademia dell ‘Arte in Tuscany, earning a dual degree in Theatre and Music. Along with being a backup vocalist for a few albums, Anna led a folk-pop band, called the Anna/Kate Band, for many years. Their album is on streaming platforms, and they have performed 100+ concerts in the tri-state area and abroad.

In her spare time, Anna loves to do anything and everything in nature, including gardening, going on runs in Prospect Park and swimming in lakes after a long day of hiking. She lives in Brooklyn with her wife, their son, and their sassy cat, Tonks.

nancy dickerson | assistant teacher

Nancy, like many of our faculty members, first found CHP as a parent. She joined the staff as a substitute teacher in 2018 and the following year as an assistant teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin and BSN-RN from SUNY Delhi. Nancy brings her knowledge and enthusiasm for the arts, science, and Carroll Gardens to the CHP classroom. Nancy was born 40 minutes south of Green Bay, WI. She met her husband while working as a Features Art Director in San Francisco. Fifteen years ago, they relocated to Brooklyn and fell in love with the neighborhood. They adopted a son in 2012. When not at CHP, Nancy enjoys DIY projects, birds, travel, the arts, biking, supporting Brooklyn Public Library and St. Ann's Warehouse, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

angela manfredonia |  associate teacher

Angela brings to CHP a passion for early childhood education, music, and theater. A graduate of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, she moved to NYC to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter. She worked as an actor/singer at Sesame Place for six years (she is very good friends with Elmo), and more recently as a Kid Expert at Curated Care. In her spare time she can most likely be found writing new music, hanging out with her cat Kevin, or painting portraits of pets!

Angela loves singing, dancing, coloring, and crafting with children, and she is thrilled to delve deeper into the field of early childhood education alongside the experienced faculty at CHP.

julian friedman | assistant teacher

A native New Yorker, Julian is a former attendee of LaGuardia High School and Binghamton University, where he focused his studies on physics and mathematics and focused his interests on the theater. Prior to joining the team at CHP, Julian worked with young children in a science based summer program and has extensive experience in the theater - as an actor, a member of stage crew, and as a teacher/trainer working with older students. Julian’s most important credential is that he is a graduate of CHP! He considers himself a lifelong student who loves the give and take of teaching.

Caitlin Lee | assistant teacher

Caitlin is so excited to bring her experience working with children to CHP! Growing up in Los Angeles, Caitlin earned her BA in Communication Studies from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. After graduation, her love of travel led her to Spain, where she taught English to students ages 2-11 and spent her spare time exploring as many new places as possible! In 2022, she moved to Manhattan and accepted an Americorps position at a nonprofit where she taught English and History. In her free time, Caitlin loves to read, bake, and write.

Tyler Wilson | assistant teacher

Tyler brings to CHP a lifelong dedication to creativity and learning. Although his primary
focus for the last decade has been songwriting and poetry, he is in the process of
building a parallel career in education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies
from CUNY School of Professional Studies and plans to enroll in the master of Early
Childhood Education program (birth – grade 2) at Brooklyn College in Fall 2025. Tyler’s
childcare experience spans from his early years as the eldest of many siblings and
cousins to a long-term position with a family in Park Slope that inspired him to enter the
classroom. For the last 4 years, he has worked with children ranging from 2-7 in both
preschool and early elementary environments – taking great joy in their care, safety,
and potential, and finding constant inspiration in the magical perspective of those early
years. Outside of CHP, he writes, records, and performs regularly as a solo artist in
Brooklyn’s thriving indie rock and experimental pop scene. His poetry practice is also
gaining traction with a string of recent pieces seeing publication. He can otherwise be
found reading or meditating in the park, scribbling something into a notebook on a street
corner, or cruising through the city on a skateboard.

Daniela Thome | assistant teacher

Biography Forthcoming

Haley Gottlieb | Behavioral Specialist

For as far back as Haley can remember, it was her dream to become a teacher! Alongside her undergraduate degree in Childhood Education, her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and her 15 years of experience in the field; Haley brings a true, life-long passion for education with her as she joins Cobble Hill Playschool as a Behavioral Specialist! Before coming to CHP, Haley worked as a SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher), serving children with learning differences, children with neurodiversities, and children with special needs throughout Brooklyn. Haley provided highly specialized, individualized cognitive, social, behavioral, and emotional support to students with varying strengths and needs, aged 5 and under. Additionally, Haley conducted Educational Evaluations to assess the overall development of students aged 2-7. Haley also taught general education as a lead UPK teacher for 7 years, and as lead nursery teacher for 2 years.

Outside of work, Haley is a proud mom (to daughter, Paige, 6 Y.O). Haley enjoys being actively involved in her daughter’s school community, serving as the VP of Class Parents on the Parent Association’s Executive Committee, serving as a co-facilitator of the affinity group PGCLDN (Parents and Guardians of Children with Learning Differences and Neurodiversities), and being a member of the Side By Side Committee (with a focus on community outreach and volunteering). In her spare time, Haley volunteers at a Women’s Health Clinic in Queens, participates in a run club, practices calligraphy, and loves to read!

charlotte wessell | president

Charlotte is mom to Lee, who is returning to CHP this year for the 3s program, and future CHP-er Wren. This is her first year on the Board of CHP. In her day job, she works in higher education advancement and board relations. Contact: president@cobblehillplayschool.com.

Abby Glenn |  Co-Vice President

Biography Forthcoming

amy davis | Co-Vice President

Amy is excited to join the board during her children's "gap" year. Amy is mom to CHP alum, Emily, and future CHP-er Oliver. Amy is a proud native Minnesotan and Brooklynite transplant. In her day job, she works in Trust & Safety, writing product policies and advising on abuse risks at a technology company. She feels so lucky to have found CHP and its delightful community.

Jackie Calo  |  Secretary

Biography Forthcoming

Bollie Shiflett  |  Board Member

Biography Forthcoming
 

elizabeth germano  | treasurer 

Elizabeth is mom to CHP alum Evie. This is her third year on the Board of CHP. Elizabeth is a mathematics professor at St. Joseph's University in Clinton Hill where her research focuses on celestial mechanics, mathematical biology, and other applications of differential equations.
Contact: treasurer@cobblehillplayschool.com.

andrew toledano  |  Board Member

Andrew is a two-time CHP parent and lives in Carroll Gardens with his wife and two daughters. His older daughter loved her time at CHP so much that she requested to repeat Pre-K. His younger daughter joins the 4s program this year.

Andrew is a co-founder and the Chief Client Development Officer at Kepler Group, a digital marketing and media agency headquartered in New York. Andrew graduated with BAs in Economics and Public Policy Studies from Duke University and then received an MBA from Columbia Business School. And he is an NYC native with no interest in ever moving back to Manhattan. Contact: marketing@cobblehillplayschool.com.

Whitney Schubert | Board Member

Whitney Schubert is mom to CHP alum Flora Weber and her little brother Izzy, who is in this year’s 2s program. This is Whitney’s first year on the board after two years of assisting with the planning and execution of the annual CHP Silent Auction. With nearly 25 years in wine importation, distribution, and event management, she has coordinated countless wine tastings, seminars, dinners and travels in New York, France and her native state of Oregon.  Contact: fundraising@cobblehillplayschool.com.

GEORGIe TRASENSTER  |  Board Member

Georgie is Mom to current CHP attendee Juno and has a younger daughter Fen, who will be joining the school next year.

She is originally from the UK but grew up in several different countries, which has shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. A trained graphic designer, Georgie previously worked at a leading creative communications agency in London before pausing to be a full-time caregiver to her daughters here in Brooklyn. Her design background has given her valuable skills in visual storytelling and creative problem-solving which she hopes to bring to the board.
Contact: marketing@cobblehillplayschool.com.

Kathleen Passantino  |  Board Member

Kathleen is a mom of two, Abby (3 and currently enrolled at CHP) and James (6, a proud CHP alum). Before becoming a full-time mom, she worked in development for a large non-profit helping kids and families in New York. Kathleen loves our neighborhood and this school and is passionate about play-based learning. This is her first year on the board and she is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to a school community that has become such an important part of her family.

Melissa Maller-Stein  |  Board Member

Biography Forthcoming