Founder
Krystal Astwood is the Founder of the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center (REMC). Krystal is originally from Guyana in South America, and currently lives in Brooklyn where her formal work in schools began. She has a BA in Philosophy from Boston College, a Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Master of Science in Teaching Urban Students with Disabilities from LIU - Brooklyn.
Ms. Astwood holds an NY State Professional Teaching Certificate and has worked in private, public and charter schools for over 10 years. Krystal has experience teaching K-8th Grade in NYC public schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx, and, most recently, has served as the Director of Special Education and Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction at a Pre-K - 5th grade public Montessori school for 5 years.
REMC was founded in 2020, and opened its doors to families for the first time in 2021.
Leadership
Education Director
Director, Mott Haven/Melrose Family Enrichment Center
Director, Mott Haven/Melrose Family Enrichment Center
Stephanie Clarke is the Education Director at The Reggio Emilia Montessori Center. Stephanie grew up in Queens, NY and has a Jamaican heritage. She holds a NY State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education Grades Birth - 2nd Grade, and comes to us with 5 years of experience working with children ages 2-4 years old in various capacities. Stephanie has a deep interest in child development, and is fascinated by the young child's mind. She has spent time working with children in small groups, observing children, providing intervention through 1 on 1 ABA therapy, and lead teaching in preschool settings.
Ms. Clarke is joining the team in September, 2022 and is looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know the children in our community.
Director, Mott Haven/Melrose Family Enrichment Center
Director, Mott Haven/Melrose Family Enrichment Center
Director, Mott Haven/Melrose Family Enrichment Center
Amanda was born in Sunset Park, Brooklyn and moved to the Bronx as a young child. Ms. Perez currently lives in the South Bronx and considers the "Boogie Down" her home. Amanda is a proud Aunt to her niece and nephew, and a Cat and Dog Mom! Amanda has 7 years of experience in Community Advocacy, Community Organizing and Youth Development. She also has a personal interest in women empowerment work, including opportunities that involve financial literacy and encouraging self love. Amanda is eager to begin working in partnership with the community as the Mott Haven/Melrose FEC Director and looking forward to being able to engage in authentic community-driven work.
Remote Leadership & Administrators
Director of Finance
Director of Operations
Director of Operations
Tyler Wright
Director of Operations
Director of Operations
Director of Operations
Stephanie Marquez
Brooklyn staff
Elephant Room
Elephant Room
Elephant Room
Ms. Saia (Lead Teacher)
Ms. Myka (Assistant Teacher)
Dolphin Room
Elephant Room
Elephant Room
Ms. Andrea (Lead Teacher)
Ms. Anissa (Assistant Teacher)
Rhino Room
Elephant Room
Administrative & Support Staff
Ms. Elly (Associate)
Ms. Danielle (Assistant Teacher/Substitute)
Ms. Stephanie (Lead/Coach)
Administrative & Support Staff
Administrative & Support Staff
Administrative & Support Staff
Ms. Bryana (Assistant Teacher & Operations Associate)
Ms. Tiera (Assistant Teacher & Substitute)
After Care Staff
Administrative & Support Staff
Summer Program Staff
Ms. Alma (Lead Teacher)
Ms. Christina (Lead Teacher)
Ms. Tiera (Assistant Teacher & Substitute)
Summer Program Staff
Administrative & Support Staff
Summer Program Staff
TBD
Bronx staff
Family Enrichment Center - Family Advocates
Family Enrichment Center - Community Liaisons
Family Enrichment Center - Community Liaisons
Christina Gwathney
Cecil Brooks Jr.
Family Enrichment Center - Community Liaisons
Family Enrichment Center - Community Liaisons
Family Enrichment Center - Community Liaisons
Julian Diaz
Deborah Aviles