Meet The Purple Crayon Team
Ms. Stefanie
Founder and Director
Ms. Stefanie obtained her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from New York University and has certifications in both of these educational fields. With over eleven years of experience working with children from ages one through five, she’s equipped to help young children thrive in their educational environment. She’s worked as a classroom teacher, an early childhood special needs consultant to schools and teachers, and a small group instructor for special needs children. In 2014, she decided to start Purple Crayon to serve the Bath Beach Brooklyn community. Her goal was to create a high quality preschool program that values play with a balance of structure. Besides her educational experience, she also has a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University School of Business and has worked as an accountant for more than seven years. Though she is still licensed as a Certified Public Accountant, she felt drawn toward the teaching field due to her enthusiasm for educating, her love for young children, and her desire to see students succeed in their futures. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching young children is to be able to help children form an understanding of the world around them. As an educator, Ms. Stefanie strives to challenge her students while finding ways to channel their unique interests in order to instill in them a love of learning that will last for a lifetime.
Ms. Jaclyn
Assistant Education Director
Ms. Jaclyn graduated with her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and has her New York State Early Childhood and Student with Disabilities teaching certifications. Throughout her high school and college years she has been working with young children, which has inspired her to continue on with her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Jaclyn has helped to run a camp for young girls and has been a teacher for parent-child classes at The Little Gym. She joined Purple Crayon in 2015 as an assistant teacher and has worked her way up to be the lead teacher teaching various age groups throughout the years, and now as the assistant education director. One of Ms. Jaclyn’s major goals is to be a positive role model in children’s
Ms. Ariel
Operations and Administrative Associate
Ms. Ariel studied Media Arts at Hunter College and has over 6 years of administrative experience in a preschool environment. She enjoys being around young children and is happy to offer a helping hand to families and her fellow teachers. In her free time, she likes to relax and play computer games.
Ms. Agnes
Operations Assistant
Ms. Agnes has her Associates Degree in Computer Science and studied for her bachelor's degree with a major in Marketing. Her private sector experience includes a stint at Versace, the fashion company, as junior accountant. Ms. Agnes is a mother of three and it led her to adjust her course to focus on her children and faith. She became the treasurer of the Filipino Arts and Music Ensemble, a 501(c)3 organization that promotes culture through music and arts among children, and continues to do so to this day. She also was a Sunday school teacher teaching faith and morals to school age children and is currently one of the stewards of a church-based organization. She is dedicated, passionate and loves working with all children who she regards as gifts that give so much inspiration and messages of love and hope. In Ms. Agnes' free time, she enjoys spending it with her three grown-up children and loving husband to explore new places, museums, and nature trails together.
Ms. Gina
Teacher
Ms. Gina has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from The College of Mount Saint Vincent, and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Childhood Education. Ms. Gina has been working with young children for over 10 years in different educational settings. After graduating from college, Ms. Gina took on the role of Assistant Director at The Huntington Learning Center. She quickly moved up to the Director of Education, where she created, implemented, and monitored educational programs K-12. Ms. Gina also developed relationships with students, families, and teaching professionals from surrounding schools. During her time at Huntington Learning Center, Ms. Gina worked side by side with teachers and students which inspired her to pursue her teaching career. Ms. Gina loves working with young children and watching them grow and learn about the world around them. In her free time, she enjoys DIY projects, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
