Administrators & Specialty Staff
Ellen, Ed.D., Head of School
Ellen is the Head of School. She holds an educational doctorate from Teachers College Columbia University and a Masters degree from New York University. She also completed an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership at Bank Street. For more than 15 years she was an Associate Professor of Education at Touro College’s Graduate School of Education, teaching classes in early childhood education and early childhood special education. In addition, she has worked with children from birth through young adult in various formal and informal education settings for more than 15 years. Ellen is a professionally certified teacher in early childhood general and special education, music and theater and holds a professional school building leader certificate. She has presented at several national and state conferences on topics in early childhood and has been published several times in peer-reviewed journals. She lives in the neighborhood with her 3 children.
Jessica, M.S.Ed., Education Director
Jessica has been in the educational field for 20 years. She has been with Giocare since 2014, where she began teaching 3-4 year olds while also acting as the first Program Coordinator. At the time, Giocare was growing from a small home-spun program, with only 6 teaching staff. Jessica is proud to be the Educational Director supporting a growing community of families and teachers. She has a background in creative writing and a BFA in Theatre Arts. She has always had a passion for working with children alongside the importance and magic of imaginative play. Jessica earned her M.S in Childhood Education from Hunter College, teaching in public and private settings, preschool and elementary level throughout NYC and New Jersey. Jessica has earned additional Masters level certifications in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Students with Disabilities from Touro College. Jessica has been living in Brooklyn since 2016. She happily gave birth to her son in the summer of 2020, Danny. He now attends PS 130.
Dinelle, M.S.Ed., Assistant Head of School
Dinelle has worked at Giocare since 2012 (the first employee!) and has worked with all age groups. She is currently the Assistant Head of School with plans to move to the Head of School role in June. She has her Bachelors from City College in Early Childhood Education and holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Touro College. She holds her professional teaching certification in Early Childhood. She also has served as a summer camp co-director for many years. Dinelle likes to go on vacations with her family, hiking, eating out, painting, decorating for parties and doing events for her church. Dinelle is mother to one daughter, Jadelle (also working at the school) and a son Daniel.
Kate, M.F.A., Arts & Culture Coordinator
Kate, M.F.A., Arts & Culture Coordinator Kate has been with Giocare since 2014 as our Art teacher, also a few summers as a Camp Co-Director, and for 2 years she was with our Pre-K groups. She is excited to continue providing a weekly art special for each class and help coordinate school-wide cultural events and activities. In addition, she heads up our weekly music and movement program. Kate has a background in Theater Design with a MFA from Yale University and a BS from Eastern Kentucky University. She is a parent of 2 boys, and lives nearby in the neighborhood. Her husband is co-owner of Mama Tried, a bar in Sunset Park.
Lead Teachers
Adriana, B.S., Lead Teacher
Adriana is so excited for another wonderful year with Bambini! This will be her second year as the lead teacher in Bambini, and she looks forward to continuing to grow alongside her students and families. Adriana has several years of classroom experience. She has a background in Early Childhood Education, earning her degree from Buffalo State University, and plans to continue her studies in Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She holds a NYS Teaching Certificate in Birth–2nd Grade. Adriana’s passion for teaching is inspired by one of her siblings, who is on the Autism Spectrum, which has taught her the importance of embracing differences and supporting every child’s unique way of learning and growing. A proud Brooklyn native, Adriana is fluent in Spanish and enjoys spending time in Puerto Rico with her family. She especially loves sharing her language and culture with her students by introducing them to Spanish words, songs and different aspects of her Puerto Rican heritage. Adriana is excited to welcome a new group of Bambini friends and looks forward to a year filled with learning, growing and creating a warm and loving classroom community!
Tayyaba, A.S., Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Tayyaba Nawaz (pronounced Tai-bah) and I have been working with children since 2022. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Teaching children has been my childhood dream and growing up, my grandmother inspired me to be a dedicated teacher like her. My goal is to help students achieve their social- emotional, cognitive, physical, and language milestones. I would like for children to feel welcomed and loved while growing developmentally appropriate. I look forward to being a part of your child’s journey and meeting all of the wonderful families!
Andrea, B.A., Lead Teacher
Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and brings over 10 years of experience working with children ages 0–6. Originally from Colombia, she has worked as both a lead and bilingual teacher, inspiring her students through games, playful activities, and by sharing her language and culture through Spanish. She joined Giocare in 2024. Outside the classroom, Andrea’s passion for life shines just as bright. She enjoys lifting weights, playing sports, and cheering for her favorite Formula 1 teams. Her energy, positivity, and enthusiasm create a classroom environment where children feel excited to learn, safe to explore, and inspired to grow every day.
Michelle G., B.A., Lead Teacher
Michelle will be the lead teacher of the crescente class this year. She graduated from Brooklyn College in the spring of 2024 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is a certified early childhood teacher. She is currently in the Master’s program at Brooklyn College to continue and further her education in early childhood and special education and is on track to graduate in December. She is very excited to get to know the kiddos this year and families as well!
Cori, M.S.Ed., Lead Teacher
Cori is excited to be returning to Giocare and another year. Prior to Giocare, she has had experience as a Head Start teacher and home-based visitor. Her education includes a BA in psychology and a MSEd in school counseling. She also holds NYS Certification in Birth-2nd grade. She has a fondness for social emotional learning and loves to explore that with her students. Personally, she enjoys crafting, crocheting and the outdoors.
Michael Gierlach, M.S.Ed., Lead Teacher
Michael is entering his 4th year at Giocare and is a certified teacher finishing his Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College in June. He has enjoyed building close connections with children and their families, while helping each child explore the world in their own unique ways. During his free time, Michael plays softball, bowls in a league, enjoys traveling, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Elyse, M.S.Ed, Lead Teacher
Elyse is happy to be back for her third year at Giocare. She has a Master’s of Science degree in early childhood education from the College of Staten Island and has been a certified teacher since 2003, with approximately the last 17 years spent teaching early childhood. Elyse focuses on using positive reinforcement in the classroom and is very dedicated to helping each child reach their fullest potential. She believes in building close relationships with each child and their families. Outside of school, Elyse loves to do arts and crafts and has recently taken up diamond art as a new hobby. She also loves to spend time with her friends and family and their dogs.
Vari, M.S.Ed, Lead Teacher
Hello, Amici families! I am an experienced early childhood teacher of many years, having taught pre-k at Giocare since 2015. A major part of my teaching career was also spent as a kindergarten teacher in a district 15 public school. My majors were in elementary and early education (for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees) at Hunter College. 30 credits above my Master’s were taken abroad in different parts of the world. I was also a participant in the Reading and Writing Initiative Program at Teacher’s College. My hobbies include writing stories, poems and songs for young children (I have happily shared them with the children that I have taught over the years). Gardening and studies about Nature is also a love of mine that I bring into my classes every year!
Associate & Assistant Teachers
Anthony, Assistant Teacher
Anthony joined Giocare last year and was also a part of our summer program. He previously worked at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for three years doing chemistry experiences with grades K-5. He very much enjoys bringing his creative nature to the prek environment!
Carina, B.A., Assistant Teacher
Carina is entering her 4th year with Amici at Giocare. She has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Children and Youth Studies. Carina loves to travel and go on walks around the neighborhood. Carina also has a baby boy Damien who will soon be two. She is very excited to be part of prek this year and learn from not just her coworkers but from all the children too.
Clarice, B.A., Assistant Teacher
Clarice is thrilled to begin her third year at Giocare working with 3K classes this year. Clarice graduated in 2022 with her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with more than 15 credits in early childhood from College of St. Rose in Albany. Previously she worked as an afterschool teacher and a private caregiver. She is looking forward to continuing her education soon. She resides in Brooklyn with her husband.
Dallandyshe (Ada), CDA, Assistant Teacher
Ada has been with Giocare since 2015 and has primarily worked with your 2 year olds and young 3 year olds. She holds a Child Development Associate credential from CUNY and previously worked as a provider in a local group family daycare for a number of years before joining us. Ada also previously ran our now closed Play Spot programming. Ada has lived in Albania and Greece but has made Brooklyn her home now for many years.
Deja, Assistant Teacher
My name is Deja, and I attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School, where I was part of the Culinary Arts program and earned my Food Handler’s License. After high school, I continued my education at the University of Colorado Denver. During college, I began working as an after-school instructor at a private school, which allowed me to grow my love for working with children and supporting their learning and development. And I have continued working in after school programming in Brooklyn for the last year. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring the mall, relaxing at home with my pets, and trying new things. A fun fact about me is that I absolutely love singing and cooking!
Jadelle, Assistant Teacher
Jadelle is excited to enter into her 4th year at Giocare as an Assistant teacher. Jadelle started to work with Giocare in the summer of 2019 as a sub and then went on to work for the full summer in 2020 and 2021. During the 2020 school year, she worked as a permanent sub and really enjoyed the experience in being in multiple classrooms and learning the different ages and stages. She had a home in the mezzo classroom last year, and she is excited to be again working with the Piccolo 2s class!
Jenna, B.S., Assistant Teacher
Jenna has been caring for young children for over five years, proudly following in her mother’s footsteps in the early childcare field. Although she just joined Giocare last year, she spent 4 years as a lead teacher in another local daycare with infants and toddlers. Jenna just finished her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and is looking into a Masters Degree soon. With a natural warmth and a deep commitment to each child’s growth, she believes in creating a nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged, independence is celebrated, and learning is full of joy!
Jess, B.A. Assistant Teacher
Jess is a recent graduate of Hamilton College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Theatre. She has experience working as an after-school teacher and assistant teacher in various educational settings, as well as an Education Intern at the Brooklyn Public Library. After spending time in Korea overseeing students during an educational trip, Jess is excited to be back and looks forward to meeting new children and building meaningful connections throughout the school year. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and comfortable environment where every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. Jess is excited to be part of their growth and help make their year a positive and memorable experience.
Jewelle, B.A., Assistant Teacher
Jewelle is a Brooklyn native who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 2024. She has almost 3 years of experience in childcare. She believes that creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for children to grow and reach their full potential.
Michelle R., B.A., Associate Teacher
Michelle is a passionate, loving and caring early childhood teacher who specializes in both general and special education. She has an Associate of Science degree in Birth-2nd grade as well as a Bachelor’s of Arts in Birth-2nd grade General and Special Education and Children and Youth Studies. Michelle loves to see children grow and develop throughout the school year! She has 3 years of experience working with school aged children and a few years working with 2 and 3 year olds. She is excited to work with Prek this year!
Michelle Y, B.A., Associate Teacher
Michelle is excited to begin her second year with Giocare. She is excited to continue following the children’s growth and development as they move into the 3’s classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) from Brooklyn College. Michelle enjoys spending time with friends, going on trips, and relaxing during her free time.
Mona, B.A., Assistant Teacher
Mona is thrilled to starting her third year with Giocare. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology and plans on going for her Masters in school counseling in the future. Prior to starting with Giocare she was a substitute paraprofessional with the DOE where she learned her love for working with youngest children. She looks forward to being a part of these children’s journeys and meeting all the new families!
Parris, Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Parris, and I’m so excited to be starting a new school year with Giocare! I have been working with children for several years and am currently pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education. I have always loved working with young children and feel so lucky to be able to be a part of their growth and development. I love creating playful, hands-on experiences that encourage children to be curious, creative, independent, and confident. Whether we are exploring a new activity, getting messy with art, singing and dancing, or simply learning through everyday moments, I believe there is always an opportunity to learn through play! My goal is to create a classroom where children feel safe, welcomed, loved, and excited to come to school each day. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with each child, learning alongside them, and being a part of all the little moments that make their early years so special. I can’t wait to meet all of our wonderful families and have a fun-filled year together!
Taylor, B.A., Assistant Teacher
Taylor is excited to continue with the Giocare team this school year. She graduated from Brooklyn College in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. Right after graduation, Taylor started her journey as an early childhood Teaching Assistant (TA) for a Head Start prek program in Bensonhurst Brooklyn. As a TA, she learned a lot in terms of hands on experiences with children and in regard to assisting with classroom management and helping young children thrive socially and academically. This school year she hopes to bring those skills to Giocare and continue to learn even more. In addition to these interests, Taylor does art and illustration as a side hobby and would love to incorporate art and creativity into the curriculum. Taylor is starting her masters in early childhood education at Hunter College this fall.
Walker, Assistant Teacher
Walker worked afternoons with our Compagni class last year and continued into the summer. He is very excited to tackle a different age group and meet the new children! Some of his previous experience includes being a paraprofessional and working as a summer counselor. Born and raised in NYC, his hobbies include camping, backpacking, and portrait painting. And, he’s an Eagle Scout!
Wanda, A.S., Assistant Teacher
Hello, My name is Wanda. I attended college at Kingsborough Community college. That’s where I earned my Associate’s Degree in early childhood education. I have experience in Montessori, Reggio, traditional childcare and have been working with children since the 2,000’s. I enjoy my time working with kids and also enjoy my time baking and spending time with my cats. Power walks and sewing are my favorite things to do on my spare time. I am excited to connect with you all look and forward to caring and meeting your children.