It Takes A Village!
And You've Found One!
Krista Adedamola
Educational Director
Brooklyn, NY
I have a degree in International Multicultural Studies with a minor in Art, and am halfway through a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Through 17 years of experience working with children, I recognize the importance of social emotional development, and believe that the foundation to all learning is confidence in oneself.
Ms. Karen
Teaching Education Director,
White Owlets Lead Teacher
Brooklyn, NY
Hi, My name is Ms. Karen, I am the Teaching Director of Administration here at Brooklyn Explorers Academy. I have been teaching preschool for the past 18+ years. It is such a great feeling to see how children learn, grow and develop into independent people! I love what I do!
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Mr. Dre
Assistant Teacher
(White Owlets classroom)
Brooklyn, NY
Hi, my name is B’Andre, but I go by Dre. I have been working with children for the majority of my life in all settings ranging from home to camps to schools. I am experienced in watching over and nurturing your children to the highest capability. I love how kids still find joy in the simple things which adults may overlook or take for granted. I am looking forward to a fun-filled school year full of new experiences and the new personalities the children are sure to come with.
Ms. Simone
Lead Teacher
(Brown Cubs classroom)
Brooklyn, NY
Hi! My name is Simone and I’m the Lead Teacher for The Brown Cubs classroom. I have always enjoyed watching children learn and create with very hands-on activities so they can feel a sense of accomplishment and empowerment throughout these formative years. I also love how they continue to teach me things about myself and help me grow and become a better teacher for them. I look forward to another year of being part of the Brooklyn Explorers Academy and to continue to explore!
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Ms. Sarah
Assistant Teacher
(Brown Cubs classroom)
Brooklyn, NY
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am the Assistant Teacher of the Brown Cubs. I am so excited to begin another school year here at Brooklyn Explorers Academy. One of the many reasons why I love working with children is that I am constantly reminded how amazing and magical the world can truly be. I love how the children constantly remind me to use my imagination and find new creative ways to do things. I look forward to teaching but most importantly learning more from the amazing children we have here this school year!
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Ms. Nerlande
Red Kits Teacher’s Assistant Brooklyn, NY
I am Ms. Nerlande, the Lead Teacher for the Red Kits. I’ve been with Brooklyn Explorers for about 5 years, it's been an amazing experience. Every year is different because of all the new children I get to form relationships with. I am so excited for the school year & to be part of your lives.
Ms. Kim
Assistant Teacher
(Red Kits classroom)
Brooklyn, NY
I have been working with children for about 16 years now. Working with children has always been my passion since I was a child. I love helping children with different tasks in school. I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces and interacting with parents. I also look forward to meeting new students and parents!
Ms. Dawa
Floater
Brooklyn, NY
I love working with children of all ages, especially the most young ones in preschool. I can see their character growth through time, and they teach me so much more than anyone can imagine. This school year, I hope we can all have fun and explore so many new things together. I cannot wait to meet everyone!!
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Mr. Tamir
Preschool Floater
Brooklyn, NY
I’ve been working with World Explorers for a year plus and it’s been such a great experience. I love working with children because it keeps me active and they always make you laugh no matter the situation, keeping you on your toes. I’m looking forward to having another fun and active school year with the kids; getting to spend time with and know more about the kids, and enjoying the school year while we learn new things and have fun.
Joey Demita
Senior Director of
Programs and Development
Brooklyn, NY
What I Bring to The Table:
I bring over 15 year of childcare and teaching experience both in and out of the classroom, ranging in ages from 3 to 14. I love using my experience to find ways to enhance current programs and develop new programs, taking into account what is best for the children and families of our community. As a theatre artist, my creativity and love of the arts has helped me find new and exciting ways to use our curriculum to enrich and engage the children in our care.
Tahirah White
Local School Aged
Operations Director
Brooklyn, NY
What I Bring to The Table:
I bring years of teaching experience, organization, resourcefulness, leadership as well as creative and innovative ideas. I enjoy building a team of passionate leaders that are creative and will inspire the children of our future to explore the world and take on new challenges confidently.
Meliah McPhie
Group Leader
Brooklyn, NY
What I Bring to The Table:
I bring creativity, energy, understanding and laughter to the table - all things that are required to keep up with a child. I believe that every child is unique. They have energy that is unmatched by even the fastest of lions, and yet are all different in the ways in which they process thoughts and emotions. As for laughter, well, some may say that I am funnier than Kevin Hart or Spongebob Squarepants, depending on the day!
Dr. Corey Emanuel
Media Psychologist & Youth Development Leader
As an educator for over 17 years, Dr. Corey began his career as an applied behavioral therapist and is now a highly sought after educational technology consultant, serving school districts across the U.S. and abroad who are implementing digital curriculums. In 2011, he earned a Master of Arts at Columbia University Teachers College from the school of Communication, Computing, and Technology in Education. In 2012, he published his first children’s book entitled, Can I Be President, Too? Dr. Corey is a proud member of the non-profit organization, Engage the Vision, which serves at-risk youth through weekly mentoring. He is also an instructor at FYI-Films which teaches filmmaking to incarcerated teens. Dr. Corey holds a Ph.D. in Media Psychology and resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Arlela Smith-Bryant
Enrollment Director
Lyouba Assadourova
Chief Brand Officer
I am passionate about creativity, design, and communication, and education. My goal is build a sustainable, trusted brand with longevity where families and employees feel valued and work together to achieve a common goal - raising healthy and happy children.
Jonathan Kilpatrick
Director of Community Engagement
Greenville, SC
love building relationships & community with our local and visiting families through engaging events, enriching programs, & local tourism. My vision is to link our local community with the world. Empathy & love, clear communication, & firm but compassionate diplomacy are my personal & professional goals. Reaching our kids with a holistic, international, & intentional educational approach through play is vital for our community growth. Join us for any of your childcare needs and community events. Let's build community together!
Katie Halstensgard
Director of Education & Curriculum Development
Greenville, SC
I love the wonder, promise, and joy of young children - the way they explore and engage the world around them. Early childhood education is the work of shaping and guiding the future of our families, communities, and world, and it is truly an honor to play a role in it.
Jaimie Marks
Preschool Teaching Director,
Bear Cubs Lead Teacher
Greenville, SC
I have been working with children for 15 years, and my absolute favorite thing is to see my students make connections with what we’re learning about and everyday life. They might remember a tidbit about a story or even a letter we explored, and then when something reminds them, there’s a, ‘Hey! Like we talked about this morning!’ moment. It’s an exciting way to see their brains at work. But most of all, they make me laugh, remind me to not take life too seriously, and together we help each other become kind and empathetic humans!
Erica Evett
Asst. Director of Education,
Fox Kits Lead Teacher
Greenville, SC
Even from a young age I've always enjoyed working with kids! If I'm having a hard day, I can always count on one of my students to say or do something that will make me smile! Being able to watch children grow in the classroom every year is incredibly rewarding and I love creating relationships with our families!
Myka Young
Preschool Teaching Assistant
Greenville, SC
I love seeing and hearing the imagination in all of our students! Working with children has brought me joy and laughter! I have been working with children for about 4 years now. Their eagerness to learn, excitement to explore, and their funny story telling makes it so much fun to be their teacher!
Becca Payne
Preschool Aide & Program Educator
Greenville, SC
Bethany Sheridan
Preschool Aide & Program Educator
Greenville, SC
I love working with children because they are the most raw form of humanity. I think it’s so important to be reminded on a daily basis of who we truly are before the world tells us who to be. When children are this young, they are unashamed of their personalities, they take risks, and they find joy in the simplicity of everyday things without needing to know everything about the next one. I believe as adults we can foster those wonderful traits and support children to grow healthfully into themselves.