Christina Reaves – Lead Movement Teacher
Christina came to us as a movement specialist in 2017, bringing her unique and entrancing mix of dramatic play, exploration, and dance language to our children. In 2019 she added working as an assigned associate teacher in the Nest and Pond Rooms to her dance specialist teaching schedule. We found her unceasing enthusiasm, creativity, and focus to be infectious. Christina now teaches each classroom every day, in all different kinds of weather, and her movement class has become an indispensable part of the Open House curriculum. Christina has a BA in Vocal Performance from Georgia State University and an MFA in dance from NYU Tisch School. When she is not working with children in Open House, she teaches dance to other young children and serves as the artistic director / founder / manager / choreographer of her own professional dance theater company, ChristinaNoel & The Creature, and her own pre-professional youth ensemble, The Ephyras.
Ciara Peña – Support Teacher – Garden Room
Ciara is excited to be welcomed into the Open House’s warm community. She has experience as a lead teacher in early childhood settings, creating nurturing and engaging classroom environments where children feel supported and encouraged to grow.
Ciara received her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Borough of Manhattan Community College. She is passionate about supporting meaningful learning experiences that allow children to explore, express themselves, and build confidence.
Ciara enjoys watching children discover their interests, develop their voices, and celebrate their accomplishments. She loves developing hands-on activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. In her free time, Ciara enjoys painting, crocheting, and discovering new places to eat!
Daisy Rosas – Assistant Teacher – Garden Room
We spotted Daisy’s teaching talent when she was a student teacher at Open House. Daisy received her Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education from Brooklyn College, and is working toward completing her master’s. When not teaching or in class, Daisy enjoys every moment with her new daughter. We are so happy to have her gentle nature and warm smile in the Garden Room.
Harry Adams – Supporting Teacher – Meadow Room
After several years of working as an Open House Summer Program Counselor, Harry joined the Open House staff in 2013. Harry is a graduate of St. Francis College and Open House and enjoys running and reading graphic novels.
Isha Arshid – Assistant Teacher – Meadow Room
Isha moved to Brooklyn from Pakistan when she was seven and has lived here since. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brooklyn College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Isha discovered her passion for teaching during a child psychology fieldwork placement.
Her work as an Assistant Teacher in a New York City public school affirmed her decision to become a teacher and work with young children. She is passionate about creating a nurturing learning environment and deeply appreciative of the transformative power of a thoughtful and joyous educational setting.
Isha is family-oriented and enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She is always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and experience new things. We are fortunate to have her as part of our community.
Isaiah Mathieu – Supporting Teacher – Savanna Room
Born and raised in Queens, Isaiah comes to us through his father, our past art specialist Harlan. A graduate of City College with degrees in creative writing and mathematics, he has been a valuable and kind addition to the Savanna classroom.
Jamie Schaadt – Lead Teacher – Bayou Room
Jamie received her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and Speech Therapy from Teachers College of Columbia University in 2001. Since then, she has further developed her thoughtful and compassionate teaching style during 20 years of teaching practice. She has worked as an early childhood teacher in classroom, community, and home settings. Her undergraduate degree is in psychology, and she has always had a particular interest in child development. Jamie truly enjoys working with children and facilitating their growth as unique individuals. Jamie became a full time staff member in 2022 after working as speech therapist within the Cobble Hill and Open House community for over 10 years. We are thrilled to have her as a lead teacher in the Bayou Room.
Jennifer Torres – Lead Teacher – Garden Room
Jennifer started working at Open House in 2005 as a summer program assistant and is excited to now lead the Garden Room this year. In 2008, she began working full time in the three’s program. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in behavioral science and has earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood, Childhood, and Special Education from Mercy University. She is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for young children and is especially drawn to supporting children with diverse learning needs, helping each child feel valued, confident, and capable. Jennifer’s favorite part of working with two-year-olds is watching them discover who they are beyond the walls of their home. Each day, they build relationships, develop independence, and begin to understand the world around them while finding their own unique place within it. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the tremendous growth and confidence they gain throughout the year. Outside of the classroom, she loves to travel and enjoys exploring new places, cultures, and experiences, which inspires her curiosity and creativity.
Jessica Tam – Assistant Teacher – Nest Room
Jessica came to Open House in 2003 as a student teacher. She stayed on to join our staff as an associate and has been with us ever since. She is beloved throughout the school, bringing her gentle manner and voice wherever she is needed. Many of our children have had the luck to have her as a caregiver in the afternoons and evenings, as well. In her spare time, she likes to shop, try new foods and watch movies. She finished her BA in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College.
Kora Lynch – Support Teacher – Nest Room
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Kora moved back to her hometown after graduating from Bard College with a BA focusing on Film and Electronic Arts. While she was working at Open House’s Summer Program, we realized she would be a lovely addition to the staff and are so grateful she agreed! Outside of school, Kora enjoys coaching a middle school volleyball team, long walks, watching movies with her cats, and eating delicious food with friends and family. She is excited to continue to meet, connect, and learn with the children at Open House!
Lia Zuvilliva – Art Teacher and Afternoon Program Lead Teacher
Lia is our Core Day Art Teacher and leads our Afternoon Program. Every day, Lia leads children through an art curriculum based on the joy of creation and exploration, using many differing art mediums and themes. Lia will also run our Family Art Program, encouraging and supporting families to make art together, connecting through the experience of creation.
Lia has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and several degrees in Visual Arts, with many years of experience both teaching art to young children and training other teachers in art for young children. As well, she creates and shows her own art, so keep an eye out for her exhibitions. Lia is a lovely and engaging person to have as part of the Open House team.
Lori Chipman – Lead Teacher – Savannah Room
Lori joined Open House in 1984 as a student teacher and then became lead teacher with the Twos and Young threes. Lori then became Lead Teacher in the Savannah Room in 2003. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education from Brooklyn College.
Lori especially loves working with three-year-olds, helping them build confidence, friendships, a sense of community and independence through play in a warm, nurturing classroom.
Living with a visual impairment, she brings a strong commitment to inclusion and is a valued mentor in the Open House community.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music and travel.
Morgan Semine – Support Teacher – Bayou Room
From the day Morgan first walked into Open House as a prospective parent, she’s been drawn to the warm and supportive community here. She spent most of her career teaching hands-on cooking classes to thousands of children at public schools across NYC and the country. Morgan has a BA from Princeton University and is a culinary school graduate. She has recently completed a DIR Floortime 101 course that reinforced her love of child-led learning through play and connection. Some of her favorite things to do are reading, puzzling, and cooking with her family.
Rosy Brown – Co-Lead Teacher – Savannah Room
Rosy received her BA from Barnard College, and went on to pursue a career in early education. After working in a small community school in the North Fork of Long Island, she moved to Boulder, Colorado to complete an MA in Education. From there, Rosy moved to beautiful San Diego to teach parents & toddlers, 2s/3s, and 3s/4s. After moving back to NYC, she joined Barrow Street Nursery School in the 3s/4s, where Rosy taught for three years and also began work as a private SEIT. Along with her work at Open House, she leads social skills groups with PlayGroup NYC. Rosy holds a certificate in DIR Floortime, and centers neurodiversity-affirming and child-led practices in everything she does. Outside of teaching, Rosy loves snuggling her puppy, Nessie, sewing, cooking, and hanging out in the park.
Safia Mohammed – Lead Teacher – Nest Room
We are so happy to have the wonderful mix of calm, patience and a fun-loving energy that Safia brings to the Nest Room. Safia joined Open House in 2014 as an associate teacher, after moving to New York from Trinidad to pursue her degree in education. Through persistence and hard work she has achieved her goals and earned her bachelor’s and then her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Touro University. She then became a lead teacher in 2016. She loves supporting and working with children and their families during this very exciting time of life. After school and on weekends, she enjoys exercising at the gym and participating in the great New York tradition of window-shopping.
Veronica Trevino – Lead Teacher – Meadow Room
Veronica is excited to be moving into the Meadow Room at Open House. Veronica began working at Open House while she was a student teacher at Brooklyn College almost 20 years ago. After earning her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education she became a lead teacher and has worked with every age group at Open House. She spent many years working with threes and has been working with pre-k students since 2020. She is a passionate educator who is always looking for new ways to grow. She enjoys hands-on learning activities that stimulate children’s natural curiosity about the world. You can find her hands-deep in dirt, helping children plant and identify herbs, or leading children around the school, interviewing community members and caring for the school fish. You can see her passion blossom in our rooftop garden area that her classroom plants and tends to, making pesto from summer basil and planting fall chrysanthemum and spring flowers. Her latest joy in life is for her daughter who is both a source of inspiration and an occasional VIP visitor to her classroom.
Will Summitt – Support Teacher – Bayou Room
Will is a Brooklyn native and an Open House alumnus! He graduated with a BA in Biology and Minors in English and Hispanic Studies from Dartmouth College. Will worked at Open House as a Counselor for our Summer Program and is very excited to return as a member of our staff. He has found a love of education and working with young children. Will has been a Tae-Kwon-Do instructor and Speech and Debate Coach for kids of all ages. His hobbies include rock climbing, reading, going for walks, cooking and baking, and sharing food with loved ones. We are excited to have the grown up version of Will back with us!