“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to old dimensions.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Zipporiah Mills’ journey as an educator began as a third grade teacher in September 1984. After 25 years of teaching she says she still enjoys the look on a student's face when they “get it.” It is for that look that Zip Mills expects excellence from every member of the PS 261 community every day. Zip’s educational mission is to create a place where every child is greeted every day with a smile, a caring glance, and supportive words; where high academic goals are realized for our students through hands-on exploration; where all students are exposed to various arts media; and where teachers, parents and administration support each other for the good of our children. Zip became principal of PS 261 in September 2005.

Ms. Allen-Joseph first came to PS261 as a parent of Sasha & Julian during the late 80's. Both her children graduated from PS261 and are now performing artists. During that time she served as a Steering Committee co-chair and class parent to many PS 261 classrooms. She later joined the staff as a classroom teacher. She has taught grades K-5 but her passion was the 4th grade. She taught at PS261 from 1992-2004. Ms. Allen-Joseph went on to become a Literacy Coach at PS230 and The Hamilton Heights School for the past 4 years, where her responsibilities were implementing the literacy needs for the school along with providing instructional support to classroom teachers. Jackie has a BFA in Dance Performance from City College and an MS in Early Childhood from Bank Street College. She obtained her School Building Leader Certificate in Administration from The College of Saint Rose. She is a strong believer in building a community of lifelong learners where school is a place to stretch and become excited about each other's growth as educators. She is a lover of the arts! She spends most of her spare time listening to live music or attending the Joyce Theater! Jackie is very excited to be "home!"

Carmen Perez started at PS261 as a volunteer in 1993, when her daughter Rita Started Pre-Kindergarten; a year later she was hired as the Family Worker for the Pre-K program, where she remained for 11 years. In 2006 she became the first PS261 Parent Coordinator, and in 2008 became Office Manager. Mrs.Perez lives in Staten Island with her husband Raymond and three children Raymond Jr., 26; Rita, 20; and Michelle, 19 (all graduates of PS261).

This is Jerry's 2nd year as Parent Coordinator at PS261, and he's been a parent here since 2000. He really enjoys engaging the school community. "I try to make myself as visible as possible, to let parents know that I'm here to help improve communication between the parent body and the school," he says. The father of three - one each in high school, middle school, and here at PS261 - he tries to bring his experience as a public school parent to bear in his day-to-day responsibilities. Jerry holds a BA in Chemistry from Indiana University.

Miss Vivian, a veteran teacher of nearly two decades, earned a Bachelor's in Developmental Drama and Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. She has a Master's in Elementary Education with a specialty in English as a Second Language from Adelphi University. Miss Vivian has taught pre-K since 2004, but she has spent most of her career teaching kindergarten, as well as first and second grades, and much of it at PS 261. At home she keeps busy surfing the Internet, swimming, biking, doing arts and crafts and working on home projects.

Miss Justice has been teaching for two decades, most of them at PS 261 and mostly in kindergarten. She has been very happy teaching pre-K since 2002. "I love seeing children develop as learners," she says. She received her Bachelor's in Spanish and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. At home, she's busy with two dogs, two cats and two sons, one grown and one a teenager. She also loves gardening, dance and music.

Hello. I have taught many grades and for many years, so I know that there is nothing like the sheer energy of Kindergarten. Spending the day with five year-olds is teaching me the most elementary lessons about schooling. My students tire me out but, in another way, they slow me down to taking one little step at a time. We will walk on together into knowing letters and numbers but also into knowing and caring about who we each are.

Jen has been teaching for 13 years, 6 of which has been at PS 261. Jen came to PS 261 from PS 11 in Manhattan, and while she's taught every grade, is happy to be back home in Kindergarten. Jen grew up in Vermont, where she received her BA in American Literature from Middlebury College. Jen also has her Masters in Early Childhood from Hunter College. While not at PS 261 she can be found in NJ with her husband, emptying acorns out of her two-year-old's pockets and reading Goodnight Moon over and over again.

This is David's second year teaching Kindergarten at P.S. 261. He received his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo and holds Masters Degrees from both Queens College (Social Studies in Secondary Education) and Touro College (Childhood and Special Education). David loves to play Gourmet Chef in the kitchen for his wife and amazing 3 year old daughter.

Ms. Robyn started at PS 261 in 2005. She received her Bachelor's in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University and her Master's in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. Recently she has also obtained her Early Childhood Education certificate. Ms. Robyn has just started her 5th year at PS 261 and has taught both 2nd grade CTT for two years and currently Kindergarten for her 3rd year. PS 261 has a great community of teachers, parents and students! When Ms. Robyn is not working at PS 261 in the summer she works at a camp on Long Island where she has been for the past 12 years!

This is Tali's first year teaching Kindergarten at P.S. 261! She recently graduated from New York University with a dual degree in Childhood and Special Education. Although this is Tali’s first official year as a classroom teacher, she was lucky enough to spend this past year as a student teacher at P.S. 261, and is now thrilled to be part of the P.S. 261 community. Tali is looking forward to a great year learning and growing with her Kindergartners!

Mandy came to PS 261 from The Churchill School in Manhattan, a special education school. This is her fifth year at 261. She taught 3rd grade here for 2 years and then worked a 4th grade intervention teacher for a year. This is the second year she has been working as a kindergarten teacher and she is loving this new age group. She lives in Fort Greene with her husband, her dog Harry and her baby girl, Charlie. A Manhattan native, she received her Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin and her Master's in Special and General Education from Bank Street College. In the classroom she likes to "have fun while learning and encouraging the kids to become independent thinkers!"

Mrs. Lopez teaches the MIS IV Spanish readiness program and has taught at PS 261 for 20+ years, always in Special Ed. This native New Yorker graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor's in Physical Education and from Hunter College with a Master's in Education with a specialty in Learning Disabilities. It gives Mrs. Lopez great pleasure to see her students grow and become independent learners. Away from school, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

I have been teaching at P.S. 261 since 2008. It is an honor and privilege to work at P.S. 261 because it is the elementary school that I attended as a child. I have my bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education with a concentration in Children’s Studies from Brooklyn College. I am currently working on my master’s degree in early childhood education at Brooklyn College. I am fluent in Arabic and I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Millie, who is originally from Cobble Hill and is bilingual in Spanish and English, has been teaching at PS 261 since 1990. She received her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Millie brings her love of art to the classroom; in fact, she studied at the School of Visual Arts. She also loves cooking, reading, crochet, needlepoint, walking, dance, figuring out her computer, and spending time with her grown son.

Jamie began teaching at our school in 2002. With a Bachelor's in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a dual Master's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University, Jamie is happy to be at PS 261. “I absolutely love this school! We have an amazing community here!” She enjoys living in the neighborhood with her husband and cat. Jamie loves to cook, read, and travel.

Jamie has taught at PS 261 since 2004. Prior to joining the PS 261 staff, she worked as a pre-school teacher, a second grade teacher and held many other odd jobs. Jamie has a bachelor's degree in Children's Literature and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, both from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Jamie's favorite pastimes are bicycling, reading, and hanging out with her daughter, Charlotte. Jamie lives in Sunset Park with her husband, her daughter and her fat cat, Albert.

Jenn has been at PS 261 since 2002. She originally taught kindergarten and she moved to first grade in 2006. She has her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and her Masters in Elementary Mathematics from New York University. One of her favorite things about PS 261, Jenn says, is all the great people she works with.

Boramy is extremely proud and excited that her first year teaching will be at PS 261. Originally from California, she received her BA in Communications and History at the University of California, San Diego. She moved to New York in 2007 to attend New York University where she received her dual MA in Elementary and Special Education. A lover of knowledge, she hopes that she can instill the same kind of love in all of her students. She loves to cook, travel and scrapbook in her spare time.

Aryn began teaching at PS 261 in 2003. She holds a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Art History, as well as a Master's in Literacy, both from New York University. Aryn lives in the Bronx but has fallen in love with Brooklyn, especially its restaurants. She is also a certified make-up artist and she loves the beach.

Alexandra has been a Special Education teacher at PS 261 since 1999. She values her class’ small size and the unique talents and strengths each child brings to the classroom community. She appreciates parent involvement and welcomes them in the classroom. She also encourages her students to share what they like to do and learn about. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Frances College and has a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Brooklyn College. Alexandra enjoys traveling, biking and spending time with good friends and family.

Having come to the US as a child from his native Colombia, Louis received his Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from Fordham University, and has lived in Nassau County, the Bronx, and currently resides in Brooklyn. He loves the Yankees, plays the piano, enjoys singing, and shares his home with 3 cats - "Yes, that's right - I'm the crazy cat guy," he says with pride. His philosophy: "In the words of Jimi Hendrix, music is life and life is magic...not sure what that means, but I always liked it." Reading, writing and music are his favorite hobbies.

Katy has been teaching for more than a decade, mostly at PS 261. She loves watching the children's many changes. She especially enjoys working with other teachers and praises her colleagues' cohesiveness. When she's not at school, Katy likes to spend time with her incredibly cute son Owen, her husband and their friends and to travel whenever possible. Katy, a native Californian, received her Bachelor's in Religion from Bard College and her Master's in Elementary Education from Smith College.

Melissa has been teaching at P.S. 261 for 4 years. This is her first year teaching 2nd grade. Melissa has a B.A. in Women's Studies from SUNY-New Paltz and two Master's degrees, one in Elementary Education from Temple and one in Museum Education from University of the Arts, both in Philadelphia. She likes teaching, Melissa says, because, "I like helping students realize just how brilliant they are." When she's not teaching, she enjoys going to Monday Night bingo and making handmade stationary.

Meryl started at PS 261 in January 2008. Previously, she worked at the Balfour Brickner Early Childhood Center in Manhattan. She received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Educational Theory from Bates College in Lewiston, ME, and her Master's in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. Meryl is a native New Yorker and a proud graduate of the New York City public school system. She grew up in Manhattan, but now lives in Brooklyn with her husband. She loves to watch baseball and knit.

Jocelyn has been teaching at PS 261 since 2004. She taught kindergarten here for four years, and this is her second year teaching 2nd grade. Prior to moving to Brooklyn, Jocelyn taught for three years at an elementary school in Seattle. Jocelyn has a Bachelor's degree in Drama, and a Master's degree in Educational Theatre, both from New York University, as well as a Teaching Certificate from Pacific Oaks College Northwest in Seattle. Jocelyn spent many years as an actress, but finds teaching to be even more rewarding. She spends her free time reading, traveling, and exploring New York City. Jocelyn's daughter is a 4th grader here at PS 261.

While this is Joyce's 3rd year of teaching at PS 261, she was a parent here since 2003. After practicing law for 20 years (15 at Legal Services), Joyce is living her fantasy of being a public school teacher! Joyce received her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, her law degree from Georgetown University and, last year, her Masters in Childhood and Special Education at Brooklyn College through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. Joyce lives in Flatbush, Brooklyn with her family and many pets.

Anne began at PS 261 in 2005 after working in Washington Heights where she taught both third and fourth grades for two years. She grew up in Massachusetts and, after four years in Manhattan, calls Brooklyn home. She received her Bachelor's in History from Wellesley College and a Master's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University. She loves teaching for the good discussions, the privilege of helping kids become productive citizens, and the totally unexpected. Anne likes to sew-and has even tried skydiving!

Nan O'Shea has worked at P.S. 261 for fifteen years (GEEZ LOUISE), is well known for running a school-wide Post Office with second grade colleagues, staging plays, writing jazzy song lyrics and all the while wearing high heels. I am most proud of leading Group Sing, wherein all first and second graders meet each week to sing a variety of folk songs. This year I have moved up to third grade where I vow to keep learning fun and creative despite the emphasis on "TESTING."

Mr. Scott loves teaching because he likes "the chance to be able to really get to know another person who's younger than me." He has a Bachelor's in English and Sociology from the University of Michigan and a Master's in Elementary Education from Columbia University. Mr. Scott has been at PS 261 since 2002. He grew up in Rochester, plays the piano and he loves to ski.

Dana Levy began her adventure at ps261 in 2006 as a student teacher in 3rd grade CTT. She has taught 4th grade inclusion for 2 years, and will be teaching 3rd grade inclusion this year. She loves having interesting and honest conversations with her students. Dana did her undergraduate work at Rutgers university before moving to Manhattan to pursue her Masters Degree in childhood and special education at New York University. Dana loves the collaborative and supportive environment PS261 is known for. She lives in park Slope and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Colleen Greto earned her Bachelors degree from Syracuse University, graduating from their Elementary Inclusion program. She holds her masters in literacy from Hunter College. Colleen is the Special Education teacher in P.S.261's third grade Collaborative Team Teaching classroom. She has been teaching in Brooklyn since 2004. Growing up in Connecticut, she always worked with children and knew that this was the profession for her. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, live music, and art.

Miss Megan received her Bachelor's in Visual Arts with a concentration in Ceramics from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She grew up in Brooklyn and lives in Queens. Miss Megan has also taught art in afterschool and weekend programs. She has been at PS 261 since 2005.

This is Ms. Ayala's fourth year at P.S. 261. Her twin daughters graduated from the school three years ago and are now in high school. Ms. Ayala was an attorney in private practice for a decade before she became a New York City Teaching Fellow. She has her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois in Chicago, her law degree from Rutgers University in Newark, and a dual Master's in Childhood and Special Education from Brooklyn College. She lives in Brooklyn and enjoys spending time with her family.

Ms. Nicole, a native New Yorker who lives in Brooklyn, started at PS 261 in 2005 after three years teaching third and fifth grades at PS 158 in Brooklyn. She was previously a case manager in a domestic violence shelter for five years. Ms. Nicole is a NYC Teaching Fellow. She has a Bachelor's in Sociology from City College and a Master's in Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Ms. Nicole finds teaching important because she believe she is investing in the making of our future. She enjoys reading, dancing, and listening to music.

Kim Tulloch began working for NYC schools in 1988 and has been a member of the PS 261 school community since 1992. She has also taught in Red Hook and Washington Heights. Kim has a BA from Hunter College in Dance Education, a Master’s in Childhood Education from Hunter College, and Master’s in Literacy K-6 from CCNY. Kim’s children, now 23 and 19, are graduates of PS 261. Kim recently became a Gateway National Park camping teacher and wants to prevent nature deficit disorder in children. In her spare time Kim hikes with her 2 dogs, enjoys reading with her cat, dances, and does lots of yoga.

This is Ms. Sharon's third year full-time at PS 261, but she's no stranger to our school. She has twins who attended PS 261 and are now in their first year of high school! While Ms. Sharon's children were in school here, she spent 4 years substituting at PS 261. She is a native Brooklynite with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Baruch College. After 10 years in the business world, she went to Hunter College to get her Master's degree in Education. Ms. Sharon has been a Clinton Hill resident for over 20 years. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

This is Becca's fifth year in her own classroom at PS 261. She received her Bachelor's in Childhood Education/Special Education and Psychology and her Master's in In-Service Childhood Education concentrating in both Math and Literacy, both from New York University. Originally from the Boston area, Becca lives in Manhattan. Becca is currently also a Board Member for Global Playground, a non-profit that helps to build schools in developing countries. She loves to travel and help kids learn about people from other cultures & places. In addition to traveling and volunteering, she enjoys cooking, and spending time outside, especially at the beach or hiking.

Ms. Scarborough came to PS 261 in 2006. She is in her 14th year in the classroom with 6 years prior experience as a substitute teacher. She has a B.A. in Psychology from UCF and a Master’s in Education from Rollins College. Ms. Scarborough teaches her students the importance of living an extraordinary life, which includes a lifetime of learning and philanthropic endeavors. She has a daughter, Cody, who attends NYU and three dogs. For fun she enjoys spending time with her daughter, visiting museums, painting portraits of her dogs, and photography. Check out her classroom website at www.steach4fun.com.

This is Erica's fourth year teaching at PS 261. For her fist two years, she taught special education. Her third year teaching, she left to teach in Larchmont, NY (Central School) as a Resource Room teacher but could no longer stand to be away from 261! Erica came back teaching general education fifth grade and is now teaching fourth grade. Erica received her dual master's degree from NYU in childhood and special education. She recently moved to Park Slope in Brooklyn from Murray Hill and loves it. Erica's hobbies are reading, travelling, shopping, hanging out with friends, family, her nephew, and playing softball.

Nadya Robinson is a Brooklyn native. She is a graduate of the Nightingale Bamford School and a survivor of Prep for Prep. Ms Robinson holds an A.B in Classics from Cornell University and an M.S. from Touro in Special Education. She loves children and has been teaching since 1999 where she worked with special needs children at the Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan, N.H. She enjoys travel abroad and time with her family. She currently resides with her husband and son in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

This is Stacy's seventh year of teaching in New York City. She grew up in South Carolina with parent's of Brooklyn pedigree. When she graduated from the University of South Carolina, she moved to NYC. After a year of working in the fashion industry (in publicity, not fashion) she went and received her Masters at Teachers College, Columbia University. She student taught at PS 321 and taught at PS 94 in Sunset Park. This is her second year at PS 261. She currently lives in Lower Manhattan where she enjoys sitting at the waterfront with her dog, Oreo, and reading The New York Times.

Ellyn began teaching at PS 261 in 2007. She received her Bachelor's in Communications and History of Art at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After graduation she worked in Advertising for three years before she decided to get her Master's in Education from New York University. Ellyn is originally from Chicago and currently resides in midtown Manhattan. Ellyn loves to travel, cook, draw and take walks throughout the city.

This is Ms. Jamie's first official year teaching at P.S. 261. However, she was lucky enough to student teach in fifth grade last year. Jamie completed a Dual Masters at NYU in Childhood and Special Education and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at SUNY Albany. Jamie loves to travel and read. On a snowy day her favorite activity is to bake cookies with her sister.

As a teacher, Jook "facilitates ways for children to discover for themselves." He finds the upper grades a turning point for children as they start to think beyond elementary school. In addition to being with his wife and two children, Jook enjoys cooking, reading, and photography. He received his Bachelor's in English Literature from Stony Brook University and a Master's in Elementary Education from Bank Street College. Jook has worked at PS 261 since 1995.

This is Marie's first year as a classroom teacher but she worked at PS 261 for the two previous years as a paraprofessional. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Medgar Evers College and is working on dual certification in Special and General Education in the Master's program at Tuoro College. A Brooklyn native, Marie lives in East Flatbush now and enjoys tennis and reading in her spare time.

Miss Danielle, who came to PS 261 in 2002, has taught Library, Kindergarten, 4th grade-CTT and served as the enrichment coordinator here. Miss Danielle has a Bachelor's in Dietetics from the University of Delaware and a Master's in Elementary Education from C.W. Post. Originally from Long Island, she now lives in Carroll Gardens with her husband and their cat, Hunter. She enjoys traveling, snowboarding and reading a great book.

Yvonne has been at our school since 1996. Before this she worked on Wall Street for 10 years. She received her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and a Master's in Elementary Mathematics from Brooklyn College. Yvonne, who is from Panama, speaks Spanish fluently. She enjoys singing and attending performing arts events. Yvonne likes being with children, she says, "because I can be myself."

Karyn has been teaching for nearly two decades. She has taught Physical Education and Dance primarily but also taught Art and grade 2. Karyn joined the P.S. 261 family in 2002 and is happy to share her former professional dance experience with her students. Hobbies include dance, gardening, horseback riding and taking care of her menagerie. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and will be receiving a Masters degree in Childhood Ed. from Brooklyn College.

Rocco began teaching at P.S. 261 in 2007. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he began studying piano seriously in high school. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Music at Queens College, where he was an active member of the Queens College Chorus and Choir, and a Masters in Music Education at Brooklyn College. In 2009, Rocco became certified in the Kodaly method from the Kodaly Institiute at NYU, which is an approach to music education that was developed in Hungary. In his spare time, Rocco enjoys traveling, working out, and hanging out with friends and family.

Emilie has been teaching general music and band at P.S. 261 since the fall of 2007, and previously taught for two years in the East Bronx. She loves the vibrant community of PS 261, and seeing her students grow through music. While she grew up in Vermont, Emilie has lived in five states and the District of Columbia, where she worked in the music department at Washington National Cathedral. Emilie holds a Bachelors degree from Westminster Choir College, trained at the Center for Music and Young Children (Princeton, NJ) and is completing a Masters degree from Lehman College, CUNY. After 6 years of living in Brooklyn, Emilie currently lives in Astoria, Queens with her husband and dog, Baxter. Outside of school, Emilie is a professional singer and enjoys knitting, reading and hiking.

Don has been teaching at 261 for almost 11 years. Seven of those years he was a fifth grade teacher and is currently our Phys. Ed. teacher. Don graduated from Brooklyn College and earned his Masters from Adelphi University. He has three daughters. One of his daughters is a third grade teacher who is expecting a girl in December and his twin girls wil be graduating from Molly College School of Nursing in May.

"I like to challenge students to interact, think, create, and solve problems," says Jessica, who has previously taught in California, Manhattan and Brooklyn. She received her Bachelor's in Environmental Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her Master's in Science, Math and Leadership from Bank Street College. She came to PS 261 in 2003.

Carmelo, "the Science Fellow," has taught science at PS 261 since 1996. Teaching science is his calling. With a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Nutrition from Brooklyn College and a Master's in Environmental Education, Carmelo is committed to encouraging more science in the classroom. Carmelo is getting married this fall.

Tanya is in her 3rd year at P.S. 261. She loves seeing the creative side of her students develop and having the joy of getting to know them better year after year. Since an early age, Tanya has enjoyed making art. Ceramics, printmaking, and drawing are her areas of specialty. She received her Bachelors in International Business and Marketing from The University at Buffalo. After a few years in the business world, it became clear that working with children and teaching art was her true calling. Tanya earned a Masters in Visual Art Education from New York University. In her free time, she loves to be with friends and family, read, travel, explore the outdoors, and of course make art. She lives in Brooklyn and is happy to be a part of the P.S. 261 community.

Haya is in her second year at PS 261. Previously she taught art to Elementary and Middle School students in private schools in NYC and High School students in the Bronx. She graduated from Brooklyn College and went into advertising, and fashion, and, worked for several years as a prop and wardrobe stylist for film and photography shoots. Haya always knew she wanted to teach art and went to Pratt Institute to earn a Masters in Art and Design Education. Haya feels that art is vital to a child's development and thinking processes. She loves witnessing her students communicate through their art and watching what they will produce. When Haya isn't teaching she enjoys going to museums and galleries, working on art projects and spending time with friends.

This is my 7th year at PS261. I came to School Health with 25 years Hospital experience in Neo-natal Intensive Care & Pediatric Intensive Care. My expertise is in Emergency Pediatric and Adolescent problems. As a Public Health Nurse, my focus is on prevention of health problems. I teach health-related subjects (such as hand-washing, nutrition & hygiene). I also spent 5 summers as resident head nurse in a sleep-away camp in Milford, PA responsible for the medical needs of 1200 campers. My door is always open to help assist you and your child stay safe and healthy!

Ms. Evelyn Aleman has been teaching in the Department of Education since 1979 in a public school located in Nararnjito, Puerto Rico. She started at P.S. 261 in 1992. She has a Master's in Elementary Education with a specialty in TEOSL.. She says, "As a teacher I feel it is my responsibility to do my best in the transmission of essential data to these children in order for them to acquire the intellectual knowledge that they need to confront the different careers in their future lives." She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends at church. She also enjoys dancing salsa.

This is Maura's first year at P.S. 261, after working in a District 75 school last year. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English Literature. After graduating, Maura worked briefly in law, followed by a research position at Columbia University. While working, she completed her Master's at Columbia in Speech Language Pathology. A native Brooklynite, Maura enjoys reading novels and the NYT, hanging out with her cats Scrappy and Trixie, vegetarian cooking, and running outside.

Lindsay began her career as PS 261's resident Spunky Speech Language Pathologist in the Fall of 2004. This was the first job she accepted after graduating from her beloved University of Florida (GO GATORS) with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2002 and her Masters from New York University in 2004. The best part of this job is being responsible for 50 unique, creative, and wonderful children with whom she shares a very special bond. Contrary to popular belief, "Speech Teachers" don't spend all day correcting lisps. Our 261 speech days are filled with phonemic awareness games including Willaby Wallaby, responding succinctly to "wh" questions, but most importantly helping to improve the overall communication skills of our students so that they can more readily participate and access their classroom curriculum. Her free time would ideally be spent taking beach and European vacations. In reality, daily life includes taking gym, pilates, and dance classes, spending time (mostly eating and laughing) with friends and family, and relaxing with favorite dog in the whole world, Madison.

Marisa has taught in the early grades for 15+ years, half of them at our school. She received her Bachelor's in Special Education from SUNY-Geneseo and her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College. She brings her love of music to her classroom. She says the children are the best thing about her job, and she encourages them "just to be themselves."

Osdilia became a part of PS261 in 2007 as a Family Worker for the school's Assessment Team. Born in Brooklyn, she moved to Puerto Rico with her family at the early age of seven. After graduating from high school, she went on to study at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico where she majored in Biology. After briefly attending college she moved back to New York in 2000 and has been here ever since. She is fluent in both English and Spanish which makes her a major asset to the School Assessment Team, teachers & parents as she uses her abilities to interpret. Osdilia enjoys writing, spending time with her daughter Layla and her Pomeranian dog Precious.

Renee began her career with the Department of Education in 1998. She has been the PS261 School Psychologist since 2001. Renee is thrilled to be working in the elementary school she attended as a child! She received her Bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, where she majored in Sociology. A strong desire to help children with learning difficulties led Renee to pursue a graduate degree in School Psychology. She holds and M.S. Ed in School Psychology from Long Island University. In addition, Renee is a New York State Certified Special Education Teacher and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Renee enjoys spending time with her husband Adam and son Benjamin, as well as with extended family and good friends.

Marian has been a social worker for over forty years; she's worked in hospital-based treatment programs for substance abusers for over thirty. This is her fourth school year as PS261's social worker assigned to the School Assessment Team. It was her experience with the Committee on Special Education, as a parent of a child with special needs, that brought her to the DOE. Initially, she was a team social worker in the unit that served children with hearing and visual impairment. Marian has been a consultant trainer for many organizations including Hunter College, and has authored six published papers on alcoholism treatment. Marian has a daughter and son in their 20's. She enjoys beading, traveling, attending concerts and singing in the NYC Labor Chorus.

I started at PS261 in 1989, 20 years ago, as a Family Worker. I assisted young parents with their Pre-K-aged children, helping to make medical appointments in order for the child to attend Pre-K. I have worked in Kindergarten, First, and Second grades. I have been trained by Jill Bernato in Literacy for Early Readers. I have also worked as a One-To-One para and health para. I work with Ms. Vivian as a co-teacher in Pre-K. I love cooking, dancing, gardening and being with my grandchildren.

Linda has an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts / Education, and had been an educational assistant for 23 years. She came to PS 261 in 1992 after starting at PS 15. "As a little girl, I pretended to be a teacher," she says. "I used my bedroom door as a blackboard, and my little friends were my students." Linda loves traveling, the ocean, and being around her large family - "They make me laugh!"

Marcy Mattera has been part of the PS 261 community for 13 years. After teaching in the lower grades for ten years, Marcy became the school's Math Coach. In this role, she works with teachers to continue to strengthen mathematics instruction at PS 261. Marcy also hosts a Math Team for students who love and excel at mathematics in Grades 3-5. Outside of school, Marcy loves spending time outdoors with her baby girl, husband, and high-spirited chocolate lab. Marcy loves working at PS 261 and enjoys the relationships she has established with families and colleagues throughout the years. PS 261 is a second home!

Stephanie is our on-site staff developer from Math in the City. Stephanie began her teaching career here at PS 261 in 1999. Over the course of 8 years, she taught second grade, third grade and also served as our math coach. Early on in her teaching career, Stephanie took a special interest in the teaching of mathematics and started to explore opportunities for Staff Development. This marked the beginning of her journey with Mathematics in the City, which was established in 1995 as collaboration between City College and the Freudenthal Institute. It is both a think tank and a national center of in-service for K-8 mathematics education. Between 2002 and 2007, Stephanie served as classroom teacher, as well as teacher leader in both PS 261 AND District 15. Throughout this time, she also began working part-time as a workshop leader for Math in the City. Stephanie left PS 261 to be a full-time staff developer at the end of the 2007 school-year and misses it every single day! She is thrilled to continue working here and being a part of this community.

Jessica Gonzalez is a second semester graduate student from NYU studying Early Childhood and Special Education. She hails from northern New Jersey. Though she does not spend much of her time there anymore, she is extremely proud of her home state. She spends her summers working at Frost Valley YMCA. In the past, she supervised the 7-9 year olds, but this summer, she will be heading the Newark Partnership Program. In addition to her graduate studies, she works part-time at The Scholastic Store in Soho. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, singing (especially show tunes), and learning to play the guitar.

Lindsay Harrison is a graduate student at New York University, and will be receiving her Masters Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education this May. She is excited to be working in a first grade classroom at PS 261.

I am a second semester senior at New York University graduating with degrees in both Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. Originally from rural Indiana, New York has become my second home. P.S 261 is my first long term experience with a school in Brooklyn, and so far it has been breathtaking! I’m working with Mandy and Tali in a brilliant kindergarten class. In what little down time I have, I run and read as much as possible I spend a lot of time adding to my collection of children's books.

Margaret Sheehan is a senior at SUNY New Paltz in upstate New York. She will graduate in May with a degree in Childhood Education (1-6) and Spanish. She was recently accepted into the Teach for America, New York program and will begin training for that position after graduation. Margaret is currently student teaching in Nan O'Shea's third grade class and is thoroughly enjoying her experience at P.S. 261!

I am a graduate student from NYU, where I expect to graduate at the end of this semester with a Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Right now I am having lots of fun learning from Anne and Joyce and the second graders of Room 319! I am fluent in Cantonese, born in Hong Kong, and raised in Florida. My previous career was in advertising, but after a few years, I realized my true passion is working with children. After a couple more years of teaching experience in New York City, I hope to go back to Hong Kong and teach at International school.