Takoma Children’s School prides itself on its exceptionally talented staff. A school is only as good as the staff and teachers it hires. At TCS, we treasure our staff and teachers and value the role they play in our community. We offer competitive salaries and good benefits. Through participation in professional development, each staff member continues to add to his or her experience, skills, and knowledge of early childhood education. Fairly unique to other full-day preschools, teachers are given weekly time to plan with their colleagues to create a child-centered curriculum. We aim to retain our outstanding staff and teachers for as long as possible.
Our wise and wonderful teachers are facilitators to the children in their care and resources to their parents. In addition to many years of experience educating young children, most of our teachers have a Bachelor’s degree, while some have a Master’s degree. TCS teachers also have skills and expertise in fields outside of early childhood education, and they share those talents with your children, which include music, art, drama, dance, yoga, Spanish, gardening, cooking, photography, film, writing, storytelling, and environmental education.
We know first-time school experiences may come with challenges, but they also have rewards. The community that surrounds your child is ever-present, and together, we hope to create a strong foundation for your child’s early years.
Executive Director
Takoma Children’s School Director Rebecca Wadler has over 20 years of teaching experience. She started at TCS in 2019 as the Bluebird’s Lead Teacher, then was the Star’s Lead Teacher, and then became the Deputy Director before stepping into the Executive Director position in 2023. She has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from Hamilton College and a Master’s degree from Columbia University.
Previously, she lived in the Indonesian rainforest for 6 years, doing observational research on orangutans and teaching conservation education. Then, she started a nature preschool program at a local nature center. She has been taking tap dance lessons for over 4 years and has been doing improv for the last year. She loves all animals and currently has a very large, shaggy dog – a great pyrenees mix, a guinea pig, a cockatiel, and a turtle – all rescues.
She says, “I am very honored that I get to lead a truly play-based, Reggio-inspired program with amazing teachers who respect children and nurture their creativity and curiosity to support them in becoming lifelong learners. The TCS community is very special, and I am glad I am a part of it.”
Bluebirds Teachers
Susan Carney earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development: Early Childhood Education and Administration and has 31 years of experience working with children not only as a teacher, but also as a nanny, curriculum specialist, and in administration.
For as long as she can remember, she wanted to work with young children. In her own words: “Over the years, I have gained valuable experience through exposure to a variety of curricula, educational philosophies, and approaches to play-based learning. I believe that children learn best through play and meaningful experiences, and I am especially inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which encourages curiosity, creativity, and exploration.
“One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is being a part of each child’s learning journey and watching them make connections as they discover more about themselves and the world around them.”
Rachel Egen previously worked as a research and education policy analyst and as an environmental education instructor at an outdoor education center in Massachusetts before joining the TCS staff 2 years ago.
She calls teaching at TCS “a joy” and explains why: “We all grow and change throughout our lives, but I think essential aspects of our personalities emerge very early. TCS’ (and Reggio’s) respect for individuality, and for the central importance of play and experimentation, allows us, as teachers, the incredible freedom to get to know each student as a person with their own interests and ideas.”
She holds a BA in History from Vassar College and completed some Master’s coursework in History at University of Delaware. When she’s not teaching, she’s playing ultimate frisbee and trying to learn the banjo.
Natashia Hagans has 27 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Sojourner Douglass College.
She says, “I love exploring with children their growth in social, physical, and emotional development. Watching children learn to think of others’ needs and work together as a classroom community gives me hope for our world.”
Stefany Jarquin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family & Human Services from Towson University, interned at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Unit, and worked as a sports camp counselor before starting at TCS 2 years ago.
She cites the “abundance of materials available both in the classroom and on the playground, which allows children to explore, create, and express themselves” as one of the things she loves most about teaching at TCS. “Having access to these open-ended materials encourages them to showcase their individuality, creativity, and innovative thinking every day.”
Stars Teachers
Adele Woodard has 8 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Miami. She plays ukulele and bass, knits, crochets, and has taught outdoor education including backpacking a section of the long trail in Vermont
She says “I love that TCS gives us as educators the space and time to meet children where they are and respect their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. We get to give the children the space to learn and grow without judgment, which is so deeply important in developing a positive relationship with school and education as a whole. Getting to teach in a space where children are both doing an incredible amount of learning as well as feeling genuine joy from getting to come to class and be with peers is truly a gift. I am so grateful that we get to be the best educators that we can be and that we get to see the difference in the children that we work with.”
Erick Flores has over 10 years of teaching experience and is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in child development. He also has experience as an assistant coach for a kids basketball team.
He says he most enjoys “watching the kids’ development as they grow and progress from the Bluebirds to the Stars and then Rainbows, and how much we work to create a great community in the school and neighborhood.”
Giordano (Gio) Hardy-Gerena has taught for 9 years and holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Other interests include playing the flute and studying ballet and modern dance. Prior to his teaching career he worked as a community organizer focused on immigration reform and affordable housing.
When asked what he loves about teaching at TCS, he said: “I love the caring, joyous, and democratic community we foster with our children! Thanks to the Reggio Emilia approach, we create a curriculum in collaboration, as opposed to dictation, with our students. This ensures we meet our children’s developmental needs. We respect their deep desire to play, honor their intelligence and curiosity, and value their drive to acquire emotional and social acumen. We are creating and living a model for a world we all wish to inhabit beyond the boundaries of our school!”
Rainbows Teachers
Jan Marie Steel has 10 years of experience teaching, a Bachelor’s degree in German Literature from Smith College, did her junior year abroad at Universität Hamburg, and earned a Master’s degree in Language Education from Indiana University School of Education.
In addition to her time at TCS, she taught English at a girls’ high school in Kyoto, Japan, taught German at a middle school in South Carolina, led K-12 teachers on study tours through Germany, taught a pandemic preschool pod of four 4-year-olds, and worked as a nanny for newborn twins and their siblings.
In the Rainbow’s classroom, she especially loves reading with the children. “We get lost in the stories and carried away in conversation about what they understand and imagine,” she describes. “Those stories then get remixed into class jokes and playground adventures.”
Ester Kiper has 26 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Universidade Sao Marcos in São Paulo, Brazil. She also has experience working with children with special needs and as a child therapist in Brazil.
She says: “Working at TCS brings me immense joy for several reasons. First, witnessing the positive impact I can make in the lives of children is incredibly fulfilling. Observing their growth is a rewarding experience. One of the most gratifying aspects of teaching here is fostering creativity. The imaginative and innovative ideas that children bring to the classroom are truly inspiring. Their unique perspectives contribute to a vibrant learning environment. Engaging in meaningful conversations with the children is a constant source of inspiration. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and the exchanges we share create a rich and fulfilling teaching experience. In essence, the journey at TCS allows me to contribute to the development of these young minds and witness the transformation throughout the school year. It’s a privilege to be part of their learning adventure.”
Cindy Turcios has eight years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Family Science.
She appreciates that Takoma Children’s School is “a place that gives children the opportunity to explore their own interests and guide their learning through play and exploration.”
Alice Young has ten years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education specializing in English Literature from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. She also has experience as an outdoor education/wilderness guide and as a horseback riding and skiing instructor.
She says, “I love working here because of the school’s dedication to nurturing individual growth and curiosity. It’s amazing to watch the children explore, innovate, and learn every day in new ways.”
Education Coordinator
Pat Schreiber has over 40 years of preschool teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She has taken supplemental coursework in Hearing and Speech Development and American Sign Language and has worked as a volunteer clinician in a Children’s Health and Development Clinic. She also has experience coordinating intergenerational programming for preschoolers and seniors.
She says, “TCS provides an environment that respects and supports children and their right to self-chosen, self-directed play. I am able to develop a deep understanding of each child and their individual interests and passions.