Meet Our Teaching Team
Muqing Hu
Education Director
Muqing deeply values the unique knowledge each student brings, honoring their diverse cultural backgrounds. She draws continuous inspiration from observing how children learn and engage with the world, always curious about what sparks their joy and ignites their curiosity. Muqing firmly believes in the Montessori principle of fostering autonomy, encouraging children to take ownership of their learning in a nurturing, well-prepared environment. Embracing differences is second nature to her, and she views play as the cornerstone of learning. For Muqing, teaching is more than just a profession—it is her calling. Her extensive experience across various educational settings has led her to a leadership role, where she ensures that educators possess the grace and skills needed to honor the dignity of every child.
Muqing holds an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, along with the New York State Birth-Grade 2 Certificate and a Bilingual Extension Certification in Mandarin. She also earned a B.A. in International Relations and Political Science from Syracuse University and is a certified Montessori teacher for both Infant/Toddler 0-3 and Early Childhood 3-6.
Before joining Bean and Sprout Kids Center, Muqing served as the substitute director and Twos teacher at Pine Street School for several years. She also spent significant time teaching Chinese literacy and cultural studies at The Spence School, where she designed curricula and led the Chinese after-school program for K-4 at the Spence Language and Culture Institute.
Molly Szucs
Pods LI Teacher
Molly is a passionate art educator and a firm believer in the Montessori philosophy. She loves blending different educational approaches to create a dynamic and enriching classroom environment. Her journey with Montessori began while working at a local PK-8th Montessori school during her undergraduate studies, and since then, she has gained hands-on experience in both primary and infant/toddler Montessori classrooms. She is deeply committed to the Montessori method and finds great joy in witnessing how it nurtures creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in young children.
Molly received her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She has a deep appreciation for the role of art in early childhood education, particularly in fostering social-emotional development. She embraces arts integration whenever possible, believing that creativity is a powerful tool for exploration and self-expression.
Outside of the classroom, Molly enjoys creating, going to museums all over the city, grabbing a bite to eat, and spending time with friends and family.
Veronica Gonzalez
Pods LI Bilingual Teacher
Children have always brought Veronica so much joy. It can be attributed to the fact that she once dreamed of becoming a childrenswear designer and because she grew up watching her mom teach and attend to neighbor friends. She is committed to nurturing children's imaginative faculties, encouraging self-expression, and fostering a passion for creative exploration.
Veronica was born and raised in Queens, New York. She holds an Associates and Bachelor degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications from FIT with a minor in English Writing, but her true passion has always been working with children. Veronica feels a strong affinity with the Montessori philosophies, particularly their emphasis on allowing children space for their natural creativity and curiosity to blossom, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to learn and grow with the Bean and Sprout Team.
During her volunteer work at a local nonprofit BordeAndo, she developed a strong interest in helping children develop fine motor skills through sewing and embroidery activities. She aims to guide children, empowering them to embrace their uniqueness, experiment with materials, and have fun!
In her free time, she enjoys doodling, sewing, embroidering and spending time with family including her furry Pekingese dog, Tiburón.
Olamide Ejidira
Pods UI Teacher
Olamide’s teaching philosophy aligns deeply with the Montessori approach, focusing on the holistic development of each child—nurturing their intellectual, social-emotional, and physical growth. Her dedication to education and commitment to excellence were recognized when she received the '212 Extra Degree Award' for her exceptional contributions to students, parents, and colleagues.
Olamide’s experience spans working with children aged one to six years old, where she tailors each child’s learning process to their unique needs, respecting their natural development. She began her teaching journey at a preschool in Jamaica, Queens, and has since led classrooms in both Montessori and STEAM-based curriculum programs. As a lead teacher in a Montessori classroom, Olamide believes in the power of Montessori education to provide a solid, child-centered foundation. By integrating STEAM principles with the Montessori philosophy, she encourages hands-on discovery, experimentation, and computational thinking, enabling her students to become independent, critical, and creative problem solvers.
Olamide’s diverse background includes experience in communications, independent preschool teaching, and behavior therapy, which has shaped her into an effective communicator and educator. Her experiences allow her to balance academic rigor with holistic development, finding fulfillment in seeing her students grow into well-rounded, responsible citizens.
Olamide holds a Master’s in Education and an MA in Corporate Communications & Public Relations from the University of Leeds.
Kenniesha Ducan
Pods UI Teacher
Kenniesha was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and from an early age, she knew she wanted to become a teacher. Her inspiration came from her mother, who was a Montessori teacher and worked toward her ABA certification. Kenniesha will never forget the stories her mother shared about helping children speak for the very first time—those moments inspired her to follow in her footsteps. After finishing high school, Kenniesha went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, building the foundation for the teacher she is today.
She has over five years of experience in Montessori education and has had the privilege of teaching a wide range of age groups, including 18 to 24 months, 2 to 2 ½ years, 3 to 6 years, as well as first and fourth grade. Each age group has taught her something new about the learning process, and she truly loves adapting her teaching style to meet the developmental needs of her students. Working with children brings Kenniesha immense joy. She cherishes the opportunity to help mold their young minds, nurture their curiosity, and celebrate their milestones. For her, teaching isn’t just a profession—it is a passion and a calling that fills her with purpose every day.
The Montessori philosophy holds a very special place in Kenniesha’s heart. She deeply believes in its child-centered approach that encourages independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. She values how it allows children to grow at their own pace while honoring their unique strengths and abilities. Montessori is more than just a teaching method for Kenniesha—it is a philosophy she lives by, one that continues to inspire her and guide the way she teaches every single day.
Ouissam Mechat
Pods UI Teacher
Ouissam is deeply passionate about supporting young children in their growth and development. She finds immense joy in shaping their early learning experiences and fostering a nurturing, child-centered environment where they can thrive. Guided by the Montessori philosophy, Ouissam believes in respecting each child's individuality and encouraging independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.
With a certificate as an Assistant Teacher in a public school and completion of all required DOE workshops—including those on student violence prevention, child abuse prevention, and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)—Ouissam is well-equipped to create a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. Her training and experience empower her to cultivate spaces that prioritize children’s emotional and physical well-being, ensuring they feel valued and ready to learn.
Outside of her professional role, Ouissam is a proud mother of three boys. She loves cooking, watching movies, and cherishes opportunities to travel and explore new places. Known for her easygoing and sociable nature, Ouissam enjoys building meaningful relationships and connecting with families and colleagues, fostering a warm and collaborative community.
Irlanda Marino
Seeds 1s Bilingual Teacher
As a child, Irlanda loved pretend play, especially being a teacher, often teaching her younger brother and plush toys. This early passion led her to pursue an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, followed by a bachelor’s in Sociology. She is now pursuing a master’s in TESOL Pre K-12 at Hunter College and enrolled in the Infant/Toddler 0-3 program at North American Montessori Center.
Irlanda has extensive experience working with infants to preschool-aged children, focusing on their early developmental stages. Her teaching emphasizes fostering independence, self-discipline, and a love for learning, with a special appreciation for Montessori principles. She believes children thrive when given the freedom to explore, choose activities, and work at their own pace in a thoughtfully prepared environment.
In her work teaching Spanish to pre-K students, Irlanda uses engaging activities such as songs, games, and stories to make learning interactive and fun. She believes that this approach helps young learners develop basic vocabulary and language skills in a playful and supportive environment, encouraging a love for languages early on.
Outside of the classroom, Irlanda enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and cooking. She is excited to work with young learners, guiding them through the Montessori approach, where students are empowered to make choices and take responsibility for their learning.
Caroline Contreras
Seeds 1s Bilingual Teacher
Teaching has always been Caroline’s dream, and she is passionate about shaping the minds of young children, helping them grow into confident, curious learners. With experience teaching young students and as a mother of two daughters, she understands both the educational and parental perspectives in early childhood development.
Caroline is dedicated to a career in early childhood education, focusing on toddlers and preschoolers during their most formative years. She believes that every child has incredible potential, and her goal is to create a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. Through guided Montessori activities, she fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills that build a strong foundation for future success.
For Caroline, inspiring little minds is not just a job—it’s a calling. She is committed to continuously learning and growing as an educator, ensuring that she provides the best possible support for the children in her care.
Jennifer Manuel
Infant and Toddler Bilingual Teacher
Jennifer has always had a passion for working with children and knew early on that she wanted to become an educator. As the oldest sibling in her family, she found her interest in teaching growing stronger, inspiring her to pursue a degree in education. She earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from LaGuardia Community College and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at City College.
Over the years, Jennifer has taught children ranging in age from 3 months to 10 years old. She strongly believes that children thrive in nurturing environments. As she explored various teaching methods, Jennifer was particularly drawn to the Montessori approach, which emphasizes child-led, hands-on learning and fosters a classroom centered on the child’s pace and interests.
Jennifer is committed to empowering her students by promoting independence, critical thinking, and emotional and social growth. She takes a warm and nurturing approach, ensuring that every child feels valued and respected, and works to create a positive, inclusive, and stimulating classroom community.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, cleaning, and watching her favorite shows.
Rose Luo
Infant and Toddler Mandarin Teacher
For Rose, teaching children has always been a dream fulfilled through her love of reading, play, and sharing her cultural heritage. As a native of China, Rose brings an authentic and immersive approach to teaching Mandarin, ensuring her students not only learn the language but also appreciate the deep cultural connections behind it. Her passion for traditional Asian cuisine, from sushi rolls to pureed eggplant, is often integrated into her lessons, offering students a unique, hands-on experience with the culture.
Beyond her love for teaching, Rose is a dedicated lover of literature, classical music, and wildlife photography. Her artistic eye has taken her around the world, from deep rainforests to towering mountain ranges, where she’s captured the beauty of nature through her lens.
Before moving to the United States, Rose had a successful career as an entrepreneur in Beijing. In her new community, she continued her commitment to education by serving as the Asia Liaison and Science Research Booster Chairwoman for the PTA at Great Neck North High School.
With years of experience working with children from 4 months to 5 years old, Rose brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and warmth to her classroom. She is eager to inspire her students by combining her global experiences, artistic passions, and culinary traditions to create a rich and engaging learning environment, all while making the journey of learning Mandarin a joyful and rewarding adventure.
Taisha Munoz
Sprouts 2s Bilingual Teacher
From a young age, Taisha has been passionate about helping others and finds joy in observing children as they grow and thrive. With experience in various teaching styles, she is committed to creating an inclusive, engaging, and nurturing learning environment that supports each child’s unique developmental journey, in line with Montessori principles.
Raised in a Mexican household in New Jersey, Taisha earned her bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology from Pace University. During her studies, she taught a social skills class for students with autism spectrum disorder, which deepened her understanding of individualized education. Following graduation, she worked as a behavior therapist, providing classroom support to children with autism and developmental disabilities. It was here that she discovered her passion for working in the classroom with young children, providing them with individualized attention, leading her to transition to a preschool teaching role at Little Bee Learning Studio in Hoboken, NJ, where she embraced child-centered, hands-on, and inquiry-based learning inspired by Montessori education.
Outside the classroom, Taisha enjoys crafting, from sewing and water coloring to pottery, and loves spending time with family, friends, and her dog. She also has a passion for traveling, embracing new cultures, and exploring diverse cuisines.
Taisha is currently working toward her master’s degree in early childhood education, as well as earning her Montessori teaching diploma.
Ashley Nakanishi
Seedlings 3s Bilingual Teacher
Ashley is a dedicated and nurturing Montessori educator who brings warmth, patience, and purpose to her preschool classroom every day. With a hands-on, child-centered approach, she creates a learning environment where each child feels seen, respected, and empowered to grow at their own pace.
Her journey into Montessori education began while studying Early Childhood Education in college, where she discovered the Montessori philosophy and felt an immediate connection to its emphasis on independence, curiosity, and the whole child. Inspired, she pursued her AMS Montessori credential, diving deep into the method and developing a strong foundation in both theory and practice.
Ashley’s teaching is guided by her core values of compassion, empathy, inclusivity, and mutual respect. She believes that every child deserves a space where they can safely express themselves, explore their interests, and feel a strong sense of belonging. Her calm presence and thoughtful guidance foster a classroom culture where children thrive not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. Ashley builds strong relationships with both children and families. She sees parents as essential partners in their child’s journey and values the trust and connection that grow through consistent, respectful dialogue.
Originally from Florida, Ashley is a native Spanish speaker with Peruvian and Japanese roots. She loves exploring cultures through food, language, and tradition. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, discovering new restaurants, and exploring all that New York City has to offer.
In every moment, from presenting materials to mediating peer conflict, Ashley leads with care and intentionality. She is passionate about creating a peaceful, purposeful, and joyful environment where young children feel confident, curious, and deeply loved.
Joanna Ortiz
Sprouts 2s Bilingual Teacher
Joanna's passion for education ignited when she volunteered at an early childhood center art program. The lively spirit and creativity of preschoolers and their development throughout the school year inspired Joanna to pursue the field of early childhood education. Joanna has years of experience working with preschoolers in both school and camp settings. Her goal is to become a certified teacher.
Currently, Joanna is studying Early Childhood Education at Hunter College. She makes an effort to create a supportive and inviting classroom for her students, ensuring they have a positive learning experience. She also incorporates independence and exploration into her teaching, aligning with Montessori principles.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with her two dogs.
Francely Taboada
Preschool Teacher
Francely has always loved reading—diving into the world of myths and legends and exploring the lessons they can teach us. What began as a personal hobby blossomed into a passion for English literature, eventually leading her to pursue a formal education in the field.
She is devoted to helping children discover their own interests, whether through storytelling, creative expression, or imaginative play. Committed to the Montessori philosophy, Francely is eager to gain hands-on experience across all classroom settings. As a mother herself, she understands the importance of fostering independence in a nurturing and supportive environment, and she finds deep joy in watching young children grow and thrive.
Francely earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Hunter College, where she concentrated in Medieval Studies. She also holds a minor in Archaeology and an Associate of Arts in Writing and Literature from LaGuardia Community College.
Through her love of stories, Francely encourages students to express themselves through narrative and imagination. She hopes her storytimes spark the same lifelong love for storytelling in her students that once captivated her.
When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find Francely trying new cuisines, spending time with her family, or researching the latest folktale that caught her eye.
Jenny Hong
Preschool Mandarin Teacher
With over 10 years of teaching experience in both traditional and informal educational settings, Jenny brings a deep passion for nurturing young children. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her ability to foster independence, curiosity, and creativity in young minds make her an ideal fit for our Montessori-inspired preschool program.
In her spare time, Jenny is dedicated to community service. Her extensive experience as a teaching volunteer and docent at the American Museum of Natural History has equipped her with unique skills in creating hands-on, child-centered learning experiences. Jenny has worked with students from pre-K to 12th grade, utilizing museum exhibits to spark curiosity and encourage self-directed exploration—approaches that align seamlessly with Montessori's emphasis on discovery through active learning. She excels in helping preschoolers build a strong foundation for future learning through sensory-rich, experiential education. As a native Chinese speaker, Jenny has also shared Chinese culture with NYC public and private school students, enriching their understanding of global perspectives.
Jenny's most recent academic journey includes earning a master’s degree from Boston University. To further strengthen her expertise in education, currently, she's pursuing her fourth master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Jenny’s blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience enhances the learning environment at our center. Her approach aligns with the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing self-guided learning, purposeful play, and collaborative activities, all designed to support the natural development of each child.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Muqing Hu
Education Director
Taisha Munoz
Program Coordinator
Jenny Hong
Operations Manager
Francely Taboada
Administrative Assistant
Stay tuned—more teacher bios are on the way, and trust us, they’re worth the wait!
