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 a New York State Birth-Grade 2 Teaching Certificate and a Bilingual Extension Certification in Mandarin. She earned her B.A. in International Relations and Political Science from Syracuse University, complemented by concentrations in Anthropology and Sociology. As a certified Montessori educator for both the Infant/Toddler (0-3) and Early Childhood (3-6) levels, Muqing combines a broad academic background with deep expertise in child development, bilingual education, and Montessori pedagogy.
Prior to joining Bean & Sprout, Muqing served as the Substitute Director, Twos Lead Teacher, and Threes Lead Teacher at Pine Street School, gaining extensive leadership experience while supporting faculty, families, and the day-to-day operations of the school. She also spent several years at The Spence School, where she taught Chinese language, literacy, and cultural studies, designed a comprehensive curriculum, and led and supervised the K-4 Chinese after-school program through the Spence Language and Culture Institute.
Eshaiis Espinal
Pods Guide
Eshaiis’s love for working with children grew naturally through her experiences in early childhood education. Having worked with children from infancy through elementary school, she has especially valued her time caring for infants and supporting them through some of their earliest stages of growth and development. These experiences have allowed her to become attentive to each child’s individual cues, temperament, emerging interests, and unique pace of development. Working closely with young children has shown her how meaningful it is to build trusting relationships and create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, respected, and confident to explore.
Eshaiis is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education, with the goal of becoming a teacher. She enjoys creating engaging experiences for children, especially through art and STEM, where they can be creative, experiment, ask questions, and discover new things. With infants and younger children, she also values sensory exploration, movement, language-rich interactions, and simple hands-on experiences that allow children to learn naturally through their environment.
In the classroom, Eshaiis enjoys incorporating Montessori principles by encouraging independence, hands-on exploration, and allowing children to take an active role in their learning. She believes that even our youngest children are capable learners who benefit from being given time, space, and appropriate support to explore at their own pace. In her work with infants, she places particular importance on respectful caregiving, careful observation, consistency, and responding thoughtfully to each child’s needs while gradually supporting their growing independence.
Outside of work, Eshaiis enjoys playing volleyball, reading, dancing, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She is excited to continue growing both personally and professionally while creating meaningful experiences and memories with the children she works with.
Francely Taboada
Pods Bilingual Guide
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. Francely earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Hunter College, with a concentration in Medieval Studies. She also holds a minor in Archaeology and an Associate of Arts in Writing and Literature from LaGuardia Community College.
Francely has been a valued member of the Bean & Sprout community for years, working closely with our youngest learners. During this time, she has developed a deep understanding of our routines, Montessori practices, and the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. As both an educator and a Bean & Sprout parent, whose own child also attended our school, Francely brings a genuine appreciation for the trusting partnership between families and teachers. Through her love of stories, Francely encourages children to express themselves through language, narrative, and imagination. She hopes her storytimes inspire the same lifelong love of storytelling that first captivated her, while nurturing each child's curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning.
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.
Kenniesha Ducan
Seeds Lower 1s Guide
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
Seeds Lower 1s Guide
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.
Joanna Ortiz
Seeds Lower 1s Guide
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.
Samia (Sam) Krazoun
Seeds Upper 1s Guide
Sam’s approach to teaching emphasizes supporting and guiding children on their unique educational journeys. She deeply values the Montessori method’s principles of holistic growth, meaningful exploration, and hands-on learning. Sam attended Montessori daycare and elementary school herself as a young child, making the Montessori approach dear to her heart.
Sam received her M.A. in Education from Wake Forest University and has worked with children of all ages. She has extensive professional experience with English language arts, language acquisition, and elementary academic intervention services. Sam is passionate about early childhood cognitive and language development. While focusing on teaching and childcare careers, Sam has found working with infants and toddlers to be the most meaningful. She enjoys blending educational methodologies in the classroom to provide a safe, collaborative, and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow as individuals.
Outside of the classroom, Sam enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending book clubs, and trying new foods.
Sabrina Namigohar
Seeds Upper 1s Guide
Sabrina has always had a passion for working with children. Growing up, she was the neighborhood babysitter and quickly discovered how much she enjoyed nurturing, supporting, and encouraging young learners. She believes strongly in fostering each child’s growth and development while providing guidance and support when needed. Sabrina discovered her love of teaching during her junior year of college. During this time, she was introduced to the Montessori approach through a mentor whose children attended a Montessori school, sparking her interest in Montessori education and its child-centered philosophy. She also has a strong passion for literacy and previously worked as a literacy tutor, providing individualized support to children who needed additional assistance.
Sabrina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from the University of New Haven and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Childhood Education at Queens College. Following graduation, she hopes to become a certified teacher for grades 1–6 and create a nurturing, engaging environment where children can grow with confidence and curiosity.
Outside of the classroom, Sabrina enjoys getting lost in a good book and spending time with her foster cats, who she considers some of the cutest companions around!
Rie Suyama
Pods & Seeds Bilingual Guide
Originally from Japan, Rie (pronounced “Ree-ay”) moved to New York after getting married and has been raising her two sons, now 12 and 8 years old, in this neighborhood. Her parenting journey has deepened her interest in early childhood education, bilingual development, and the importance of supporting each child’s natural growth with patience, respect, and care.
Before joining Bean & Sprout, Rie provided care for children between 0 and 2 years old. Through this experience, she developed a strong appreciation for creating a calm, nurturing environment where young children feel safe, trusted, and encouraged to explore at their own pace. She values the importance of observing each child carefully, honoring their individual needs, and supporting their growing independence through gentle guidance.
Rie earned her bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Tokyo University of the Arts. Her studies in design taught her that thoughtful spaces and clear communication can shape how people feel, learn, and connect with the world around them. This perspective aligns naturally with the Montessori approach, where the prepared environment plays an important role in supporting children’s concentration, curiosity, and independence.
In her free time, Rie enjoys photography, especially capturing everyday moments with her two sons and sharing them with family in Japan. She brings this same appreciation for small, meaningful moments into her work with children. Rie provides supports in maintaining a warm, orderly, and engaging classroom environment where children can build confidence, practice independence, and develop a love of learning. She looks forward to growing alongside her colleagues and supporting each child’s learning and development at Bean & Sprout.
Caroline Contreras
Pods & Seeds Bilingual Guide
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.
Rose Luo
Pods & Seeds Mandarin Guide
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.
Jennifer Manuel
Pods & Seeds Bilingual Guide
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, she naturally grew into a caregiving role, which inspired her to pursue formal training. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from LaGuardia Community College and is currently completing her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education at City College. Over the years, Jennifer has tutored and worked with the DOE, and served as a preschool teacher, supporting children from 3 months to 10 years old.
She believes children thrive in nurturing, inclusive environments and is especially drawn to the Montessori approach, where children learn at their own pace through hands-on, child-centered experiences. Jennifer focuses on fostering independence, critical thinking, and social–emotional growth. With a warm, calm presence, she ensures every child feels valued and respected while contributing to a positive and engaging classroom community.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, cleaning and organizing, and relaxing with her favorite shows.
Kate Chen
Sprouts 2s Guide
Kate is a dedicated early childhood educator who is passionate about creating an engaging and child-centered classroom environment. Her journey in education began as a teaching assistant at KAFSC Hodori, where she later became a lead teacher. She has also gained experience through several tutoring programs and as a student teacher in NYC Department of Education public schools, giving her the opportunity to work with children in a variety of educational settings and learning environments.
Kate is especially inspired by Montessori education and its emphasis on independence, maintaining curiosity, hands-on learning, and respect for every child’s unique development. She enjoys incorporating Montessori principles into her teaching and creating opportunities for children to develop a lifelong love of learning. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Queens College and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Inclusive Childhood Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Outside of the classroom, Kate enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and trying new foods and cuisines. She also loves spending time with her friends and family and creating meaningful memories together. Her curiosity and love of exploration extend beyond the classroom, and she brings that same enthusiasm and sense of discovery to her work with children.
Jianling (Juliana) Qi
Sprouts 2s Mandarin Guide
Jianling’s path into education began at home: when her second child was six months old, she brought Montessori into their daily rhythm and saw firsthand how respect, exploration, and emotional literacy help young children thrive. That experience led her to study the concrete-to-abstract progression and the move from independence to collaboration, so she can offer children calm, predictable spaces where real growth happens. Before moving to the U.S., she founded and ran an after-school center in China, working with children of many ages and learning styles. Here in the States, she continues to learn alongside teachers, sharpening her observation, lesson design, and documentation.
Jianling weaves Mandarin naturally into Montessori life—real objects, pictures, and rich spoken language; songs and rhythm games; and the classic Three-Period Lesson with simple matching, sorting, and sequencing. Jianling believes every child arrives curious and capable. Her aim is a safe, warm, and inspiring Montessori Mandarin-speaking environment where children build concentration through choice within clear limits, gain confidence through purposeful work, and practice empathy and respect in a diverse community.
When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys traveling, reading, crafting, painting, and discovering new foods, experiences that keep her curious and feed fresh ideas for her teaching.
Cindy (CJ ) Funes
Sprouts 2s Bilingual Guide
CJ is a proud New Jersey native with a soft spot for Queens, where her lifelong passion for education takes center stage. From teaching social-emotional learning to preschoolers to leading ESL classes for adults, her experience as an educator spans a wide range of ages. She especially enjoys working with older toddlers and 2-year-olds, a stage filled with rapidly growing language, independence, personality, and curiosity.
Bean & Sprout’s implementation of the Montessori philosophy, particularly its focus on equity, multiculturalism, independence, and curiosity, deeply aligns with CJ’s approach as an educator. She loves creating a child-centered classroom where toddlers feel secure enough to explore, make choices, build practical skills, express themselves, and take increasing ownership of their daily routines.
CJ is currently pursuing an M.S.Ed. in School Psychology with a bilingual specialization at Brooklyn College (CUNY). Her daily work with young children continually informs her studies and deepens her commitment to supporting their social-emotional, cognitive, and language development during these important early years.
Sonia Duran
Seedlings 3s & Plants 4s Bilingual Guide
Sonia Duran is an educator with a background in Elementary Education and endorsements in Reading and ESOL. Her experiences working with children across different ages and learning needs have strengthened her belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and confident in their abilities. She especially enjoys working with children ages 3 to 5, building meaningful relationships through thoughtful communication, careful observation, and a genuine appreciation for each child's unique personality.
Sonia is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming classroom where children are encouraged to be curious, independent, and learn at their own pace. She values the Montessori philosophy of following the child and respecting each child as an individual. She believes her role as an educator is to carefully observe, patiently guide, and prepare an environment that allows children the freedom to explore, make discoveries, develop confidence, and take an active role in their own learning.
Outside of the classroom, Sonia enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and discovering new experiences. She brings that same sense of curiosity and enthusiasm into her work with children and loves engaging in conversations with young children, seeing the world through their perspectives, and supporting their growing independence every step of the way.
Olamide (Ola) Ejidira
Preschool Guide
Ola’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.
Ola’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, Ola 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.
Ola’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.
Ola holds a Master’s in Education and an MA in Corporate Communications & Public Relations from the University of Leeds.
Carissa Ho
Preschool Guide
Carissa believes the early years of a child's life lay the foundation for everything that follows, and that belief guides the way she teaches. She loves observing children as they discover the world around them, seeing their curiosity, confidence, and joy grow through hands-on exploration. To Carissa, education is about much more than academics. It is equally important for children to develop independence, learn to express their emotions, build meaningful relationships, and solve problems with confidence, knowing a caring adult is there to guide them when needed.
Carissa believes children deserve the same respect we give adults, and she strives to treat every child with patience, dignity, and kindness. Having worked with children from diverse backgrounds, she believes every child's culture and identity should be celebrated. She also values strong partnerships with families, as open communication between home and school helps children thrive. Above all, Carissa believes children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and loved.
Carissa holds a B.A. in Health and Nutrition from CUNY Brooklyn College, an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from CUNY BMCC, and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education (Birth-2nd Grade) from CUNY City College, where she completed fieldwork in NYC public schools. In 2027, she plans to begin her Master's degree in Special Education after seeing firsthand the impact early support can have on a child's life.
Carissa has 13 years of experience in early childhood education, working with children ages two through five. She began her career as an aide, became a teacher assistant, and eventually a lead teacher. For the past five years, she has served as the Toddler Lead Teacher at CPC Chung Pak Daycare, where she has continued to grow as an educator while supporting children, families, and fellow teachers.
Meet Our Admin Team
Muqing Hu
Education Director
Carissa Ho
Assistant Director & Administrator
Francely Taboada
Administrative Assistant
Stay tuned—more teacher bios are on the way, and trust us, they’re worth the wait!
