Meet Our Experts
The heart and soul of Union Square Play.
Our educators and crew are more than just guides; they are specialists in child development, speech-language pathology, and neural organization, dedicated to nurturing your child's innate curiosity in a premium, professional environment.
Our Educators
Specialists in child development, speech-language pathology, and neural organization dedicated to child-driven exploration.
Daniela Arevalo
Jennie Monness brings a profound depth of knowledge to Union Square Play, blending her expertise in intentional observation with a deep commitment to RIE-inspired principles. Her approach ensures that every child's unique developmental pace is honored, creating an environment where curiosity thrives and parent-child connections are nurtured through conscious educators and specialized developmental support.
Dionne Kamara
Developmental Specialist
As a seasoned Developmental Specialist, this educator focuses on the intricate layers of early childhood growth. By applying clinical insights and observational mastery, they facilitate play-based learning that respects individual temperaments. Their work at Union Square Play is dedicated to fostering neural organization and speech development in a warm, professional setting that encourages children to lead their own exploration.
Indiana Bervis
Developmental Specialist
This educator combines a passionate commitment to child development with specialized training in early neural organization. Their approach involves expert guidance designed to empower every child through intentional observation. By creating a premium space for child-driven discovery, they ensure that every developmental journey is supported with professionalism and a deep understanding of pediatric speech and motor milestones.
Colby Treat
Originally from upstate New York, Colby trained extensively with the Manhattan Youth Ballet and BalletMet before spending five years performing with the Carolina Ballet. As an active freelance artist in the city, she has taken the stage with FJK Dance, Galletto Dance, and the Albany Berkshire Ballet. Certified in Brain Compatible Dance Education, Colby blends her elite stage expertise with child development philosophies at Union Square Play, introducing infants and toddlers to the magical world of movement.
Lily Schatzberg
Developmental Specialist
This specialist focuses on the holistic developmental arc of early childhood, prioritizing safe exploration and parent-supported milestones. By integrating RIE-inspired principles with a deep knowledge of neural organization, they create a space where children lead and educators provide the intentional structure needed for growth. Their dedication to a premium play environment ensures excellence in every session at Union Square Play.
Bandleader Will
Developmental Specialist
With a foundation in child development and masters-level expertise, this educator is a champion for child-driven discovery. They believe that intentional observation is the key to supporting every child's unique developmental journey. Their professional background ensures that every play experience is developmentally sound, empowering children to discover the world at their own pace within our premium, nurturing community environment.
Lauren Treat
Sarah Chen brings clinical precision to her role as a Developmental Specialist at Union Square Play. With a deep focus on speech-language pathology and neural developmental milestones, she provides families with expert guidance that transforms play into a powerful developmental tool. Sarah’s commitment to child-driven exploration means she observes each child intently, facilitating experiences that empower them to grow with confidence and joy.
Bandleader CJ
Developmental Specialist
Drawing from a background rich in speech pathology and pediatric development, this specialist ensures that every visit is a step forward for the child. Using BrainDance methodology and intentional play techniques, they nurture the child's innate curiosity. Their goal is to build a foundation of excellence and safety, where every family feels the presence of a true developmental specialist dedicated to their child's unique play journey.
Educator Name 9
Developmental Specialist
Combining a deep understanding of RIE foundations with specialized speech milestones, this educator offers a premium developmental perspective. Their practice is defined by intentional observation and expert support, tailored to each child's specific motor and cognitive stage. At Union Square Play, they create an empowering environment where children can direct their own discovery while being safely guided by a high-level specialist.
The Crew behind the Play
Our dedicated support team ensuring every visit to Union Square Play is seamless, safe, and welcoming for every family.
Maria Rojas
Dionne is dedicated to creating a premium environment where every child feels empowered to discover and play. Through her role as an Experience Specialist, she manages the delicate balance of safety and warmth required in an elite developmental space. Her presence ensures that the philosophy of Union Square Play is manifested in every interaction, guiding families towards deeper connection through child-led play and observational awareness.
Mateo Buitron
As a key member of our Community Crew, this specialist is dedicated to maintaining a high-level environment for our families. Their focus remains on child-driven philosophy, ensuring that the space is always welcoming and conducive to safe exploration. By providing expert logistical support, they allow our educators to focus on the child, creating an impeccably professional atmosphere where play is respected as the child's most important work.
Joseph Alvarado
Focusing on the delivery of an exceptional family experience, this Crew Member embodies the spirit of Union Square Play. Their commitment to child-driven discovery means every element of the environment is prepared with intentionality and clinical safety. They work tirelessly to ensure that our premium space remains a sanctuary for play, where families can join a community that truly understands and supports early childhood development with professionalism and heart.
Jaycob Castro
Dedicated to fostering a premium environment where every child feels empowered, this Crew Member is an expert in hospitality within a developmental context. They ensure that Union Square Play is a space of seamless discovery, focusing on intentional observation and community warmth. By upholding the highest standards of safety and engagement, they help our families feel truly supported, ensuring that play remains the focal point of every visit.
Excellence in Care
Our team is composed of dedicated professionals who undergo continuous, high-level training to ensure the safest and most nurturing environment for your family. From specialized RIE-inspired qualifications to clinical speech-language expertise, we set the benchmark for developmental care.
- Certified RIE® Foundations Professional Development
- Masters in Early Childhood Education
- Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP-CCC)
- BrainDance™ Developmental Methodology Certified
- Advanced Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certification
- Quarterly Intentional Play Workshops
Join Our Team
We invite you to experience our nurturing space first-hand. Schedule a visit to meet our expert team of educators and see our child-driven philosophy in action.