Board of Directors
Stewardship & Leadership
Brooklyn Free Space is a nonprofit cooperative preschool supported by a shared leadership structure that includes our professional administration, Board of Directors, and family-led cooperative leadership. The Board of Directors provides governance and stewardship of BFS, helping to safeguard the school’s mission, long-term sustainability, and continued strength as a community-based organization.
Board members bring a range of professional experience, perspectives, and connections to BFS and the broader community, united by a commitment to the children, families, educators, and mission of Brooklyn Free Space.
👋 Meet Our Board of Directors
David Heales (Chair)
David is a former BFS parent whose two children attended the school from 2019 to 2023. He has lived in Park Slope with his family since moving to Brooklyn from London in 2014.
David is a partner at the international law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and studied law at Oxford University. He has previously served on the boards of trustees of several elementary and middle schools. His connection to BFS as both a parent and board member informs his commitment to supporting the school’s continued strength and sustainability.
Amy Brito
Amy is a former BFS parent whose family was part of the community from 2021 to 2023. During that time, she was an active member of BFS and served as a class parent.
Amy has more than 18 years of experience in technology, beginning her career in engineering and business development at Cisco and later leading partnership organizations at Amazon Web Services. She currently leads a commerce and agency partnerships team at Stripe. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Amy has lived in Brooklyn with her family since 2018 and has volunteered with nonprofit organizations focused on supporting women, children, and diverse communities.
Rob Vurens Van Es
Rob is a former BFS parent whose family was part of the school community for four years. During his time at BFS, he served on the Steering Committee as both Treasurer and President.
Originally from Australia, Rob has called New York home since 2012 and Park Slope home since 2015. He works at an investment firm, where he focuses on sustainable food and agricultural infrastructure.
BFS gave Rob’s children a wonderful beginning to their school experience and his family lasting friendships within the community. He is pleased to continue supporting the school through his service on the Board.
Nate Martinez
Nate’s family joined the BFS community in 2020 when his daughter Aluna began in the Jitterbug classroom. She spent three years at BFS, while Nate’s partner, Fiorella, served on the Steering Committee first as Secretary and later as President. Their family formed meaningful and lasting friendships through the school community.
Originally from Lewiston, New York, Nate has lived in Brooklyn for more than 20 years. He works in sound design and composition and leads sound-based mindfulness initiatives for organizations.
Nate is grateful for his family’s experience at BFS and the opportunity to continue contributing to the community through Board service.
Junie Francois Pswarayi
Junie is a nonprofit professional with extensive experience in fundraising, development, finance, operations, and human resources. She spent six years overseeing finance, HR, and operations at Democracy Works during a period of significant organizational growth before transitioning into fundraising and development work.
Junie is an alumna of the University of Maryland, College Park and holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Montgomery College. She has also pursued professional development in fundraising and anti-racism and equity work.
A former BFS parent, Junie served as a parent board member during the 2020–2021 school year and was elected as an independent Board member in 2021. Her son attended BFS for two years as a Dragonfly and Sunshine.
Mark Buswinka
Mark has a long connection to Brooklyn Free Space. His children Zander and Leila attended BFS in 2002 and 2004, and years later his son Kenji joined the Rainbow classroom for the 2020–2021 school year.
A career educator, Mark has worked as a teacher, teacher trainer, and school leader. Originally from Cincinnati, he and his family have called Park Slope and Kensington home since 1991.
Mark’s experiences as both an educator and longtime BFS parent inform his commitment to helping the school remain a joyful and meaningful place for children and families.
Hazuki Aikawa
Hazuki’s family has been part of the BFS community for several years. Her son Koen attended from 2018 to 2020, and her daughter Mikuni attended from 2023 to 2025.
Originally from Tokyo, Hazuki holds a master’s degree in biomedical journalism and works as a science media consultant with television networks and film productions around the world. She helps connect media professionals with scientists so that scientific ideas can be communicated accurately, clearly, and accessibly.
Hazuki has developed a strong connection to BFS staff and families over the years and is delighted to support the continued strength and vitality of a community that has meant so much to her family.