Meet the BFS Team
At Brooklyn Free Space, our educators create nurturing, joyful environments where every child is known, respected, and encouraged to explore. Our experienced teaching and leadership teams work in close partnership with children and families to foster curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a strong sense of community.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team works collaboratively to support BFS’s educational program, daily operations, educators, children, and families.
Takiema Bunche-Smith
Executive Director
At BFS since July 2026
Takiema joined BFS in July 2026, bringing more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education and organizational leadership. She is committed to fostering a warm, inclusive school community where children can learn, grow, and thrive. As Executive Director, Takiema guides the school’s educational vision, supports teachers and staff, and works closely with BFS leadership and families to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging experience for every child.
Angel Lawrence
Deputy Director
At BFS since 2012
Angel holds a BA in Psychology and an MS in Early Childhood and Special Education. She believes children learn best in a loving, nurturing environment where they feel safe expressing themselves and developing confidence and independence. Angel values each child’s unique personality and perspective and enjoys helping children better understand themselves, their friendships, and the world around them. She is committed to supporting the social, emotional, and educational growth of every child at BFS.
Deidre Santos
Director of Operations and Finance
At BFS since 2019
Deidre holds a BS in Business Management and Finance from Brooklyn College and brings more than 20 years of experience in operations and management. She oversees the financial and day-to-day operations that keep BFS running smoothly. Deidre enjoys working behind the scenes to support families, staff, and the wider school community while ensuring the school remains organized, responsive, and welcoming.
Classroom Teams
Our classroom educators work collaboratively to create welcoming, responsive learning environments shaped by children’s interests, relationships, and discoveries.
Jitterbug Team
Our 2s Classroom
Aida Gongora
Co-Lead Teacher
At BFS since 1990
Aida has been part of the Brooklyn Free Space community since 1990. She strongly believes that children need time and space to explore the world around them, as well as opportunities to revisit familiar materials and deepen their discoveries. Hands-on learning through play has always brought Aida great joy.
Marceline Jules
Co-Lead Teacher
Mary Timmons
Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2025
After a career in the corporate world, Mary discovered her passion for early childhood education while substitute teaching in a two-year two-year-old classroom. She believes in the joy of seeing the world through children’s eyes and values how much teachers and children learn from one another.
Outside of BFS, Mary enjoys time with friends, tennis, reading, and movies.
Ramona Fagbore
After-School Assistant Teacher
Dragonfly Team
Our 3s Classroom
Nycol Martin
Co-Teacher
At BFS since 2013
Nycol brings a love of science and exploration to the classroom, encouraging children to investigate and better understand the world around them. Curious and engaged, she is often inspired by the children’s questions and ideas. Nycol has served the BFS community in many roles over the years and is continuing her professional growth by pursuing a degree in Education.
Yakara Patrick
Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2018
Yakara has been working with children, from toddlers to school-age children, for over 20 years. She believes that with patience, love and a sense of comfort all children can learn at any age level. And that the learning goes both ways: A child can teach an adult how to be happy and how to always be curious.
Laura McGrade
After-School Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 1994
Laura believes that her first responsibility is to guide the children and help them establish confidence and, at the same time, give them all the tender loving care they need. Fun fact: Sometimes when she reads to the children, she changes her voice to match the characters in the book and becomes a little animated and goofy. The kids love it, shouting, “more, more!” It's hysterical for everybody.
Butterfly Team
Our hybrid classroom serving older 3s and younger Pre-K 4s
Tabitha Bellavoix
Lead Teacher
At BFS since 2024
Tabitha brings 10 years of experience teaching children from infancy through Pre-K. She believes children learn and express themselves beautifully through music and incorporates singing, dancing, and movement into the classroom. Tabitha enjoys helping children build the confidence to take on new tasks and challenges, and she loves seeing their joy as they learn and make new discoveries.
Monique Paul
Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2026
Monique brings more than 13 years of experience teaching preschool and Pre-K. She enjoys creating warm, imaginative classroom spaces where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. Monique encourages children to think big, express their creativity, and believe in their unique potential. Her love of music, movies, and jewelry design inspires creative classroom experiences that support fine-motor development, confidence, and joyful learning.
Sunshine Team
One of our two Pre-K classrooms
Patrick Dahl
Lead Teacher
At BFS since 2024
Patrick holds a BA in English and an MA in Humanities and is pursuing an MS in Education at Brooklyn College. He has worked in early childhood education since 2012 and enjoys creating thoughtful, engaging classrooms that encourage independence and child-led exploration. Patrick uses storytelling, visual arts, and nature walks to inspire curiosity and creative thinking while helping each child feel supported and celebrated.
Isabel Daniele
Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2025
Isabel holds a bachelor’s degree in Movement Studies and Psychology and is pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education at Brooklyn College. She believes every child learns differently and deserves to feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated. Through movement, music, stories, and art, Isabel creates engaging experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and bring learning to life.
Christina Berry
After-School Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2026
Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has experience working with children from infancy through age 10. She brings compassion, empathy, and patience to the classroom and makes it a priority for every child to feel heard, understood, and supported. Christina encourages children to express their feelings, ask questions, and be themselves while creating an environment where they feel safe, valued, and included.
Rainbow Team
One of our two Pre-K classrooms
Kathy Vega
Lead Teacher
At BFS since 2009
Kathy holds a BA in Early Childhood Education. She approaches each school year with enthusiasm and enjoys partnering with BFS children, families, and teachers. Kathy loves watching children discover new things, develop new skills, and take pride in their accomplishments. She is committed to helping every child build confidence and believe in all that they can achieve.
Malado Nyangamukenga
Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2021
Before joining BFS, Malado studied sociology at the College of Staten Island and worked as an after-school dance teacher. Guided by the belief that everyone has something to teach and learn, she values the new perspectives children bring to the classroom each day. Malado plans to continue her education by completing her degree and studying early childhood education.
Adanna Hylton
After-school Assistant Teacher
At BFS since 2022
Adanna holds a degree in Art and brings creativity and imagination to her work with children. She values the unique qualities of early childhood and enjoys supporting children as they learn, grow, and find new ways to express themselves. Her favorite children’s book is The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven, which she loves for its enchanting and magical story.
Enrichment & Schoolwide Educators
Bringing music, movement, visual arts, language, and creative exploration to the BFS community.
Gabi Moisan
Atelierista / Art Educator
At BFS since 2008
Gabi is an artist and educator with more than 15 years of experience bringing art, children, and community together. She has taught at the Smithtown Township Arts Council and Brooklyn Museum and volunteered with the Whitney Museum’s Learning Through Art program. Gabi holds an MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University and a BFA in Fine Art from Hunter College. She especially values skill-sharing, collaboration, and creative experiences for all ages.
Joanne Riel
Music and Movement Teacher
Joanne works with our Jitterbug and Dragonfly classrooms, using music and movement to create joyful, engaging learning experiences. Through singing, rhythm, and active play, she encourages children to express themselves, build confidence, and explore new ideas.
Raquel Diaz-Fernandez
Spanish Enrichment
Raquel teaches Spanish through Espáñate, using music, rhythm, and creative activities to make language learning engaging and memorable. Originally from near Madrid, Spain, she combines structured instruction with artistry, encouraging children to sing new vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and develop a natural connection to the Spanish language.