Who We Are

Rachel is excited to be joining the staff of The Hollingworth Center as the Faculty Director. In her other role, she is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Curriculum and Teaching department at Teachers College. Rachel holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College with a focus on early childhood literacy and multimodal/digital literacies. She also received a Master’s degree from Teachers College and a Bachelor’s degree from Barnard College. With over 18 years of experience as an early childhood teacher and literacy coach in both the New York City Department of Education and the Spence School, Rachel’s research and teaching prioritize centering the voices and literacies of young children in both school and out-of-school contexts. Rachel has actively contributed to educational research and presented at national conferences. In her spare time, Rachel is an avid gardener and is learning how to paint with watercolors. She enjoys spending time in the mountains and exploring new cities.

Sarah Duer is the Director of Hollingworth Preschool and has held a number of leadership positions within the Center since 2014. In these capacities she designed early childhood programs and developed curriculum with a special focus on phenomenon and place–based science as well as robotics. Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Art from Occidental College in Diplomacy and World Affairs and Urban and Environmental Policy with a minor in Education, where she was awarded the Davis Fund Award in Educational Leadership. Immediately after Occidental, Sarah made her way back east to begin her Master’s Degree program at Teachers College. Sarah was awarded the inaugural Abby M. O’Neill Fellowship and received her dual certification in elementary and gifted education. Sarah taught at a citywide gifted and talented public school and has TA’d for graduate courses at TC. Teaching drew Sarah to school leadership, and she completed her MEd from Bank Street College in progressive leadership and her principal internship at a local DOE elementary school. Sarah has shared her research and presented at international conferences, consulted with schools in South Korea, and partnered with a variety of programs and departments at Teachers College. Sarah is now a doctoral candidate in the department of curriculum and teaching at TC with a research focus at the intersection of early childhood education, sustainability, and emotional experiences of climate change. Sarah brings joy to Hollingworth everyday, tremendous care for all in our community, and enormous support for our parents and loved ones.

Mónica Reyes (she/her/hers) is thrilled to return to Hollingworth Preschool as the Yellow Class head teacher. She holds a New York State certification and master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. While completing her master’s degree, Mónica worked at Hollingworth as a Blue Class associate teacher where she learned the value of honoring children’s autonomy and how impactful socio-emotional practices are for young learners. This year is extra special for her as she returns to the wonderful community that helped shape her into the educator she is today. Mónica has spent the last couple of years teaching preschoolers in independent schools in Manhattan, exploring her passion for socio-emotional learning in early childhood with a mindful approach to inquiry-based teaching. She strives to provide a loving, welcoming environment where children feel safe and respected to explore learning in their own unique ways. When she is not teaching, Mónica enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants, crafting and doing pilates classes!

Ayuko Uezu Boomer is the Blue Class Head Teacher at Hollingworth Preschool. She's a proud New Yorker, born and raised right here in Manhattan. She recently made the big move back with her family after spending 17 wonderful years in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. It's a busy and exciting time for her family! During her time in Minnesota, she spent 17 years as an early childhood specialist, teaching children and undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota's Laboratory School, where she also held the privilege of being a licensed parent educator. For the past five years, she has also leaned into her interest in the outdoors as an outdoor educator, teaching a college course and presenting at numerous conferences on outdoor and nature education. Ayuko's educational path started here in New York at Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. More recently, she completed her Doctorate in Education at Hamline University, focusing on Educational Leadership and Organization, which is the oldest university in Minnesota. She feels incredibly special to now be working at the oldest university in New York City. She also had an amazing experience living in Japan for a couple of years, teaching English to children from five to eighteen. When Ayuko is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, pets, reading, traveling, and exploring new places on foot. She also loves to eat and often tries out new, easy, and healthy recipes to cook or finds new restaurants to try.  

An alum of both Hollingworth Preschool and Science Camp, Nina Borland completed her undergraduate studies at Clark University, where she studied studio art and graphic design. Nina joined Hollingworth full time in 2015. During her time at the Center, she has spent invaluable time both inside and outside of the classroom designing curriculum and learning materials, teaching, and supporting the Center's mission with program planning and documentation. Currently, Nina serves as Creative and Instructional Designer for Hollingworth, utilizing her expertise in graphic and instructional design,  teaching, and the visual arts. One of Nina's favorite aspects of her job is teaching art with our youngest learners at Hollingworth Preschool! She is back for a fifth year of fostering artistic agency through exploration, inquiry, and play.

Outside of the classroom, Nina finds time for her personal practice, creating art, photography, and design surrounding themes of body, sense of self, the natural world, and intersectional feminism. Nina can often be found singing songs, making things, and delving into the wonderful world of sci-fi and fantasy.

Jamie Vuong (she/hers) is an Assistant Teacher at Hollingworth and a first-year graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University, pursuing a Master of Arts in Elementary Inclusive Education. She graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Education Sciences and a minor in Korean Literature and Culture. With a strong focus on equity and inclusion, Jamie works to create enriching multilingual learning spaces and continuously explores culturally responsive, research-based teaching practices that best support diverse learners. Her work as a Research Assistant at the Bilingual, Mind, and Brain Lab at UC Irvine allowed her to contribute to studies exploring the cognitive mechanisms behind language regulation in Spanish-English second language learners. Jamie brings over four years of diverse teaching experience with children from Pre-K through 6th grade in California, including volunteering in public K–12 classrooms and, most recently, leading a preschool classroom. Her most rewarding experiences—teaching social studies to her preschoolers while supporting their holistic development—have reaffirmed her passion for early childhood education. This year, Jamie is excited to integrate her background in multilingualism with her training in inclusive pedagogy to build a classroom environment that celebrates diversity, honors cultural traditions, and nurtures curiosity about the world. Outside of the classroom, Jamie loves to adventure around New York City through food crawls and taking in everything the Broadway scene has to offer!

Keiko Koguchi is a first-year graduate student at Teachers College, where she is pursuing her initial certification in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Soka University of America (SUA), where she focused on Psychology and Education. For her senior thesis, she conducted a qualitative research project studying how parent’s approach to heritage language bilingualism impacts their child’s linguistic and cultural development. During her time at SUA, she contributed to the community as president of Exploration of Education Club and Class Senate President. Keiko’s experience includes working as a Peace Ambassador for the Office of Admissions at SUA, taking students and families on tours and supporting on-campus and off-campus events. In addition, Keiko has a background in teaching English to Japanese students and supporting local children at an afterschool program, both in Costa Rica. She is excited to create wonderful memories and grow alongside the children at Hollingworth.

Viktoria Bourmpoulia (she/hers) is joining the faculty for a second year as an Assistant Teacher at Hollingworth. Viktoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business from The American College of Greece and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College. Her research interests range from resilience to child and adult neuropsychology, and emotional flexibility. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she assisted in children's ballet lessons for ages ranging from 4-6, fostering a deep appreciation for movement-based learning. She has also worked as an apprentice in the research study initiative Safe Touches with the ELIZA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, engaging with elementary school children on body safety education.  At Hollingworth, Viktoria is excited to apply her knowledge of developmental psychology while incorporating dance, movement, and music into the classroom experience. She is also a proud member of the Teachers College Community Choir.

Catarina Do Amaral is the Assistant Teacher for the Blue Class and the Music Exploration Teacher at Hollingworth Preschool. She brings over eight years of experience teaching students of all ages, from preschoolers to college students. Originally from Macao, Catarina is a pianist, educator and researcher who holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and is currently pursuing advanced studies in Music and Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. In Macao, she co-founded and directs the Opus One Artists Association, which creates programs that bridge cultures through concerts, masterclasses, and community initiatives. Her teaching philosophy draws on this cross-cultural work, weaving together music, storytelling, and play to nurture children’s creativity, curiosity, and social-emotional development. At Hollingworth, Catarina is excited to assist children explore sound, rhythm, and movement in ways that support self-expression, collaboration, and confidence. She strives to create a welcoming classroom environment where every child feels celebrated for their unique voice and ideas. Outside the classroom, Catarina continues to perform internationally, organize arts education projects, and explore new cities, cultures, and cuisines. She is thrilled to bring her passion for music and early learning to the Hollingworth community and grow alongside its students.

Tsering Dolma is an Assistant Teacher in Blue Class, where she worked as a student-teacher last year. Tsering is a second-year student in the MA Early Childhood Education (Initial Certification) program. Tsering holds an  MA in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Before coming to the US for graduate studies, Tsering worked as a children’s library educator and served on the editorial board of a children’s literature publication in India. In her library work, Tsering worked with children from ages 3 to 10 in reading programs and initiatives such as reading hikes, community mobile library, and art and craft-based library activities. Tsering is interested in children’s home languages and believes in the importance of upholding heritage, especially the languages that are at risk of extinction. Outside the classroom, Tsering enjoys hiking and cooking with friends.

Valentina Balcázar Nuñez (she/her) is an Assistant Teacher in the Yellow Class. She is currently a first year student in the Clinical Psychology Master of Arts program at Teachers College. She was born and raised in Mexico City, but earned her BA in Psychology at the University of British Columbia in May of 2024. Previously, Valentina has experience working as a summer camp counselor and tutor, and she’s beyond excited to step into a classroom setting! She is very interested in different types of psychotherapy, including peer support, and believes compassion is a key element in people’s mental health journey. She wants to follow the researcher-clinician pathway, where she aims to balance both of her passions: impactful research and clinical practice. Outside of the classroom, Valentina is very active. She loves spending time outside doing hikes, swimming, rock climbing, camping and so much more. She is also very creative and is always  looking for new artists and concerts.

Beyond her research, Sookie has rich practical experience in both music education and therapy, particularly with children and adolescents. She has worked with children on the autism spectrum, using music to enhance their emotional and cognitive development. With a passion for inspiring creativity and musical expression, Sookie integrates her research and practice to cultivate a lifelong love of music in her students at Hollingworth Preschool.

Chris Stern (he/him) is an administrative assistant supporting Hollingworth Preschool and a first year MA student in the Education Policy program at Teachers College. He grew up on the east coast, in a small town in northwestern Connecticut. In 2014, he moved to the west coast to attend Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he received a BA in Critical Theory & Social Justice and a Minor in Education. While in undergrad, he developed interests in antiracist practices, social emotional learning, and curriculum development.  After graduating, he worked as a Senior Trainer at the Posse Foundation, a Scholarship foundation and support program. He is filled with appreciation to have met many inspiring educators and supported amazing students in their college journeys during this period. In 2023, he completed the Teachers College’s Reimagining Education Advanced Certificate, which was a phenomenal experience and helped lead him to the Education Policy & Social Analysis Department! Outside of school and the classroom, he absolutely loves music and is hoping to explore lots of NYC’s venues, and he enjoys spending time outdoors and is planning on volunteering with the Parks Department.

Ellen McDermott (She/Her/Hers) is an Assistant Teacher for both the Yellow and Blue Classes at Hollingworth. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, she attended international schools in Shanghai and Paris intermittently while growing up. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science at Occidental College, she waited out the pandemic in Los Angeles before moving to New York City in 2022. Her undergraduate thesis explored virtual reality and learning, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Cognitive Science in Education at Teachers College. She is interested in studying ways to diversify classroom materials, with an interest in raising the likelihood that students are exposed to STEM concepts in ways that motivate them to seek deeper understanding. Ellen enjoys beach reads year-round, movie theaters, and ~1 week from writing this she will be running a 5k at the New York Botanical Garden (one of her favorite places). She is honored to be spending time with the Hollingworth students and supporting their continued growth into lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and empathetic community members.

Junhan Shen (She/Her) is a second-year graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University, pursuing an M.A. in Art & Art Education with a concentration in Museum Education. She earned her BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts and continues to work as an illustrator, focusing on narrative and book-inspired projects that weave together cultural identity and storytelling. At The Museum of Modern Art, Junhan supports Access Programs, Family Programs where she helps facilitate inclusive, process-based art activities that encourage children and families to engage with art in playful and meaningful ways. She believes that creativity can spark curiosity and help people of all ages connect

with one another. This year, Junhan will be supporting our Art Explorations program at Hollingworth. Outside of her academic and professional work, Junhan is a passionate foodie who loves exploring New York’s diverse restaurants, trying out new recipes, and sketching food-inspired illustrations. She finds joy in discovering cozy cafés, strolling through museums, and bringing everyday inspirations into her art practice. She is excited to continue sharing her love of art, food, and storytelling with new communities!

Jacquelyn serves as Director of Science Initiatives at The Hollingworth Center. Under her supervision, Hollingworth Science Camp provides innovative science-based education to hundreds of elementary school children every year. In keeping with the Center’s dual mission to provide educational enrichment to both children and educators, Jacquelyn provides teacher education and training for our Science Camp teachers. Under her direction, the Center partnered with the Huilo Huilo Foundation in Chile and held a Science Camp in Neltume, Chile in 2015 and 2016, serving local children and educators from the Patagonia region surrounding the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. In January of 2017, the Center collaborated with the Chilean government in executing their yearly summer camp for teachers. Jacquelyn and two Chilean Hollingworth Fellows presented six workshops to 120 Chilean elementary school teachers on the pedagogy of teaching science to young children. Jacquelyn has also presented on using culturally relevant pedagogy to teach science at the Reimagining Education: Teaching and Learning in Racially Diverse Schools Institute held at Teachers College every July. Prior to coming to Teachers College, Jacquelyn taught in a Title I elementary school in Los Angeles, California, working with English language learners in both Spanish and English. As the science curriculum coordinator for grades K through 5, she implemented inquiry-based science curriculum and provided professional development for teachers. Concurrently, Jacquelyn completed a Master’s Degree in Education Foundations and Theory from California State University, Los Angeles. Jacquelyn completed her PhD in the Sociology and Education program at Teachers College in 2018 and continues to present her research on second generation Dominican high school students at various conferences. Jacquelyn will be overseeing Hollingworth Preschool’s Engineering Explorations for the 2025-2026 school year