I am a passionate and experienced play-based educator of 18+ years who believes every child has a right to be seen and celebrated for who they are.
As an Education Doula, I work holistically with children and families to support their unique developmental pathways. Whether it’s providing rich, play-based learning experiences, building healthy life skills, helping to navigate an assessment process, or translating its observations and recommendations into joyful practice at school and at home, I ensure the best possible environment for your child's growth.
As an Educational Consultant, I help schools and independent professionals develop and maintain an engaging and supportive experience for all children.
WHAT I DO
Each family is different. Based on observation and close consultation with family, school staff, and any care team professionals, I will work with you to design a plan that might include:
Daily Skills Development.
I employ a play-based approach to learning and skills, a proven method of promoting children's holistic development. Executive function, eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor development, and sensory integration are all addressed through these natural, relaxed, non–clinical activities that feel nothing like therapy or remediation. In the process, a child’s imagination, creativity, self–confidence, and social skills greatly improve, and family stress levels drop.
Tutoring.
Perhaps your child needs tutoring in a specific subject, or you would like to offer additional activities to supplement their schoolwork (such as cooking or handcrafts). My aim is to make this work outside of school not only useful but something your child looks forward to.
Support for Schools.
Experienced eyes from outside an organization can offer new insights and perspectives. Mentorship visits and evaluations help to ensure the continuity and quality of teaching, as well as faculty retention. I work with schools and programs to design, evaluate, and improve:
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Teacher mentoring and assessments
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Child and classroom observations
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Professional development
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Early childhood parent education
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Early childhood curriculum development
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Equity support
Assessment Navigation and Care Team Family Advocacy.
It can be overwhelming when a teacher requests an assessment for your child or if you suspect your child would benefit from one. I have many years of experience working as a member of a care team for atypical learners. I can help you navigate the process of an assessment and its subsequent results and help translate observations and recommendations into understandable language.
I am also able to support a care team in understanding how recommendations can be carried out at school and at home, creating harmony between environments.
Homeschooling support.
If you are currently homeschooling, I can help with curriculum development and implementation. Weekly meetings, whether in-person or remote, can help keep you on track in the present with an eye on long-term goals. I can also adopt your content so that you can take a break, and your child has the opportunity to learn from another instructor.
ABOUT ME
I am a master Waldorf teacher of 18+ years and was a founding teacher of the Brooklyn Waldorf School.
Before becoming a teacher, I was a professional chef. I am still passionate about cooking and often incorporate culinary arts into my work with children.
I am also a longtime yogi and current mixed martial arts instructor. I know firsthand that physical activity can improve mental health and self-confidence, in addition to its physical benefits.
Working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ children is deeply personal for me. Growing up with someone who was undiagnosed, I sometimes struggled with how to best love and relate to a person I greatly admired.
Finally, as someone who doesn’t fit into a convenient gender identity, I feel a deep sense of pride about my uniqueness and am honored to have the trust of LGBTQ+ parents and children.
My pronouns are she/they.
“Our home is a happier place when Monika visits!"
GET IN TOUCH
718-916-2175
Please reach out with any questions, or to set up an initial no-cost consultation.
I look forward to hearing from you!