Our Team
Each educator at Big and Tiny has outstanding experience, degrees in early childhood education, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Above all, a passion for education and desire to make a difference in each child’s learning journey and life.
NEW YORK
Melissa Salam
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Melissa holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Hunter College and has been an educator for eighteen years, sixteen of those working at a Reggio-Inspired preschools. She’s also worked as an educational director for over 6 years mentoring teams and managing educational programs. She loves working with children because every day is a new adventure. Outside of the classroom, Melissa resides on Long Island with her husband and 6-year-old son. They love to travel together, go bowling, play miniature golf, and come up with fun open-ended activities for the whole family to enjoy.
EDUCATOR 2s & PRESCHOOL
Laura Himmler
Laura holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education and Psychology and a Masters Degree in Early childhood education from Bank Street College of Education. Laura has over 7 years of classroom experience in Reggio Emilia Schools. They are passionate about advocating for young children, their identities and the need for play based education. Laura is certified in Yoga coaching and is passionate about bringing mindfulness to the classroom and creating spaces where children feel free.
Angel Robinson
EDUCATOR - INFANTS
Angel is a seasoned Early Childhood Educator with 20+ years of experience. Originally from Toronto, Canada she earned her Early Childhood education degree from Loyalist College in Ontario. Since then, she has continued to grow and develop her passion for guiding children from infancy to 6 years old. She has ample experience applying teaching principles like Reggio Emilia and enjoys developing play-based learning experiences in her classroom.
Anasia Allard
EDUCATOR - TODDLERS
Anasia holds a Bachelors degree in Children and Youth Studies and she is currently pursuing her masters degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Teaching children has always been her passion. Growing up she watched her mother raise four children while owning a daycare center. This inspired her to realize the importance of early childhood development. Working with children reminds her of how amazing and exciting the world can be.
Jen Calcano
HEAD OF ADMISSIONS-EDUCATOR
Jen is a long time educator. She holds a bachelor degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a certificate as a RIE educator. She has over ten years of teaching experience all the way from infancy to kindergarten. She is passionate about child-led education and advocates for programs that allow children to develop at their own pace and develop curriculums inspired by children's interests. She is a community builder with a strong commitment in child-centered practice and respect for children.
ASSISTAN TEACHER
Katie Norris
Katie studied Musical Theatre at Missouri State University in Austin, TX. After graduating, she worked at a preschool as an assistant teacher, where she became passionate about early childhood education. She loves incorporating music, art, movement and theatricality in the classroom activities. When she is not teaching, she enjoys listening to music, painting and playing with her cat Freya.
Kennedy Brown
ASSISTAN TEACHER
Kennedy holds a bachelor's in Theatre and acting from Missouri State University in Austin, TX. She loves combining both of her passions; theatre and education. She started working with young children at a young age and has over 2 years experience as a teacher. Outside of work, you will find her at the movie theatre, specifically at the Alamo Draft House Cinema.
Mia Neibert
MUSIC TEACHER
Mia is a versatile vocalist and early childhood music teacher. She holds a degree in Professional music, concentrating in vocal performance and songwriting from Berklee College of Music. In 2007, Mia Became certified to teach early childhood education music and since then, she has been sharing the gift of music with young children, bringing warmth, fun and creativity to her classes. Outside class, Mia loves working with essential oils and making aromatherapy blends.
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LOS ANGELES
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
Jessica Stromber
Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from CSULB and has been working with young children for over 15 years. She is passionate about early childhood education and has developed robust strategies to best foster children’s growth. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for children as well as ensuring that all families in our community are taken care of.
EDUCATOR - INFANTS
Enjoli Littleton
With a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from CSULA, Enjoli has over 9 years of experience working with children. She first discovered her passion for teaching while working for both a private school and Head Start program during her time in college. Enjoli is committed to making childcare education a lifelong career and looks forward to working toward a Master’s degree in this field in the near future. In her free time, she loves to participate in sports activities and events.
EDUCATOR - TODDLERS
Jimena La Motta
Jimena is originally from Spain. She holds a bachelors degree in Journalism as well as Theatre and Acting major from the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. After working as a professional actress for many years, she moved to LA where her career in early childhood education started. Jimena joined Big and Tiny 3 years ago as a Spanish teacher. She brought creativity and a new way of teaching Spanish to the little ones. Jimena is a very talented artist and illustrator and loves designing animations outside of work.
EDUCATOR - 2s/PRESCHOOL
Harumi Burrit
Harumi, originally from Japan, is a seasoned early childhood educator with over 13 years of experience working with children ages 3 months to 6 years old. She holds a major in early childhood education from Japan and a preschool teaching certificate from Canada, where she worked as a teacher for the last 4 years. She loves telling stories and using puppets to support social emotional learning. She is a piano teacher and loves incorporating music into the classroom.
MUSIC TEACHER
Ryoji Inatsugi
Ryoji specializes in creating joyful musical experiences for children. His journey as a children's musician began in 2009, when his son was born. He then discovered his passion for connecting with young audiences through music. In his classes, he introduces students to a fascinating array of musical instruments from around the world. From the rhythmic beats of the Djembe and the melodic tones of the Balafon, to the charming strums of the Ukulele and the livery sounds of shakers, Ryoji brings together a diverse collection of unique, authentic and beautiful instruments to his classes.
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LOS ANGELES
MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS
Erin Bloom
Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from CSULB and has been working with young children for over 15 years. She is passionate about early childhood education and has developed robust strategies to best foster children’s growth. She is committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for children as well as ensuring that all families in our community are taken care of.
EDUCATOR - INFANTS
Enjoli Littleton
With a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from CSULA, Enjoli has over 9 years of experience working with children. She first discovered her passion for teaching while working for both a private school and Head Start program during her time in college. Enjoli is committed to making childcare education a lifelong career and looks forward to working toward a Master’s degree in this field in the near future. In her free time, she loves to participate in sports activities and events.
EDUCATOR - TODDLERS
Jimena La Motta
Jimena is originally from Spain. She holds a bachelors degree in Journalism as well as Theatre and Acting major from the Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. After working as a professional actress for many years, she moved to LA where her career in early childhood education started. Jimena joined Big and Tiny 3 years ago as a Spanish teacher. She brought creativity and a new way of teaching Spanish to the little ones. Jimena is a very talented artist and illustrator and loves designing animations outside of work.
EDUCATOR - 2s/PRESCHOOL
Harumi Burrit
Harumi, originally from Japan, is a seasoned early childhood educator with over 13 years of experience working with children ages 3 months to 6 years old. She holds a major in early childhood education from Japan and a preschool teaching certificate from Canada, where she worked as a teacher for the last 4 years. She loves telling stories and using puppets to support social emotional learning. She is a piano teacher and loves incorporating music into the classroom.
MUSIC TEACHER
Ryoji Inatsugi
Ryoji specializes in creating joyful musical experiences for children. His journey as a children's musician began in 2009, when his son was born. He then discovered his passion for connecting with young audiences through music. In his classes, he introduces students to a fascinating array of musical instruments from around the world. From the rhythmic beats of the Djembe and the melodic tones of the Balafon, to the charming strums of the Ukulele and the livery sounds of shakers, Ryoji brings together a diverse collection of unique, authentic and beautiful instruments to his classes.
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BATTERY PARK, NYC
T. (646) 791-0024
Brookfield Place
300 Vesey St Suite #100
Battery Park, NYC 10282