Leadership
Debra Frankel
Director
Third Street Preschool
Debra Frankel, who has devoted her entire career to early childhood education, is the incoming Director of Third Street Preschool. Her greatest professional joy is working with children, teachers and families to cultivate a supportive, safe place for learning. With deep experience in both admissions and exmissions, Debra strives for every student to move to their next school with a strong sense of self and love of lifelong learning.
Debra has extensive experience in leading and teaching emergent, progressive and arts-inspired early childhood programs. Debra comes to Third Street from the Weekday School at Riverside Church, a child-centered preschool committed to parent engagement and community outreach. During her five years as Head of School there, Debra developed an immersive learning program that includes partnerships with neighborhood organizations, urban farming experiences, and expansive arts exploration.
Prior to Weekday, Debra spent over ten years in leadership positions in New York preschools and has an additional eight years of classroom teaching experience. She earned an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and is a skilled musician, dancer, and gardener. Debra is an active member of the ISAAGNY community, serving as a mentor and participating in their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
According to Debra, “Early childhood is a magical time. Having the opportunity to help lay the foundation for the joy of learning is a privilege.”
Contact Debra:
212-777-3240 ext. 16
Kirstin Aadahl
Assistant Director
Third Street Preschool
Kirstin Aadahl joined Third Street Preschool in 2015, bringing with her a broad understanding of diverse learning styles and related support strategies. As Preschool Assistant Director, Kirstin guides many aspects of our program, from the welcoming of new students and families to interpersonal and administrative coordination. She regularly supports faculty, guides parents through the exmissions process for kindergarten, and works closely with the Education Director.
Before joining the Third Street community, Kirstin worked for fifteen years as a dedicated special education teacher, providing support to young children and teachers. She built inclusive classroom environments that helped students to feel valued and empowered.
Contact Kirstin:
212-777-3240 ext. 48
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