Paulson Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Malka has thrived as both a classroom teacher and a successful school administrator. Her extensive background includes a deep understanding of child development, family and classroom dynamics, and early childhood philosophy and curricula. 
  
As the Paulson Executive Director of the 92nd Street Y Nursery School, Malka focuses on cultivating a warm and inclusive school community. She is dedicated to creating an environment where every member feels a sense of belonging and is actively engaged in the school’s success. Malka fosters a strong, cohesive community that values collaboration, respect, and shared commitment, ensuring that the school thrives as a nurturing and dynamic place for children, families, and staff alike. 
  
Malka understands the importance of listening to and supporting teachers and that their well-being and professional growth are crucial for a thriving educational environment.  
 
In her role, Malka places great importance on supporting families during the formative early years. She recognizes this period as a sacred and special time for both children and parents, characterized by significant growth and learning. By offering guidance, resources, and a welcoming space for family involvement, Malka works with her team to strengthen the partnership between home and school, ensuring that families feel connected and supported. 
  
Malka is deeply passionate about supporting families through the kindergarten application process. She is committed to guiding parents and children alike through this critical transition with care and dedication, ensuring that families are well versed and prepared throughout every step of the process. 
  
Over the course of her career, Malka has spent thousands of hours reading with young children. Using picture books as a platform, Malka fosters intercultural competency and empathy, helping children gain a richer understanding of themselves and others. Reading with all children in the school once a week continues to be a highlight of her work. 
  
Before joining 92NY, Malka served as the Director of the Early Years & Kindergarten at the Berlin Cosmopolitan School in Germany, the Associate Director of the Park Avenue Synagogue Early Childhood Center, and the Director of Young Family Education. Her academic credentials include a BA from Columbia University and an MA from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Director of Education and Family Engagement

In her current role, Tracy works with the Director and teachers to support the 92NY Nursery School curriculum. She provides teaching strategies and approaches to accommodate students’ needs. Tracy also meets and works with families to discuss and explore developmental or parenting issues and concerns. Tracy obtains and coordinates all outside therapies for children requiring external intervention.

Previously, Tracy was the Director of Learning Resources at the 92nd Street Y Nursery School. She worked hands-on with hundreds of children for more than 20 years to assess developmental delays and assist teachers in adjusting classroom and instructional methods to meet the needs of all children. She also worked closely with and guided parents regarding developmental issues and regularly coordinated services with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and/or play therapists. Before joining the 92nd Street Y, Tracy was a Special Education Itinerant Teacher and Play Therapist for the Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services at the Child Development Center and Theracare. At both organizations, she provided individualized special education services and play therapy for children with developmental disorders in mainstream preschool settings for preschool children.

Tracy is a certified social worker and certified in special education at New York State. She holds dual special education and social work degrees from Bank Street College and Columbia University.

Director of Operations

Lora holds dual master’s degrees in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education from Fordham University. Since joining the Nursery School in 2006, Lora has held various roles, gaining extensive knowledge and developing a deep passion for creating a warm, enriching experience for every family. Working primarily behind the scenes, Lora ensures that the school runs smoothly and efficiently. She also collaborates closely with Malka Lowenstein on the Kindergarten admissions process.

Before transitioning to the administration as Director of Education Programs in 2018, Lora served as a Head Teacher in the Green Room for six years and as an Assistant Teacher in both the Rainbow and Red Rooms. Additionally, she has been the Director of 92Y Camp K’Ton Ton and the 92Y WonderPlay Conference, where she also presented. In 2015, Lora had the opportunity to attend the Reggio-Emilia Study Tour in Reggio-Emilia, Italy. She holds a BA in English from the University of Rochester. Originally from Maine, Lora now resides in Brooklyn with her husband, Josh, and their son, Max.

Director of Admissions and Community Engagement

Lauren Vien began her career as an early childhood educator over fifteen years ago. She has taken on a variety of roles supporting young children and their families including classroom teacher, school administrator, and parent educator. In her prior work, Lauren developed play-based resources to help families communicate and connect. She is the co-author of the Family Play Deck (Chronicle Books), which will be released in the fall of 2024. 

Lauren is committed to helping parents and children feel a sense of purpose and belongingness in their school communities. In her role at the 92NY Nursery School, Lauren introduces prospective families to our Nursery School, shares what makes this community special, and highlights the incredible work that educators do here. She also collaborates with 92NY team members and parents to plan, execute, and support school events like our annual Book Fair, monthly Mitzvah Mornings, and more. She holds dual master's degrees in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from New York University. Lauren lives in New York City with her husband, Ben, and their two children. Together, her family enjoys exploring vibrant neighborhoods (and exceptional playgrounds) by bike, scooter, ferry, and foot… rain or shine!   

Director of Operations, Lauder Family Program

Danielle has a decade of experience in early childhood education, as well as her M.S. in Education from Hunter College. In joining the Nursery School administration, her primary focus is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment tailored to the unique needs of each child and family, as well as to support the school in day-to-day operations.  

Danielle has spent the last six years as the head teacher for two-year-olds, specializing in both special education and childhood development. Danielle works hard to create strong connections with families, fostering open communication and collaboration to support each child's growth and development.  

Educational Resource Specialist

Danielle works to support the developmental journey of our young learners and holds a dual Master’s degree in Early and General Special Education from NYU. Prior to this role, Danielle spent seven years as a classroom teacher ranging from two’s classrooms through kindergarten. Her primary focus involves creating age-appropriate assessments and developing strategies to help each child achieve their full potential. Danielle is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for all the children at our nursery school. Based in NYC, Danielle lives with her husband and daughter, Jolie. 

Director of Development for Early Childhood Programs

Leslie has worked at 92NY since 2015 and proudly raises crucial funds for 92NY, with a focus on the Nursery School, Parenting Center, and general support. She works with several parent-lead committees to raise important funds for our programs and to connect families to their passions throughout 92NY. She has a background in psychology, grassroots political organizing, and the performing arts, and has previously held fundraising positions for other iconic New York City institutions such as the International Rescue Committee, NYU, and the Marfan Foundation. She is active with Women in Development-NY, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and has a background in classical voice, musical theater, early childhood, and adores dogs. Leslie lives in the East Village with her Cavapoo, Obie. 

Development Associate for Early Childhood Programs

Isabella began her work at 92NY in February of this year. She is a graduate of New York University, Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in Drama. Isabella has been working in development for over six years and has a passion for the performing arts, education, and accessibility. She has worked at a number New York City performing arts organizations such as NYU Skirball and Teatro SEA. Isabella also has experience as an educator. She was part of the adjunct faculty at NYU Collaborative Arts for two years, and she has taught students ages 3 to 15 for the past five years at various summer programs. Isabella continues to pursue acting and the performing arts outside of her time at the 92nd Street Y and has been a part of five productions since starting in her position.