barbara elsas
Barbara is the founder, director, and head teacher at the Little Red Playschool. Barbara has an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from New York University, and over 35 years experience teaching both here and abroad. She created the LRP curriculum based on her passionate belief that children learn best through play, and a rich exploration of their natural interests. Her passion for gardening and nature helped create a magical outdoor learning environment at the LRP. Her interest in healthy, sustainable food inspired her to co-found the Palisades Farmer's Market, and design a cooking class series for children. In her spare time, Barbara loves swimming and biking, theater and film, and playing with her two grandchildren, Jack and Cleo.
amanda Farber
Amanda has been co-teacher at the Little Red Playschool since 2015, after working in elementary schools and Early Intervention for over 13 years. She has a MA in Occupational Therapy from New York University, and uses her expertise in this area to build lots of opportunity for motor development into the daily projects and activities at the LRP. Amanda feels "lucky to be able to work with young children in such a warm, creative, and caring place." In her spare time, Amanda is a fervent advocate for trees, forest conservation, and related environmental issues. She has two boys who are 11 and 13, and enjoys volunteering in her neighborhood (Bethesda, MD) and at her children's schools.