Meet The Art Farm Preschool Team
At The Art Farm Preschool, all of our teachers share a deep passion for hands-on learning. They are dedicated, caring, and enthusiastic educators who strive to create a nurturing environment where young children can develop a lifelong love of learning.
Valentina Hantke
Founder and Head of School
Degree: Music Education with Concentration in Vocal Studies from Wagner College
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Minnie the Chinchilla
Valentina began her teaching career with the NYC Board of Education as a general music and choral teacher for children from Pre-K through sixth grade, later gaining broader experience in early childhood and elementary classrooms. In 2002, she founded The Art Farm to blend her love of education, music, and hands-on learning, developing the original “Parents and Me” curriculum and continuing to guide all program development. Raised in rural New Jersey, Valentina brings her passion for gardening, cooking, and creative exploration into her work, enriching the learning experience for every child. Her dedication lies in early childhood development, believing the first five years are foundational and best nurtured in a warm, curiosity-driven environment. She now lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children and welcomes each new family to The Art Farm with open arms.
Christina Vasilopoulos
Education Director
Degree: Dual Degree in Early and Childhood Elementary Education from Westchester University
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Olivia the Bearded Dragon
Since 2010, Christina has been dedicated to shaping the curriculum at The Art Farm through creative, hands-on learning. After teaching in public schools, she discovered her passion for early childhood education and the power of play-based experiences. She is committed to supporting each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development through joyful, engaging programs. Her role blends a love for education with a strong interest in leadership and operations. Christina’s connection to the Art Farm community continues to inspire and guide her work every day.
Jacqueline Najera
Education and Admissions Director
Degree: Masters in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities with Concentration in Behaviors and Literacy from St. John’s University
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Stella the Leopard Gecko
Jacqueline has over a decade of teaching experience working with students from kindergarten through high school in diverse educational settings. She joined The Art Farm in 2023, bringing a thoughtful and inclusive approach to education. Her passion is collaborating with families to create personalized learning experiences tailored to each child’s unique needs. Motivated by a desire to build a more equitable system, she believes in educating the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Jacqueline is dedicated to fostering meaningful growth and strong partnerships with families to support every learner.
Julie Bisceglia
Lead Two's Teacher
Degree: Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Hunter College
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Rocco the Bunny
Julie has been a valued member of The Art Farm community since 2014 and currently serves as the lead teacher in the Two’s classroom. With experience working with young children since 2012, she brings warmth and a deep understanding of early childhood development to her role. Julie is passionate about supporting social-emotional growth, helping children build confidence and connect with others. She believes every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and encouraged to discover the joys of learning. Her nurturing approach fosters a creative environment where young learners can explore and thrive.
Krystal D’Acunto
Lead Four's Teacher
Degree: Masters in Elementary Education and Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Minnie the Chinchilla
Krystal brings several years of teaching experience in both private preschool settings and public elementary ICT classrooms, where she has worked with students from 1st through 3rd grade and supported a wide range of diverse learning needs. She began her journey at The Art Farm as a summer camp teacher and immediately connected with its nurturing environment and focus on creativity. Krystal is passionate about social-emotional development and is dedicated to fostering independence, building confidence, and creating meaningful, intentional learning experiences. Her goal is to help lay a strong foundation for future academic success by nurturing curiosity, encouraging exploration, and supporting each child’s individual growth in a developmentally appropriate way. Krystal is excited to partner with families to help every student thrive.
Kaelynn Webb
Lead Three’s Teacher
Degree: Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at Mercy College
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Pumpkin the Parrot
Kaelynn brings extensive experience and a strong passion for early learning to her role as lead teacher in the Three’s classroom. Since joining The Art Farm in 2017, she has combined academic instruction with outdoor exploration and animal interactions to create engaging, hands-on experiences. Her background includes teaching at independent schools on the Upper East Side, enriching her approach to education. Kaelynn is committed to fostering a joyful and inclusive environment where children can explore, grow, and build confidence. She enjoys creating meaningful learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and joy.
Anna Tsoumpariotis
Three’s and Four’s Associate Teacher
Degree: Masters in Childhood and Childhood Special Education with a Biology Concentration from St. John’s University
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Rocco the Rabbit
Anna is an aspiring educator with a strong foundation in working with children across diverse backgrounds and learning needs. She began her teaching journey as a Greek school teacher’s aide in high school and is currently completing her masters degree in Childhood Education at St. John’s University; she also gained experience teaching student teaching in a second, third, and fifth grade classroom. Her passion lies in creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels valued and capable of success. Anna is committed to meeting the diverse needs of her students through differentiated instruction, ensuring that every child is supported academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes all learners can succeed when instruction is tailored to their strengths and needs.
Laura Acuapan
Three’s and Four’s Associate Teacher
Degree: Pre-Nursing from CUNY City College of Technology and Hunter
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Rotini the Chicken
Laura began her journey with The Art Farm in the summer of 2023, initially working in summer camp and continuing with the after-school program. Her passion for early childhood education started through caring for younger cousins, babysitting, and experience in local preschools. Born and raised in New York City, she understands the importance of creating inclusive and nurturing environments for diverse learners. Laura is especially dedicated to incorporating social-emotional learning, helping children develop kindness and resilience. She enjoys building strong relationships with students and families while fostering a joyful and supportive classroom.
Noelle Bernard-Jones
2’s Associate Teacher
Degree: Bachelors in History with a concentration on Studio Art from Hunter College
Favorite Animal at The Art Farm: Popcorn the Bunny
Noelle joined The Art Farm in the summer of 2025 and is excited to share her love of art and creativity with young learners. Originally from the Bronx and later New Rochelle, she has spent years caring for infants and toddlers as a babysitter, creating safe, nurturing, and engaging environments. With a background in painting, analog photography, and textile art, Noelle believes that art is a powerful tool for connecting with children, helping them explore the world around them and creating the opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions freely. She enjoys crafting hands-on experiences that inspire joy and confidence, and looks forward to bringing warmth, wonder, and creativity into the classroom.
