Spring Break is soon! Monday, March 20th - Friday, March 31st

Spring Break is soon! Monday, March 20th - Friday, March 31st

Spring Break is soon! Monday, March 20th - Friday, March 31st

April 2023

Mon
03

WMS Reopens for Children

Fri
07

Good Friday - School Closed

Tue
11

Rachel Henes Parent Workshop (Virtual)

Beyond Stereotypes: Understanding Gender, Socialization & Development

 

Time: 8.00 p.m. Sign up via newsletter.

Thu-Thu
20-21

Parent Teacher Conferences - School Closed for Children

Mon-Fri
24-28

Room to Grow Book & Toy Drive

Tue
25

April Mug & Muffin (AM)

Location: 134 Duane St. Time: 9.15 - 10.15 a.m.

 

All welcome. Meet with Carrie & Heather to discuss parenting. Sign up via the newsletter

Wed-Fri
10-12

WMS Art Show

55 Hudson St. More details to follow in the weekly newsletter.

Wed
24

May Mug & Muffin (PM)

Location: 55 Hudson St. Time: 1.15 - 2.15 p.m.

 

All welcome. Meet with Carrie & Maria to discuss parenting. Sign up via the newsletter

Mon
29

Memorial Day - School Closed

Sat
03

WMS Street Fair

Fri
16

Last Day of School for Children

Mon
26

First Day of WMS Summer Program

Tue
04

Independence Day - School Closed

Fri
14

Last Day of WMS Summer Program

calendar calendar

Leadership

Carrie Kries

(she/her)

Head of School

Heather Burchyns

(she/her)

Site Director - Duane Street

Maria Fraser Hargens

(she/her)

Site Director - Hudson Street

Lauren Gilbertson

(she/her)

Director of Enrollment

Mike Saich

(he/him)

Chief Financial Officer

Carrie Borows

(she/her)

Director of Operations

Carrie Kries

(she/her)

Head of School

Carrie has always been in awe of how children learn, the milestones they reach, and what ignites their joy and curiosity. Having experienced all kinds of schools, she became a school leader so that she could focus her energy and attention on ensuring that the adults who serve our children are poised to do so with grace, skill and a deep knowledge and understanding of the value of preserving the dignity of all children, all the time.

Carrie joined The Washington Market School community in July, 2022. Carrie feels the warmth and joy that permeates every inch of our school, which is one of her favorite things about Washington Market. She also truly values the school's history and has extraordinary respect for our founder, Ronnie Moskowitz: for her vision, her determination and her uncanny ability to cultivate a community of solid, good, talented people.

Carrie has an Associate’s degree from New York University, a Bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University, and a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining The Washington Market School community, she served as the Head of School at Gladwyne Montessori School for children six weeks to sixth grade, just outside of Philadelphia. Prior to her time at Gladwyne Montessori, she served for five years as the CEO of the Philadelphia Montessori School in Southwest Philadelphia. Before she became a school leader, she was the host of a children's cooking show on Comcast on Demand. Her career in education started as a first and second grade classroom teacher in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Though born at NYU Medical Center, Carrie’s family swiftly moved to Chester County, PA, where she grew up on a farm with chickens and pigs! In her free time, she loves to build, restore and upholster furniture. She also enjoys exploring, cooking (eating!), all kinds of fitness, and spending as much time with her family as is possible!

Heather Burchyns

(she/her)

Site Director - Duane Street

Heather has been the Site Director at Duane Street since 2014. Supporting families, children and teachers is what Heather enjoys most about being an educator at The Washington Market School.

Heather attended the University of New Hampshire and received a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies. After taking a child development course, Heather knew she wanted to pursue a career in early childhood education. Heather was particularly interested in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and had the opportunity to spend many semesters at the UNH Child Study and Development Center, a Reggio inspired center.

After graduating, Heather moved to Washington D.C. and began her teaching career in a Quaker preschool. After many years, she came to NYC and received a Master’s Degree in Special Education at Bank Street College. Heather continued to work in a Quaker School, this time, a K-12 school for children with learning disabilities in Brooklyn. There she taught kindergarten, was Head of Lower School and Head of Admissions. In addition, Heather was an adjunct professor at Bank Street College and Hunter College.

Heather was raised in New Hampshire and still enjoys spending time there in the summer with her family. She loves playing soccer and traveling with her husband and teenage daughter.

Maria Fraser Hargens

(she/her)

Site Director - Hudson Street

Maria started at The Washington Market School in 2011 and spent many wonderful years as a classroom teacher! Born and raised in New Jersey, she attended Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. After graduating, Maria moved to Brooklyn and began a brief career in fashion. Quickly realizing young children and their development were where her interests lay, Maria began working in a 3s/4s program in the West Village. She went on to receive a dual Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education for Early Childhood at New York University.

Wanting to understand schools and the education of young children more holistically, Maria transitioned into the Enrollment Team where she had the opportunity to work closely with Ronnie Moskowitz, Founding Head. In 2018 she was grateful and eager to be named the Site Director at Hudson Street.

Maria loves cooking, reading, live music, and going to the beach with her husband and 2 boys, Owen and Will.

Lauren Gilbertson

(she/her)

Director of Enrollment

Lauren joined The Washington Market School in 2021 as Director of Enrollment. Lauren headed the Parents Association for multiple years at her daughters' preschool school in addition to helping the admissions office meet and tour prospective parents at Trinity School. Lauren also serves as a Trustee for The Brownstone School.

Lauren was born and attended nursery school here in New York City. She went on to attend the Hackley School in Westchester, Middlebury College in VT, and got her Master’s in Business Administration from École des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Paris while she and her husband were living abroad. Prior to her MBA, Lauren worked in fundraising across the hedge fund and endowment management spaces with a focus on endowments and foundations.

Lauren now lives on the Upper West Side with her husband and two daughters, Lily and Lulu. She loves to ski and go to the beach.

Mike Saich

(he/him)

Chief Financial Officer

Mike joined The Washington Market School in 2016. Mike values working in a place where he can make an impact and have a purpose. Working in education allows him to achieve that.

Mike holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Montclair State University and an MBA from William Paterson University. Mike started his career in corporate finance working in various roles, but primarily in forecasting and financial analysis, and has experience in both the public and private education sectors.

In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, farming and camping.

Carrie Borows

(she/her)

Director of Operations

After years of many careers including banking and human resources, Carrie volunteered with the Parents’ Association at her daughter’s school and decided to follow her dream to work in a school. Carrie joined The Washington Market School in 2016 and has served in several different roles before becoming Director of Operations.

Carrie has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is a native New Yorker and resides with her family in the West Village. In her free time, she enjoys going to the theater, NYC cultural excursions and family game night.