Get to Know PlayGroup

Welcoming. Supportive. Understanding.

 Our unique approach is as unique as your child

Our core values

The core values we uphold serve as fundamental driving forces behind our connection to our work, our collaboration with you, and most importantly, your child.

Growth-Mindset

Acceptance

Belonging

Joy

Advocacy

Community

“PlayGroup seemed an oasis then, and it's remained an absolute gem.”

“PlayGroup is fantastic! We found PlayGroup before we even really quite knew what we were looking for -- and thank goodness! We were lost in those dizzy early days of receiving a diagnosis and wading through heaps of conflicting information.”

“It's a place of true community and support without judgment or pressure to conform to arbitrary standards. No question: participating in PlayGroup has dramatically improved our kiddo's confidence and self-esteem, as well as his skills to make connections and hold boundaries. PlayGroup was the first (and for a while the only) setting outside of our home where our kiddo was truly seen and understood for who he is. Sign up yesterday; this is the one!”

About Us

With years of experience and education, since 2018 PlayGroup has established a distinctive and effective approach to conducting social skills groups. As lifelong learners, we are committed to further education from a variety of resources, including research, colleagues, observations and firsthand neurodivergent experiences to create impactful programs.

Meet Krista Wilbur

Founder And Teacher

  • MSEd-Masters in Education: Infant and Family Development and Special Education from Bank Street College

  • LMSW-License Master Social Worker: Focus on child trauma treatments From Silberman College

  • ICDL Floortime Basic trained

  • Mindbe Certified -Mindfulness for Early Childhood

  • Certified Yoga Teacher

My passion comes from empowering children to express their authentic selves, connect with others, and embrace the joys of genuine relationships.  Witnessing children courageously embark on the journey of self-discovery fills my heart with joy. 

I bring over 20 years of valuable experience working with children with disabilities. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher), teacher, child development specialist, and supervisor. For more than 10 years, I have also led social groups specifically designed for children aged 2 to 6. My dedication to this field led me to earn a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College, where my studies focused on Infant and Parent Development, Early Childhood, and Special Education. More recently (2022), I completed my degree in Social Work at Silberman/Hunter College and have since integrated the newfound knowledge and skills into our efforts at PlayGroup.

In addition to my academic background, I hold certification in DIR/Floortime, a therapeutic approach that emphasizes emotional and social development. Creating meaningful experiences for each child is one of my primary goals. I draw inspiration from my interest in yoga and mindful practices, which inform my work and help children connect with their inner strengths. As part of my training, I gained expertise in trauma therapy including TF-CBT (Trauma Focus-Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy).

I reside in Brooklyn, NY, and work as a child development specialist and family and child therapist. I like to spend time with my two kids, husband and cat. I enjoy hiking, beaching, traveling and vintage shopping!

Getting to know Krista 

  • Krista: I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 6 years old. I loved being with younger children and taking care of them.

  • Krista: No. I grew up in the Los Angeles area, but I knew I did not want to live there. In college, I visited some friends here in New York City and knew this was the place for me. I moved after college and have lived here ever since.

  • Krista: Yes, I did! But always have at least one good friend, and as Becky always says, “You just need to have one good friend, and not a million okay friends.”

  • Krista: I love to be outside at the beach or in the woods. I love doing yoga and hanging out with my family and friends.

  • Krista: I love magnatiles! And anything sensory (water, kinetic sand, play dough, etc).

  • Krista: All of the Piggy and Elephant books by Mo Willems, Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival, and Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger.

  • Krista: I love being gifted with the honor of learning from and with each child. Each kid has their own way they see and interact with the world. When we all come together at PlayGroup, we share how we view and interact with the world.

Meet Becky Thomas

Founder And Teacher

  • MSEd-Masters in Education: Infant and Family Development and Special Education from Bank Street College

  • BSEd Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland

  • ICDL Floortime Basic Trained

  • ADHD support certified

  • Pathological Demand Avoidance trained

I have over fifteen years of experience supporting children and their families. By directly participating in educational systems through a variety of roles, I have gained a robust perspective to navigate complex hurdles to access and provide appropriate services. Specifically, I have worked as a teacher in public and private schools as well as Head Start, before becoming a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT). 

My skills and creative, solutions-oriented approach led me to be promoted to work as a SEIT supervisor and run “social skills” groups at the Bank Street Graduate School of Education, from which I hold a Master’s degree. My studies at Bank Street specialized in Infant and Family Development, Early Childhood and Special Education. I also hold certifications in DIR/Floortime, an evidence-based and child-centered approach to improving communication between children and caregivers. I am an avid learner and hold certifications in ADHD Understanding and Collaborative Proactive Solutions.

I am a dedicated educator committed to helping children find joy and social success. My responsive approach has been finely honed through years of working with children and developing a keen understanding for even the most subtle cues. In addition to learning and teaching, I enjoy hiking with my husband, playing rock band in the garage with my nieces and taking my dog on long walks in the woods.

Getting to know Becky

  • Becky: I wanted to be a teacher ever since second grade. As a teacher, I soon became aware that there were so many children being required to fit into the environment instead of us adjusting the environment for them. This led me to focus on play, peer interactions and boosting confidence.

  • Becky: No, actually! I was born in Binghamton, NY, but then didn’t stop moving! I grew up in St. Croix, Maryland, London, Melbourne, Australia, California and then finally right back to New York. Now, I split my time between Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Pennsylvania. My dog loves traveling, too!

  • Becky: As a result of moving so much, one of my learned coping skills was to change to the environment I was in in order to connect and make friends. Eventually, I realized I could connect by being myself, and this led to even greater connections. I now have friends I am still in touch with all over the world.

  • Becky: I love gardening, swimming, and playing with my dog.

  • Becky: I really love PlayMobil and Calico Critter toys and setting up new environments and play ideas with our kids!

  • Becky: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, anything by James Marshall, The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

  • Becky: I love how much fun we have getting to know each other. Through the children, I have learned so much about Minecraft, Pokemon, magic, Greek gods, and other interests shared in groups. I even love it when we get frustrated together because it leads to great problem-solving opportunities.

“All children have it within them the potential to be great kids. It's our job to create a great world where this potential can flourish."

— Dr. Stanley Greenspan Great Kids 2017

Meet Our Team

Renee

Lead Instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I have a dual master’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from NYU. I have previously worked in Early Intervention, providing family support, and for the last 15 years, have been a SEIT specializing in early childhood development. I have led preschool-based workshops for teachers focused on nervous system regulation and creating support for children in the school environment. I have been working with PlayGroup since 2020 and love to combine fundamental and foundational development with the joy and magic of play. Children teach us how important play is, and they show us their curiosity, how they think, and what they are capable of through their creative, elaborate play ideas, toys, and found materials. I try to bring as much play as possible into my own life by staying active in yoga, pilates, and dance classes, going to live music, and traveling to new and familiar places. These experiences inspire my work and bring different perspectives about the world we live in.

Nicole Geller

Lead Instructor | West Village and Upper West Side, NY

After graduating NYU with a BA in psychology,  I decided to obtain a MSEd in Early Childhood Development Special Education from Bank Street College. As an educator, I am delighted to use my communicative creativity to develop play-based curriculum that is based on a true understanding of each child’s developmental needs.  I am committed to helping children  discover the joy of developing meaningful relationships from a place of personal authenticity. I bring 20+ years of experience as a Developmental Early Childhood specialist, a classroom SEIT  (Special Education Itinerant Teacher), and a  SEIT supervisor. I also bring over 10 years of experience running social groups with pre-school children at Bank Street Family Center. Most recently I have completed and been state certified in the Early Childhood Leadership program.  

I also grew up and still reside in the Upper West Side. In my free time I enjoy taking care of my dog, Lola, working out on my Peloton bike, watching documentaries, and trying out new restaurants.  I am currently taking acting classes (as well as performing in some theater productions)  which lends to my educational practice- really listening and being moment to moment with children.  

Natalia Renteria

Lead Instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I'm a Bilingual teacher with a Master’s from Brooklyn College, specializing in ages birth to second-grade. During the past eight years of my career, I have worn different hats as an Early Childhood educator, social skill teacher, and an advocate for Special Education. I have worked as a teacher in private schools as an Assistant Teacher, Floater, and Head teacher. These experiences have been influential to my teaching approach and career. Additionally, I am certified in DIR/Floortime. As the years progress, my hope is to continue learning, advocating for everyone, and most importantly, being present every day!

Risa Wohl

Lead Instructor | West Village, NY

I have a master's degree in Early Childhood Special & General Education from Bank Street College of Education. As a native New Yorker, I am passionate about supporting young learners in the city. My teaching career began in NYC in 2012 and I have worked in a variety of public and private school settings as a classroom teacher and learning/literacy specialist. I also worked as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT), focusing on supporting individual children in the classroom with their social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development. I absolutely love working with students in small groups in order to help each child feel comfortable, confident, and successful. I love to celebrate the big and small wins with my students and share in the joy with them and their families as they make progress throughout our work together. 

Outside of work I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my 2 year old son and my dog...we take a lot of walks around the city so if you see us, please say hi! 

Chloë Engel

Support and Co-Lead Instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I have been working with children in different capacities for over 10 years. I have taught creative movement to 3 and 4-year-olds, led groups of 8-year-olds at musical theater camp, taught in a Waldorf nursery program, co-founded an arts day camp for teens in rural New Hampshire and have provided direct social support for children in their classrooms. When I am not teaching and playing with children, I work as a freelance choreographer and performer in the city. I specialize in improvisational and experimental forms, which coincides beautifully with so much of the magic that happens in PlayGroup.

I have worked at PlayGroup as a Support Instructor for 3 years. I recently completed DIR-Floortime’s 201 Training program.

Rosy Brown

Lead instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I received my BA from Barnard College, and went on to pursue a career in early education. After working in a small community school in the North Fork of Long Island, I moved to Boulder, Colorado to complete my MA in Education. From there, I moved to beautiful San Diego to teach, and then back to New York City. I have been teaching at a private preschool in Manhattan for 3 years, and have been lucky enough to work with PlayGroup supporting summer sessions and leading Saturday groups for the past year. I hold a basic certificate in DIR Floortime, and center neurodiversity-affirming and child-led practices in everything I do! 

Outside of work, I love snuggling my dog, sewing, cooking, and hanging out in the park!

Chelsea Gross

Support and Co-lead Instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I am a Brooklyn transplant with 13 years of experience teaching and supporting students in a variety of classroom settings. My background includes studying Elementary Education at the University of Arkansas, teaching in Montessori and public schools, as well as supporting students in Discovery and Private school classrooms. As a social skills teacher I have the honor to support students through the DIR/Floortime model, this strength based approach aligns with my  own teaching philosophy. While engaging students through play, I strive to create a supportive environment that fosters students curiosity and growth.

I joined the Playgroup team in 2023 and currently co lead groups in the Brooklyn office. 

In my down time I enjoy attending concerts, going for long walks in the Botanical gardens, and vintage shopping!

Tea Rose Pankey

Support Instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I have my master's degree in Early Childhood and Family Development from Missouri State University and have been working with children in and out of the classroom for over 10 years. I started as an au pair right out of college and realized I had a passion for working with young children. From there, I worked as a lead teacher at Jewish Community Center - Early Childcare Centers in both Memphis and St. Louis and found such joy in the classroom setting. I also used my BA in music to lead the school in weekly music classes. I knew I wanted to learn more about children's mental health so pursued my masters degree with a focus on social emotional learning and language development.

In my free time I enjoy cycling around NYC in search of the best pastries.