Kindergarten ICT & Gen. Ed.
Name: Ms. Geniene Blumenthal
Position: Teacher, Kindergarten Team, General Ed. & Special Ed.
Hometown: I live in Astoria, Queens, where I grew up.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood General Education from State University of New York at New Paltz and Master’s Degree to be completed in 2017 in Early Childhood Special Education from Queens College of the City University of NY
Years as an educator: 11
Why are you an educator? Honestly, I’ve always loved teaching. I used to teach my younger brother. I’ve always enjoyed being around children.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? We have a welcoming staff and administration that are supportive of everyone’s needs, including that of families.
Life outside school: I like singing, sign language and country music. I have 6 pets -- 2 cats, 2 dogs, 1 parrot and 1 bunny – all rescues.
Name: Ms. Erica Kamin
Position: Teacher, Kindergarten team, General Ed. Teacher
Hometown: I grew up in Woodbury, NY. Now I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Art History from Lafayette College. Master's degree in Childhood Education from Relay Graduate School of Education.
Years as an educator: 11
Why are you an educator? I love working with young children. It is incredible to see the progress that students can make in just one short year. I enjoy getting to know my students and their families and building strong lasting relationships with them.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? Everyone genuinely loves what they do. There is so much support from families, teachers, and administration. STAR truly feels like a community.
Life outside school: I love spin and yoga. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and traveling all over the world!
Name: Ms. Emily Firman
Position: Teacher, Kindergarten teacher, Special Ed.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA and Amherst, MA.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Vassar College, Master's Degree in Childhood Special Education from Bank Street College of Education
Years as an educator: 13
Why are you an educator? I love working with young children. I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to both their academic and social emotional learning.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? They are genuinely committed to helping both staff and students grow and learn. It is a very welcoming community.
Life outside school: I enjoy Bikram yoga and running outside. I love to travel and explore new places.