Our Educators
All of our educators are specialized in specific aspects of our curriculum. We are certified classroom teachers, special educators or reading specialists. Specialists undergo additional training with Playful Literacy’s founder, Frida Matute. Specialists understand that every group is different and will modify curriculums to enhance learning outcomes based on age, level, pace and interest. Specialists know how to keep kids engaged so they become lifelong learners and readers!
Frida Matute, M.A. CCC-SLP, TSSLD is the Founder of The Indy Lab. She received her Master’s degree from Northwestern University in 2010 and completed her undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology from The George Washington University in 2008. She is Orton-Gillingham trained by the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education, Sounds in Motion certified and trained in the Windward Writing method. Frida worked full-time at NYU Language Medical Center’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine for three years before moving to Hospital for Joint Diseases. From there, she ran the pediatric outpatient speech and language clinic at Bellevue Hospital part-time for nearly three years while starting her private practice called Indy Speech Services in 2014. Frida opened up her private speech practice to offer a unique therapeutic experience that is intensive, holistic, and based on her medical speech-language pathology background and started The Indy Lab to leverage her skillsets in speech-language pathology to help all kids prevent problems and help parents advocate for their kids. Frida believes that prevention is the way forward!
Lara Goldstein
Program Director
Clinical Placement Supervisor
Specializations
Master in Speech Pathology
Language & Literacy Specialist
Bilingual Proficiency in Spanish
Lara is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a masters from New York Medical College. She enjoys working with speech, language, and swallow impairments. Lara is proficient in Spanish and holds an interpreter certificate within the New York Hospital system.
Paula Paredes
Head Teacher
Lead Playful Literacy Educator
Specializations
+10 years as a Preschool Educator
Bilingual Proficiency in Spanish
Playful Literacy Specialist
Paula has been in the early childhood education field for over 10 years. Teaching children as young as 2 years of age up to second grade. She has taught in a few schools around NYC and CT. She is fluent in Spanish and loves to bake. Working with children has always come naturally to her and it is her passion to continue to nurture and teach children of all ages.
Christina M.
Head Teacher
Lead STEM Educator
Specializations
Bachelor’s in Speech & Hearing
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Christina is a graduate of Iona College with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Psychology. She has experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and hopes to help foster inclusive environments throughout her career. Christina will be attending Hunter College to earn her Master’s in Special Education while working at The Indy Lab!
ANI Matute
Teaching Assistant
Quality Control Specialist
Specializations
Trained in daycare childcare supervision
Ani is a Teaching Assistant in the half-day program at The Indy Lab. She helps us maintain environmental hygiene, safety of the children and security of the facility. Ani is exceptional with children and has earned the hearts of all of our small friends!
Nancy Hershatter
Music Educator
Elective Music Class
Specializations
Masters in Music Education
Founder of Music in Early Childhood
Nancy is a former preschool teacher and current music specialist, curriculum developer and college instructor. She brings her joyful combination of music, movement and creative arts to early childhood settings while working collaboratively with educators.
Erika Gautier
Head Teacher
Lead STEM educator
Specializations
Trained in daycare childcare supervision
Erika comes to us with Montessori experience and an ambitious spirit! She is a creative, energetic and dynamic person who is excited to begin her days with the toddlers and collaborate to deliver high-quality STEM lessons to her older cohorts at The Indy Lab!
Daniela Paucay
Teaching Assistant
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Specializations
+2 years as an Assistant Teacher
Daniela is a Teaching Assistant in the Purple Cats & Brown Bears cohort with Ms. Paula! She is charged with safety, supervision and curated interest areas in her classroom.