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.

Natalia Renteria

Lead and Support Instructor | Brooklyn, NY & West Village

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. I am certified in DIR/Floor-time, Handwriting without tears, and Sounds in Motion. As the years progress, my hope is to continue learning, advocating for everyone, and most importantly, being present every day!

Chloë Engel

Support Instructor | Brooklyn, NY

I have been working with children for a long time. I have taught creative movement to 3 and 4-year-olds, led groups of 8-year-olds at musical theater camp, assisted in a Waldorf nursery program, nannied children and babies, and co-founded an arts day camp for teens in rural New Hampshire. When I am not teaching children, I am dancing, making art with friends, biking, or going to experimental performances around the city. I have worked at Playgroup for 2 years as a support instructor and absolutely love it.

Jessica Lamazor

Support Instructor | Gowanus

I got my Bachelor of Science degree at Binghamton University in Human Development, with a minor in fine arts. During the pandemic I took some courses about Art Therapy at Naropa University, which has really shaped the lens I use when working with children. I have worn many hats: art teacher, private tutor, nannying, executive function/organizational tutor, science teacher, substitute teacher, and associate classroom teacher, and now as a support instructor at PlayGroup! It has been an absolute joy to find such a wonderful community as PlayGroup!

Chelsea Gross

Support Instructor | Gowanus

I am a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas, I have pursued my career as an educator since 2012. Starting out as a Tutor, I continued on to provide support to students in Montessori, Discovery, public school classrooms and now PlayGroup!

My additional experience as a nanny and an Au Pair contribute to my unique skill set and passion for teaching. By engaging students through play, I strive to create a supportive environment that fosters students curiosity. 

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