About Us

About Building Bridges

Preschool should encourage laughter, fun, and patience while providing a sale and caring environment that stimulates the physical. social. emotional. and cognitive development of children. Our bespoke curriculum provides a blend of academic skills, personal knowledge, and social awareness that enables children to learn to the fullest of their abilities. Preparing them or further education and lifelong learning small by intent and design. Building Bridges’ size is a great strength as it promotes openness, accessibility and collaboration.

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Meet Ms. Sue & Ms. Jenn

JENNIFER L. DELUNACo-Founder/Director

Prior to establishing Building Bridges, Jennifer was a Marketing Consultant and Assistant Teacher for Linden Tree Preschool.

She holds a dual MBA in both International Management and Marketing and was an Assistant Vice President and Marketing Manager in Asset Management/Private Equity. Desiring to stay close to home with her two young children and expand her creativity, Jennifer left finance to pursue her own graphic design business and part-time teaching position. Jennifer also is a Certified Fitness Instructor. Along with managing the preschool, you can still find Jennifer teaching adult fitness classes at the local YMCA.

SUSAN L. KUHLMANNCo-Founder/Director

Susan is a founder and director of Building Bridges. Susan was Principal at Linden Tree Preschool in Cobble Hill for seven years before venturing out to open her own preschool.

Prior, she worked as a substitute teacher for several local private schools and before that lived and worked for a private preschool in the UK. Susan spends quite a bit of time in our classrooms assisting our head teachers and firmly believes children should be encouraged to explore and investigate their surroundings. She is passionate about storytelling and can often be found reading a favorite book to the children. She has extensive experience in marketing/ business/education and is currently pursuing her MBA.

Meet the Teachers

CRISTINA DIAZHead Teacher - Yellow Room

I am so excited to be teaching at Building Bridges! I hold a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. I have seven years of teaching experience and am always amazed by each and every child I teach. One of the best parts about teaching is seeing when a child is excited to be in school and discover all the new topics and activities. When I’m not teaching I’m spending time with my family, reading, writing, painting and cooking.

RACHEL WANDERAssistant Teacher Yellow Room

I’m excited to be a member of the Building Bridges teaching team and being in the classroom as an assistant Two’s Program teacher with Miss Cristina. I have my Master’s degree in Social Work and extensive experience working with young children in Early Intervention as well as clinical therapy. I believe children learn best while having fun. “I enjoy creating opportunities for teaching thru play.” I live in Brooklyn Heights with my husband and enjoy walking the promenade and Brooklyn Bridge park.

CAREY JONESHead Teacher - Green Room

I’m so happy to be teaching your children at Building Bridges Preschool. I have over 18 years of experience teaching preschool children and I fundamentally believe learning should be fun and productive at the same time. I obtained my BA from Hunter College, my AA from the Borough of Manhattan Community College and am currently pursuing my Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I live in New York City with my family and have 2 daughters and 1 granddaughter.

MONICA ORTIZAssistant Teacher - Green Room

Monica has a Bachelors Degree in Science from the College of Staten Island. She has been a Preschool Assistant Teacher for the last eleven years. Monica is fluent in Spanish and Italian. “Working with preschool-aged children makes everyday exciting and fun as their ideas and interests develop, they begin to thrive in the classroom environment.

REBECCA CAPLOWHead Teacher - Blue Room

I am thrilled to be joining the Building Bridges team. I have my Master’s and certification in Early Childhood Education and have been teaching for ten years. I believe in fostering a holistic and educational atmosphere for children to mature emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually. I love seeing the world through the eyes of my students and the rewarding feeling I get as they grasp new concepts and skills. I enjoy traveling, sports, music, cooking, and being outdoors, and I incorporate my passions into the classroom.

NICOLE MONTEMARANOAssistant Teacher - Blue Room

Nicole, a born resident of Brooklyn Heights, enjoys the educational and social environment of a daily preschool setting. Over the past nine years she has provided private family childcare for numerous local families. In addition to studying early childhood development, Nicole is an assistant preschool teacher. “I love the creativity, imagination, and fresh perspective a child offers daily. As a teacher I am able to encourage the growth of a child’s individual self. Being a part of a child’s excitement to learn is my true reward.”

ALICE PALENQUEFloater Teacher - All Rooms

Alice has extensive experience in child care. As a lifelong resident of Carroll Gardens, Alice has been a nanny for several local families. She loves children and believes that preschool provides better language development, socialization and helps form a child’s love of learning. “Preschool helps teach the children how to be a good friend, a good listener and and ultimately a good student.”