Administration

Carmelo Piazza

Executive Director / Educational Director

Carmelo Piazza, also known as Carmelo the Science Fellow, has been teaching science to Brooklyn children for almost two decades. He taught students ages 4 through 11 at PS 261 for 16 years, where he quickly realized the effectiveness of science in motivating kids to learn other key subjects. In 2005, he opened the Cosmic Cove in Cobble Hill in order to offer science-based programs of his own design. The popular science camps, after-school programs, birthday parties, and mini-camps–which have been featured in The New York Times twice–provide an entertaining and educational mix of hands-on instruction, green slime and lizards, and humor.

Carmelo holds a master’s degree in Elementary Science and Environmental Education from Brooklyn College, where he took an inspiring course in Science Methodology that opened his eyes to the importance of doing science when learning science. He also did graduate studies in speech language pathology at LIU. Carmelo’s the author of Crazy for Science with Carmelo the Science Fellow, a book of at-home experiments that promote scientific observation, exploration, and analysis for young children. He also hosts a popular series of YouTube experiments. He has 4 kids of his own, ranging in age from 15 to 1.

In 2013, Carmelo achieved his dream of opening a preschool where he can teach science on his own terms, one where little kids are considered little scientists. The first location of Brooklyn Preschool of Science opened in Cobble Hill; the Park Slope location opened 2 years later.

Karen Piazza

Educational Director

Karen Piazza, known as Mrs. Marshmallow around the school, is a certified New York State teacher with a lifelong passion for education. She taught at the Cosmic Cove since its inception in 2005, and helped develop its preschool program. She also ran its robust schedule of science-based summer camps, after-school programs, and birthday parties. Her devotion to early childhood education combined with Carmelo’s love of hands-on, inquiry-based science led to the creation of Brooklyn Preschool of Science. Karen and Carmelo are married and have 4 children. From being a parent to being a teacher, Karen is with a child every second of her day—and she wouldn’t have it any other way!

Krystal Balmes

Managing Director

In 2013, Krystal first crossed paths with Carmelo, the science fellow, while teaching dance at the PS 261 after-school program. That same year, she joined him at his Science Center, Cosmic Cove, where she nurtured young minds by teaching playgroups for toddlers and after-school classes for children ages 5 to 11. Krystal also oversaw summer programs and hosted science-themed birthday parties that sparked curiosity and excitement among children.

By 2020, Krystal became the managing director at the Brooklyn Preschool of Science located on Wyckoff Street. In her dynamic role, she oversees the preschool’s daily operations, ensuring a stimulating environment that fosters exploration and learning. Alongside her administrative duties, she continues to helm the beloved summer program and orchestrate imaginative science-themed birthday parties.

With her deep-rooted passion for education, genuine love for children, and unwavering affinity for animals, Krystal embodies the spirit and ethos of the Brooklyn Preschool of Science, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for young learners to thrive.

Nadia Alini

Admissions Coordinator / Preschool Administrator

Brooklyn-bred Nadia Alini began working with Carmelo in 2004 when she was just 16 years old. As one of the first counselors at the Cosmic Cove summer camps, she saw first-hand the positive impact hands-on science had on young children. Nadia went on to study speech pathology at Adelphi University; after graduation, she worked as an administrative assistant at Rivendell Preschool in Park Slope for 5 years. Nadia is thrilled to be working with Carmelo again at Brooklyn Preschool of Science.

Samantha

Educational Director  – Brooklyn Heights location

Samantha is currently an educational director but has years of experience and expertise in the
Brooklyn Preschool of Science. She worked her way up from an assistant teacher to a lead 2’s
teacher and eventually an educational director. She also holds experience as a paraprofessional
where she gained the opportunity to work with students who needed extra support. She holds a
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in addition to an undergraduate degree in
Psychology. She is always working towards expanding her knowledge and growing her
capabilities in the field of early childhood.

Samantha is a lover of science and animals and has a mini-zoo of her own in her home where she
and her husband reside with two dogs, two cats, 1 fish, and about 15 crested geckos! She loves to
encourage and incorporate aspects of nature into the classroom and is the perfect fit for our
science curriculum. She is passionate about hands on learning and encouraging science
exploration through themed related sensory play.

Maria Tantillo

Preschool Admin – Brooklyn Heights Location

Maria has been a member of the Brooklyn Preschool of Science community since 2016. She began her journey as a teacher’s assistant, where her dedication, warmth, and commitment to early childhood education quickly made an impact. In 2018, Maria stepped into the role of Preschool Administrator, where she continues to support children, families, and staff with care and professionalism. Her long-standing presence and passion for the school help create a welcoming and nurturing environment for the entire BPOS community..

Heather Borkowsky

Educational Director – Park Slope location

I have a strong background in early childhood and special education and hold two master’s degrees, including a second master’s in administration. I have worked in preschool settings for over 31 years, and I genuinely love what I do! Before becoming an administrator at 65 Park Place, I worked as an early intervention teacher at BPOS. I enjoy cooking with students, reading stories, and sharing my love of music and art. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my daughter!

Mario Tantillo

Preschool Admin – Park Slope location

Mario Tantillo has been a familiar face in Carmelo Piazza’s programs since 2013. From his early days as a camp counselor at Cosmic Cove to his current role as a Preschool Administrator, Mario has always been driven by a passion for service and a love for the BPOS mission.

With a BFA in English and Art from Hunter College, Mario blends his creative background with a talent for interpersonal communication. After honing his customer-relation skills in New York’s fast-paced service industry, he rejoined forces with Carmelo to support the BPOS community. Mario is dedicated to making the preschool experience as smooth as possible for families, serving as a welcoming first point of contact and ensuring that the school’s daily operations reflect its core values of warmth, creativity, and excellence.