Arie Stein

Site Director

Arie is a long-time educator, administrator, and advocate of early childhood education. Her background is in fine arts, which led Arie to begin teaching art classes at Saint Ann’s Preschool, later on leading to a full switch into early childhood education. Shortly thereafter, Arie helped open an elementary extension program for grades K-3 at Little Missionary Day Nursery, leading to a shift in the school’s curriculum and educational objectives. Arie has since then received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College and used this experience to build curriculum and expand the programs of independent schools throughout Brooklyn, most recently at Cobble Hill Playschool. This is her first year as the site director at Henry Street and she is so excited to join such a wonderful team of educators for the school year! 

Cynthia Fauvette

Associate Teacher

Mélanie Deguanel

Associate Teacher

Mélanie is a passionate educator originally from Paris and recently settled in Brooklyn, where she lives with her husband and family. She is driven by a deep love for lifelong learning and a commitment to supporting the growth of each child. With a degree in Specialized Education and a Master’s in Educational Sciences, she is also a certified Education Specialist in France.

With over a decade of experience working with children and young adults, Mélanie has held various roles, including Counselor/Clinical Social Worker and French as a Foreign Language (FLE) educator within international NGOs like Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross. Her background combines clinical expertise with strong academic knowledge, enhanced by a rich cultural sensitivity.

Her teaching approach is inspired by a blend of educational philosophies, particularly the Montessori method, which emphasizes autonomy, curiosity, and respecting each child’s pace, as well as the Reggio Emilia approach, which focuses on fostering creativity, collaboration, and the child as a capable and active learner. Mélanie is dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment where every student feels supported in developing their self-confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose. She recognizes and nurtures the unique strengths of each child, empowering them to unlock their full potential.

Outside of her professional life, Mélanie enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Christelle Kouhouta

Lead Teacher

Christelle was born and raised in Paris, France, where she earned a Master’s degree in Finance and spent seven years working as an accountant in various banks. After moving to the United States, she shifted her focus to education and discovered a true passion for teaching. Over the past seven years, she has worked with students of all ages, from preschool to high school, bringing energy, creativity, and patience to every classroom.

In 2024, Christelle completed a Master’s degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education. Her teaching approach emphasizes engaging, hands-on learning experiences that introduce children to the French language through songs, games, and interactive activities. She also integrates early mathematical concepts to support broader cognitive development.

Christelle finds deep joy in nurturing her students’ curiosity and helping them build the confidence to explore new ideas and develop their skills. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

Outside of her professional life, Christelle enjoys playing soccer, basketball, swimming, and practicing karate. She is also a devoted reader and often shares her love of books with her students to inspire a lasting appreciation for stories and learning.

Anita-Mae Kahan

Associate Teacher & Garderie Lead Teacher

Anita-Mae was born in Brooklyn and participated in the first years of the French immersion program at P.S.58. She is Franco-American and spends most summers visiting her family in France. She studied music at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, where she specialized in cello performance but also sang in a choir and taught musical awakening classes to kindergarteners. In her free time Anita-Mae enjoys reading, drawing, painting, and rock climbing. 

Hélène Klein

Associate Teacher

Hélène was born in Strasbourg, France. She is a passionate traveler, cultural enthusiast, and language lover. She graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese and modern languages, a field that has fueled her curiosity for discovering new cultures.

Growing up surrounded by children, Hélène developed a strong connection to early childhood education. She completed multiple internships in infant schools before embarking on an enriching cultural exchange in 2023. As a cultural ambassador teacher in Portland, Oregon, she led a class of toddlers, organized cultural events, and taught cooking classes to the children and the families—sharing her love for food and tradition with her community.

Beyond her professional journey, Hélène thrives on learning. She enjoys studying new languages, singing, traveling, and playing the ukulele, always seeking ways to connect with people through music, food, and storytelling.

Allison Flamion

Lead Teacher

Allison was born in Maryland but grew up in Belgium, raised by two francophone parents. She earned a Master’s degree in Psychology in 2014 at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, specializing in Psychoanalysis and Systems Psychology in Childhood-Adolescence.

Since the beginning of her clinical internships and work, Allison has maintained a strong interest in childhood development and neurodiversity in young children. She has worked in various settings caring for children on the autism spectrum and those with severe personality disorders and psychological concerns. She has also worked with children with diagnosed learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. She is passionate about fostering inclusivity and understanding in all aspects of her work.

Allison earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Liège, Belgium in 2019, where she focused on the development of ageism in children and adolescents, with regards to how their parents and contact with grandparents influence their view of old people.

Outside of her professional interests, Allison loves to spend time with her family and her new baby as well as travel and explore new cultures.  She also enjoys music, fitness, and fashion.

Blossom Bettles

Associate Teacher

Blossom was born in London and moved to Brooklyn at a young age. She attended the French program at PS58 and later the International School of Brooklyn (ISB). Her upbringing was filled with travel, especially to New Zealand and the UK to visit family, as well as time spent at her parents’ off-the-grid cabin in the woods. Throughout high school, Blossom taught art classes and worked as a babysitter, nurturing her love for working with children. After graduating, she took a gap year, deferring her art school placement, and began working at Smith Street Maternelle, where she discovered her passion for teaching French and working with young children. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in education. Blossom is currently attending BMCC, studying Early Childhood Education. In 2023, she transitioned to the Carroll Gardens location, and this year marks her fourth year of teaching. Blossom has a deep passion for art of all kinds, fashion (both finding and creating clothes), cooking, and reading.