STAFF

 Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Executive Director and Founder, Sam Bercovich, is a former special educator of 15 years, elementary school librarian and recently trained as an archivist prior to the pandemic. His GaragePod® teaching philosophy is rooted in the child-led approach: know when to step in, know when to step out. At GaragePod®, Sam gives each child the space and support to foster their own independent engagement and exploration. Sam holds a BA from SUNY Purchase and received his Masters in Teaching from Fordham University and Masters in Library Science from CUNY Queens College. Sam is also a published writer and musician. He lives with his wife Ana and two sons in Dobbs Ferry.  

 Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Ana Szyld, Co-Founder, is a trained interior designer and former woodworker. She has a BFA in Sculpture from California College of the Arts and a Masters in Interior Design from Pratt. Ana's creative design direction and experience as a space planner, strategist and artist make her an integral part of GaragePod®. Ana is the designer for GaragePod® and is always problem solving to accommodate new needs in the space. She is also the program manager and the brains behind the Toddler Program, JUMP Club. Ana designs one-of-a-kind toys, manipulatives and experiences for our youngest learners. When she isn't designing spaces and experiences, you can find her sipping mate, hanging with her husband Sam and their two children in Dobbs Ferry. 

 Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Paula Rabasco is a retired Greenburgh Elementary Special Educator of 33 years and also a former Dobbs Ferry Girl Scout Leader for 7 years. Paula loves teaching children how to read, write, craft and become strong, self-sufficient human beings. She has become quite the expert in teaching children how to assemble loose parts into creative structures. Paula is a wealth of information regarding childhood development and curriculum. She also knows the value in a used Othello game and construction gutters! When Paula isn't at GaragePod®, you might be able to catch her on Buy Nothing picking up some groovy items for the kiddos. 

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Emily Cassella has over 10+ years of teaching experience working with children, ranging from infants to middle school level. Emily values providing open-ended, explorative opportunities for children to pursue their personal interests and passions. She views self-expression and working at our own natural pace as being a crucial part of childhood development. Emily is currently finishing her BS in Psychology at CUNY City College.  She loves being active and in nature and is eager for further outdoor endeavors. She lives in Dobbs Ferry with her husband, 

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Gianna Kollar is a junior at Dobbs Ferry High School. She plays in the Dobbs Ferry High School’s orchestra and has been playing the violin for 8 years. Gianna loves art, music, baking and hanging out with friends and family. When not working at GaragePod® and going to school, you'll find Gianna rocking out to jams in her free time. She currently lives in Dobbs Ferry with her mom, dad and siblings. 

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Brandon Arriola has a true passion for working and interacting with children. He's been an after school teacher throughout Manhattan and the Bronx for 6 years after completing high school. He's well versed on youth culture such as various animations, mangas, sports, music and technology. Brandon is so excited to be part of GaragePod. He looks forward to creating magical memories with all the little explorers at after school. 

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Bess Power is thrilled to be teaching piano, voice and musical theater classes at GaragePod®. Bess is a member of Actors’ Equity Association as well as SAG-AFTRA. She earned a BFA in Musical Theater from Montclair State University and spent many years performing in summer stock and regional theater companies across the country. She earned her Masters in Education from St. John’s University and she has spent over a decade teaching private music lessons. She has also taught music at synagogues and various music academies as well as in the NYC public school system.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography  

Sally Bertran is currently an Attorney Support Assistant at an international law firm
where she provides administrative support to a team of attorneys specializing in banking & finance. At GaragePod®, she uses those same skills to provide support to staff and families. Sally is also a founding family of GaragePod® who child is part of the first ever cohort. Sally couldn't be more thrilled to help GaragePod® with all its administrative needs.