Maria P. Suarez is the Educational Director of our Friends of Crown Heights 2505 Pitkin Avenue Educational Center. She brings to her position more than a decade of continuous professional experience and expertise in the field of Early Childhood Education and an abiding commitment to ensuring the healthy development of every child in our care.

Ms. Suarez previously served as Director of our 1495 Bedford Avenue program before being appointed to establish and lead our Remote Learning Division in 2020 when in-person services were suspended statewide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She had also previously served with distinction as Lead Teacher at our Carroll Street Center and as Acting Educational Director at our 3732 Tenth Avenue Center in the Inwood section of Manhattan.

Ms. Suarez holds the Master of Science degree in both Early Childhood and Special Education from Touro College, as well as the New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood and Special Education from Birth to 2nd Grade. She is also a graduate of the University of the Philippines, where she obtained the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

Ms. Suarez is a versatile and talented addition to our pedagogical and leadership team who looks forward to engaging our children and families in a nurturing, secure and mutually supportive relationship of confidence and trust.