JENNIFER STRAUSSER – director of programming and membership

Jen applied for a job at apple seeds because she truly loves every child she meets (and she could walk to work). In fact, she threatens to take a few home with her every day. (Don't worry her background check came back clean.) In the past nine years she has gone from creating and launching our extremely popular apple seedlings gentle separation program to overseeing all apple seeds classes, teachers, curriculum and membership. We call Jen the baby whisperer around these parts. Put a child (or parent for that matter) in her arms and watch the tears turn to laughter in 3.2 seconds flat. Jen is mother to Cole, an amazing 14 year old boy who is obsessed with Ultimate Fighting and his mom.

TOM DELPIZZO – director of franchise programming and technology

You name it, Tom has done it here at apple seeds. Since apple seeds inaugural year in 2007, Tom could be found in the playground, classes, front desk, and birthdays. He has been an interior painter, an electrician, a voice actor (yes, that’s his voice on the phone system), a web designer, a photographer (yes, these headshots on this page were taken by Tom), a plumber, a dancer and our resident juggler. At one point Tom was the Facilities Manager overseeing: the daily operations of all our Manhattan and satellite locations, day time floor teams, and evening cleaning crews. Now Tom is excited to step into his latest role as Music Manager (oh, he also plays guitar and sings)! Tom received his BA in Acting & Directing from DeSales University near his hometown of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He is the very proud father of his son – who he and his wife Kate welcomed in September 2014 – Benjamin Thomas.

NANCY BRANDLER – Chelsea General Manager

Nancy, originally from Northern New Jersey, has been working at apple seeds since July 2015 as a front desk associate, and then as the Oval Kids supervisor. She is excited to step into this new role at apple seeds, as she has loved every minute getting to know the children and their families at all three locations. Nancy holds a bachelor of music degree in music education from Westminster Choir College, as well as a master’s degree in vocal performance and an advanced certificate in vocal pedagogy from New York University. When not at apple seeds, you can find Nancy singing in various ensembles throughout the city or teaching private voice lessons. In her spare time, Nancy also enjoys organizing things, seeing Broadway shows, and eating delicious vegetarian food.

TAMMY SMITH – bookkeeper

Tammy is one of the newest members of apple seeds. Arriving from Panama in the early 2000’s with dreams and hope of a new beginning. Tammy has over +10 years’ experience in bookkeeping, with knowledge in processing accounts receivable, payable and financial statements. She is part of our accounting team as the in-house bookkeeper and involve in all aspects of bookkeeping functions. She has a very strong work ethic and appropriate skill level with a degree in Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from the Borough of Manhattan Community College Tammy in her free time is a volunteer with New York Care, enjoys working out, reading, spending time with her nieces and nephews, family and friends.

 

If you want to become part of our staff click here for job opportunities at apple seeds.