The Promise of Roberts Field
With a passionate devotion to understanding and perceiving the human being as first and foremost a creative being, the founding of Roberts Field stems from a belief that the fundamental offerings of our educational landscape should encompass art, creativity, critical thinking, big ideas, studio workshops, compassionate and mindful guidance and practice, and consistent and immersive connections with nature as integrated pillars of a complete education.
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As humans, when we are nurtured in a building relationship with the whole and diverse sphere of the world, we are most saliently connected to the full capacity of self. When we are nurtured to take part in a vast and infinite field of learning, our growth is exponential, and our full potential as individuals and as community is heightened. This holistic education is essential to the development of inner depth, consciousness, and the ability to thrive happily in life as a developed and constructive citizen of the world.
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By elevating our expectation of children, we enrich and extend their perception of what they believe is possible to contribute to and achieve in life. By taking inspirational and invigorating academic standards and interweaving them with creative mediums and expanses of life, we uplift and enhance education and teach children to reach far within themselves and go joyfully, competently, and brilliantly into the world.
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Khahtee V. Turner is the founder of The Roberts Field School. After founding and directing the programs of Studio Creative Play since 2003 , she was moved to extend the mission and philosophy of Studio into the elementary realm of education. Through partnering and consulting with extraordinary educators with a strong understanding of progressive approaches, it's name derived from her late mother's name,
Judith Roberts-Marlowe.
Our Graduates
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Graduates of The Roberts Field School are unique as intricately and expansively developed elementary school students. Their minds, hearts, and skills have been unified with their individual gifts as academic learners, creative people, and deeply reflective and compassionate young citizens. Our graduates perceive of themselves as active learners and citizens prepared and responsible to give back to society. They have a strong perception of the vastness and diversity of the world, art, and innovation that have shaped experiences across the globe. They understand the intrinsic capacity in all of us to be change-makers and agents of peace. They deeply appreciate diversity in all aspects of humanity around them, stand up for social justice, and seek out others who mindfully and generously observe, contribute, reflect, and apply themselves in their school community.
Graduating students of Roberts Field are creative, caring, and highly knowledgeable students. They desire to be challenged in order to reach their goals and propel themselves forward, confidently in building all of their dreams and upholding the expectations and structures of their next learning environment.
Studio Creative Play Inc, &
The Roberts Field School Board of Directors
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Masai Turner
Marla Kessler
John Muraco
Sydney Taylor
Hannah V. Murphy
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Our Leaders & Staff
Khahtee V. Turner, Founder & Director
KHAHTEE V. TURNER is the founder and director of Studio Creative Play and
co-director of The Roberts Field School. Khahtee is a community leader, an educational
visionary, a humanitarian, advocate for the propagation of the arts, creative enrichment,
and compassionate awareness practices and offerings in early childhood. For the last 20
years at Studio—alongside artists, musicians, and educators—Khahtee has led a unique,
comprehensive, and transcendent community experience. Through its mission, Studio
holistically nurtures the awakening and blooming of each individual’s voice and
expressive capacity in the most sacred and salient time of formative development: early
childhood.
Alongside the ongoing growth of Studio, Khahtee founded The Roberts Field School, a
Kindergarten through 5th-grade program, which she directs with her co-director and
leadership counterpart, Carney Heavey O'Brien. In the establishment of Roberts Field,
Khahtee maintains her unwavering devotion to offering the community this joyful and
interdisciplinary approach to elementary education. Khahtee has shared elements of her
program worldwide to bring foundations of nurturing creative consciousness and
interconnectivity with our global neighbors. She has taken educational resources,
experiences, and global community workshops to remote areas of Mexico and Nepal, and
Icelandic schools.
Khahtee can also be found spending fun times with her beloved fourteen-year-old son and
eight-year-old daughter, adventuring in all that the world has to offer.
Carney M. Heavey O'Brien,
Co-Director
CARNEY M. HEAVEY O'BRIEN partners with Khahtee as Roberts Field School’s
co-director. Carney has spent more than two decades joyfully supporting the growth and
evolution of early childhood, elementary, and secondary independent schools. At the core
of all of her professional endeavors has been a progressive, creative, experiential
approach to learning, with a focus on social justice, equity, the value of diverse
perspectives, and strong, connected communities.
Carney sees education and educational leadership experiences as a means to a higher end.
Occupationally, she has taught, written curriculum, developed the professional capacity
of faculty, advanced enrollment management practices, and led schools. Vocationally,
Carney’s endeavors have included everything from empowering preschoolers to think of
themselves as artists, encouraging elementary school students to honor and develop their
inner researchers, mentoring middle schoolers to be orators and actors, facilitating the
access for adolescents to evolve into change agents and leading whole communities in
realizing a vision of “school” as an integral community partner in the betterment of our
society.
Carney is drawn to The Roberts Field School’s promise of a transcendent education
through the integration of nature, art, and mindfulness. When not at RFS, Carney can be
found jogging through the parks in Brooklyn, discovering new hiking trails, knitting and
journaling on her fire escape, and enjoying the company and inspiration of her fabulous
four grown children.
ROBIN PICKERING has been an active leader for Studio Creative Play and Roberts
Field in various capacities for the past fifteen years. Robin's administrative leadership
roles have served a range of diverse needs from editing content for the Studio Creative
Play website to helping produce educational videos, supervising staff, and managing
daily operations and large development projects.
Robin’s current role as Director of Administrative Services for RFS continues to
incorporate work with Khahtee and other leaders to help expand the reach of our mission
on a more global scale and assist in the implementation of the Strategic Development
Plan of RFS.
Robin is also an active musician (guitar and bass), a writer, and a devoted student of
Sanskrit. She can often be found wandering around Coney Island or in any of Brooklyn’s
parks and green spaces.
Robin Pickering,
Director of Administrative Services
Angus Davidson,
Director of Interdisciplinary
Enrichment
ANGUS DAVIDSON is returning to The Roberts Field School as Director of
Interdisciplinary Enrichment for his seventh year as part of the RFS community. His
experience within our organization includes both classroom teaching and school
leadership. He shines equally in both roles! In the classrooms, Angus builds community
curricula around the arts, music, mindfulness, meditation, and nature. He is the founding
co-teacher of the Symposium project at RFS—a hands-on interdisciplinary art
program—and has served as The Roberts Field School Music Ambassador, teaching
music classes and workshops for all ages in the school. In his leadership role, he works
with families, leaders, teachers, and children to build the strong community bonds at the
heart of Roberts Field.
Before bringing his teaching and leadership skills to The Roberts Field School, Angus
was Assistant Director and taught in Studio Creative Play classrooms for Fours and
Threes. His other educational and classroom experiences include choral and music
ensemble direction, outdoor education, and ESL instruction. As an organizational leader,
he draws on his experience as co-founder of Spark Arts, an arts and nature-focused
program in Brooklyn.
When not at The Roberts Field School, you may find Angus on the bike path to Coney
Island or in the Adirondack Park in the stern of a canoe! He loves taking photographs,
sanding rocks, and playing the piano!
Jillian Rossitto,
Director of Enrollment and Student Services
JILLIAN ROSSITTO is thrilled to be returning for her seventh year at The Roberts
Field School. Jillian’s career at RFS began as a co-teacher in the kindergarten classroom
before she joined the administrative team four years ago. Jillian is very much looking
forward to her new role as Director of Admissions and Student Services. In this role she
will be supporting the school’s growth and collaborating with families, students, and
teachers to meet the diverse needs of all children within the RFS community.
Jillian feels tremendously lucky to work alongside such talented leaders and educators
with the shared understanding that rich, thoughtful, and intentional experiences have the
power to leave an indelible mark on every student. She understands it is a privilege to
have a hand in the transformations arising when education is woven mindfully with
creative artistic experiences and consistent exploration in nature during a child’s most
formative academic career. With over seventeen years of experience in education, Jillian
holds an early childhood teaching certificate in both Connecticut and New York, a B.A.
in Psychology from Salve Regina University, and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education
with a concentration in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University.
She was the recipient of the CT Annual Early Childhood Education Council Scholarship
and has presented at Columbia University Teachers College for the Inclusive Classroom
Project.
When Jillian is not at RFS you can find her traveling or on road trip adventures with her
husband and four-year-old twins. Jillian also enjoys throwing parties and entertaining,
and she loves to dance while cooking up a storm.
Kyle Anthony,
1st & 2nd Grade
Co-Teacher
KYLE FERLIC ANTHONY believes in process-oriented and hands-on learning. Kyle joined the Studio Creative Play team in 2012, where she learned to teach with intuition, intention, and integrity. This year marks her seventh year as a The Roberts Field School Lyra co-teacher. Within the 1st and 2nd Grade Lyra Classroom, Kyle cultivates a safe space inspiring creativity and academic engagement. Curiosity and wonderment are driving forces behind her approach to education. Kyle is captivated by the expanse of our pale blue dot, from the spectacular and odd to the quotidian. She brings this “turn each shell over and dive into the ocean” attitude every day into Lyra where students make, explore, read, and ask millions of questions. Kyle might not always have the answers, but this all the better for facilitating the inquiry of her students.
Kyle graduated with a B.A. in Art History from Ohio State University in 2008 and continued on to earn her M.A. in Art Therapy from New York University. Kyle has worked with children in a school setting as an art therapist and has also worked in many communities in New York City as a teaching artist. Kyle has never lost her verve for art history. In her time off, she enjoys NYC by going to art galleries, or she heads upstate to bask in the treasure trove of minimalism that the Dia offers. Rarely does she walk away from an exhibit without inspiration for a project or history lesson to bring into Lyra.
Anna Kotelchuck,
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade
Co-Teacher
ANNA KOTELCHUCK is thrilled to continue her work as a co-teacher in the Aquila classroom at the Roberts Field School. She is looking forward to another year teaching and learning from the children and adults in our school community. With over a decade of experience in education, Anna believes in creating a learning space for her students where there is ample room for joy, creativity, and authentic challenges.
Prior to joining The Roberts Field School, Anna worked as a classroom teacher at Brooklyn Friends School, and as an educator at various cultural organizations around the city such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the American Folk Art Museum. In her teaching practice, she is particularly interested in how incorporating hands-on arts and nature-based learning can deepen and extend traditional academic subjects. She aims to help her students see that they are one small part of a larger society and the natural world, reflect on the myriad of human differences and similarities, and strive for a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Anna has a B.A. in Art History from Boston University and graduated from Bank Street College of Education with a Master's Degree in Museum Education and New York State Teaching Certification. Her children are also part of the Roberts Field community–Micah is in the Lyra classroom this year, and Rose is beginning her first year in Studio. When not at RFS, Anna enjoys reading (so much reading!), spending time in nature and exploring Brooklyn with her family, and satiating her sweet tooth.
Aleena Turner,
Program Assistant Teacher
ALEENA TURNER has been a part of the Studio Creative Play and Roberts Field
community since 2018 as an early childhood co-teacher as well as an enrichment
specialist, with a concentration in STEAM, the arts, and nature studies. She has worked
with children for the last 10 years, starting out with daycare, and eventually guiding
elementary school children as well. She is excited to return to the beautiful RFS journey
this year as a STEAM specialist for the Aquila class. Aleena will also take lead for the
Day in the Field program and offer more enrichment experiences to the afterschool
program, including sewing and design. RFS has had a powerful and inspiring impact on
Aleena's life, as she believes wholeheartedly in the balance of social-emotional nurture
with academic learning. She believes that school should be joyous and playful as an
important aspect of its offerings. Watching children grow uniquely through the years, in
their own character and expression, continues to propel Aleena's love of teaching.
Aleena is a returning student at Kingsborough College and resides in East New York,
with a Dominican background. She loves surrounding herself with nature, usually going
camping and hiking. Aleena also adores working on large-scale paintings, sketches, and
clothing designs. She shares her passion for art, nature, and meditation with children.
Aleena believes meditation is the key to inner peace. When she is not teaching with the
RFS team, she's usually babysitting for family and friends. In her downtime she loves
baking with the children of her family, working on art, and singing.
Sarah Lubwama,
1st & 2nd Grade
Co-Teacher
SARAH LUBWAMA is thrilled to be returning to the Roberts Field School as a co-teacher in the Lyra classroom. She loves learning and growing with her students and colleagues and sharing her passion for joyful learning.
Sarah received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Providence College in 2012 and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the American College of Education in 2018. She has received her New York State Certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining The Roberts Field School, she taught for ten years in early elementary settings in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Over the course of her career, Sarah has become passionate about the importance of quality early childhood education that integrates traditional academics with play, exploration, and social-emotional learning. She believes that her most vital responsibility as an educator is to help her students develop the skills necessary to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners.
When not in her classroom, you might find Sarah traveling and exploring the world with her husband, visiting friends and family along the East Coast, or curled up at home with a good book.
Jaida Sanchez,
3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade
Co-Teacher
JAIDA SANCHEZ is delighted to be back for her second year in the RFS community as a co-teacher in the Aquila Classroom. With a background in second language instruction and special education, Jaida believes in the creation of a socially, culturally, and academically equitable classroom. She strives to understand her students’ individual learning styles and interests. In doing so, she fosters the uniqueness of each student while giving them the resources they need to be an engaged and curious member of their classroom community. Jaida's favorite classroom moments are when students let their curiosity drive them to explore and ask questions, which then bring learning to the whole community.
Jaida has taught in a variety of settings from adult ESL and GED education, to Pre K through 2nd grade dance classes, to elementary and middle school classrooms in Merida, Mexico. She is happy to have found a home in the 3rd to 5th grade classroom at Roberts Field School. Jaida holds a B.A. in Spanish from Gettysburg College and is in the process of obtaining her M.S. in Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Outside of RFS, you can usually find Jaida exercising at her local gym or traveling to visit family.
Alyssa McDoom,
Program Assistant Teacher
ALYSSA MCDOOM is a vocalist, songwriter, and educator who is passionate about
helping students find pride in their own unique musical voice while also developing great
technique. As a graduate of The New School with a BFA Honors in Jazz Vocal
Performance, she teaches with a focus in Jazz fundamentals.
Alyssa has been teaching privately and leading groups to students of all ages for over five
years and outside of RFS currently teaches classes through the Brooklyn Music School.
She is elated to be returning to the Roberts Field Community to lead classes that inspire
and encourage students to make music free of limitations. Having studied music herself
from a young age both privately and in school, Alyssa has learned that it is incredibly
important to always build curricula inspired by students’ passions and interests, not a set
standard.
Outside of the classroom, you can catch Alyssa performing around NYC, singing in
venues such as Roulette Intermedium, Birdland, and The Jazz Gallery. When not working
on her own music, she cherishes being a part of the NYC music scene and getting to
collaborate with the diverse community of artists.