Vivian was born and raised in Taiwan and California. She discovered her passion in working with children when she was in college, and switched her major to education when she was about to graduate. She moved to New York in 2020 wanting to experience change and try living in the city. She's happy to say that it’s definitely growing on her and she's trying to make it home! Vivian loves forming bonds with families and children, and is very excited about being apart of the Cocoon family.

I read every single day! My highest record is around 50 books a year.

Lead Preschool Prep Educator

I was born and raised in Manhattan and experience all the city has to offer. Now with two amazing kids, I get to share that with them. Showing them the magic of Christmas and the smells of roasted chestnuts and drinking hot chocolate on bitter cold days. The best part of being a dad is seeing their faces in awe and their high pitch squeals of excitement when sharing a new experience together. Through my 15+ years experience of being a real estate broker, property manager, and construction consultant, Cocoon is by far the most meaningful and exciting project I have had the privilege of helping to build.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid, Adult and pediatric CPR, and RTE (responding to emergencies) certified.

I’m the youngest of seven kids, and every meal was like a feast. Don’t be surprised that I never turn down food!

Co-founder

Memberships

Jacob Patrone is a jazz drummer and percussionist who has played and recorded in many styles and genres. He also loves watching movies and reading. Jacob graduated from the New School of Jazz with a BFA in Music Performance and is super excited to bring these skills to the classroom here at Cocoon!

A fun fact about me is I once took a solo road trip from NYC to Wyoming in three days!

Music Educator

When I was a child my first passion was singing! To this day I’m always humming, whistling, or singing a tune. I attended a musical theater conservatory school and fell in love with performing for children’s theater! From there, I decided to study child development and discovered my passion for teaching. I managed a child development center in Tribeca and served as a preschool teacher, camp director, science, art, and mommy and me teacher! I couldn’t be more excited to draw from my past experience and embrace my new community at Cocoon!

Adult and Pediatric First Aid, Adult and pediatric CPR, and RTE (responding to emergencies) certified.

When I was little, I was convinced that I would grow up to be a butterfly!

Assistant General Manager

I first knew I was going to pursue the arts after watching Andrew Llyod Webber’s CATS on VHS every single day in the year 2001 and after moving to New York in 2019. I am now a performer and educator residing in Washington Heights! After studying Performing Arts and Social Justice at university and working in schools, jails, and community care facilities I knew a part of my journey would be working and teaching in any community I find myself in. From teaching gymnastics to full time nannying I have found a special connection working with children and I’m a firm believer that art, theater and dance are important parts of any child’s toolkit. I am so excited to teach and connect with you and your little ones at Cocoon!

If I wasn't a performer and educator I would have a cooking show on the Food Network!

Educator

I found Cocoon after 10 years experience in early childhood classrooms as a certified Montessori teacher. Born into a multicultural family, I learned early the value of being surrounded by a caring community, and I’m thrilled to bring this passion for community building to Cocoon. As the oldest of three girls, I’ve loved and cared for little ones as long as she I remember. And as an artist, I’ve taught adults and children alike, both in formal school settings as well as in private art studios. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I now reside in vibrant Crown Heights, Brooklyn with my cat, Koko. I couldn't be more excited to be a part of growing Cocoon into an important community resource.

I am an avid yogi, snowboarder, and visual artist!

General Manager, Head of Preschool Prep

I grew up in the city that never sleeps and have been a Manhattanite since the age of three. I love that my two children are growing up in my local neighborhood, sharing some of my same childhood experiences, and making new memories together. When we’re not city slickers, our family enjoys the outdoors —nature adventures from camping to hiking and swimming. I am continually inspired and challenged as my kids explore and discover themselves, this world, and others. When I don’t have my mom cape on, I am a creative professional with over 15 years of experience in visual, print, and user interface design, and brand strategy.

I once hiked for 7 days in the Andean mountains, through blood, sweat and tears—it was a glorious journey. Yeah, parenthood feels like that.

I am a postpartum centric full spectrum doula, educator, doula mentor, curriculum and content builder and co-founder of Birdsong. I have been serving the New York birth and parenting community since 2013. I've served 400+ families in the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period and still feel the immense joy I've felt the very first time. Before having babies, I worked in the New York theater community and still use my comedy, writing and performing skills to support and educate families.

I am also a certified herbalist and breathwork practitioner, and a proud mama of two loving wild little boys. I love cooking, making herbal medicines, rainbows and laughing, like deep belly snorting laughing. I am happiest when I'm roller skating or getting my hands dirty in the garden.

It's my deepest desire that Cocoon brings community together in the times we need it the most.

Full Spectrum Doula, Doula mentor, Co-founder of Birdsong

On-site

Resident Soccer Partner

Sierra is so excited to be a part of a community that is truly focused on building futures and building smiles. She brings with her over a decade of customer service and large scale event experience. She's hosted everything from birthday parties to movie premieres, to even hosting politicians, and her goal is to always create an amazing environment that everyone is excited to come back to. Whether it’s a big party or just a regular Tuesday every single day has the potential to be amazing. She's committed to creating a safe and loving environment, and she approaches every opportunity with open arms and kindness.

I have a very large cat named Marc who will respond with a meow every time you talk to him! I’m also a Texan, and very willing to teach you how to two step.

General Manager

Alyx has been working in alternative education for over thirteen years working for institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Wyckoff House Museum, and the Brooklyn Historical Society among others. She received dual Master’s degrees from NYU in Education and Ancient Egyptian linguistics, and has been working to help make multifaceted educational experiences more accessible, enjoyable, and welcoming throughout her hometown of New York City. She feels she has been truly lucky to get to work with so many amazing families from all walks of life and is so excited to serve the Cocoon community.

I can read and speak 7 ancient languages, but am still learning Japanese and Arabic.

Manager of Education & Programming, Educator

I’m a full spectrum doula, childbirth educator, and certified lactation counselor with a private practice in NYC. I’ve trained with Latham Thomas of Mama Glow as well as DONA international and Birdsong Brooklyn. I’m certified in infant CPR and safety, and hold a certification as a one-on-one breathwork meditation guide. Before becoming a doula, I spent over a decade helping create customer-centric experiences in some of New York City’s best restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern and Eleven Madison Park. After becoming a mother in 2012, I returned to the restaurant world, but found that it was not well-suited for families or working mothers. Feeling the isolation, physical and emotional depletion, and exhaustion that can be new motherhood, I saw the deep need for support and community for mothers and birthing people before, during, and after the baby arrives. It has become my life's work to create nurturing environments of support for birthing people. I love researching and talking about all things birth and motherhood, listening to books on audible, and supporting fellow doulas, clients, swimming, bubble baths, beautiful smelling things, laughing, hiking in the woods upstate and making and sharing delicious meals with my son, family, and friends.

I love researching and talking about all things birth and motherhood.

Resident Full Spectrum Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Certified Lactation Counselor

I arrived in New York for college as an actress with a special interest in children's theatre! I went from performing education theatre touring in NYC public schools to teaching musical mommy and me’s. It was here that my love of children and families flourished! I spent about a year sharing smiles as a play and music teacher, focusing on community building between families, before becoming a full time nanny. My hours spent teaching and caring for early learners inspired me to create the Cocoon education curriculum, and my vast experience working with newborns (and new parents) motivated me to become a Doula!

I am a fraternal twin! We look almost exactly alike but she is 4 inches taller!

Assistant Manager of Education & Programming, Before and After Baby Coordinator, Doula

Hussein Smko is a dancer, choreographer and filmmaker. He has been dancing for 16 years and choreographing dance pieces that have been in major festivals as well as written about and published in the New York Times, Dance Magazine, Dance Enthusiast, Wall Street Journal, and Kurdistan 24.

Dance Educator

I attended jazz school in Bogota, Colombia and refined my percussion skills in Havana, Cuba, and Salvador, Brazil. I’ve worked as a session drummer and a touring musician throughout South America and the U.S. For over a decade I’ve founded and developed dynamic music programs in Miami and Brooklyn. I’m committed to using my experience to create multicultural connections through the arts. Most recently I was the Music Director for School of Rock Brooklyn and the Creative Arts Director at WeGrow.

As a producer, sound designer, and multi-instrumentalist, I enjoy collaborating with artists and creating unique soundscapes for multimedia projects.

Resident Music Educator, Co-founder of Soul Flow House

I'm excited to be part of the Cocoon community! I came from the Philippines in 2012 with my wife. I used to have my own fruit and veggie delivery company, and I am so glad to be part of building this fun community! To have fun, my wife and I take our two sons to Chuck E. Cheese, and I also love to spend time with my kids in the park barbecuing and eating together.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid, Adult and pediatric CPR, and RTE (responding to emergencies) certified.

I like to fish, play basketball and cook!

Facilities Manager

I love spending time and re-learning about the world through my 5 year old’s lens. His inquisitive nature, curiosity and passion for learning and living life fuels me to ensure that Cocoon is a fun, engaging, and safe place for kids and grownups alike. Before stepping into the role of a full time mom and working on Cocoon, I spent most of my career in advertising and marketing on both sides of the aisle: at agencies activating campaigns, and on the client side managing brands.

I love spending time and re-learning about the world through my 5 year old’s lens. 

Business Development Manager

I am so happy to be a member of the Cocoon team! I came to the United States from the Philippines shortly after marrying my lovely wife Mylene in 2003. I worked in a car parts factory there and am so excited to be surrounded by families everyday, creating a community here in Manhattan. I live in Elmhurst, Queens with my young son and daughter. I enjoy going to church and bonding with my friends and family.

I enjoy playing basketball, cooking and playing with my kids!

Ronit is a multidisciplinary visual artist, born in Tel Aviv Israel, who came to NYC after winning the Fulbright Scholarship for her MFA studies at Montclair University. She is a BFA graduate of Bezalel Academyin Jerusalem. Ronit has been teaching Art for the past 10 years to all ages at different schools, institutions, universities and organizations.

I speak 4 languages - Hebrew and Russian as my mother tongue language, Spanish from my dad and English. 

Art Educator

The Movement Creative is our resident parkour movement partner. Jesse Danger, co-founder of The Movement Creative was one of the first practitioners of parkour in the United States, finding the discipline in 2004. He immediately connected with the underlying philosophy of "be strong to be useful," and brought that into every aspect of his life. His vision as a teacher is to help others embrace and be comfortable with self-growth through perpetual self-challenge. He believes in being present to the challenges life presents to you and in being strong enough to create the mental, physical, social, and temporal environments that will help you positively grow.

Resident Parkour educator

My journey began as a teaching assistant in a public school kindergarten classroom. My passion for theatre and education led me to developing arts programming for the Clearwater Public Library system and teaching preschool interdisciplinary arts for the Patel Conservatory. I received my BA in Theatre Directing from Pace University and in 2014 I co-founded a non-profit theatre company, The Dare Tactic. As Artistic Director of The Dare Tactic and Artistic Assistant for The Drama League, I have produced a range of events including galas, fundraisers, and showcases. My experiences in the arts both domestically and abroad have awarded me with the opportunity to work with people across different ages, cultures, and abilities.

In 2019 I received a Level 2 Award with Honors in Wines from WSET at the International Wine Center.

Community Associate, Events Coordinator

My ten years of experience working as an educator in art museums has inspired me to think creatively about education. And my experience as a mom of three has kept me on my toes! When I’m not cleaning Cheerios off the floor, I’m teaching art or writing my dissertation about art education.

I believe the best things in life are free—and by that I mean sleep! 

Resident Magician for Cocoon

I’m a proud dad of three kids, who are still young enough that they laugh at all my dad jokes. When I’m not running around Cocoon, I love to travel, swim in the ocean, and warm up afterwards with a flat white. I’ve lived in 3 different countries before arriving in the United States, and prior to co-founding Cocoon I co-founded Groupon Singapore, serving as Chief Executive Officer for three years, during which I grew the company to 160 staff and surpassed Amazon as the highest-ranked ecommerce site!

I used to surf until I had kids. Now you’re more likely to find me surfing spreadsheets!

I'm a seasoned journalist, storyteller, and copywriter obsessed with helping good brands communicate their core purpose and reason for being. For over eight years, I've shepherded new and legacy brands into existence, and love helping customers solve real problems in their lives, through clarity and transparency. As a big kid myself, I'm so excited for Cocoon to bring the good (safe!) vibes to Tribeca. If you need me, I'll be in the Parkour Gym!

I'm Australian, so when I'm not working, you'll find me surfing and building sandcastles!

Content Strategist

A proud Ecuadorian and a long time dancer working in the intersections of arts and activism, I arrived in NYC to study Performance, Mythologies and International Education. After getting my master’s, I started teaching dance and theater to public and private after school programs in NYC. In my personal journey as an immigrant, artist and educator, I find immense value in teaching arts and language using a Healing-Centered curriculum as a way to empower and amplify the voices of my students. I believe that we all thrive in abundance of love, community care and healthy networks of support. “It takes a village to raise a child” and at Cocoon, I will nurture your little ones to grow and shine in their best light. I am excited to help our members feel comfortable and supported in our welcoming space!

I’m a performer and I’m known for randomly breaking into dance when a good beat comes on!

Community Associate, Educator

I began writing songs at the age of 14 and released a live album by the time I was 16. I studied music (classical piano and jazz voice) and psychology in college and have performed in many NYC venues as a keys player and singer. As a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, I've worked with children of all ages across the globe (Cuba, India, Kenya, and Brazil) and in NYC. Most recently, I was the Music Specialist for early childhood and elementary students at WeGrow, a progressive private school in Chelsea. I love writing silky pop tunes, usually on my piano or guitar.

I have been musical for as long as I can remember.

I’m a certified early childhood teacher with diverse experience curriculum development within various progressive schools and EdTech startups with a focus on family engagement and the holistic child. I was a teacher for 5 years progressive Preschool in TriBeCa where I began to build lasting roots and relationships within the special neighborhood and community and developed a passion for Reggio inspired education. I’m a strong proponent of an authentic, multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to learning and am passionate about fostering creativity and independence within children. I am so excited and proud to be part of the Cocoon community!

I like dinosaur puns, pineapple on my pizza and flip book animation! 

Preschool Prep Educator, Curriculum Designer

Kelsey and Juan are the founders of Soul Flow House, a creative community that awakens the inner artist in every human and amplifies their unique voice in the world. Partners in life and in music, their passion is giving people (children and adults alike!) the tools to use music as a means to connect with others, raising the vibration of the world one song at a time.

Resident Music Provider

I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and was very fortunate in my eclectic educational upbringing— from Montessori school to homeschooling to boarding school, I’ve experienced it all, and I’m so happy to now be a part of the Cocoon family. I graduated from Emerson College in Boston with a BFA in Visual Media Arts Production, and I’ve finally fulfilled my dream of moving to NYC! I’m a filmmaker and multimedia artist with a passion for sustainability and the importance of human connection through art, and I couldn’t be happier to be a member of such a supportive and creative team here at Cocoon.

When I get old I want to retire to the mountains, live in a cottage, have a self-sustaining farm, and read books all day, every day.

Customer Service Associate

SmartSitting is motivated by the philosophy that the early years of life are the most developmentally important for intellectual, social, and emotional health. As an inspired collective of child care experts, former and current babysitters and nannies, educators and parents, we've spent the past eleven years navigating the very unique experience of raising children in the Greater NYC Area!

Childminding Provider

I obtained BA from Duke University in international comparative studies. I am about to graduate from Columbia University’s Teachers College with an MA degree in International Education Development, focusing on curriculum development. I was born into a semi-nomadic family in Tibet; I am one of the first children in my region to attend school, let alone university. I studied in four different countries under five different education systems. In the last five years of my career as an educator, I strongly feel a need for compassion-based education practices across the globe. Therefore, I pay close attention to my students’ social, emotional, and ethical growth. I do not take education for granted and hope to impart that appreciation for knowledge to my students.

When I get free time, I hang out with my best friend, ‘Mother-Nature.’ She brings so much joy and happiness in my life, and always full of surprises. I love taking photos of her natural states. I love her very much!

STEAM Educator, Preschool Prep Educator

NORY was founded by two dads committed to nurturing the wave makers. It all started with a single question, "what do we want our own children to do?"

Fail and dream fearlessly,
Ask "Why" relentlessly, and
Connect with others authentically.

This translates to the three soft-skills: resilience, inquisitiveness, and empathy. These are the fundamental skills to thrive in the ever-changing world. All NORY programs take the project-based, experiential learning approach to develop these soft skills. If you want your child to design the future, rather than follow it, join us.

Fail and dream fearlessly, ask "Why" relentlessly, and connect with others authentically.

Resident STEAM educator

I immediately connected with the underlying philosophy of "be strong to be useful," and brought that into every aspect of my life. My vision as a teacher is to help others embrace and be comfortable with self-growth through perpetual self-challenge. I believe in being present to the challenges life presents to you and in being strong enough to create the mental, physical, social, and temporal environments that will help you positively grow.

I was one of the first practitioners of parkour in the United States, finding the discipline in 2004.

Resident Parkour Coach & Mentor, Co-founder of The Movement Creative

Starting at the age of seven, Nuné has been performing as a soloist and chamber musician. She has played throughout Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Germany, Denmark, Italy, France, and Armenia. A violinist who has proven the theory of self-actualization (The Strings Magazine), Dr. Nuné Melik is an emerging artist on the international stage who proves that music has no limitations. From her highly acclaimed solo debut at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium in 2016 to sharing the stage with Jimmy Buffett in 2019, Dr. Melik approaches artisty at a new level. She also appeared as an invited artist at the United Nations Headquarters in 2017 and in Walt Disney Hall in 2018. Internationally recognized as a specialist of the music of the Caucasus, Dr. Nuné Melik lectures in four languages.

I am passionate about music and education, Armenia, languages (I speak 6), traveling, art, helping others, and coffee... And Oxford commas.

7 day access to our 18,000 sq ft facility with playspace and gym for all ages

 featuring everything from masterclasses and parent workshops, to international cultural events and magic shows

for eating, drinking, working and relaxing for the entire family

Reserve space for birthday parties, private playtime, and events

Butterfly

All of our courses are thoughtfully designed to build community.

Purpose built to take the pressure off, during this pandemic and beyond. Bring your family, get some work done, or host a play date in one of our safe spaces.

Judgement-free, expert-backed guidance for new parents, from our trained doulas and childminders.

Explorative courses inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods, to grow curious, connected kids.

Workshops on parenting and family life, where you’ll meet a kind community of friends and neighbors.

Before Baby

Topics

After Baby

After Baby Support Group 

Our specialized, doula-led Before and After Baby courses are open to members and non-members and offer the pregnancy and postpartum support you need.

A members-only space for growing families 


Sign up for our Butterfly membership and watch your family take flight.

Birthday Parties & Celebrations

Play it safe

Summer Camp Cocoon

Grow connected families

Parkour gymnastics park

Learn through play

From bonding to birthing, this 3 week course will help you feel supported and grounded as you cross the threshold into parenthood. This class is included in our membership plan and runs once a week for three weeks, available in person or virtually. 

For non-members, we offer a pay what you can pricing for our virtual class. Please email 

What are the Before and After Baby programs?

How much do our Before and After Baby programs cost?

Wondering what to expect? Whether it’s your first or fifth, birthing a baby is a big deal!

This series of classes covers all things pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum life. Our instructors will take you through the first steps of pregnancy, where you’ll learn about what growing a human really entails. Filled with pockets of humor, empathy, moments for group bonding, and an emphasis on supporting individual birthing needs—at home, in hospital, and everything in-between—our BB class is a step-by-step guide to feeling cared for across the threshold. By the end of this course you will understand how to talk to your care provider, feel grounded in the stages of labor and various delivery options, and be ready to enter postpartum parenthood.

Congrats, you now have a new human! Our After Baby support group is designed to walk you through your first weeks and months of parenthood. Covering self-care, feeding options, bonding with baby, and more! You can join us in person in our nursery OR virtually over zoom. 

Part support group, part community gathering space, our expert doula led after baby program meets you where you are. Whether it is your first baby or 5th baby our 4 week group will help you feel empowered and prepared for your first months as a new family. These sessions are included with Cocoon membership.

For non-members, we offer a pay-what-you-can pricing scale, the displayed price is our middle tier pricing option. For additional pricing options contact babies@joincocoon.com

Congrats, you now have a new human! Our After Baby support group  is designed to walk you through your first weeks and months of parenthood. Covering self-care, feeding options, bonding with baby, postpartum sex, and more! Part class, part support group, part community gathering space, our after baby program meets you where you are.