People
Pat Werner Administrative Director
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Pat has been a teacher in the public school system for 16 years. She has worked for the last four years as a Literacy Coach at The Children’s Workshop School in the East Village and PS 140 on the Lower Eastside. Before that Pat was a third grade teacher at The Manhattan New School in District Two, taught 5/6 graders at PS 38, and 7th and 8th graders at the Academy of Environmental Science, both in East Harlem. Pat holds a New York State School District Administrator license and a School Administrator/Supervisor license. She holds teaching licenses for nursery through grade 12. Pat has three children; Ashley, Hans, and Chelsea, and one husband, Erich, and wishes there had been a free school in Manhattan when her kids were growing up. Sixteen years ago she was smitten with Free Schools after reading Free At Last, the Story of the Sudbury Valley School, a slender book that forever after shaped her thoughts about learning and education. Pat believes wholeheartedly in the resolution adopted by the International Democratic Education Conference that states: In any educational setting, young people have the right:

  • to decide individually how, what, when, and with whom they learn.
  • have an equal share in the decision-making as to how their organizations—in particular, their schools—are run, and which rules and sanctions, if any, are necessary.
Aaron Brown Teacher/Staff
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 Aaron Brown is the embodiment of a Dr. Seuss character.  Well, ok, this is stretching the truth, but his characteristics certainly lend to a comparison of that furry, big hearted creature who wasn't quite human, wasn't quite animal, and spoke for the trees.  That was the book of The Lorax.  The story of the Lorax was written to help unify the widening divide between mankind and nature so that we would realize these are not two opposing forces, but complimentary forces of one, integrated universe.  Aaron extends this philosophy throughout his life and he wishes to bridge the gap between teacher and student so that these forces may work in cooperation together to achieve their highest ends.  He is in the right place!
 
Aaron is a self described Nerdjock ( knowledge nerd + sports lover).  The most curious hybrid, wouldn't you say?  He revels at the opportunity to teach kids how to be exactly who you truly are and not be ashamed of that identity.  Aaron honed his teaching and learning perspective at a democratic school, Upattinas School, in southeastern Pennsylvania for two years before joining forces this year with the Manhattan Free School.  He has a BS in Biology and he loves to teach anything in the health sciences, mathematics, memory and cognitive training, and his pet subject; Harry Potter and the History of Muggle Magic.  He also enjoys being humbled by students as he witnesses them become wonderful human beings.
Tomis Parker Teacher/Staff
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Tom(is) Parker has been living a life of observation and inquiry for a quarter century. Tomis experienced a mix of home-schooling and public schooling as a child and eventually escaped the perils of public high school after 3 years - using an advanced college placement program as a means for more personal freedom. After completing a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and released from the will of college, Tomis once again realized that an increase in personal freedom is fertile soil for growth. He has a natural affection for children and a deep belief in the power of love as the guiding and redeeming energy of the Universe. Some days he is a Gnostic Christian Mystic, other days a Taoist, but mostly he is none of these things. Tomis usually finds himself enamored with readings and musings about the world around him and within him, constantly seeking awareness and understanding of The Big Picture. Tomis has been with Manhattan Free School since the end of its first year and could not be more excited about the growth and progress the community has made. 
Angie Pflanz Teacher/Staff
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Angie says, “I am a mother of two amazing people, Thomas and Isabelle, for whom my journey to this position at Manhattan Free School began.  While searching with my husband, Benjamin, for something better for our children, my professional path was suddenly illuminated.  The excitement doubled as I realized not only what I could contribute from my professional experience, but also that I would gain from joining a school that allows children to become lifelong learners, a philosophy I have long used as a basis for my classroom practice.
 
“My childhood was spent on the east coast of Florida, and my journey to become an educator began at Florida State University two and a half decades ago with middle and high school students, but the passion for my life's work became apparent when our children were born and were old enough to attend preschool.  My Postgraduate Degree in Child Development, Family Child Care business, subsequent teaching positions with classrooms full of curious, energetic students, volunteer work at my children's elementary school as literacy coach, Math Superstars volunteer, and Odyssey of the Mind coach, combined with some amazingly well-timed exposure to brilliant minds in education at state and national conferences, have all contributed to lighting the fire in my belly.
 
“Our move from the Space Coast of Florida to the northeast has brought our family many new adventures, as we love discovering all there is to offer about our area – both the joys of the city and beyond!  Personally, I enjoy playing around with my SLR camera, reading about what neuroscience tells us about learning and the brain, taking vegetarian and vegan cooking classes, and keeping up with our cats!
 
“I look forward to each and every day with our students – we will make time to explore, listen, question, play, create, discuss, discover, move, sing, dance, and be responsible community members and human beings!  I am thrilled to join and contribute to this community!”