The 92NY Lipschultz Parenting Center

Wendy is the Executive Director of The 92NY Lipschultz Parenting Center. She previously served as the Associate Director and has worked as an educator in the program. Wendy works with parents as a valuable resource, guiding and supporting them through their early parenting years. She directs all aspects of the Parenting Center from admissions to programming and works closely with other departments at 92NY including the Nursery School. Wendy has a Master’s Degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and an AB in History from Bryn Mawr College. Before joining the Parenting Center, she worked as a psychotherapist with adolescents and teens.

Wendy has maintained a connection to The 92nd Street Y, New York throughout her adult life. She lived briefly in the 92NY Residence after college and later returned as a new mom to the Parenting Center. She has two adult daughters who attended the Nursery School, camps, art classes and Connect. Wendy lives in Manhattan with her husband.

Elyssa is the Associate Director of The 92NY Lipschultz Parenting Center. With over a decade of experience as an Early Childhood Educator, she brings deep expertise and genuine warmth to supporting families through their early parenting years. She holds degrees in Psychology and Human Development & Family Science, giving her a thoughtful, research-informed lens on how young children grow and learn.

Elyssa is passionate about creating engaging, meaningful experiences for children and families alike. Her goal is to cultivate a warm, inclusive space where families feel empowered to explore, connect, and grow together. As a lifelong learner, she finds in the 92NY community a place where everyone, children and adults alike, can spark their sense of wonder.

Elyssa lives in Manhattan, where she loves seeking out new adventures around and beyond the city, and cherishing time with family and friends.

Jessie is the Program Coordinator at the 92NY Lipschultz Parenting Center. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Social Policy & Practice from Tulane University. Jessie is passionate about supporting parents and caregivers, and she’s excited to contribute to the Parenting Center’s mission!

Karen Blumberg started out as a Parenting Center member, taking her newborn son to our New Mother, New Baby classes over 17 years ago – and she hasn’t left yet! She has been on the staff of The 92NY Lipschultz Parenting Center for over a decade, teaching all ages of our Parkbench Program, Art Books and More, Kids in the Kitchen and 2s Together. She graduated with BA from Brown University with a degree in Literature and a minor in Fine Arts. Karen has a son and daughter who attended the Nursery School, camps K’Ton Ton and Yomi and swam on the 92NY Flying Dolphins Swim team. Karen lives in Manhattan with her husband and their dog.

Claire Lewin has over 20 years of teaching experience, ranging from kindergarten to 1st and 2nd grades. She has been at The 92NY Lipschultz Parenting Center for over 15 years and her two children attended the Parenting Center when they were younger. Claire received both a BS in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, and Special Education from Adelphi University.

Claire is the proud parent of two adult children. She lives on the UWS with her husband, dog and Clyde the turtle.

Candace Perkin has over 20 years of experience working in NYC private schools. Her career began in the Silver Room in the Nursery School, and she is so happy to return to 92NY in The Lipschultz Parenting Center. Candace has worked with children ranging from 2 years old through 3rd grade. She has also worked in admissions at The Avenues School and Temple Israel. Candace received her BS in Early Childhood from Boston University and a Master’s in Early Childhood from Bank Street College. Candace enjoys spending time with her husband, children and her two dogs!

Alice Dunsker has been teaching Calm Connections and supporting parents at 92NY for more than two decades. For her, baby massage is a restorative experience for little ones and an ideal way to build the parent and baby bond. She graduated from SUNY Fredonia and obtained a permanent teaching certificate from SUNY Brockport. Alice is also a graduate of the Swedish Institute of Massage and is a certified Infant Massage Instructor from Loving Touch Foundation. She is also trained as a Labor Doula.

Liza is a general pediatrician in private practice in NYC with over 20 years experience. She has taught a variety of classes at The 92nd Street Y, New York for new and expectant parents and grandparents since 2006. She currently teaches Caring For Your Newborn Grandchild.