We’re spotlighting our team — the people who show up every day to make Brooklyn Bridge Park the special place that it is. Today, we highlight Kate Mirand Calleri, our Director of Education! She joined Brooklyn Bridge Park earlier this year and has already made a big impact!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
A: My name is Kate Mirand Calleri, and I’m the Director of Education at Brooklyn Bridge Park. I oversee all of the Park’s educational programming; everything from school programs and our Education Center to teen programs and public workshops like Education Station, Peace in Nature, and Art Under the Bridge. Basically, if it involves sharing the Park’s rich environmental and historical content, I’m involved!
Q: What were you doing before joining Brooklyn Bridge Park?
A: Before coming here, I spent nine years at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. I started as the Manager of Collections Interpretation, then became Curator and Manager of Collections, and finally Director of Education. My work there centered on activating the museum’s 30,000-object collection through educational programming. I launched a STEM makerspace called Nature’s Engineers, which explored engineering through a natural science lens, and oversaw school programs and the art studio. Before that, I taught at the college level and worked on gallery-based programs like lecture and artist workshop series.
Q: What made you want to work at Brooklyn Bridge Park?
A: Honestly, it was the Park itself! It’s one of the spaces I’ve always cherished in New York City. When the opportunity came up, I was excited by the chance to interpret all the layers of this place—from its natural ecosystems and waterfront to its history and potential for new educational programs. I’m also thrilled to be part of developing the new Education Center, which is a huge moment for the Park. It’s an incredible time to join, as education and programming continue to grow here.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The people! As an educator, seeing kids, families, and adults get excited about something they’ve just learned is why I do this work. I’m lucky to have a brilliant, thoughtful team. All of BBP’s staff have been so kind and collaborative, which has made it a joy to be part of this community.
Q: What’s something you wish more people knew about Brooklyn Bridge Park?
A: How many free educational opportunities that we offer! Our school programs are completely free for Title I schools, the Education Center is always free to visit, and many of our pop-up programs in the Park are free too. It’s a truly accessible resource for everyone.
Q: Do you have a favorite spot in the Park?
A: Definitely the salt marsh area near the Education Center. The combination of the marsh vegetation and the view of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges is just stunning. I also love the meadows and Pier 6. They’re beautiful spaces to explore and reflect.
Q: Is there a project you’re especially proud of?
A: From my previous work, I’m very proud of Collection Connections, a program I created with the Brooklyn Public Library. It reached about 30,000 people through “museum-on-the-go” kits for branches and permanent community gallery installations, making museum experiences more accessible for everyone.
Here at BBP, I’m proud to have launched Education Station, a new drop-in summer series that combines environmental education with art-making. It was something new for our team, and it’s been wonderful to see how it’s expanded our reach and engagement.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I love to hike, cook, and spend time with my friends and family. And I truly enjoy just walking around the city. I love those perfect New York days where you’re out all day, wandering, grabbing a bite, seeing art, and just taking it all in.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to work in a public park?
A: Be flexible and open to teaching in all kinds of spaces; museums, libraries, outdoor workshops, and walking tours. Teaching in a public park is unique; you’re outdoors, adapting constantly, and sometimes competing with helicopters or curious passersby! That kind of nimbleness comes with practice.
Also, choose a place you love. If you feel a genuine connection to a park, that passion will translate into your work.
Q: What are some of the best parts about working at Brooklyn Bridge Park?
A: The diversity of people we engage with—from regulars at the Education Center to visiting school groups and tourists seeing the Park for the first time. Being part of those moments of connection and discovery is really special. And again, the staff—everyone here is so hardworking and dedicated. I feel really fortunate to be part of this team.
I feel very lucky to have joined at a time when BBP’s education programs have such a strong foundation. It’s exciting to think about what the next 5–10 years will bring: new programs, ideas, and ways to connect people to this incredible place. I’m especially looking forward to expanding art-making opportunities within our educational offerings.