Empowering Self-Directed Learners

Meet the Team Shaping the Future of Education

The Visionaries Behind Elements Workspace

At Elements Workspace, our passionate collective of parent-educators, innovators, and community builders reimagines learning. We’re dedicated to creating inclusive, personalized experiences where every child feels valued, inspired, and free to explore their unique potential.

Jenny Markus

Jenny, co-founder of Elements Workspace, is a lifelong learner dedicated to creating joyful, personalized learning experiences. With over a decade of leadership in K-12 education operations and a rich background in homeschooling, she champions the transformative power of self-directed learning and small, intentional communities. Inspired by trailblazers like Maria Montessori and John Holt, Jenny leverages her expertise in technology integration, operational excellence, and empathic guidance to build inclusive environments where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered to explore their unique potential—all while leading an interest-based hybrid homeschool program that reflects her passion for alternative education.

Elif (Elle) Yildirim

As a co-founder of Elements Workspace, Elif (Elle) Yildirim brings over a decade of experience in child-led learning via the Montessori philosophy. Elle is a homeschooling mom and a long-time Montessori learning guide. Elle loves working with parents and their young learners to strengthen the parent-child bond and enhance the learning experience. A passionate advocate for empowering children through creativity and exploration, Elle has designed numerous programs that spark curiosity and build independence. Her vision is to create a community where families can thrive together.

Meet Our Team

Guides Who Inspire

Passionate educators supporting every learner’s path.

Our learning guides are the heart of Elements Workspace. They are experts in fostering curiosity, building confidence, and guiding children through a meaningful, child-led learning journey.

Elif (Elle) Yildirim

Lead Learning Guide

Elle (or Ms. Elle) is a homeschooling mom and a long-time Montessori learning guide. She has been working with children ages birth to twelve for over two decades. She is a founding member of Elements Workspace. Elle loves working with parents and their young learners to strengthen the parent-child bond and enhance the learning experience.

Jade Banham

Nature Guide

Hi there, I’m Jade Banham, but my students call me Ms. B 🐝 With over four years of classroom experience, I’ve learned that nothing can compare to the real-world, hands-on exploration nature provides creating a unique and powerful learning opportunity for children. As a certified teacher for ages birth-6th grade, in both general and special education, an environmentally conscious steward, and a Gerritsen Beach native, I’m passionate about guiding young minds to develop a deeper respect and relationship with Mother Earth. My mission is to inspire children to explore, connect with, and care for the natural world, fostering a lifelong love and appreciation for the environment.

Yelena Banham

Lead Learning Guide

Yelena is a dedicated mother of three and a passionate advocate for children's development and alternative education. With a background in art and graphic design, she has spent the past four years homeschooling her own children, fostering creativity and hands-on learning. As a co-lead learning guide at Elements Workspace, she enjoys guiding young learners through engaging art projects, games and group activities. She is committed to nurturing young minds and creating dynamic educational experiences while letting their creativity and curiosity lead the way.

Jenny Markus

Lead Learning Guide

Jenny is a lead learning guide for the child-led hybrid homeschool program. She offers a warm, responsive environment where children practice curiosity, confidence, and community. Families value her empathic approach and commitment to building trust with both parents and children. She is the founder of Elements Workspace and a homeschooling mom, herself. When she is not guiding learning or supporting the growth of Elements Workspace, she enjoys exploring NYC with her family, connecting with other leaders and innovators in alternative education, or diving into books on education, child development, philosophy or business. She believes in lifelong learning and is inspired daily by the creativity and resilience of the children she works with.

Experts Who Enrich the Experience

Our subject specialists bring expertise in specific areas to provide learners with rich, focused instruction in creative and academic subjects.

Olivia Martinez

Art and Design Instructor

Olivia is a practicing artist and educator with a passion for introducing children to new mediums. From painting to sculpture, she helps learners develop their creative voices.

Nathan Kim

STEM Educator

Olivia is a practicing artist and educator with a passion for introducing children to new mediums. From painting to sculpture, she helps learners develop their creative voices.

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At Elements Workspace, parents are not just spectators—they are integral members of our community. Our co-working space provides a welcoming environment for parents to connect, collaborate, and support each other. Through workshops, events, and daily interactions, families build meaningful relationships and share in the joy of learning.

"Elements Workspace feels like a second home. The connections I've made with other parents have been invaluable." – Parent of a Learner

Join Our Learning Community!

Whether you're a learner, parent, or educator, there's a place for you at Elements Workspace. Schedule a tour or reach out to learn more about how you can be part of our vibrant community.