Marj Kleinman

Marj Kleinman is the creator, producer, and photographer of Stoop Stories. A lifelong Brooklynite, residing in her childhood brownstone, she has years of stoop-sitting under her belt. This symbol of Brooklyn culture became both her refuge and muse, especially in times of crisis. Before focusing on photography, Marj was a children’s educational media producer, creating award-winning games and activities for kids, families, and teachers at PBS Kids, Sesame Workshop, Scholastic, and Noggin. She was also a contributing writer/photographer for Toca Boca Magazine, exploring the power of play and creativity in childhood. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Time Out New York, PIX11, PBS Parents, and Scary Mommy. Marj holds an M.A. in Educational Psychology from New York University and a B.S. in Theater Management from Emerson College.

Lara Weinberg

Lara Weinberg is the co-producer and editorial director of Stoop Stories. She is a pun-loving wordsmith and communications consultant with eclectic experience in entertainment, marketing, and media. Born and bred in NYC, Lara studied Literature & Rhetoric at SUNY-Binghamton and went on to associate produce “The Writing Code”—a critically acclaimed, three-part PBS series on the origin, history, and art of writing. She is the former managing director of Mission Getting to Next, a nonprofit leadership and career transition organization, and was the Director of Sales and Business Development for ShadowTV. In May 2020, despite being stoopless in the city, this ground-floor apartment dweller was enlisted to create content for and co-produce Stoop Stories. Channeling her COVID blues into heartfelt storytelling, Lara is proud to edit prose, contribute original pieces, and craft stories that honor her fellow New Yorkers.

Stoop Stories™

Stoop Stories™ is a documentary storytelling platform born in Brooklyn at the height of COVID-19. Our mission is to connect, support, and celebrate our NYC neighbors, especially those hardest hit by the pandemic and systemic inequities.

Since April 2020, Stoop Stories has created and curated hundreds of features from NYC families, essential workers, small business owners, and activists, and has been profiled by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Out New York, PIX11 News, and News12 Brooklyn. Their work has been exhibited at the International Center for Photography, Arts Gowanus ArtWalk, Papergirl BK, and Art on the Ave NYC.

In May 2021, we opened a solo show at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM), the first children’s museum in the world, founded in 1899. Inspired by the energy and diversity of our borough, BCM creates experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity, and cultivate joyful learning. The Stoop Stories exhibit is designed to engage children and caregivers and invites them to tell their own Stoop Stories. As an extension to this experience, we are proud to present this companion exhibit for Photoville—a celebration of city kids and stoop play!