Kathy Ebert, Owner

I started New Discovery in 1983 because of my interest in child development and early childhood education. I started as a teacher and soon found out how often the children are the teachers and I am the student. As I discovered more about children’s natural ability to learn, my own curiosity and knowledge developed. After 29 years in early childhood, I am still as fascinated as ever by the subjects of early learning and development. My heart and soul feel very much “at home” in this field. My education combines business, education, and early childhood.

Sylvia Bastone, Education Director

Hello, I am Sylvia Bastone; I am the education director here at New Discovery. Before becoming a director I was a pre-school teacher for fifteen years. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Mercy College. For my masters I majored in early childhood education. I received my masters in May 2011 from Dowling College. I have two wonderful daughters who I enjoy spending my free time with. My daughters and I are very active with the community. I enjoy working with children very much, and can’t see doing anything else.

Angela Basile, Teacher

My name is Angela Basile and I am a teacher of 3 year olds at New Discovery since 2000. I have been married for 24 years and have two daughters. When my children were young I was very active in the community. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and taught religion at St. Josephs. It was at that time I obtained at Child Development associate certificate. I look forward to getting to know these special children. Everyday is filled with learning and laughter. It’s wonderful to be a small part of their first learning experience.

Antonette Bonanno, Teacher

I graduated from Dowling College and have my undergrad degree in Elementary/ Special Education and my Masters degree in Reading. I have been teaching for since 1996 and love what I do. At the present, I teach the three year old children. I became a teacher because I love children and like to see them achieve in their early learning years. The children put a smile on my face and I look forward to coming to work each day to make a difference in a child.

Michelle Carione, Teacher

I became a preschool teacher ten years ago, when my youngest daughter was four. My children inspired me to become a teacher so I could have the opportunity to give other children a concrete start in school. I also have a vast amount of early childhood education and experience. Along with my First Aid, CPR and MAT certifications I have an AAS degree in Early Childhood. I love working with children - just seeing their faces light up when they experience something new is rewarding.

Nancy Fayaud, Teacher

I have lived in Kings Park for over 30 years. My husband and I have five children and four grandchildren. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from CW Post College and have taken courses in Special Education at Stony Brook University and Dowling.
I have been teaching at New Discovery since 1988. During this time I have taught Kindergarten Enrichment and Full day classes, summer camps K-6, and Pre-Kindergarten. I can not imagine a more fulfilling job- working with wide-eyed happy children and the families that love them!

Lorraine Leone, Teacher

I have had the pleasure of working at New Discovery since 1990. In that time I have worked with four and five year old children. I received my C.D.A. in 1998. I have been teaching the four year old, MWF, T-TH and 5 day class. It has been my goals to have my classes learn through fun and discovery. It is gratifying to see the children’s faces when they accomplish their goals. I enjoy their honesty and sense of humor. Their enthusiasm for life is contagious.

Erin Reilly, Teacher

I have been working at New Discovery since 2003. I work in the aftercare program during the school year and during the summer months I work with the camp group. I also work for Smithtown School District during school hours teaching AIS.

Justine Sutter, Office Manager

My name is Justine Sutter and I am a graduate of St. John’s University. I have been the Office Manger here at New Discovery since 2010. I been married for 14 years and have two sons, Nicholas who is 12 and Thomas who is 9, and they keep me very busy. I love children, so it’s nice to be among so many while I am working. In my spare time I enjoy reading and watching my son’s baseball games.

Dottie DeSantis, Bookkeeper

I have worked at New Discovery since 2003 as a bookkeeper. Previously I was a business owner and also worked for Bell South. I have three kids, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren who keep me very busy. I look forward to coming to work to see the children’s smiling faces, and I believe it is a privilege to work amongst children.

Barry Drinkwater (Mr. Barry) - Gym Teacher

I come to New Discovery several times each month to do fitness classes with the children. The main goal when working with the children is to have fun and get the children moving. I motivate the children through positive reinforcement and activities designed to teach motor skills, balance, and flexibility. I always look forward to Fitness Day at New Discovery! I’ve been part of the New Discovery family for over 10 years.

Elizabeth Toscano, Assistant, School Age Teacher

I have been working at New Discovery since 2010. I grew up in Smithtown. I am married with three children, Michelle, Michael, and John. My three children attended New Discovery when they were three and four years old. John had Mrs. Leone as his teacher. I am really enjoying being with the children. If I can bring a little teaching and a little play to their busy, young lives, I would think it has been a good day.

Joan DeSalvo, Substitute Teacher

I have been at New Discovery since 2006 and in childcare for approximately 15 years. I have a CDA and have enjoyed being a childcare provider for both pre-school and school-age children. I am married and have three grown children - two boys and a girl. During their childhood I was a Cub Scout Leader and a PTA Board member. Working for the welfare of children has always been a priority for me.

Alisha Basile, Assistant

I am a graduate of Kings Park High School and currently attend Dowling College. My major is Social Science and minor is Elementary & Special Education. I love working with children and in previous years I have worked at New Discovery as a camp counselor. I intend to get my teaching degree and continue to work with children in the future.

Eileen Ciresi, Assistant

I have been married and living in Kings Park for over twenty years. My husband and I have three children. Our oldest son is Nick, Christopher is our second child, and Victoria is our third child who will be a senior this year. I started at New Discovery in 2006. I find a lot of warmth and comfort in what I do here. I love being with the children and they are a great enjoyment. Watching the children mature and develop is a wonderful experience.

Peggy Cobelo, Assistant

I have been with New Discovery since 2000 - half of it with the three year olds & the other half with the kindergarten children. I have been married for over 40 years. I have a handsome husband, a handsome son and a beautiful daughter. I do not have any grandchildren as of yet!

Marie Gioscia, Assistant

I’m Marie Gioscia- Better known to all as “Mrs. Josh”. I have been with New Discovery for a long time (since 1991) AND I enjoy all of my three year olds! I have three wonderful sons and two equally wonderful grandchildren. My children are my soul, but my grandchildren are my heart.

Leila Herischian, Assistant

I live in Kings Park with my husband and our two young children. I started working at New Discovery in 2006 as an assistant teacher. I have my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Being a mother of two young children, my son and daughter, I love being a mentor to help kids to help them enjoy their childhood and learn as they grow. New Discovery gave me the opportunity to be part of children growing up, watching their learning and helping them build their future.

Annette Murray, Assistant

I am very happy to have been here at New Discovery since 1999. I am the mother of four grown children and a grandmother. Working at New Discovery affords me the Joy of being with little ones again.

Colleen Paleno, Assistant

I am a teacher’s assistant at New Discovery since 2007. I am happily married to my husband Lawrence for 16 years and I have two daughters. I reside in Kings Park and my daughters attend school in Kings Park School District. In my spare time, I enjoy reading a great book and shopping at the mall. I also enjoy volunteering my time to planning activities for my daughters. My most favorite thing to do is travel with my family. I love to watch and support my girls when they perform at dance competitions.