Brooklyn's
Daily Discovery
Pre-K Center
NOW REGISTERING PRE-K & 3K
"Wisdom begins with wonder" Socrates
Our Staff
Jill Skop-
Early Childhood Director
- Principal
Jill Skop has been an educator for over 20 years with the Department of Education. She began her career in district 21 in Brooklyn as an early childhood teacher working with students in first grade , kindergarten and Pre-kindergarten. She then joined the gifted and talented program where she continued supporting Kindergarten students and families. Due to her background in Art and Theatre she was then asked to become the arts coordinator for her school. As the Art teacher and coordinator she spearheaded many initiatives, such as museum in a school, docent program and museum artist collaborations. Jill then became a literacy coach in district 19 in East NY Brooklyn, where she facilitated and lead her school toward a balanced literacy approach to reading. When the school was awarded the Reading First grant she became the reading first coach and helped the school deepen their knowledge around literacy and early childhood education. After completing her masters as a school district administrator, she became assistant principal and remained in that position for 10 years in district 19 due to her strong connection to the community and the children. Coming full circle Ms. Skop has now returned to district 21 as the Early Childhood Director where she supports the chancellor’s initiative to ensure all students get a strong solid foundation in 3K & Pre-Kindergarten. Ms Skop directly supervises all of Brooklyn's Daily Discovery Pre-K Centers.
Special Education
Coordinator
Elizabeth Snell - PHD
Dr. Elizabeth Snell began her journey in education in 2010. Starting as a teaching assistant in special education classrooms, her love of working with students with special needs quickly became apparent. She decided to pursue this passion and became certified to teach students with special needs from birth to 6th grade, as well as earn her master's degree and PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis. As much as she loved teaching students, she also enjoyed collaborating with her colleagues and mentoring other teachers. She transitioned to the role of Special Education Coordinator for the New York City Department of Education in 2019. Dr. Snell currently oversees the special education classrooms for Brooklyn's Daily Discovery at 10 Bouck Court.
ADMINISTRATION
Site Coordinators
Jeannine Orlando
Jeannine Lyn Orlando is a mother of two and began her career in education in 1999. She is NYS licensed and certified in Early Childhood, Common Branches, and Special Education. Ms. Orlando’s teaching career expertise ranges from early childhood through middle school, Special Education, and Academic Intervention Services. With a background in music and the arts, she also worked as a music cluster teacher, with a focus on choral and instrumental music for a K-5 school in District 22. Ms. Orlando received a double Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood general and special education from Touro College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from CUNY Queens College. Ms. Orlando has worked in districts throughout Queens and Brooklyn. She has served as a lead teacher as well as a liaison for Columbia Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. She also served as a lead teacher for early childhood grade level inquiry work, led teacher team meetings, and curriculum writing and planning groups. She mentored and facilitated professional development cycles and workshops for teachers. As grade leader she was a model site for inter-visitations and facilitated parent workshops that supported student learning. As Site Coordinator at Brooklyn’s Daily Discovery Pre-K Center at Ave X, Ms. Orlando appreciates the opportunity to work closely with students, staff and families in a nurturing and supportive environment. She is committed to expanding staff's proficiencies with interdisciplinary curriculum and pedagogy, and practices in early childhood development, and values the importance of working in a center that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her priority is to foster opportunities for all 3-K and Pre-K children to explore and to grow socially, emotionally, and academically, and to develop a life-long love of learning.
Karen McDonough
Assistant Principal
Karen McDonough joins us as assistant principal after being one of the original site coordinators here at Brooklyn's Daily Discovery Pre K Centers. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge as both a seasoned educator and mother. Prior to joining Brooklyn’s Daily Discovery, Karen McDonough worked at PS 207 in Marine Park as a Math Coach and Data Specialist; she has a wealth of educational experience spanning PreK to Eighth Grade. The best part of her experiences is that no two days are ever the same, watching the students grow and learn is an amazing opportunity. She completed her Master’s Degree in Literacy from Fordham University and Educational Leadership Degree from New York Institute of Technology. Karen is proud to be working with an amazing staff of enthusiastic professionals.
Elizabeth Wojtal is an education administrator with over 20 years of experience in grades Pre K-12. Before joining the Brooklyn’s Daily Discovery team, she taught French, Spanish and ESL in both private and public schools, and she has worked as a Curriculum Developer and Trainer for ESL/STEM school models. Ms. Wojtal received her undergraduate degree in French from Montclair State University, and her MS Ed and Educational Leadership degrees from Wagner College. Ms. Wojtal is delighted to work with preschoolers and their families. “Each child begins their educational journey here in Pre K, and I am so happy to share this new beginning with parents and their children.”
Cynthia Bocchieri has had the privilege of being a Department of Education early childhood and elementary school teacher for 16 years. After spending those years teaching Kindergarten through Second grade students, she was excited to become one of the site coordinators for District 21 and Brooklyn’s Daily Discovery Pre-K Center. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers she has been committed to provide the children and their families a loving and nurturing environment.
Christina Grigoli
Christina Grigoli has over thirty years of experience. Christina started her educational career as a paraprofessional in Public School 225 in 1994. While working as a paraprofessional she attended college in the evenings to complete her education degree with a dual master's in general and special education. Christina is New York State certified and holds a common branch license to teach PreK through 6th grade. After Graduation PS 225 was thrilled to hire Christina as a full-time teacher. Christina held many positions at PS 225 such as classroom teacher grades 3-5 and Performing Arts Teacher grades PreK-6th grades. Christina was also the United Federation of Teachers Chapter Leader for 7 years. Although Christina has worked with student of all levels, she always had a love for Early Childhood, which prompted her to apply at Brooklyn's Daily Discovery in 2016. Christina finds great value in providing a student with a positive first experience in school. Teaching at the PreK level afforded Christina the opportunity to make young students lifelong learners and to love coming to school every day. As the Site Coordinator Christina is able to share her vast knowledge with the amazing staff at BDD. It is her goal to create a positive nurturing environment where everyone is welcome to learn and grow.