Our Administrative Staff
Ms. Danielle Adornetto, M.S.
Executive Educational Director
In taking a summer position at Belmont Community Day Care Center back in 1998, I never expected the road that was to come. The past years have been an educational journey of highs and lows that has allowed me to align practice with theory. This experience thus far has been beneficial to my development as a lifelong learner.
While attending Iona College my goal was to graduate with a business degree, however, after two summers working as an assistant group leader in Belmont’s Afterschool / Summer program, I changed my major to Elementary Education. I completed my degree and began my student teaching position in P.S. 175 on City Island. I spent half a year in first grade and the second part of the year in fourth grade. There were many aspects I loved, and many new aspects of working in the field of education that made me feel very lost.
Instead of continuing a career with the DOE public School System, I took a position with Belmont’s Pre-school program in a 3-year-old class. This is where I learned that my elementary degree was not going to help me in that environment. This prompted me to return to school for my master’s in early childhood. I joined Lehman as a student in 2005 and have never left.
I found my purpose, something I guess most people cannot say. It all began to click theory, practice, great professors, constant support from a newly developing Universal Pre-K world with the DOE and a new growing program at Belmont Community Day Care Center. I continued as a lead teacher, however, and was instrumental in the development of Universal Pre-Kindergarten in the five boroughs of NYC.
In 2008 Belmont Community Day Care Center was picked to launch one of the first full day Pre-K programs in the five boroughs. I had also graduated from Lehman with my master’s degree in early childhood education from Lehman. Sadly, 2008 was my last year in the classroom, as I was promoted to full-time Educational Director position.
Upon beginning this new journey, I learned how quickly teachers became frustrated by this ever-growing population of children who were different. I had met this child in my classroom and understood his/her needs, but how in the world was I going to train teachers in a field where I had experience to do but little experience to transmit to others. So, I returned to Lehman in search of magical answers regarding Special Education.
I spent the following three years at Lehman learning how to apply special education in early childhood classrooms. During these years I learned to write requests for proposals as our Pre-K program grew and so did Pre-K in the five boroughs. I joined the Early Childhood Consortium where I learned a lot about politics that aligns itself with education. I graduated with my second master’s from Lehman in Special Education Early childhood in 2013.
In 2013 I applied for Lehman’s Education Administration as a School Building Leader. From 2013 through 2015 I worked very closely with my cohort and learned new strategies, methods, and educational realities to incorporate into Belmont. However, the Early Childhood world we had known was still growing and changing with the Mayors new initiative of Pre-K for all. I graduated from Lehman in 2015 with my school building Leadership degree and lots of new practices to implement.
Just before I ended, what I believed at the time would be my last year with Lehman, to my surprise the Special Education Department offered me a part time teaching position as an adjunct professor. To date this has been one of the highlights in my educational career. I have met so many wonderful educators and have learned so much from them. Belmont has allowed me to continue to share practice with theory for these students. Each semester I have learned to cover different content that has allowed my practice to stay current and ever evolving.
Sadly, when we were shut down for covid, life took on new meaning for us all. Educators struggled in all grade levels, however in the early childhood world we continued to search for a way to reach our children, that would be advantageous for their development of the whole child. Here I was again trying to find a new way to think outside the box and still reach our families.
On March 17, 2020, Belmont’s first video launched, with very little guidance, the staff and administration began our newfound acting careers if we wanted one or not. Today Belmont’s YouTube channel has hundreds of Videos in all learning domains. Our families can stay connected with us daily and the videos have provided educational materials, aligned practice with theory, modeled developmentally appropriate teaching strategies, have led to educator’s self-reflection and improved practice.
I look forward to seeing what the future brings as Belmont continues to grow and develop in this ever-evolving world. Looking forward to what is to come !
Jennifer Colello, M.A.
Assistant Educational Director
Ms. Jennifer Colello has been part of Belmont since her earliest years, beginning as a preschool student in 1987. Inspired by the speech services she received growing up, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology/Audiology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College and gained experience in multiple educational and clinical settings, including Belmont.
She joined Belmont professionally in 2003 as a substitute and teaching assistant, later becoming a Group Teacher in 2007. She continued her studies, completing a dual-certification master’s degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education in 2011, followed by an Early Childhood Administration Certification in 2017.
Ms. Colello holds New York State Professional Certifications in Students with Disabilities (Birth to Grade 2) and Early Childhood General Education. Since 2018, she has served as Belmont’s Assistant to the Director, bringing leadership, expertise, and a lifelong connection to the center.
She shares, “Watching the transformation of a child through the year is an amazing experience, and I have had the joy of witnessing it for the past 23 years.”
Johannah Adornetto
Financial Administrator
"I have been involved with Belmont Community Daycare for most of my lifetime. I worked in 1974/75 at age 17 as a voluntary teacher’s assistant in Playroom 2. In 1987 I was asked to join the Board of Directors as a parent member since my daughter Jennifer was attending Belmont in Playroom 3. From 1988 through 1998 I sat as a regular member on Belmont Board and I was very proud to be part of an organization that cared for so many children and families over the years. However, I have never been prouder of Belmont than I am today. It is a caring nurturing environment for so many children and families but that it has been for 50 years, now greater than that is the fact that Belmont is now an educational institution that has opened its eyes, ears and arms to cultivating our very young.
I have been working as the financial person here at Belmont for the past 20 years. The current Board of Directors has given me the important role of caring for the development, organization, and calculations, of the financial budgets. My job is to optimize the use of our city funding, always enabling our children to obtain the majority of the benefits from what we receive and what we are able to enhance through fund raising on our own and together with our family base. I am honored to be in this position that enables me each and every day to be on the receiving end of all those beautiful smiles. "
Sharon Bernal
Family Coordinator
Ms. Sharon has served as Belmont’s Family Coordinator for the past 2.5 years, bringing warmth, insight, and a deep appreciation for early childhood development to her role. She loves watching children grow into their own personalities and especially enjoys seeing the “wheels turning” as they explore, question, and learn.
Inspired by the film Stand and Deliver, Ms. Sharon developed a strong understanding of how essential dedicated educators are in shaping young lives. Her passion for supporting families and children matches her interests outside of work. She enjoys badminton, puzzles, reading, and any food that’s spicy or full of mixed flavors.
TEACHING STAFF
Ms. Tiana Salvatto
Playroom 1
Ms. Tiana has spent her entire 6 year teaching career at Belmont. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Ms. Tiana was inspired by their dedication to shaping young lives. Her mother taught for over 40 years and continues to hear from former students about the lasting impact she made in their lives. This has helped shape the educator Ms. Tiana has become. Ms. Tiana earned her Bachelor's degree in Women & Gender Studies and Dance from Hunter College and is currently pursuing her Master's in Early Childhood & Special Education. For Ms. Tiana, the proudest moments aren't singular events but daily victories such as watching a once hesitant child walk through the door with confidence, ready to learn and explore. Those moments remind her why she teaches. Outside school, she loves dancing, rescuing cats, and traveling. Always fascinated by sharks and the ocean, Ms. Tiana fulfilled a childhood dream by going shark cage diving in Hawaii, an experience she calls "equal parts terrifying and exhilarating" and would definitely like to do it again.
Ms. Ashley Tlatelpa
Playroom 2
Ms. Ashley has been a Lead Teacher at Belmont for four years. She brings three additional years of experience from after-school programs. Teaching has been her dream since childhood. "Working with children reminds you of how raw, amazing, and exciting the world can be," she says. "It's an opportunity to help children grow into confident, self-sufficient learners". Ms. Ashley earned her Associate of Arts from Borough of Manhattan Community College and her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing from Hunter College. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Early Childhood Education with a focus on special needs at Lehman College. Her proudest moment was completing her first year as a lead teacher, a year filled with ups and downs that taught her invaluable lessons about early education. "I still continue learning". Outside school, Ms. Ashley loves crocheting, taking walks, and traveling to new places, Costa Rica is her favorite. She's also devoted to her beloved "fur baby". She's inspired by the words of Roald Dahl: "Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog".
Ms. Ashley Gonzalez
UPK 130
For nearly ten years, Ms. Ashley has been a teacher at Belmont. She was inspired by her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Olsen, who taught her the value of compassion. Ms. Ashley encourages students to build confidence, overcome challenges, and reach their potential. Ms. Ashley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She is currently working toward a Master's degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Dual Certification. For Ms. Ashley, nothing is more rewarding than witnessing her students grow and sharing in their successes along the way. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite quote is "Never say I can't, always say I'll try".
Ms. Crisol Tlatelpa
UPK 131
Ms. Crisol is a Lead Teacher at Belmont, with 9 years of experience, 5 of which have been spent here. For Ms. Crisol, becoming a teacher was a childhood dream. Ever since she started school, she remembers rushing home to play "teacher" with her teddy bears, dolls, and sisters. She has wanted to be an educator since she was five years old. Ms. Crisol earned a Master's in Early Childhood Education with a Bilingual extension from Lehman College. Her proudest professional achievement is developing and leading a bilingual classroom that supports and affirms students' cultural identities. She believes it is vital for children to see their culture accepted in the classroom, their second home. Drawing on her experience as an English language learner, Ms. Crisol understands the challenges of starting school without knowing the language. She strives daily to make all students feel welcome, regardless of the language they speak. When she's not in the classroom, Ms. Crisol enjoys reading books, running, and traveling to discover new places, such as small bookshops and new coffee shops.
Mr. Michael Adornetto
UPK 130
Mr. Michael has spent his entire 22 years in education teaching at Belmont. His inspiration to become an educator came from his own P.E. teacher at P.S. 205, Mr. Khane, who he describes as "calm, real with the children, and the coolest teacher I ever had." With a background in Health Education and Physical Education, Mr. Michael's proudest moment came at a Moving Up Ceremony when a student told him he "should be cloned." Outside of school, Mr. Michael loves playing and watching sports, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. He's visited Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Ecuador, Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and London. His favorite foods are Italian, Mexican, and BBQ, and some of his favorite movies are Coach Carter , Rocky , and The Sandlot.
Ms. Arely Alba
UPK 131
Ms. Arely has been an Assistant Teacher at Belmont for one year. She holds a high school diploma. Ms. Arely was inspired to become an educator by "the progress children are able to make in a short amount of time, let alone how their persona changes in a span of a couple of months". Her proudest teaching moment was "seeing a group of children all sitting together, while being attentive to another child reading a book". She is inspired by the Bob Ross quote, "We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents." Ms Arely says, "when applied to children, it's the same concept," meaning nothing has to be perfect. In her free time, Ms. Arely likes to draw, get her nails done, and spend time with her pets: a bearded dragon, a bunny, and a guinea pig
Ms. Charlotte Devaney
UPK 132
Ms. Charlotte joined Belmont in October 2021, bringing extensive experience from nearly two decades in education since earning her Master's degree in 2002. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. Inspired by her own love of learning, Ms. Charlotte’s favorite teaching moments are "when I see a spark in children's eyes especially when they connect with a story". She's inspired by the words of Rachel Carson: "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it". Outside of school, Ms. Charlotte loves hiking, reading, cooking, sewing, and spending time with her family. She's a vegetarian who speaks English as her third language and is a big Doctor Who fan.
SUPPORT STAFF
Mr. Nicholas Doran
Kitchen Administration
Mr. Nicholas has been working at Belmont for a number of years. He originally went to Hunter College to study Psychology but then decided to change his career path to study the Culinary Arts, for which he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2011. Before coming to Belmont all of his experience was in the restaurant setting. When asked why he likes working in the childcare setting he said, "Working in the Childcare setting makes it more appreciated and important. Knowing that many of the meals I am making are providing a meal to each child every day."
Ms. Julia Hernandez
Housekeeping
Ms. Julia chose her current role because she genuinely enjoys working with children. She approaches life with a resilient mindset, refusing to stress over what she cannot control and always seeking the positive side. When she isn't at work, Ms. Julia enjoys long walks and volunteering with various organizations.
Mr. Benito Castellano
Maintenance
Mr. Benito joined Belmont looking for a positive and supportive work environment, and he has since become a valued member of our team. He is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere and takes great pride in his daily interactions with students. One of his most meaningful experiences is being greeted by children who warmly call him “Mr. Benito,” something he considers a highlight of his role.
He is known for his optimistic outlook and approaches each day with a mindset focused on finding joy in all circumstances. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mr. Benito enjoys driving, a pastime that allows him to unwind and recharge.
Ms. Marcela Bravo
Housekeeping Administration
For more than 11 years, Ms. Marcela has been a valued and steady presence at Belmont. Originally from Mexico, she brings warmth, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility to her work every day. As a mother and someone who loves cooking, she carries that same care and attention into the environment she helps maintain for our children.
Although her role doesn’t involve working directly with students, Ms. Marcela takes great pride in ensuring that every space is clean, organized, and welcoming. She often says, “My job may not involve working with kids directly, but I enjoy seeing that everything is in order for their comfort. This goes for the animals that we have at the daycare as well.”
Her commitment to creating a safe and comfortable environment, whether for children or the animals they adore, makes her an essential part of what keeps Belmont running smoothly each day.
Ms. Anita Hernandez
Kitchen
Ms. Anita originally started at Belmont to help her sister. She continued because she found she truly enjoyed the work. Her proudest professional moment was earning a promotion from cleaning staff to kitchen work. She lives by a philosophy of creativity, stating that she loves making things more beautiful than they already are. In her free time, Ms. Anita enjoys doing Facebook Live makeup tutorials.
Ms. Kimberly Padilla
Substitute
Ms. Kimberly is inspired by her own experience raising a child with special needs; she dedicated herself to the field to better observe and understand the foundations that mold young minds. Ms. Kimberly holds certifications in CPR, Child Abuse Prevention, and Food Safety. She lives by the words of Maya Angelou: "My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." When she's not in the classroom, Ms. Kimberly loves to read, work on puzzles, and attend Comic Con. She also loves spending time with her dog, Pancakes!