Our Team

    The Rich Family

    The Rich Family

    FOUNDER & OWNERS

    Sabrina, Ariana & Olivia

    Dear Families,

    This year marks the eighteenth anniversary of Discover Camp. In 2008, my late husband, Anthony, envisioned creating a day camp inspired by his love for hobbies. He worked tirelessly to turn that dream into reality. Since the camp’s establishment, our daughters, Olivia and Ariana, have had the privilege of being campers. As they grew, they transitioned into roles as counselors and played pivotal roles in the day-to-day operations of DC. Currently, Olivia is our very talented photographer/videographer who creates the daily videos that we share with our families and has also taken on the role of setting up our camp facility in May, ensuring a smooth transformation in preparation for all the summer fun.…

    As a child, my dream was always to become a teacher. My father even fashioned a little schoolhouse in our basement, complete with a teacher’s desk, student desks, a chalkboard, and a library of books. I would gather my brother and sister every Saturday, dragging them down to attend my makeshift school. I dedicated myself to my passion, achieving two Master’s Degrees: Education focusing on Computer Science and Library Science. Carrying on my love for teaching, I am completing my 32nd year as an educator, with the last 27 spent in Ardsley, where I currently serve as the Director of Technology. Following a similar path, my daughters, Ariana and Olivia, are achieving notable milestones in their respective fields. I am proud to share that Ariana is a working licensed Speech Language Pathologist, and Olivia is working towards her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

    Discover Camp is an exceptional summer day camp designed for children aged 5 to 15. With over 100 captivating classes, campers can tailor their schedules, guided by talented instructors, certified teachers, and industry professionals, ensuring your child’s development in a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio. Our camp prioritizes safety. We have our own security guard on campus. Our classrooms are air-conditioned, and we serve delicious catered lunches daily.

    Beyond being a camp, Discover Camp becomes a second home, a creative oasis where your child can unleash their imagination, fuel their curiosity, develop new friendships, and pursue their passions.

    I can hardly contain my excitement at the thought of reuniting with all the campers at Discover Camp this summer. Witnessing the vibrant energy as the campers engage with our talented instructors brings me great joy. The enthusiasm for learning, whether it’s about engineering, building, cooking, or art, creates an electrifying atmosphere that is truly contagious. Greeting the students in the morning has become a cherished ritual, and the sight of them eagerly jumping out of their vehicles and seeing their faces light up is a testament to the genuine passion and love everyone holds for Discover Camp.

    Discover Camp eagerly anticipates providing an enriching experience for your child. Don’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!

    David O’Neil

    DIRECTOR

     

    Dear Families,

    When I was 14 years old, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. In my freshman year of high school, I had a teacher, Mr. D, who made a positive impact on me. I knew then that I wanted to do the same for others. My heart and mind were set on being a teacher and a coach.

    Over the past twenty-five years, I have taught children with all learning styles. The one thing that holds true, no matter the child, is the link between success and passion. Discover Camp provides children with opportunities to learn with passion.…

    Upon graduating from Iona University in 1999, I began working at P.S. 24 in the Bronx as a fifth-grade teacher. It was there, working with Columbia’s Teachers College, that the foundation and philosophy of teaching were born. It was there that I caught the progressive bug for constructivist learning. Upon completing a master’s degree in Reading from Lehman College and a professional diploma in Teacher Leadership from Bank Street School of Education, I ventured into the realm of Westchester County teaching.

    In 2003, I began teaching fifth grade at the Anne Hutchinson School in Eastchester. I started a school garden, which grew in size over the years, and a recycling and composting program that earned a National Green Ribbon in 2014. I loved teaching all the subject areas, but I especially loved cooking in the classroom with the bounty from the garden. It proved to be my passion, which led me to get involved with the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse in New Rochelle. I was appointed the executive director of Dr. Wildcliff’s Haunted Greenhouse and Mansion, a significant fundraiser for the Greenhouse.

    As the summers passed and Discover Camp grew, I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and thought I was ready to pursue the next part of my vision, becoming a principal. The issue was never opportunity but the realization that I never wanted to leave the classroom, and that’s where Discover Camp provided me the balance I had been looking for. As the director, I have the opportunity to take on a leadership role during the summer and teach in the classroom during the school year, which is truly my passion.

    Currently, I serve as a STEM Teacher in the Eastchester School District. In this position, I work with 2nd-5th grade children in 3D Design, Coding, Engineering, Google Suite, and much more at the Anne Hutchinson School, where I am celebrating my 21st year.

    Discover Camp has a special place in my heart. Being a part of its inception has been a rewarding experience. My wife and I were two of the original six teachers when the camp first opened. Every summer, we all get to “Discover” something new and exciting.

    Anthony Melendez

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

     

    Dear Families,

    This will be my 16th summer at Discover Camp. I can not believe some campers I have seen or taught at camp will be going to college. I genuinely feel lucky to be working in such a special place.

    Discover Camp is more than a job to me. It has developed into a home away from home and a career. I work closely with Mrs. Rich and spend lots of time with her family. They have truly made me feel like part of their family.…

    I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and a Master’s in Education. I spent a year studying abroad in Brazil, researching the country’s automotive industry and the use of alternative fuel and energy sources. Immersing myself in another culture was a very rewarding experience. Not only did it teach me how to accept and communicate with diverse populations, but it also renewed my confidence in the resources and talents we have here at home.

    Young people today are growing up in a technological and global world. Opportunities exist for them to be creative, adventurous, and inquisitive. I have witnessed this firsthand by working with Discover Camp.

    During the year, I work behind the scenes to create new enrichment activities, explore the latest innovations, design the Discover Camp brochure, attend conventions and fairs, and coordinate registration. These activities keep me excited and motivated to enhance the camp’s impressive programs. The best part of my job is meeting families and campers. These interactions truly make me appreciate my job and love it even more!

    Every day brings new challenges and new ideas. Part of our philosophy is to ensure Discover Camp is on the leading edge of what is new. All the work done year-round comes together during the summer when I see all the pieces fit into place. One of the biggest highlights is when campers come to me to show me the projects they are working on. I am excited to see what campers do this year. It is truly inspiring to see the magic that happens at camp. Discover Camp is a one-of-a-kind place. I wish it were around when I was younger! I cannot wait for the day my son will be attending.

    Jillian Kaplan

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Dear Families,

    I am looking forward to my 15th summer at Discover Camp! My journey began at age 16 with my first position as camp photographer. I later transitioned to counselor, head counselor, and eventually teacher. Discover Camp jump started my passion for teaching; it was here that I decided what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and I return every summer to learn something new!

    My love of music led me to study Music Education at Arizona State University, though every summer I still found my way back to camp. After teaching in Phoenix, AZ, for a few years, I returned home to New York to attend Teachers College at Columbia University.

    I currently teach general music and chorus at Greenacres Elementary in the Scarsdale School District. As a music teacher, I understand that fostering creativity and exploration is vital for young children’s development. I believe Discover Camp provides a safe environment for students to try new things and explore their hobbies and passions. Though I can’t wait to see what Summer 2025 will bring, I will always wish I could experience it as a camper!

    Cara De Leon

    NURSE

    Dear Families,

    I am happy to enter my seventh year as a registered nurse at Discover Camp. I have been a registered nurse for ten years. With experience in a hospital and a pediatric practice, I have been the school nurse for Dobbs Ferry Middle School and High School for the past six years. I am excited to be a part of the Discover Camp staff, where educational excellence, creativity, imagination, and pure fun are our focus.…

    Each year, we strive to make improvements that will benefit the safety of our children at Discover Camp. Our medical office is made up of a registered nurse and an essential life support assistant. In addition to the medical office staff, dozens of instructors and counselors are “CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Advanced First Aid” certified, which includes our off-site counselors. Our medical office is equipped with an AED, oxygen, a nebulizer machine, epi-pens, and a collaborative agreement with Phelps Memorial Hospital to administer epinephrine so your child does not have to. We are always open to suggestions to improve medical care for our children, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at medical@discovercamp.com.

    This summer, I will celebrate 17 years of marriage to my wonderful husband Mark. We have three amazing sons: Christopher, Carmelo, and Caleb. Not only am I a Discover Camp staff member, but I am also a Discover Camp parent. As a parent, knowing that my children are safe while having fun and enriching experiences is reassuring.

    Please remember the following requirements for your children to start camp. There are no exceptions.

    Complete the Discover Camp online medical form.

    If your child requires medication during camp hours, you must obtain and submit Medication Authorization forms. These can be downloaded from our website or requested directly from us.

    Medications must be delivered by an adult and approved by a medical staff member. Ensure all medications are in their original container with an unexpired date. Print the child’s name on the bottle or package. The prescribing doctor must fill out the Discover Camp Medication form for each prescription.

    Thank you for your attention to these very important items. I am looking forward to seeing you this summer!