Our Team

The Rich Family

FOUNDER & OWNERS

Sabrina, Ariana & Olivia

Dear Families,

This year marks the nineteenth anniversary of Discover Camp. In 2008, my late husband, Anthony, envisioned a day camp inspired by his lifelong love of hobbies and worked tirelessly to bring that dream to life. Since the camp’s establishment, our daughters, Olivia and Ariana, have had the privilege of being campers. As they grew, they transitioned from counselors to teachers and now leaders, helping shape the daily magic that makes Discover Camp what it is today.

Olivia has been part of Discover Camp since its early days and now channels her creativity into shaping the experience behind the scenes. She keeps our community connected year-round through social media and the website, and captures the heart of camp each summer through her photography and daily videos. Olivia also prepares the facility, ensuring everything is ready for another summer of fun and discovery. Outside of camp, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Ariana plays an important role on the Discover Camp team, bringing both her professional expertise and creative spirit to everything she does. As a licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist, she offers a deep understanding of child development and communication, along with the same dedication and warmth she shares with our camp community. Her knowledge and insight make her a valued and trusted member of the DC Team.

From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, a goal that shaped both my education and my career. I earned two Master’s Degrees, one in Education with a focus on Computer Science and another in Library Science, and have dedicated my life to fostering learning and innovation. Now in my 34th year as an educator, I’ve spent the past 29 years in Ardsley, where I currently serve as the Director of Technology.

That same passion for education comes to life each summer at Discover Camp. Here, we’ve built a second home, a creative oasis where campers can explore their imagination, spark their curiosity, build friendships, and pursue theirpassions. The girls and I can hardly wait to reunite with our campers this summer. Watching their excitement fill each classroom and seeing them light up as they dive into activities, from RC racing, engineering, rockets, cooking, and art, reminds me that learning should always feel like an adventure.

Each morning brings a special kind of excitement at Discover Camp, a moment I look forward to every day. Seeing campers leap from their cars with bright smiles and endless enthusiasm captures the heart of what makes thiscommunity so special.

We look forward to sharing another unforgettable summer of learning, laughter, and adventure with your child!

 

 

David O’Neil

DIRECTOR

 

Dear Families,

When I was 14, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. During my freshman year of high school, I had a teacher, Mr. D, who made a profound impact on me. That experience shaped my path, where I knew I wanted to inspire others in the same way he had inspired me. From that moment forward, my dream was to be both a teacher and a coach.

Over the past 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching children with a wide range of learning styles and strengths. One thing has always remained true: when children are engaged and excited, they thrive. Discover Camp offers children the opportunity to learn in a way that fuels their curiosity and lets their passions shine.

After earning my degree from Iona University in 1999, I began teaching fifth grade at P.S. 24 in the Bronx. Working alongside Columbia University’s Teachers College shaped my approach to education and strengthened my belief in a progressive, hands-on, constructivist model of learning. From there, I earned a Master’s in Reading from Lehman College and a professional diploma in Teacher Leadership from Bank Street School of Education, eventually moving to Westchester to continue my teaching journey.

In 2003, I joined Anne Hutchinson School in Eastchester. There, I created a school garden that expanded each year, along with a recycling and composting program that later earned a National Green Ribbon Award in 2014. Some of my favorite memories come from cooking with students using ingredients we grew together — watching them take pride in planting, harvesting, and sharing food from our garden. That same passion for hands-on, community-centered learning led me to support youth programs at the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse in New Rochelle, where I now serve as Executive Director of The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion, a major fundraiser that helps expand seasonal and educational programming for children and families.

As Discover Camp continued to grow, I completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership while exploring the possibility of moving into administration. Ultimately, I realized my heart is in the classroom. Discover Camp provides me with the best balance, allowing me to lead and build during the summer while continuing to do what I love most during the school year: teaching.

Today, I am a STEM teacher in the Eastchester School District, where I’ve guided 2nd–5th graders in 3D design, coding, engineering, Google Workspace, and more. It’s a joy to watch students bring their ideas to life and gain confidence in their abilities.

Discover Camp holds a special place in my heart. As a founding member, I’ve seen our camp grow, evolve, and become a place where children feel excited to learn and proud of who they are. Each summer reminds me why we began this… to create a joyful learning community where every child can discover something new.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to another summer filled with exploration, creativity, and fun!

Anthony Melendez

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

 

Cara De Leon

NURSE

Dear Families,

I am very pleased to enter my sixth year as a registered nurse at Discover Camp. I havebeen a registered nurse for ten years. With experience in having worked in a hospitaland also a pediatric practice, I have been the school nurse for the Dobbs Ferry MiddleSchool and High School for the past six years. I am excited to be a part of the DiscoverCamp 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.A registered nurse and a basic life support assistant staff our medical office. 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 as well. Our medical office is equipped with an AED, oxygen, a nebulizer machine, and EPI-PENS. We also have a collaborative agreement with Phelps Memorial Hospital to administer epinephrine so that your child does not have to. We are always open to suggestions to improve medical care for our children. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us atmedical@discovercamp.com.

This summer, I will be celebrating 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, it is reassuring to know that my children are safe while having fun and enriching experiences.

Please keep in mind the following required items in order for your children to start camp. There are no exceptions:

• Complete the Discover Camp online medical form. Obtain and submit Medication Authorization forms if your child requires medication during camp hours. These can be downloaded from our website or can be requested from us directly.
• 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. Clearly print the child’s name on the bottle or package. For each prescription, the prescribing doctor must fill out the Discover Camp Medication form.

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