Latrenda Zabaleta is a local Jersey City mom and Occupational Therapist who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Stockton University and her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She has 12 years of clinical experience, most of which have been spent working with children in early intervention, pediatric clinics, and public and charter schools. She has provided services for children with developmental delays, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, hypotonia, cerebral palsy, rare genetic syndromes, behavioral issues, fine motor delays, handwriting concerns and many other diagnoses. She is clinically trained in motor control and learning theories, neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental principles, sensory integration, fine motor skills, visual-motor training and cognitive-behavioral strategies. She is currently working towards her certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration® and has more recently completed her DIRFloortime® certification. She developed a passion for inclusivity amongst children with and without delays due to the overwhelming disparity in quality foundational services available for her community.

As Co-Founder and Managing Director, Veronika De Leon, also director of Small Discoveries Preschool, graduated with a BA in Education from New Jersey City University. She is a visionary director who works tirelessly to ensure the uncompromising quality of care for your loved ones. Born and raised in Hudson County, she grew up working with children of all ages, from toddlers to adults and has always dreamed about giving back to her local community. She has over 15 years of teaching experience which led to the founding of Small Discoveries. Since its inception Veronika has led the center's growth to the point where it now cares for over 50 children and employs a dozen educators and caregivers all from the local community. She is a strong believer that our communities gain strength through diversity, and not in spite of it.