OUR TEAM
ABOUT US
Little Milestones for Small Discoveries is a therapy gym and educational center in Jersey City, New Jersey seeking to ensure that every child reaches their full potential, creates first friendships, and has fun in a judgement free environment.
Owned and operated by Latrenda Zabaleta, M.S., OTR/L and Veronika Deleon, B.A., Little Milestones for Small Discoveries takes responsibility for this critical period in a child’s life. Our passionate therapists and teachers are advocates of learning and include child development experts.
Our approach is tailored to each individual and each family to create a home-away-from-home and positive learning environment. Our goal is to decrease stereotypes and promote inclusivity of children who exhibit different patterns and timelines of development in a judge-free environment.
MEET THE TEAM
Little Milestones for Small Discoveries is an inclusive community that believes that a warm and comfortable setting is essential for successful learning. Our staff is committed to the following core values:
-
We are caring, reliable, dependable, and trustworthy
-
We believe a diverse and inclusive culture is fundamental to our success and to the wellbeing of the children under our care
-
We maintain a healthy balance of LEARN and PLAY
-
We are a supportive and judgment-free environment
-
We foster healthy first friendships and social skills
Latrenda Zabaleta, MSOT, OTR/L
Co-Founder & Director of Therapy Services
Little Milestones for Small Discoveries
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.
Veronika DeLeon-Kahraman, BA
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
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.
Christopher Donoso, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Christopher is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist with a strong background in pediatric care. He specializes in working with children with speech and language delays, voice disorders, and complex communication needs. With experience in both school and medical settings, Christopher uses play-based, sensory-informed therapy to support each child’s unique strengths. His goal is to help kids feel confident, connected, and empowered through communication.
Natalie Camargo, M.s., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
I’m a bilingual speech-language therapist who loves working with kids and helping them discover the power of communication. I use a child-directed therapy approach, following each child’s lead to create meaningful, engaging sessions. I also love incorporating sensory strategies to support regulation and make learning fun, interactive, and tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Jenna Hadler, MOST, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Jenna Halder is a licensed occupational therapist with over 15 years of diverse clinical experience. She began her career in sub-acute care, providing rehabilitation services to the elderly, before transitioning to acute care at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. There, she thrived in a dynamic, interdisciplinary hospital setting for six years. Jenna later expanded her expertise through travel therapy, where she discovered her passion for pediatrics and school-based occupational therapy in California. She continued her work in this area with Denver Public Schools for four years and has since returned to the East Coast, where she serves in public school systems, early intervention programs, and outpatient clinics. Her school-based practice emphasizes sensory regulation, motor development, handwriting, play-based interventions, and staff collaboration. Committed to professional development, Jenna is pursuing certification in DIR®/Floortime and is a strong advocate for child-led, relationship-based therapy. She views her profession as a lifelong learning journey and brings creativity and adaptability to every therapeutic encounter.
Ana Torres, MOST, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Ana Torres graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 2023. She has experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, children with brain-based disorders, and children with developmental delays. She takes continuing education courses related to therapy modality, Floortime™️. She currently works providing school-based OT services and part-time in a clinical setting. Proud native of Hudson County, Ana has cultivated a desire to be a supportive member of her community. She has 6 years of experience working with children and families in different roles, including Family Support Worker from 2017 - 2021 for Passaic and Bergen counties. She values the role that supportive services can play in helping children reach milestones while also involving the family. She is fully bilingual in Spanish.
Angela Amico, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Angela Amico is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience working with the pediatric population. She is passionate about helping young children grow into confident communicators and believes that every child can thrive when their strengths are nurtured and supported.
Angela has extensive experience across school, clinic, and early intervention settings, and she brings specialized training in PROMPT, Social Thinking, and DIR/Floortime to her clinical work. Her approach is play-based, family-centered, and grounded in evidence-based practices that support communication, connection, and development.
On a personal note, Angela and her partner have been together for 16 years and are the proud parents of an amazing 6-year-old son, who continues to inspire her both professionally and personally.
Cheysser Hernandez, COTA/L
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Cheysser Hernandez is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with a diverse background in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient wellness and rehabilitation clinics, pediatric sensory clinics, and school-based settings. Since becoming licensed in 2019, she has supported individuals across the lifespan, with a strong focus on children and adolescents ranging from preschool through high school.
Cheysser is committed to delivering high-quality, individualized care that fosters functional independence and meaningful participation in everyday life. She combines clinical expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of sensory and developmental needs in her approach. Whether addressing fine motor skills, sensory integration, or daily living tasks, Cheysser is dedicated to helping each client reach their fullest potential in both academic and community environments.
Jordyn kennedy
Front Desk Staff/Therapy Assistant
Jordyn is currently a second-year graduate student in a Social Work program and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is passionate about mental health, especially with children. She believes that mental health is an integral part of taking care of your overall health and wants to advocate for children to receive the services they need to help them flourish.
FOUNDERS STORY
Latrenda and Veronika have a friendship and vision that spans over 20 years.
Growing up together in the same community and local town of Hoboken, Latrenda and Veronika always shared in the dream of becoming educators and advocates for children with and without special needs. Latrenda and Veronika are the perfect blend of compassion, knowledge, and professional expertise.