About Kristen Davila

Program Leader, Happy Day Play at JCC of Staten Island

“I believe in creating engaging learning experiences that inspire children’s curiosity and creativity. Happy Day Play has endless opportunity to foster highly engaging environments and situations that allows us to bring our expertise in child development to the next level.”
— Ms. Kristen

Background and Expertise

Kristen brings a wealth of experience in both general and special education to her role at Happy Day Play. With a Master’s Degree in General and Special Education and years of classroom teaching experience, Kristen has specialized in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Her New York State certifications span all age ranges from birth to 12th grade in special education, with a recent emphasis on early childhood education to stay current with child development trends, especially as her own children are five and under.

Throughout her career, Kristen has championed several literacy programs, including The Wilson Reading Program, The Hochmann Method, and the Teachers College Reading and Writing Programs. She led the integration of these programs in her school and used her knowledge to train other teaching staff, enhancing the overall educational environment. She is driven by her passion for teaching literacy through a multisensory approach that benefits all learners.

Ms. Kristen as a wee little hooligan!

Favorite Piece of Parenting Advice

“Give yourself grace. PERIOD.”

Favorite Class at Happy Day Play

“My favorite class to teach at Happy Day Play is Sensory Art. I went to a performing arts high school (LaGuardia) as a fine arts major. Being able to use my artistic abilities and blend that with my education background just comes very easy to me. The possibilities here are also endless and easily adaptable for all children. I love that!” she says.

Ms. Kristen’s “First Day at Happy Day Play!” selfie.

Favorite Event at Happy Day Play

“One of my favorite events at Happy Day Play was The Peter Rabbit event, where I had the joy of bringing the beloved character to life for the children. It was also pretty amazing being that the set up truly made me feel like we were all in a scenes from the book. Kaitlynn did a beautiful job with set-up and decor!” she says.

Ms. Kristen knew the bunny at our Peter Rabbit Party VERY well!

A Letter of Love to the Happy Day Play Community

“Working at Happy Day Play has been an incredible experience for me. Our team's dedication to creating engaging and innovative experiences for your children is unmatched. We're a diverse group with unique strengths, but our shared passion for nurturing children's growth and happiness unites us. Watching the ideas we bounce off of each other come to life, and seeing the impact it has in our classes through those smiling little faces is truly priceless.”

Fun Facts About Ms. Kristen

  • Pink

  • “My journey into education was shaped by overcoming academic challenges and being diagnosed with ADHD in college. This experience gave me a unique perspective and empathy towards children with diverse learning needs, helping me understand when a child truly grasps a concept,” she says.

  • Kristen has a love for basketball, having played from the age of three into her second year of college. She enjoys spending hot summer days in the pool with her family and appreciating the beauty of nature wherever she is.

  • "My favorite toy as a child was my Hopper Ball. It got out all of my energy! I had a lot," she says.

    "As an educator and parent, my favorite children’s toys are LEGOs. They are open ended toys that never get old and hold interest for children from early toddler years until later on in adolescence. They can be incorporated into so many things, even academics," she says.

Ms. Kristen’s love for sports (and bubble gum) started at a young age.

From Kristen on Becoming a Mom

“As a mom, I cherish bedtime cuddle sessions with my children. My 3 year old nearly suffocates me with infinite kisses and an unexplainable amount of Squishmallows. While my 5 year old settles down for the first time in the day and shows his softer, emotional side,” she says.

Ms. Kristen graduating with her Master’s in General and Special Education.