About Stephanie Cohn
Program Leader, Happy Day Play at JCC of Staten Island
“Everything should be fun; it doesn’t all have to be structured. Messy is always the best policy! What I love most about working with little kids is seeing their brains work, processing new information, and then putting it to work. That light bulb moment is so fun to see happen.”
Background and Expertise
Stephanie is a dedicated early learning and family support professional holding a B.A. in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Counseling from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her extensive background provides her with a profound understanding of human behavior and counseling techniques, which she applies effectively in her daily work with children and families. With nine years of experience as a paraprofessional at the Department of Education, specializing in UPK, 3K, and special education 3K, Stephanie excels in nurturing and supporting children and families across diverse educational needs.
She also led a mini basketball program for children in Brooklyn, demonstrating her commitment to fostering holistic child development through both educational and athletic mentoring endeavors and the importance of community involvement.
Favorite Piece of Parenting Advice
“First, don’t compare your child’s progress to another’s or measure against a chart. Every child reaches goals when they are ready, not when some doctor says they should. Secondly, celebrate the little things—the silly half-birthdays, the simple milestones—everything!”
Ms. Stephanie as a little girl with her grandmother.
Favorite Class at Happy Day Play
“Sensory Art! The creativity and exploration involved make it an exciting and engaging experience for the children,” she says.
Favorite Event at Happy Day Play
“Peter Rabbit Party! Bringing the story to life and seeing the children’s reactions was magical,” she says.
A Letter of Love to the Happy Day Play Community
“I have had the honor of working with some amazing coworkers this past (almost) year. I have also had the most amazing honor meeting so many wonderful families. Watching these children grow from when they started until now is truly the most rewarding experience. I love going into work every day and seeing new and familiar smiling faces. I love watching the excitement on each child’s face and the bond between child and grown-up growing. Our families make this job easy to do and even more fun every day!”
Fun Facts About Ms. Stephanie
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Orange
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She is passionate about all things Halloween and all things Tim Burton.
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Reading, cooking, trying new restaurants, and online shopping.
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My favorite toy was a chalkboard. I loved playing teacher with my friends or my stuffed animals as students.
From Stephanie on Becoming a Mom
Ms. Stephanie, her husband, and her two 5-year-old twin boys.
“I love being a mom because, for a while, I didn’t think I would ever be one. I love watching my children turn into little versions of my husband and me, and shaping them to be amazing little humans.”
”We chose Hunter’s name nearly six years before he was ever thought of after hearing it on a kids’ cooking show. Nicholas is named after my husband’s uncle, who taught him everything about the outdoors and being a good man.”