Staff & Administration

Donna M. Charbonneau holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Adelphi University, a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology also from Adelphi University, a Professional Diploma in School District Administration from Dowling College, New York State Certification as a School Psychologist, and New York State Certification as a School District Administrator.  She began her tenure at Building Blocks Developmental Preschool in 1989 as a school psychologist providing direct service to children in the Infant/Toddler Program.  This initial position at Building Blocks was following time spent early in her career at another local special education preschool where she functioned in a similar capacity as a school psychologist working with special needs infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families.  In 1994 Ms. Charbonneau assumed the additional responsibilities of coordinating the Infant/Toddler Program for the school.  Up until this past year Ms. Charbonneau also served as the ongoing service coordinator for many of the early intervention students receiving instruction through Building Blocks.  Upon the retirement of the school’s founding director in 1998, Ms. Charbonneau assumed the role of Co-Director of Building Blocks.  After 14 years at the shared helm, Ms. Charbonneau was appointed in July of 2012 by the Board of Directors of Building Blocks to her current position of Executive Director where she will continue to ensure delivery of the highest quality educational services to all of our students.

Dorothy A. Aversano received a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech from St. John’s University, a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Hofstra University and a Professional Diploma in School District Administration from Long Island University. She holds a license to practice Speech Pathology in the State of New York, as well as a New York State Certification as a Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped, and New York State Certification as a School District Administrator. She started her career as a speech teacher for the Head Start Program of NYC and began her tenure at Building Blocks Developmental Preschool in 1991 as a speech pathologist providing direct service to children in the Infant/Toddler Program.  In 1998 Ms. Aversano assumed the additional responsibilities of Coordinator of the Speech/Language program for the school while continuing to provide speech therapy and evaluation services to children in the program. In 2003, her responsibilities expanded as she became the Clinical Coordinator for Building Blocks.  As a result of NY State Plan Amendment #09-61of 2009 requiring compliance with all laws and regulations related to the receipt of federal participation in the School Supportive Health Services Program, Building Blocks developed a Corporate Compliance program and Ms. Aversano assumed the role of Corporate Compliance Officer. This past year, Ms. Aversano was appointed to the position of Assistant Director by the school’s Board of Directors.

Christi M. Crispino obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with Dual Certification in General Education and Special Education, Birth-6th grade from St. Joseph’s College in 2004.  She received a Master’s Degree from Long Island University in Literacy Education in 2006.  In 2019, Ms. Crispino completed the advanced certificate program at St. Joseph’s College for Educational Leadership.  Ms. Crispino started her career in early childhood special education providing home-based instruction at the early intervention and preschool level prior to her start at Building Blocks.  Ms. Crispino joined Building Blocks in 2006, where she continued to provide instruction through early intervention and preschool special education itinerant services while also teaching in a variety of class settings.  Ms. Crispino has been a part of Building Blocks for 16 years.  Upon the retirement of Mary Rousseau who has been an important part of the Building Blocks community for over 20 years, Ms. Crispino has accepted the role as Educational Coordinator.  In her role as Educational Coordinator, she continues to follow her passion for enhancing the lives of young learners as well as creating a supportive and cohesive school community.  As Educational Coordinator, Ms. Crispino oversees the SEIT program, as well as provides supervision and training to our team of teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals.