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NOV/DEC 2026

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SPECIAL NEEDS

Resources and support to help your family thrive

Preschools & Montessori Schools

A Baby, a Business & a Whole Lot of Bark Meet Gabriella Desposito-Carlson, mom and founder of Barkhouse, who turned her love of dogs into a dream business

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November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 20

pg. 44 pg. 16

pg. 42

FEATURES

STORIES & COLUMNS

16 | Special Needs Dyslexia Early Intervention

6 | Editor’s Letter

8 | Tech ChatGPT for teens 10 | Family Day Out Hayrides to enjoy this November 12 | Spotlight Daniella Rabbani brings Klezmerette to life

pg. 30

FAMILY FUN 44 | Calendar The month's best family-friendly events

DIRECTORIES 28 | Special Needs Guide

20 | Special Needs - Mom Stories There’s room for everyone 22 | Family Day Out Museum of Disability History 46 | Shopping Lapland’s first US Christmas shop is here

42 | Cover: Gabriella DespositoCarlson The mom behind the pack and founder of Barkhouse

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ON THE COVER Photo: Jesse Dittmar | @jessedittmar | jessedittmar.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Dog leashes: 1ER, available at barhouse.com

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Donna Duarte-Ladd ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Erin Brof ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Stacie Goldberg EDITORIAL LEAD: Jeannine Cintron DEPUTY EDITOR: Danielle Ramos EVENTS EDITOR: Shara Levine ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR: Soe Kabbabe EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Alexa Lutter PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Mary Cassidy, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Nina Spiegelman, Terah Stone, Gwen Tomaselli MARKETING & STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Rosalia Bobé MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Ashley Rivera MARKETING ASSISTANT: Lorens Morris MEDIA SALES ASSISTANT: Ruston Ropac ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch WEB DEVELOPER: Sylvan Migdal GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Soe Kabbabe

CONTACT INFORMATION

Fall’s Paws-sibilities! Ready to make the most of fall? We’ve rounded up hayrides (page 10 ) and adventures, plus the best birthday party spots (page 36), to make your little one’s big day extra special. We’re also diving into the resources and support families need when navigating special needs, from why early intervention matters for dyslexia (page 16) to understanding uneven development in kids (page 26) and finding the right resources (page 28) to help your family thrive. Our cover star is Gabriella Desposito-

Carlson (page 42), a mom who turned her love of dogs into a dream business. With her husband, she founded Barkhouse, proving that motherhood doesn’t just change your life; it can inspire a whole new adventure! And as our kids grow up in an increasingly digital world, we’re taking a closer look at ChatGPT (page 8) and teens, and what parents need to know to help them navigate it all. Here’s to a November filled with connection, fall fun, and plenty of reasons to bark with joy!

GET IN TOUCH Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

6 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

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New York Family is the recipient of 7 Parenting Media Awards for 2025, including Gold awards for both Design and Editorial for our monthly print publication. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC. Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2026 Queens Family Media, LLC

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November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

TECH

ChatGPT for Teens What parents should know BY DONNA DUARTE LADD

f you have a teenager, AI is part of their world. Let’s be real: AI is so ingrained in their lives that we parents are living in an archaic, yesterday-era world; even if you think you are up to date, they are on a different level, whether we like it or not. Some (people) may be okay with how AI is changing the world. And this is not a judgy piece; this is a let’s BE REAL: for us as parents, how it affects and even shapes our children is a concern for many. Maybe they are using it for homework, asking it questions, brainstorming, or doing something you have no idea about. That is why Open for Teens hosted a Parent Forum, moderated by Meaghan Murphy, Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s Day, to share the why and what to expect with ChatGPT for Teens, a version of ChatGPT designed specifically for kids ages 13 to 17. The new experience which launched in August comes with additional protections for teens, as well as tools for parents to set boundaries around how and when ChatGPT is used. At this panel, Dr. Michael Rich, director and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, moderated a conversation with Emily Oster, founder of ParentData; Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey, founder of Mother AI; and Dr. Alison Mishkin, Head of Child Development at OpenAI. During this fireside chat, one topic kept coming back to the discussion: we can’t really separate our kids from the digital world they live in. So how do we help them use these tools in a healthy way? Oster talked about approaching AI with honesty and acknowledging that parents are figuring this out, too. There is still a lot we don’t know, including exactly what overuse or overreliance on AI might mean for kids. Her advice was to set expectations, create boundaries, and, perhaps most importantly, talk to your kids about what they are actually using AI for. LeBlanc-Godfrey also encouraged parents to start from a place of curiosity. Ask questions. What are they using it for? What do they find helpful? What don’t they trust? That con-

versation can make it easier to create family rules without shutting the conversation down. There’s no neat way to wrap all of this up. AI, especially for us parents, is an open-ended topic and will remain so. What to Expect from ChatGPT for Teens Designed for ages 13 to 17. Teens have additional protections turned on by default. OpenAI says its system will use a combination of age declarations and other signals to determine whether someone may be under 18. If it isn’t confident about a user’s age, it will default to the safer teen experience. More protections around sensitive content. The teen version is designed to reduce exposure to things like sexual or romantic content, graphic violence, self-harm, and dangerous activities. It also won’t engage in romantic language with teens. Study Mode. This is one of the bigger focuses of the teen experience. Rather than simply giving a student an answer, Study Mode can break a problem down into steps, ask questions, and help a student work through the material. Teens can also use quizzes, uploaded notes, and visual explanations for subjects such as math and science. Study Hours. Parents can choose specific times for Study Hours. During those times, Study Mode will be turned on by default. Homework reminders. If ChatGPT thinks a teen is trying to use it to simply get an assignment done, reminders can redirect them toward Study Mode. Quiet Hours. Parents can set times when ChatGPT can’t be accessed. There are also break reminders designed to encourage teens to step away after extended conversations.

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Parental controls. Parents and teens can link their accounts. Parents can then adjust certain settings, including Study Hours, Quiet Hours, voice mode, image generation, group chats, and memory. Parents do not have access to their teen’s conversations. Safety notifications. Parents can opt into notifications if OpenAI’s systems and trained reviewers detect possible signs of a serious safety concern. Parents receive information intended to help them support their teen, not access to the teen’s full conversation. No ads. ChatGPT for Teens won’t show ads. More help with learning. On the horizon, OpenAI is also planning tools around things like college planning and college advising. College Planner will share information on application requirements, deadlines, and help with financial aid steps. You’re the Human One point that came up during the panel was the importance of remembering that ChatGPT isn’t a person. Teens may use it to work through a problem, ask for advice, or even talk through a conflict, but we, as parents, can help them understand where AI is useful and where a real person is the better choice. On our end, parents still have a lot to decide for themselves. How much AI is too much? When is it helping a child learn, and when is it doing the learning for them? What should the rules be around homework? Should there be limits on when it can be used? There isn’t one answer for every family. And, as several of the panelists pointed out, parents don’t have to have all the answers. Starting the conversation, asking questions, and figuring out what works for your family is a good place to begin.

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November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

FAMILY DAY OUT

Hayrides! Autumn farm fun for the family BY AIDEN LEVIN

s the air turns crisp, the wind picks up and the leaves start to fall, bundle up and get cozy on top of hay stacks in a tractor bed this season. Be on the look out for the perfect pumpkin to carve, the ripest apples and the most confusing corn maze. These hayrides will leave families with comforting memories that will last a lifetime. Long Island Albert H. Schmitt Family Farm 6 Bagatelle Rd., Dix Hills, NY 631-423-6343 Albert H. Schmitt Family Farm offers their very own “Fall Fun,” full of hayrides, and pumpkin patch. Kids can explore and have fun with duck races and the animal train ride. Food and beverages include apple cider donuts, roasted corn, fresh pies and hot caramel apple cider. There is a $10 admission fee. Families can wander the fields, enjoy fall décor, and explore farm activities. The farm is open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays through Sundays; check the website for updated pricing and special event details. Brightwater Farms 1624 Manatuck Blvd., Bay Shore, NY 631-665-5410 Families can go on as many hayrides as they want at Brightwaters Farms on the weekends. Children under 2 years old are free. While the idea of unlimited hayrides is tempting, there is a $30 admission fee. Weekdays are free admission, with hayrides an added $10. The farm also features pumpkin picking, a corn maze, inflatables, and farm animals. Live entertainment and seasonal treats are available at the country store. F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm 26 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 631-271-3276 Schmitt’s Family Farm’s Annual Fall Festival package is packed with family friendly activities. You will not encounter basketball hoops or mechanical pig races at many farms, but at Schmitt’s it is guaranteed. The farm provides

family-friendly activities, including hayrides, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, a spooky haunted house (at additional cost) and a 7 acre corn maze. Hayrides are free, and additional activities like miniature golf and barn twister are available at no extra cost. The Annual Fall Festival goes through October on weekends and holidays. It is priced at $24. Check the website for current hours and event details. Harbes Family Farm 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck, NY 631-482-7641 Resting upon Long Island’s North Fork, Harbes Family Farm features hayrides, a corn maze, apple and pumpkin picking, pig races, and a Barnyard Adventure area. Kids can meet the new animals on the farm — the cute highland cows Mocha and Maise. If one corn maze is not enough for you, no problem, Harbes also features their very own Spooky Night Maze. Open on weekends from 9 am to 6 pm. Hayrides $8; hayride + maze is $12; Barnyard Adventure $29 weekends and holidays. Combo ticket packages are also offered; for current prices and event details, check the website. NYC Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 718-347-3276 Brushing up against the border of Queens and Long Island, this farm and museum offers tractor-pulled hayrides around their 47 acre farm in October and November during fall festivals, including the Children’s Halloween on the Farm, and the Annual Queen’s Agricultural Fair. Little ones will love getting lost in

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the only corn maze within NYC and pumpkin picking. Enjoy cider, donuts, apples and pies at their sweet shoppe. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; admission is free except on ticketed dates. Hayrides (weather permitting) run on weekdays from 1 to 4 pm and weekends from 11 am to 4 pm at $6 per person. Tickets can be bought inperson at their Farmstore. Westchester Muscoot Farm 51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 914-864-7286 Muscoot Farm is a farm and museum, located on a grand 777 acres. Offers range from hayrides to animal exhibits, hiking trails, and a farmers’ market on Sundays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. The farm is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum is home to the Milk, Ice, Brooder and Carriage Houses. Hayrides are available for an additional fee; please check the website for current pricing and event details. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 914-245-5111 Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm offers apple, peaches and pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and a bakery with fresh pies and cider donuts, and a winery and vineyard on weekends. The farm is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, while the food market is open from 10 am to 5 pm. The farm is closed on Tuesday. No reservations or admissions fees are required to enter. Hayrides are available on weekends; please check the website for current pricing and event details. You can pick up a freshly-cut Christmas tree when winter arrives too.

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LEARN MORE! November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

SPOTLIGHT

Daniella Rabbani Brings Klezmerette to life BY DONNA DUARTE- LADD

met Daniella Rabbani some years ago through a group of mutual mom friends, a collection of the kind of moms who somehow become the moms you love hanging out with. When I think of Daniella, I think energy. And not just physical, although you can easily catch on when you hear her sing or dance; she has a lot of it. Her energy is everything. She is completely herself while also carrying so much with her: her family history, her love of Jewish culture, her deep connection to Yiddish, and a genuine desire to share that history matters, and the stories, the music, and the future of this culture is here. All of this is especially deep right now, at a time when being Jewish is questioned in many layered ways. From what I know of Daniella, she doesn’t place Jewish identity as something that belongs only in the past, although the past is important to know and teach. She talks about it openly, and it’s incorporated in the many threads of creativity she weaves, be it her must-listen podcast, Mom Curious, or her acting; she teaches it, celebrates it, and, through her work, keeps finding new ways to bring it into the present. Now, this mom of two and longtime Yiddish performer is sharing her love for her culture with Klezmerette, her new album released last month, which is of Yiddish songs deeply connected to her family history and heritage, while also looking ahead and asking what it means to carry a culture into the next generation. I chatted with Daniella not just about the music, but about motherhood, heritage, raising Jewish children in New York City, and what it means to hold onto your history while still making it your own. You’ve spent much of your career moving between acting, music, filmmaking, your podcast, and other creative projects. What is it about Yiddish music that keeps pulling

Photo by Michelle Rose Photography

you back? We’re in a great time for artists to keep a close eye on what our audiences are asking of us. I’m active on Instagram @ daniellarabbani, and when I teach a Yiddish word or sing a Yiddish song, people go nuts! You’ve described Yiddish as something your soul remembered when you learned the language. What does Yiddish mean to you now, after all these years of performing and living with it? I think we all have soul callings, and singing in Yiddish is one of mine. The musical genre is called klezmer, which is

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actually two Hebrew words together, “kle” and “zemer,” that mean “an instrument of song.” That’s what I am – an instrument, a klezmer. An instrument through which the song is expressed. And I’ll express it for as long as there is an appetite for these songs. You’ve been performing Yiddish music for nearly two decades. What made now feel like the right time to make Klezmerette? It’s always a good time for good music but also: WE NEED SOME GOOD NEWS, dontcha think? A reason to celebrate and

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SPOTLIGHT

remember who we are outside of what anyone says or thinks of us. This music is a visceral, sensual reminder to prioritize humor, resilience and expression. Your family history is such an important part of your connection to Yiddish, especially your grandparents. How does that history find its way into the music you make? I had the honor of growing up with two grandparents who survived the Holocaust. They weren’t people from books or documentaries. They were just people. I am so grateful for the amount of Holocaust education out there. It’s important. I also know that my grandparents were not defined by the Holocaust. I love that Yiddish reflects that: songs about love and longing, songs about food and delinquents, songs about how much we love our moms and, yes, songs about the darkest moments in history. Yiddish music expresses all the keys on the humanity piano. And a tremendous amount of life before during and after the Holocaust.

There’s so much joy, humor, and playfulness in Klezmerette, alongside the history and heavier emotions behind it. Was that balance important to you? It’s important to me as an artist to be able to keep your attention. If it’s too much of one or the other, the listener will turn away, especially because you likely don’t understand every word. None of us are just one thing, so I hope the music reflects that.

Curious, because I need to be in the driver’s seat of my creativity at least part of the time. And I’m so grateful for that!!

You’re a mom of two now. Has motherhood changed the way you think about your own family history, traditions, and what you want to pass down to your kids? Yes! Motherhood has changed everything for me. Before kids, I could drop anything at a moment’s notice and run to an audition or booking. I was available for any and everything- I didn’t need to plan in advance or consider who would be home when. Motherhood forced me to take more agency in my life and career. I still act and love it so much, but I’ve created Klezmerette from the ground up as well as my podcast Mom

“Oyfn Pripitchek” is your new single. What makes your rendition of this song special, and why was now the time to release it? It’s probably the most popular Yiddish song, and it’s been recorded approximately one million times, so it was a negotiation with my producer. But I hope to reach the folks who have no idea this music exists, so I gotta start at the beginning, which is what the song is about. Michael did a great job with this arrangement, so we were able to create something new from a very old song. Kinda my thing.

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What do you hope people, especially people who may not know much about Yiddish music, take away from listening to Klezmerette? I hope they smile! And dance! I hope they just like it for the sound and feeling it produces.

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SPECIAL NEEDS

Dyslexia Early Intervention Helpful tips from an expert BY KAITLYN RIGGIO

tatistics from the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity show that dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all those with learning disabilities, making it the most common neuro-cognitive disorder. While dyslexia is a chronic condition that’s rarely cured, early identification and intervention can help build essential skills for reading, writing and comprehension. Early signs of dyslexia and intervention practices may vary from person to person. We sat down with Dr. Rebecca Mannis, neuropsychology learning specialist and founder of Ivy Prep. Her practice has helped people on the Upper East Side and worldwide for over 30 years. We asked Dr. Mannis about signs of dyslexia that parents can look out for and what intervention may look like. What are some early signs of dyslexia that parents can watch out for? For Toddler/Preschool: • Delayed language development • Difficulty following multistep directions • Frustration in communicating – difficulty retrieving words or labels • Difficulty sitting and retaining the story at circle time • Meltdowns over communication and transitions For Preschool/Primary School: • Difficulty with rhyming (ex: Dr. Seuss books) or appreciate language nuance (ex: getting the joke in Amelia Bedelia books) • Lack of recall for reading common “sight words” they often see, such as “love” or “taxi” • Lack of interest in reading or writing • Contrast between strong interest in hearing stories (being read to) and interest in learning how letters fit together to make words • Difficulty with segmenting words into sounds (c-a-t) or syllabication (clapping out the syllables in their names “Ga-bri-el”) • Hesitation about attending school or academic performance • Difficulty “encoding” or writing short

words that can be sounded out or remembering the spelling of “Dolch List,” high frequency (common) words like “love” or “mother” • Reversing letters • Skipping words when read aloud • Slowness at blending sounds of words or recalling what sight words “say” (lack of fluency/automaticity) • Dysgraphia, or difficulty in the motor planning of how to hand write letters What does early intervention for dyslexia look like? This depends on the individual child’s learning profile and what is being done on-site (or not provided) at the school. Some children require specialized schools for dyslexic students, where systematic, multisensory approaches are used on a daily basis and across the classes a child has each day. Other students can thrive with customized support outside school with learning specialists who are trained to interpret test findings and develop an intervention plan that speaks to the specific child and the specific school’s curriculum. This is where it is particularly important for parents to do their homework. Not all learning specialists have the same training or vantage point about support, and it is big business. There are different philosophies and approaches, and sometimes what is presented as “evidence based” is actually a cookie cutter approach – or the wrong pacing and sequence for your child’s particular needs. For example, if a student needs high repetition of information or to preview information in order to keep up with the class work, then it is important for a learning specialist to design sessions that balance the specific instruction for underdeveloped skills that are not course-related (for example, how to divide long words into syllables) while also using the child’s homework spelling list or the sight words in their science chapter to manage schoolwork and get that real-time reinforcement of reading strategies that speak to the daily experience in the classroom. Similarly, it is critical for parents to identify professionals who can balance traditional print tools, such as workbooks and games that reinforce the skills, with adaptive

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technology. This is where parents can feel particularly frustrated, as neuropsychologists are not educators, and educators are not neuropsychologists. Approximately 80 percent of my clientele and I start with a consultation where I provide a chart review to demystify the test findings to help parents “connect the dots” between their observations, test findings, and working with schools or other stakeholders. There is a huge element of “caveat emptor,” since so much of this is not licensed and these high stakes serials can overwhelm kids and parents alike. Even when specialists have licenses, there is wide variability in skill set, how intervention sessions are constructed, and even attitudes about which support is needed. For example, at times language specialists or occupational therapists will feel there is more work to be done in grade 4 or 5 in shoring up underdeveloped language or fine motor skills, while other specialists may feel that the priority needs to shift toward teach-

ing students how to communicate better in writing or use adaptive tech, dong so with an eye toward ongoing challenges in processing speed, word finding or handwriting. How can parents and schools support a child with dyslexia? Support for dyslexic students is equal parts, art, science, and alchemy. It’s critical for there to be a systematic approach. Sometimes that means using very similar materials in both outside support and during the academic day or in reading intervention at school.At other times, it makes more sense to “divide and conquer.” For example, at school, a teacher may be focusing on how to write a paragraph with a topic sentence, three supporting details, and a conclusion using a “quick outline” that is very structured, streamlined, and predictable. In remediation, it can be very helpful for the outside specialist to use the same “quick outline” that the teacher uses in history class. And it may be important to work on writing

while using the History assignment if the child is fatigued or has other after-school activities that day. However, the outside learning specialist may also be incorporating instruction in how to use a predictive word processor, or in helping the child with expanding his vocabulary, so that he doesn’t rely on a narrow lexicon of words to communicate his point in the essay. Similarly, it may be that at school, the teacher is working on a particular spelling curriculum, where the focus is on spelling words with particular prefix patterns. In outside support, those words can be practiced, but it’s important to use particular methods that are aligned with the child specific type of dyslexia to ensure that appropriate visual cues or phonetic (sound-letter) patterns are reinforced. The truth is that this takes a great deal of expertise and time in order to identify ways that support can be integrated while also being realistic about what each individual can contribute to this process.

In the absence of this, it can be very timeconsuming and confusing, and also frustrating, not only for the children, but for their parents. In my practice, I am in frequent contact with other stakeholders, and typically serve as a case manager, who integrates that information, not only to demystify the process, but also to help parents identify signposts that they can be looking for both to monitor their children’s growth, and to determine the best investment of their resources and the child’s time, if they’re not satisfied with the child’s development. Another element of providing services to the child and family is helping parents truly understand the different philosophies and methodologies that are available to help children with disabilities. For example, many specialists will encourage a multisensory, phonics based approach that reinforces sound patterns for children since about 60 to 80% of children with dyslexia have difficulty with phonology, or linking letters to sounds. However, the research on these highly structured methods and their efficacy with children with more spatial difficulties, sometimes called “NVLD,” or nonverbal. Learning disorders are mixed. In that situation, a child may need a well developed, but more eclectic approach that helps them for example, to memorize and write sight words, words like “though” or “again,” words that cannot be sounded out phonetically. Similarly, there are some schools that believe strongly that in the lower school grades, adaptive technology should not be used with children, while other outside specialists or schools integrate technology as a literacy tool for children with developmental dyslexia from the get-go. Because there is such a wide wide range of approaches, and often neuropsychologists don’t know the nuts and bolts of how these programs are implemented for specific curricula, it is important for parents to understand that, just like learning to read is developmental. In the same way, learning how to line up your ducks in a row to best serve your child at a given time is an extended learning process – and process of collaboration and empowerment – for parents, as well. No one cares about a child more than a parent, so it is critical to take care of yourself so that you can manage the long haul, along with your spouse and child. What do accommodations typically look like for dyslexia, at home and in the classroom? What would workarounds look

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

SPECIAL NEEDS

like in everyday life? Accommodations can look different for children, depending on their learning profile, their school, their grade level, and the situation in which accommodations are necessary. For a child with language-based dyslexia in the early grades, accommodations might take the form of an alternate method of assessing a child’s spelling, or having an extra set of workbooks to keep at home for use with the outside specialist. The child may be permitted to write fewer spelling sentences on his exam. That child might need access to a computer in grade 3 to write his weekly journal so that he can focus on expressing his ideas without being encumbered by dysgraphia, or handwriting difficulty. At grade 5 or 6, that might take the form of being able to have extended time on a test or to take a standardized test in a room over multiple days. Similarly, the child might require some adaptive technology or access to a textbook website, where the child can find PowerPoint slides to preview key terms or information that they will be studying in science class. Upper school or college, that might take the form of having an advisor, who is attuned to their learning issues, and who can guide them in managing multiple classrooms and teachers. Similarly, children may require the accommodation of being able to substitute the format of a “computer-delivered” standardized admissions or achievement test, instead taking the test in a traditional booklet format. That means that the child can write into a test booklet with a proctor. Copying his answers onto a Scantron or “bubble sheet,” rather than needing to visually track the paragraph on a computer monitor. This is a critical accommodation because many standardized tests are moving toward “computer- adaptive,” or mini computer tests, which are actually constraining for students who have a more gradual learning curve, visual deficits, or a slower processing speed. Similarly, a dyslexic child who has slow processing speed or working memory difficulty may need extra time to complete certain assignments, or may need assistance with laying out a plan for how to manage school and extracurricular activities in light of their slower processing speed or executive function difficulties. Students in high school or college may also need approval to tape record lectures, or have access to teacher notes or classmates notes if they’re not able to process as much detail as necessary in real time during the lecture. This is why it’s critical to identify special-

“Any time that a person‘s own development takes a course that is not ‘typical,’ this places a stressor on the individual and the other people in their life.” ists who can mystify neuropsychic, test findings and help parents and students to work with the school around accommodations, curriculum, and intervention. Support from parents is important for children with dyslexia. How can parents show their emotional support for their dyslexic children? Any time that a person‘s own development takes a course that is not “typical,” this places a stressor on the individual and the other people in their life. Whether it’s learning how to tie your shoes, how to memorize the spelling words, or adapting to college textbooks and lectures as a gifted, “twice exceptional” dyslexic, ultimately developmental, learning problems are a lifelong process of learning, adaptation, and advocacy. The upshot is that over time, children can develop “metacognitive awareness,” or an understanding of themselves as learners, and why certain approaches can be particularly helpful for them. Over time and significant support and practice, this helps kids learn how to be their own “change agents.” However, this is a gradual process, and developmental learning problems, especially for bright kids, in demanding learning environments, is a gradual experience. It is important for parents to recognize this, so they can think tactically about how they can support their children while also taking care of themselves. Whether it’s having sufficient time to work out or finding a sounding board to talk about frustrations while also being there to help your child with extra homework, parents need to plan for the immediate and for the long run. That may be a matter of doing some careful looking at how you will fund outside support for your child for the long run, or how to give attention to siblings and their needs. This can be a difficult, disheartening, and stressful ex-

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perience for even the most determined, loving, supportive and capable of parents. Aside from taking care of themselves and building a village of outside resources, whom they respect, parents can model for their children along the way. For example, just as children may require more time in order to research and write a term paper if they are dyslexic, parents can model for their children how they are breaking down the process of updating their resumes or planning of family trips by working in manageable chunks. In addition, it is important for parents to remember that their job is to be parents and not educators or interventionists. Otherwise, the task and frustration of helping kids manage learning issues for the long run can really interfere with a parent and child relationship and can be disheartening for everybody involved. Most importantly, parents can help their children, identify factors that contributed to their own success, or what it is that children feel need to be done differently in order for them to have a better experience in a similar situation in the future. For example, if a child is able to juggle the start of baseball season in his Little League team and preparing for the spelling bee, parents can encourage their children, self reflection, or metacognitive awareness, by asking them some open, ended questions. “What do you think made the difference when you were going to have a busy day of both Little League tryouts and reviewing all three vocabulary lists?” This opens the door for the child to then reflect and share so that you can plan. For example, he may say, “It was very helpful that my learning specialist and I wrote the words on flashcards last week. This meant that all I needed to do was practice spelling.” Or your child may feel that it was helpful when you and he use Scrabble letters for him to practice the spelling of the words or when you had located a website that let him practice unscrambling words in an app. It may be that your child felt better having had a quiet day before so that the reduced transitions left him feeling more rested and able to juggle Little League and the preparation for the spelling bee. The more you help your child self reflect, the more you can help him, celebrate his success, identify what he feels and be his own change agent. It can make the difference, and he will see you as the support and sounding board who is cheering him on through this developmental journey.

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

MOM STORIES

There’s Room for Everyone BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD

t 10, my youngest is no longer the little kid people automatically coo at. He still has the freckles and curls, but as he gets older, the differences between him and other kids have become more noticeable, and lately, more complicated. I notice it most at the playground. On weekend mornings, if we get there after 9 a.m., I can feel it. A parent pulls their child a little closer when my son runs toward the swings. There are looks when he squeals, and the helicopter parents aren’t thrilled when he doesn’t quite follow the unspoken rules of the playground. So we usually get there early, before the toddlers take over the “big kids” area, before the crowds, before the city is fully switched on. But sometimes I want to sleep in. I want to sit at home with my warm, home-brewed matcha and scroll cat memes for another 20 minutes. So we go later. And then I remember why we usually don’t. My son doesn’t read a room. This isn’t defiance. He is severely autistic and lives in his own “bubble.” Which, I have to admit, I’m a little jealous about. Just not giving any energy to anything but your own world? Must be kind of clutch. Maybe it’s one of the gifts of autism. I see it through the lens of Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory, except in our case, it’s more like: Let him. Let him be excited. Let him make noise. Let him move his body. Let him be who he is, while still working toward building his skills through therapy, education, and support. When my son was younger, people didn’t necessarily notice that he was autistic. Most of us parents and caretakers of autistic kids know that as they get older, the gap can widen, not because their autism is “worse,” but because the world starts raising the bar for how children are expected to behave. When my son flaps his hands, shouts because he’s excited, or melts down because the slide is closed, other people may just see the too-much kid. And, honestly, it stings. Outside of an enclosed playground, things can be even trickier. A walk to a café, getting through an airport, sitting in a crowded restaurant. These are all things that require more thought and planning on our end. And we want to do them. We’ve learned that he

enjoys the adventure, usually once we’re there. Getting there, though, can mean tantrums, confusion, or just a lot of uncertainty. And then there’s New York in November and December. The holidays here are a sensory extravaganza: more people, more lights, more noise, more music, more shopping, more parties, more everything. For many families, that’s the magic. And for us, it can be magic, too. We just experience it differently and a little more carefully. We’ve learned to find the quieter hours, know where the exits are, and have a Plan B, and sometimes a Plan C. We take a break when we need one. Sometimes we skip something. Sometimes we find a different way to experience it. That isn’t staying in a bubble. That’s knowing your kid. And over the years, it has also meant finding the places and people that make our community feel a little more accessible. At our park, I’ve made friends with some of the other early-morning regulars. There’s a mom with two elementary-age autistic kids, and there are parents with high-energy toddlers whose kids absolutely love my son. We’re all there for the same reason: the peacefulness a

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giant New York playground can offer when the rest of the city is still waking up. The squirrels are particularly chill. We swap stories and parenting tips over lattes. Our park groundskeeper has even become a source of sage parenting advice. There are mornings when there’s a little mist on the slide, and the air feels soft, and I watch my son run and laugh and just be a kid. Those mornings have made me think differently about that “bubble.” Maybe it isn’t really a bubble at all. Maybe it’s just a little breathing room. And I guess you can say that this is a bit of a contrast: Do we stay home or go outside? We don’t want to live on the sidelines of the place we call home (obviously!). We just take it on a case-by-case basis. I don’t want my son to experience less of New York, but we have to choose spots that offer special accommodations, whether it’s specific hours or accessibility features. We go out to the parks, the museums, the libraries, the theaters, the restaurants, the holiday lights, the weird, wonderful, wonderfully chaotic energy that makes this place what it is. That doesn’t mean every environment needs to be perfectly quiet or predictable. It means recognizing that families can experience the world differently. Inclusion can look like a quiet space, a sensory bag, reduced lighting, a little extra patience, or simply an understanding that a child making noise isn’t doing something wrong. Organizations like KultureCity are helping make that possible, creating sensoryinclusive experiences and helping families find places where their needs are understood. This isn’t about pity. It’s about access. My son shouldn’t have to perfectly “color inside the lines” to enjoy his community. And I shouldn’t have to explain or defend him every time he doesn’t. I think about that a lot when we’re walking through our neighborhood together. This place belongs to him, too. So yes, we’ll keep going early sometimes. We’ll know our exits. We’ll carry our plans and our backup plans with us. We’ll take breaks when we need them. But we’ll also go. We’ll find the holiday lights, get the hot chocolate, wander, visit museums, sit in restaurants, go to the park, make memories, and find the magic. Because my son doesn’t need a smaller New York. He needs all spaces to include a more room for him. And the more I look around, I am starting to find these nookswe just have to keep making them bigger so there’s room for everyone.

ABA Services: Enrolling Now!

Enrollment for both our Melville and St. James Center-Based programs is open! Our center services include ﬂexible daytime and after-school hours with constant supervision by one of our BCBAs!

OTHER SERVICES: • Speech Language Therapy • Home ABA services • School-based behavior support • Social skills groups • Sibling support groups

What is ABA? Applied Behavior Analysis is a structured and systematic approach that first aims to understand why behaviors occur, then tailors interventions to the unique needs of each child to create positive, long-lasting change. Why choose Dragonfly Cares? Clinical excellence : Each child will be working 1:1 with a trained behavior technician who is closely overseen and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dragonfly Cares prides itself on its transparency with everyone on your child’s

To reach out and learn more about all the services provided call: 516-531-3673

team: BT, BCBA, caregivers, and all other service providers. This means that your child’s team will constantly share updates, achievements, and protocol. With Dragonﬂy Cares you will receive exceptional support. This includes full access to your child’s programming and weekly check-ins with the BCBA to answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to create a community with our families. With our new center, we plan on hosting classes, events, and other fun opportunities to meet with other parents and connect!

Contact Dragonﬂy Cares Today! For Center Based Questions or Enrollment, Contact Deanna Meloro at

516-836-1447

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

FAMILY DAY OUT

Museum of Disability History A unique place on Long Island BY SOE KABBABE

hether you live on Long Island or are looking for a fall day trip that is also a deep learning experience for the entire family, nothing beats a museum experience that goes beyond the expected: something that sparks conversation, builds empathy, and still feels engaging for a wide range of ages. That’s exactly what the newly opened Museum of Disability History in Albertson, Long Island, is: a meaningful addition to the local cultural scene, combining culture, history, and compassion. Opened last spring at The Viscardi Center, this one-of-a-kind museum brings together more than 8,000 artifacts, photographs, and documents to tell a story that is often overlooked but deeply important: the history, contributions, and lived experiences of people with disabilities. What makes this museum especially impactful is that it doesn’t present history as something distant or abstract. Instead, it invites visitors to get to know real stories, real objects, and real moments that shaped the disability rights movement, making it both educational and deeply human in a way that resonates long after your visit. Museum of Disability History: The Story Behind While the museum is new to Long Island, its roots go back much further, starting in Buffalo before finding a permanent home at The Viscardi Center, an organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and accessibility. Its mission is clear and compelling: to advance understanding, recognition, and inclusion by preserving and sharing the history of people with disabilities, while also encouraging ongoing conversations about them in today’s world. This is woven into every part of the experience, from the artifacts on display to the way exhibits are structured, helping visitors to observe and reflect.

Must-See Exhibits That Leave a Lasting Impact One of the most compelling aspects of the museum is how it balances historical depth with engaging, visual storytelling, making even complex or difficult topics accessible for a general audience, including older kids and teens. The Office of Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr.: This is one of the most immersive spaces in the museum, offering visitors a look into the life and legacy of Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., a pioneering disability rights advocate whose work helped

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shape national policy and perception. Preserved in its original location, the office tells the story of a man who went from navigating life as a disabled young person to advising presidents and influencing legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act. Exhibition Hall: A Multi-Layered Look at Disability History: Rather than presenting a single, linear narrative, the museum’s main Exhibition Hall invites visitors to explore disability history through multiple “portals,” each highlighting different themes, time periods, and lived experiences,

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

FAMILY DAY OUT

which together create a more inclusive understanding of what disability history actually looks like. With artifacts, documents, artwork, and personal items spanning from the 1800s to today, this space encourages visitors to move at their own pace, make connections across time, and recognize that there are many stories to tell, all intersecting in ways that continue to shape the present. “Lives Left Behind” (Traveling Exhibit): This is the kind of exhibit that stays with you long after you leave, offering a deeply human and emotional look at the lives of individuals who lived at the Willard Psychiatric Center in New York. When the facility closed in 1995, hundreds of suitcases were discovered in its attic, each filled with personal belongings that tell stories of identity, memory, and lives that were often forgotten or misunderstood. Through these objects, the exhibit creates a powerful narrative that shifts the focus from institutions to individuals, making it one of the most moving and thought-provoking experiences in the museum’s collection.

If you have extra time or want to explore more deeply, the museum’s rotating and traveling exhibits also include themes like: “The Quest for the Cure: Polio in America” explores how the disease shaped public health and led to major medical breakthroughs. “In the Game: Sports and Disability” highlights how adaptive sports have evolved from early rehabilitation efforts into competitive, global movements. “Little Differences” is a six-panel exhibit exploring how children with disabilities have been portrayed throughout history in art, literature, media, and popular culture. This exhibit invites visitors to examine how these images have shaped perceptions of disability and encouraged audiences to respond.

way rather than rushing from one highlight to the next. For parents, it offers an opportunity to introduce important conversations around empathy, inclusion, and history in a setting that feels approachable rather than overwhelming. For kids, it shows information through visuals and real objects that make abstract ideas easier to understand. And for special needs families, there’s simply the reminder that they’re not alone and there’s a galore of resources available to them—ones that keep growing and developing generation after generation.

What Makes the Museum of Disability History on Long Island Unique for Families Unlike larger, more traditional museums, this space feels intentionally intimate, allowing families to move slowly, ask questions, and engage with exhibits in a more meaningful

Admission: $10 Adults, $7 Youth (Ages 5–17), Individuals with Disabilities, Seniors (60+ with valid ID), Veterans, Active Military & First Responders (with valid ID), and College Students (with valid ID) Free: Youth (Under 5) and Personal Care Assistants Supporting Disabled Visitors Check website for hours

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Museum of Disability History on Long Island 201 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson museumofdisabilityhistory.org

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

SPECIAL NEEDS ROUNDTABLE

Making Sense of Uneven Development Profiles Kids don’t always develop at the same pace. A child may be highly verbal and curious but struggle with social interactions, emotional regulation, or everyday tasks. These differences can leave parents wondering whether their child’s development is typical or needs additional support. An uneven developmental profile doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. This month, we asked our experts to explain what uneven development can look like, when to consider an evaluation, and how to find the right support to help children thrive.

Christy M. Brockhausen, Ph.D.

David Dejong

Director of Research & Instruction, Eagle Hill School: Greenwich

Principal, HKS, Islandia Children’s Learning Center in Islandia, NY.

When a child thrives in some areas but has unexpected difficulty in others, it is easy to overlook the areas where they need more support. But how can you tell if your child is struggling, even when they seem to be doing well? Strengths can sometimes mask challenges. A child may use strong language, reasoning, memory, or problem-solving skills to compensate for more difficult areas. They may understand complex ideas and be intensely curious, yet what they say, read, write, or produce may not reflect that understanding. That is why scores alone do not tell the whole story. An average score can still sit alongside a meaningful difficulty. A score tells you where a child falls, but not how they got there or how hard they had to work to achieve it. Consider an evaluation when the pattern is: Persistent Unexpected given your child’s strengths Requires increasing support or Begins to affect progress or confidence A comprehensive evaluation should look across reasoning and processing, attention and memory, oral language, and literacy, including decoding, spelling, fluency, comprehension, and written expression. Language can also play a role in reading, writing, and other learning challenges, and a speech-language evaluation can add an important piece of the picture. For parents, the question is not simply, “Is my child on track?” It is, “Does this performance make sense given the child I know?” If something consistently does not add up, it is worth exploring.

An uneven developmental profile is often more common than parents realize. Just like adults, children naturally have areas of strength and areas that require more support. A child may excel in language, creativity, or problem-solving while finding social skills, motor development, or self-regulation more challenging. These differences are not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. The key is to truly know your child. Understanding what motivates them, what they enjoy, and where they feel successful can provide valuable opportunities to support areas of difficulty. Strengths can be used as a bridge to build skills in weaker areas. When a child’s interests and future goals align with their strengths, that can be especially beneficial for confidence and long-term success. At the same time, strengths should not come at the total expense of weaker areas. Children still need opportunities, support, and encouragement to make progress across all areas of development. They need productive struggle in all areas. The goal is not for every skill to develop at the same rate, but for the child to continue moving forward. Differences in development are okay. As children grow, it is important for them to recognize their own strengths and challenges, helping them better understand themselves, navigate obstacles, advocate for their needs, and make informed decisions about their goals and future opportunities. What matters most is steady growth, a positive sense of self, and ensuring that each child has the tools they need to maximize their individual potential.

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David Green

Tara Fappiano

MA, OTR/L, CEO and Clinical Director, Creative Wonders Therapy Center

Advocate Mediator Litigator

An uneven developmental profile— where a child is clearly ahead in some areas but noticeably behind in others—is quite common, and by itself does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Development milestones are not perfectly synchronized. A child might: Have advanced language and vocabulary but will struggle with fine-motor tasks. Be academically strong but have difficulty with attention, executive function, or social interaction. Sometimes this is simply normal developmental variation. Children develop at different rates, and temporary gaps can narrow with time. However, a persistent or pronounced discrepancy can also be a clue to something that deserves closer evaluation and may need intervention. This may include but not limited to language based learning disability such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD and/or motor planning deficits. Giftedness can also produce an atypical profile, particularly when very advanced cognitive abilities coexist with age-typical or delayed skills. The most useful question isn’t “Is my child behind?” but: Which abilities are developing well, which are difficult, how large is the gap, and how is it affecting everyday life? A developmental assessment should also consider the child’s strengths, not just deficits.

Lakshmi Rao Sankar Executive Director, CrimsonRise

Many children develop unevenly. A child might read early but struggle to hold a pencil, or understand everything said to them but have trouble speaking. These “spiky” profiles are common, but a large or lasting gap is worth a closer look. An uneven profile can come from differences in motor planning, sensory processing, language, attention or learning. Keep in mind that showing understanding (answering, pointing, following directions) requires motor and sensory skills. If that’s where your child struggles, they may understand far more than they can show. So always teach and narrate: talk through your day, read aloud and explain the world, even when you see no response. If you have concerns: Take notes on what comes easily, where your child gets stuck, and when. Talk to your pediatrician and share your notes. Ask for a free evaluation. For children under 3, call 311 to reach NYC Early Intervention. For ages 3–5, contact your district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education. For school-age children, send a written request to your school or your district’s Committee on Special Education. Trust your instincts. You know your child best, and early support makes a difference. Above all, focus on strengths. The areas where your child thrives are the base for building everything else.

While it is true that every child has their own strengths and weaknesses, as they progress through school you may notice that your child may be showing very marked differences in various environments. A child may be extremely intelligent in certain academic areas and performing consistent with or above grade level, but be below their developmental age in other areas, such as social skills. It can be hard to understand why certain areas are challenging when a student is excelling in others. As an advocate, I advise any parent who thinks this description applies to their child not to dismiss it. Your child may have the skills to handle the academic work but lack the skills or maturity to handle other aspects of school that impact their ability to succeed. Seek to have your student evaluated through your school district. Such an evaluation will give you and your child’s teachers information to help you both understand your child’s profile and, accordingly, how best to support your child in all areas.

Liza Kaplan Montanino Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Certified Special Needs Sleep Consultant, Lactation Educator

It is not uncommon to see neurodivergent children thrive in some areas and struggle in others because an uneven profile is quite common for this demographic. It doesn’t necessarily mean the skills are not there, but rather that the skills are inconsistent because even the strongest of a child’s skills can become less accessible when their nervous system is activated or overwhelmed. This means if there are unmet sensory needs, anxiety, fatigue, dysregulation, or an increase in demands, it’s common to see that struggles become more pronounced, and that even strengths require nervous system recovery in order for a child to access them.

Amy Salomon Head of School, Gillen Brewer School

As a parent of a child with learning differences, I know how confusing it can be to watch your child shine in one area while working so hard in another. You’re not alone. An uneven developmental profile is common, and it tells you something important about how your child learns. Start with your child’s strengths. What lights them up? Those strengths are often the key to addressing challenges. A child who loves building, storytelling, or music is showing us a pathway into learning. At the same time, trust your instincts about what feels harder. Lagging skills are worth addressing early; without the right support, gaps can widen and begin to affect a child’s confidence, friendships, and sense of themselves as a learner. A good next step is talking with your child’s teachers, pediatrician, or therapists about what you’re seeing. A comprehensive evaluation can clarify your child’s needs and guide decisions about supports and school settings. For some children, that means a specialized school where academic and therapeutic support work together and strengths are part of the plan. The goal is the same for every child: meet them where they are, and help them grow from there. November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement

Autism Behavioral Consulting Services

Comprehend the Mind P.C.

kbottalico2002@yahoo.com 516-851-8330 Autism Behavioral Consulting Services is an educational consultant serving Queens, Long Island, and the New York City Metro area. Working directly with families, services include evaluating placement and service options and accompanying parents throughout the CPSE or CSE process, including meetings, screenings, observations, and extensive education history reviews. Other services include staff training, school-based consultation, FBA assessment, BIP implementation, ABA and verbal behavior training techniques, behavior management strategies, home/school intensive behavior intervention services, crisis intervention and prevention, homebased services, and parent education training.

114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills emora@comprehendthemind. com 718-441-0166 comprehendthemind.com Comprehend the Mind is a group of neuropsychologists who diagnose and assess various conditions. They conduct neuropsychological, educational, speech and language, and psychiatric evaluations to help parents understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to plan for their educational success and emotional well-being.

Devereux Devereux New York: 40 Devereux Way, Red Hook, NY 12571 845-758-1899 Devereux CARES: 27 Radio Circle Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 914-941-1991

NYRH-Referrals@devereux.org devereuxny.org Devereux N.Y. provides a wide range of educational, clinical, residential and communitybased programs for children, ages 5-22, and adults through the lifespan, with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral differences, and dual diagnoses. Devereux N.Y. empowers individuals to become happy, healthy and socially-connected members of their communities. They are guided by their mission: To change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.

Dragonfly Cares 535 Broadhollow Rd. A3, Melville, NY hello@dragonflycares.com 516-531-3673 dragonflycares.com Dragonfly Cares aims to

offer exceptional ABA and Speech-Language Therapy services throughout Long Island. They provide school, home, BIS, and centerbased opportunities for early learners and young adults with disabilities all year round. Each individual’s plan is customized to their specific needs, and Dragonfly Cares encourages parent involvement and education. Their team undergoes ongoing professional development training and consistent supervision to ensure clinical excellence with each client.

The Hagedorn Little Village School 750 Hicksville Rd., Seaford jon.feingold@littlevillage.org 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic

The fear of speaking keeps many people from being heard. Visit us online at www.StutteringHelp.org THE

800-992-9392

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STUTTERING FOUNDATION

A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter

services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

Islandia and Plainview offer full-day programming with a multidisciplinary team including special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and a full-time nurse. Services are provided at no cost to families once approved by the CPSE.

Helen Keller Services Children’s Learning Center

Long Island Speech

11 Oval Drive, Islandia, NY 11749 303 Sunnyside Blvd., Plainview, NY 11803 clcenrollment@helenkeller.org 631- 675-2273 helenkeller.org/clclongisland The Helen Keller Services Children’s Learning Center is a specialized preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 with autism, Down syndrome, multiple disabilities, visual impairments, and complex developmental needs. Beginning in January 2027, two Long Island locations in

Stony Brook, Islip Terrace, Westhampton, East Yaphank, Farmingville, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, New Hyde Park contactus@lispeech.com 844-5-SPEECH LIspeech.com Long Island Speech, home of the Spot Pal, is the leading speech therapy provider on Long Island, with nine locations in Nassau and Suffolk County. It specializes in Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmented Communications, Articulation, Feeding Therapy, Auditory

Processing, Expressive/ Receptive Language Disorders, and more. Long Island Speech participates with most major health insurance companies and offers evening and weekend hours.

Playce 360, LLC Playce360.com Info@playce360.com 631-403-0566 Playce 360 helps children build communication, social, and developmental skills while giving parents the tools and guidance to confidently support their child’s growth. Their services include the Parent-Child Play & Communication Program, Parent Coaching, Educational Advocacy, including IEP guidance, and enrichment opportunities. With support tailored to each family’s needs, Playce 360 focuses on recognizing strengths, building connections, and helping every child thrive.

Is your child struggling?

Variety Child Learning Center East Northport, Levittown, Syosset Info@vclc.org 516-921-7171 varietyclc.org Variety Child Learning Center supports the growth, development, and learning of children with diverse needs. Serving children from six weeks to eight years old, Variety offers early intervention, preschool and school-age special education, integrated classrooms, universal pre-K, evaluations, therapeutic services, childcare, and family support. Its dedicated team of educators, therapists, and social workers provides individualized education and therapeutic services tailored to individual needs. Strong partnerships with families and school districts support each child’s educational and developmental journey.

Our center boasts a superior clinical team, short waiting list, and accepts most major insurance plans. We don't just provide diagnosis - we deliver a roadmap towards a better school and home - life.

We provide neuropsychological testing, answers and solutions.

Meet the Author

Call 718-441-0166

Meet the team at Comprehend the Mind

WE HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH:

ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUPPORT:

• Learning Disabilities • ADHD • Autism • Developmental Delays • Mood and behavioral issues (anxiety, depression, anger) • Special Education Advocacy • Custody, visitation and disability evaluations

• Extra time on SATs, ACTs, SHSATs, LSATs, MCATs, GRE • Advocating for IEPs, 504s, accommodations for all tests • Non-public or private school placement • Medication and Therapy Management • Custody and visitation recommendations for courts and families.

Major commercial insurances, Zelle and Venmo accepted

Call 718-441-0166

About us!

www.ComprehendTheMind.com 114-20 Queens Blvd #CS2, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Dr. Sanam Hafeez is the author of "Clinical Perspectives on Recent Trends in Autism Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment

Available Now on Amazon

Dr. Sanam Hafeez FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Dr. Hafeez founded comprehend the Mind over 20 years ago to provide children and adults with data - driven guidance. She has conducted thousands of evaluations throughout her career while continuing to teach and write. Dr. Hafeez is regularly interviewed by major news outlets and magazines. She is a published author of PTSD and Autism having literally " written the book" on autism.

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

EDUCATION

Getting on Track for Preschool BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD

f preschool is on your mind, fall is a great time to start planning. Across New York, families are beginning to research programs, attend open houses, and navigate the preschool admissions process. With so many options, from play-based programs to Montessori classrooms, finding the right fit for your little one can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to have it all figured out at once. A little research now can help you feel more confident as you explore your options. Here are five tips to help you get on track for preschool and nursery school. Start With Location In New York, location matters. A preschool might look perfect on paper, but think about how it will fit into your family’s everyday routine. Is it close to home, near your workplace, or an easy walk from the subway? Consider drop-off and pick-up logistics, especially if you have another child at a different school or need to coordinate with a caregiver. Helpful tip: Map out your realistic morning commute before falling in love with a school. A convenient location can make a big difference during those early-morning rushes. Find a School Philosophy That Fits Your Child Preschools come in all shapes and sizes, with different approaches to learning, play, and social development. Some emphasize childled exploration, while others follow more structured curricula or specific educational philosophies, such as Montessori or Waldorf. Start by browsing school websites to get a feel for their approach. Think about your child’s personality, interests, and learning style, too. Do they thrive with lots of independence, or would they benefit from a more structured environment? You don’t need to know all the answers, but understanding what matters to your family is a good place to start.

Check the Hours and Schedule A school’s schedule can be just as important as its curriculum. Some programs offer half-day options, while others provide longer days, extended care, or early drop-off and late pick-up. Before adding a school to your shortlist, find out what its schedule looks like and whether it works with your family’s needs. Ask about aftercare, holiday closures, and whether extended hours come at an additional cost. If you’re balancing work and school pick-up, these details can make or break an otherwise great fit. Attend Open Houses and School Tours Fall is a useful time to start exploring schools in person, as many families begin gathering information well ahead of application deadlines. Check each school’s website for open houses, tours, and admissions events, since dates and processes vary. During a visit, pay attention to more than the classrooms. Do the teachers seem warm and engaged? Are the children comfortable

30 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

and involved? Does the environment feel welcoming? Ask about the daily routine, communication with parents, and how teachers support children as they adjust to school. Don’t be shy about asking questions. This is your chance to get a sense of what your child’s day might actually look like. Look for the Right Fit, Not the Perfect School It’s easy to get caught up in finding the perfect preschool, especially when you’re navigating the many choices available in right here. But the best school for your family is one where your child can feel safe, supported, and excited to learn, and where the practical details work for you, too. As you narrow your list, consider the school’s approach to social-emotional development, how it supports children with different needs, and how it partners with families. And remember that every child is different. A school that works beautifully for one family may not be the right match for another. Do you.

NEW NURSERY CLASS BEGINNING IN JANUARY For children ages 2 years, 9 months to approximately 4½ years.

Small discoveries. Beautiful beginnings. Purposeful play. Stories and songs. Time to explore, create, and make friends. A nurturing place for your child’s ﬁrst steps toward independence.

Scan to Schedule a Visit & Apply Begin their journey here.

NURSERY THROUGH GRADE 12 225 Cambridge Avenue • Garden City, NY 11530

waldorfgarden.org | 516.742.3434

Quick trip to Hollywood? Just head to Queens. Bring the whole family, with kid-friendly exhibits, screenings, and more. Visit movingimage.org for hours and more information.

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

EDUCATION

TOP Preschools & Montessori Schools Choosing a preschool is a big milestone for both you and your child! It’s a chance for little ones to explore, make friends, and learn new skills while you enjoy a little breathing room. New York preschools offer welcoming environments where kids can build confidence, practice independence, and get comfortable with routines that prepare them for kindergarten. With engaging activities and caring teachers, there’s plenty of room for learning, play, and discovery. Ready to find the right fit for your family? Explore our picks for preschools and Montessori schools in your area!

Buckley Country Day School 2 I. U. Willets Road, Roslyn, NY 11576 516-627-1910, cfortuna@buckleycountryday.com buckleycountryday.com

Buckley Country Day School is an inclusive community that nurtures the whole child, preparing students for success in high school, college, and beyond. The school’s mission, Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind, is at the heart of its curriculum, where Buckley’s youngest learners embark on a lifetime of discovery in a caring, positive environment. The Early Childhood program supports children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning, laying a strong foundation for entry into Lower School. Buckley welcomes students at 2 years old in Pre-Nursery and admits students on a rolling basis through grade 7. Visit their 28-acre Roslyn campus and discover the difference a Buckley education can make.

Countryside Montessori School

Friends Academy

354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422, info@cmsgn.com cmsgn.com

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-676-0393, admissions@fa.org friendsacademy.org

Countryside Montessori School believes in creating a peaceful atmosphere where respect toward each other, community and the environment are an everyday occurrence. The school offers children ages 18 months to 6 years a well-balanced and enriched curriculum, which includes traditional subjects, art, and music. They are in an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious. The school has two toddler classrooms and two primary classrooms. The toddler class is for 18 months to 3 years old. The primary class is for 3 to 6-year-olds and includes nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten. The primary class curriculum contemplates a three-year cycle. There are after-school programs offered throughout the school year.

At Friends Academy, a culture of inquiry, engagement, and reflection begins in Early Childhood. Starting at this stage provides children with the foundation needed for success in the school’s rigorous academic programs in later years. The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum nurtures curiosity and builds essential skills in literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Rooted in Quaker values, the program encourages exploration, investigation, and inquiry as the basis for all learning. Friends Academy believes children learn best when they are passionate and motivated. Multi-sensory, hands-on experiences help students develop critical thinking skills, express themselves with confidence, and appreciate the voices and ideas of others.

32 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

Portledge School 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 516-750-3224, admissions@portledge.org portledge.org/academics/early-childhood

The Green Vale School 250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville 516-621-2420, admissions@greenvaleschool.org greenvaleschool.org

The Green Vale School is Long Island’s preeminent private school for pre-nursery (age 2) through grade 8. Green Vale’s early childhood program, which includes pre-nursery through kindergarten, is designed to nurture young minds in a warm, kind, and cozy environment. Great emphasis is placed on developing the whole child and fostering academic, social, and emotional growth during these critical formative years. In addition to a vibrant and dynamic academic curriculum, students are introduced to a rich variety of specials— ranging from outdoor play, science, Spanish, music, technology, and physical education. With our expansive 40-acre campus as their learning playground, Green Vale’s youngest learners are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow in every way possible.

Portledge School’s Early Childhood program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in its youngest students. Serving children in Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, the program offers a warm, engaging environment where social-emotional growth is prioritized alongside early academic development. Through play-based, hands-on experiences, students build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and collaboration. Thoughtfully designed classrooms and outdoor spaces encourage exploration, creativity, and independence. Guided by experienced educators, children develop routines, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging, preparing them for a successful transition into Lower School and beyond.

The Waldorf School of Garden City 225 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 516-742-3434, info@waldorfgarden.org waldorfgarden.org

Variety Child Learning Center East Northport, Levittown, Syosset 516-921-7171, Info@vclc.org varietyclc.org

Variety Child Learning Center is a nonprofit organization chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, supporting the development, education, and inclusion of children with diverse learning needs. Serving children from six weeks to eight years old, Variety offers programs at four Long Island locations, as well as in homes and community settings. Programs include early intervention, preschool and school-age special education, integrated classrooms, universal pre-K, evaluations, therapeutic services, childcare, and family support. Its dedicated team of educators, social workers, psychologists, and speech, occupational, and physical therapists provides individualized education and services addressing children’s academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs. Strong partnerships with families and school districts further support the children they serve.

The Waldorf School of Garden City’s Early Childhood program offers a joyful foundation for learning through movement, imagination, relationships, and hands-on discovery. In warm, welcoming classrooms, their screenfree curriculum balances child-led play with teacher-guided experiences, including baking bread, art, storytelling, music, and outdoor exploration. A familiar daily rhythm gives children opportunities to follow their curiosity, build friendships, and contribute to their classroom community. Through these meaningful experiences, children practice listening, cooperating, expressing their needs, and doing more for themselves. Their approach respects each stage of development while supporting growing independence and the foundations for later learning. November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

EDUCATION

Westbury Friends School 550 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 516-333-3178, canderson@westburyfriends.org westburyfriendsschool.org

Westbury Friends School provides a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where children are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Guided by its mission to teach children to live peacefully in a diverse world, the school offers nursery, pre-kindergarten, Spanish immersion, dual-language kindergarten, and early childhood programs. Small, diverse class sizes allow for individualized attention and differentiated instruction from highly qualified, dedicated teachers. Students explore their interests through engaging enrichment opportunities, including mindfulness, gardening, yoga, chorus, library, Spanish cooking, literacy, movement, STEAM, and Sensational Playtime. The school also offers affordable tuition, financial assistance, before- and after-care, and summer camp open to everyone. With an emphasis on community, character development, and hands-on learning, Westbury Friends School helps young learners build a strong foundation for lifelong growth.

YMCA of Long Island Childcare Bay Shore, Glen Cove, Huntington, Patchogue 855-296-2254, childcare@ymcali.org ymcali.org/childcare

The YMCA of Long Island’s Early Childhood/Preschool Programs are committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for young children to learn, grow, and develop social skills. Teachers create a warm and loving atmosphere while offering a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum, where children can play, discover, and learn. The development of independence, trust and initiative is fostered through a balanced program of choice and structure, quiet and active play, and group and individual time. Programs encourage children to explore, experiment, and learn through literacy, science, dramatic play, block building, art, music, and manipulative materials, all while acquiring school readiness skills of reading and math. Age ranges for Early Childhood/Preschool Programs are 18 months - 4 years old (be sure to check your local branch as ages vary per branch).

COUNTRYSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teachers in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential! Our fully equipped, spacious classrooms offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 mos - 6 yrs Afﬁliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998

• Spacious playground • Large classrooms • Low teacher-student ratio • Early drop-off and extended day available 34 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

After Care Available Daily Until 5pm 354 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, NY

516-466-8422 info@cmsgn.com www.CMSGN.com

FROM AGE 2 THROUGH GRADE 8

Start School at Buckley. Visit Buckley’s 28-acre campus and discover a joyful, nurturing education intentionally designed to grow with your child.

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Buckley Country Day School Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind

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November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

SPONSORED CONTENT

BEST Birthday Party Places!

irthdays only come once a year, and it’s a day most kids look forward to for months. As a parent, you want to make your child’s big day fun and memorable without spending weeks stressing over every exhausting detail. The right birthday party venue can make your child feel like the star of the show, with fun activities, plenty of time with friends, and a celebration they’ll never forget. Plus, with the venue handling the planning and setup, you can relax, enjoy the party, and actually be part of the fun! Check out some top birthday party spots below. Adventureland

2245 Broadhollow Road Farmingdale, NY 11735 631-694-6868 GuestRelations@adventureland.us adventureland.us

Give your child an unforgettable celebration at Adventureland. Adventureland features dozens of rides, a food court, a restaurant, concession stands, two taverns, midway games, an arcade, and more. Big kids can experience the FireBall Coaster, Turbulence Coaster, and the Music Express! Rides like the farm train, carousel, and helicopters will keep the little ones entertained for the whole day! Party packages include admission into the park, 2 hours of unlimited riding throughout the park, followed by 45 minutes of eating at your selected dining area, unlimited riding for the remainder of the day, a party hostess to serve the party, a tablecloth, and happy birthday hats & napkins.

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As guests step into the world of monsters, they are greeted by friendly human staff. The monster birthday parties are designed to create an unforgettable experience for children and their friends. They are filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of monstrous fun, with private party rooms complete with spooky decorations. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park offers a laser maze and a virtual reality experience. The Garden City location offers a laser maze, bowling and a virtual reality experience. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather.

645 Stewart Ave, Garden City 631-417-5904 gardencity@monsterminigolf.com

Wildlife Conservation Society Education (WCS): Bronx Zoo, Queens

36 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, New York Aquarium and Central Park Zoo 800-433-4149 bzeducation@wcs.org; cpzeducation@wcs.org; nyaeducation@wcs.org, ppzeducation@wcs.org, qzeducation@wcs.org bronxzoo.com/birthday-parties

Celebrate your little party animal! Planning your child’s best day ever is easy with family-approved party packages in a fun and educational setting. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s zoos and aquarium each offer different educational birthday programming. Parties include park admission for your group, space to celebrate, exhibit experiences, upclose animal visits and more. WCS Educators bring learning to life with fun hands-on activities that keep kids engaged. Party package themes, prices, availability, and offerings vary at each park.

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November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

MONEY

Enjoying the Holidays on a Budget BY JEANNINE CINTRON

’m heading into this holiday season on the budget of all budgets, and it’s not easy. There’s so much to do during the holidays, especially in New York, and, it’s tough when you see parents taking their kids somewhere enthralling every week of December when you can barely afford to snap a photo with a mall Santa. If you’re on an extremely tight budget this year, try not to lose hope. You don’t have to channel your inner Scrooge just yet. Here are some things you can do to enjoy the holiday season with your family – without breaking the bank. Holiday lights. Is it just me, or have the neighbors really stepped up their outdoor holiday game in the past few years? I blame social media, since these displays aren’t always just for the eyes of passers-by. Whatever the reason, sometimes a stroll or a drive through your neighborhood is all you need to bump up the holiday spirit. Skip the expensive cocoa at Starbucks and make your own at home to sip while you enjoy the sparkling lights in your area. Volunteer With so much focus on gifts and consumerism, it’s easy to forget what the holiday season is truly about. There’s no better time to stress the importance of being grateful for what

you have, and to take the opportunity to help those in need. Volunteering your time or even purchasing a small toy to donate, if you can, is perhaps the best way to get your family into the true spirit of the season. Free events You might be pleasantly surprised to find a lot of holiday events are free of charge. Be sure to check our calendar for things to do every day, where we list tons of free or low-cost events. Many neighborhoods hold annual tree and menorah lighting events, and some even take it a step further with parades or strolls. In my neighborhood, the local volunteer fire department drives through the streets with Santa onboard to delight the children every year on a Saturday before Christmas. Go to our homepage at newyorkfamily.com to stay up-to-date on all the holiday happenings this season. Window shopping Sure, not every city has storefronts that catch your eye from a block away, but we live in one of the most magical cities in the world during the holiday season. For New Yorkers, a simple stroll down Fifth is all you need to restore your holiday joy. When you’re done, snag a photo at the world famous tree in Rockefeller Center. There’s truly nowhere like New York City at Christmas.

38 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

Tree trimming “party” No one likes lugging boxes of decorations out of storage, but, if you turn it into a party, you might find your family a bit more helpful. Turn up the holiday music, bake some yummy cookies, and make a day of trimming the tree. I let my son put a small tree in his room this year, and suddenly he was jollier than old St. Nick himself! DIY gifts You might think handmade gifts look cheap, but I disagree. If someone takes the time to create something just for you, it’s automatically ten times more meaningful. If you can knit or crochet, now is the perfect time of year for an extra scarf (easy project for beginners like me!) or a pair of gloves. Baking up a batch of someone’s favorite cookies or even hand-crafted bracelets can be a lovely gesture that won’t cost much at all. Plus, it’s an activity you can do with the family, making it all the more special. Holiday movie night If there’s one thing there’s no shortage of, it’s holiday movies. New movies emerge every year to add to the growing list of timeless holiday classics. You can make a whole day or night of cozying up with some snacks and the remote to get lost in a holiday film-a-thon. Melt some minty chocolate to dress up your popcorn and make it festive!

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MOM STORIES

The Friendships That Stretch and the Ones That Shift For moms, the right support network can change over time BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD

eing a good friend is something I’ve had to schooled on over time. I have been learning to do this since preschool— seriously, I remember friend fun and drama that early on. And I’m not saying I was the only one who was always crappy. I think most of us have been working our sh*t out since pre-K! I’ve learned what it means to be a friend, and a grown-up one at that, and how to handle friendships over the years. Basically, I did great sometimes and not so great other times. I don’t think I fully understood how much my best friend had given to me until she had her first child. She’d gotten married and started her family years before I did. Something in me shifted. I knew that our friendship was

changing. I had always been a little selfish, if I’m honest. A little bratty. I was nowhere near having a baby. Adulting was becoming a reality for all my friends, and this friendship was about to shift, and I had to meet it and be there for her. Not because I was afraid of losing the relationship, but because I couldn’t just show up for the fun stuff anymore. It was time to be all in. Besides missing family and friends, I was ready to move back to my hometown, and this baby—who was growing fast—was also the best reason. And I wanted that baby to know me. So it was a mix of being a better friend and letting a toddler know “I had her back.” So mature. I know. Honestly, it was about becoming a better version of myself inside a relationship that was growing rapidly. And I wanted in. I wanted to grow up, too, to be present.

40 NewYorkFamily.com | November/December 2026

Friendship could be its own newsletter. Just talking about it and all its layers and complexities is a feat. However, what I’ve found — and continue to find —is that as our priorities shift, so do we. I’ve watched myself reach for different people at different times, not always knowing why, but drawn to those who get it, who feel easy, who still fit. But something about being a mom has shown me that friendships don’t always stretch with us. The day-to-day pulls at us— more from our bodies, our schedules, our energy—and something has to give. We cancel. We forget to text back. We mean to reach out and then don’t. Or we just… change. Those “mommy friends” I had when my oldest was small—we were in the weeds together, like mom friends are. How could we not be? Any parent knows that with those PTA meetings and playdates... you’re now part

of a tribe. But it’s different now, and I miss the everyday connection. I always say to first-time mom friends: work through the rough patches and keep that connection. The grief we don’t name when a friendship fades is often like a breakup. No big talk. Just space that gets quieter, then wider, until you look up and realize it’s been months, then years. Some friendships end because of our faults. Sometimes it’s because one of us couldn’t see that the versions of ourselves we were when we knew each other had shifted too much. And, hell yes, when a close friendship isn’t what it used to be, it stings. There are friendships I know I didn’t do a great job of keeping going. At other times, I felt someone quietly let go of me, without any big drama. There are no villains here. Only humans. Just doing their best.

I’ve been thinking about friendships lately, especially now that I have fewer around since the kids are no longer babies. We’re not all hanging around at pickups and drop-offs these days. In the pyramid of mom cliques (yes, sorry, there are mom cliques unfortunately, get on board), there’s a real difference between how we make and keep friends during those early school years versus now, when the kids are walking themselves to school and (they think) don’t need us as much. It’s a new chapter of life, and it’s not always easy. Some friendships fade. Some stretch. Some surprise you by sticking around in new forms. And I think it’s worth talking about—because it’s not just our relationships changing, it’s us. To me, a real friendship is elastic. It stretches with time, distance, and chaos. It’s built on deep trust, not constant check-ins.

I’m loyal in that quiet, steady way. A wise old friend—ten years ahead of me in life (ha ha, when you’re 20 that feels SO OLD)—once said to me, after I asked her why she stayed close with someone who could be a lot: “I wouldn’t have any friends if I needed them to be perfect.” I always remember this as a reminder to myself that a friendship doesn’t need to be measured via perfection. Now, with some lessons under my belt and my kids spending time around my friends, I hope they also learn that friendship doesn’t have to be flawless to be real. My oldest sees it. He sees how I show up, my friendship with my ride-or-die bestie (his Godmother). He sees that a good one can stretch, take a few hits, even go quiet for a while, and still hold. And (I hope) he sees that showing up, imperfectly, messily, honestly, is more than enough.

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

PROFILE

A Baby, a Business, and a Whole Lot of Bark Meet Gabriella Desposito-Carlson, the mom behind the pack and founder of Barkhouse, who turned her love of dogs into an entrepreneurial dream

BY DONNA DUARTE LADD

mall world, full circle is how this month’s story goes. Gabriella DespositoCarlson is the sister of my longtime friend and former New York Family editor-at-large, Cris Pearlstein. I’ve known Cris for years, so when I heard Gabriella was opening a doggie daycare, I was curious about the mom behind this new venture. What inspired it? What did it take to get here? And what happens when an idea turns into something of your own? With a background in education, a young son, and three dogs of her own, Gabriella knows a thing or two about caring for little beings who depend on you. Now she’s brought that same mama-bear energy she has for her two-year-old, Brando, to Barkhouse, the dog daycare she built with her husband, Jeffrey, to give New York City dogs the thoughtful care they deserve. Watching Gabriella with the dogs at our photo shoot? She was absolutely in her element. Her warmth, instinct, and the way she seemed to know exactly what each dog needed said everything. For Gabriella, care isn’t just what she does; it’s who she is. As someone who writes about motherhood, I’m always drawn to the ways becoming a mother changes not just how we see our kids, but how we see ourselves. Gabriella’s story got me thinking about how much of who we are as mothers carries into the rest of our lives. For her, that instinct to care has shaped how she’s built her business. It’s a reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to pull us away from who we are; it can also help us see new possibilities for ourselves. So, how does one build a business, raise a little human, and keep a pack of pups happy along the way? I sat down with Gabriella to

talk about motherhood, ambition, and taking a leap on a dream. You’re a born-and-bred New Yorker, now raising your son here. What makes New York home for you, and why build your business here? New York has always been home and will always be home. As much as I love traveling, there’s something that can’t replace the feeling of walking these streets. We’ve met so many of our friends from spontaneous sidewalk interactions, usually sparked by our dogs or our son. That element of serendipity is something I want Brando to experience, teaching him from day one to love being outside, love meeting new people, and practice kindness every day. One of his daily interactions is with a legless man who hangs out on our corner, one of the friendliest people, who clearly lights up when Brando greets him with a wide smile. Moments like that make living here so unique. We’ve always talked about ways to leave our mark, put our stamp on the fabric of this city, and it wasn’t until the idea of Barkhouse came along that we felt like we finally understood what that could look like. We feel so fortunate to have a business that provides not just excellent service to our fellow New Yorkers, but also has that intangible New-York quality embedded into its DNA. It’s truly an honor and a privilege, something we’re still pinching ourselves about. How did you and Jeffrey come up with the idea for Barkhouse? We were itching to start a business together, one that combined our love of design and hospitality. We toyed with a few ideas, but nothing had that fired up YES from both of us. At the time, I was pregnant, feeling all

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the symptoms, and unable to play with my 1.5-year-old puppy girl, Goldie. I didn’t love the daycare options, so instead we took the easy route and added another dog to the mix. Ha! We assumed our new precious Sonny boy would be the perfect playmate for Goldie, and he was, but we soon learned that just because you have two doesn’t mean it replaces the need for daycare. We scoured the city again for an option we loved, but still came up short. Nothing out there felt thoughtful enough for us to entrust them with our particular doxie pups (IYKYK). That’s when Jeffrey had his aha moment. It initially seemed far-fetched (no pun intended!), but I quickly realized this was the perfect place for us to apply our combined skill set. I had a vision for the space, the branding, and the way we’d cultivate community, and he had the ability to build, operate, and manage a business. Together, we have huge hearts and the capacity to provide excellent care to every single pup that walks through our door. With a baby on the way and 2 dog babies to care for, it didn’t look like the right time on paper to quit our careers to start a completely new venture. Now, ten months in, we can honestly say we’re living our dream job. How has your background in art and education shaped your approach to Barkhouse? After graduating with my BFA in painting and art history and working in the NYC art gallery scene, I ultimately found my way to art education. I come from the service-based industry as a waitress prior to starting my career, and looking back, it makes sense that I ended up where I am today, at the same time becoming a mother to my son. I’m most passionate when helping or serving someone,

Serving dogs. Bringing a mother’s level of care to everything I do because, as nature has proved time and time again, a mother’s care can grow anything. Deep in my mama bear era and very proud of Barkhouse. Has becoming a mom changed the way you think about ambition, work, or what success looks like? I wasn’t one of those women who always knew I wanted to become a mom. I did know I wanted to become an expert, honing whatever skills and talents I may have, live purposefully, carving out an intentionally creative life. I didn’t know becoming a mother to a son and three dogs in a NYC apartment fit into that plan, but somehow the chaos of it all makes it all the more beautiful. I’ve noticed that my best work and my most proud moments as a mother or as a business owner are when I’m fully present, not multitasking to cross off that to-do list even faster. It’s in the slow moments when I task my son as sous-chef, picking basil leaves off the vine in preparation for our sauce. It’s in the slow morning belly rubs, serenading one pup at a time. It’s when I’m too lit up from connecting with a likeminded business owner to know a call has gone past our scheduled 30 minutes. I haven’t yet figured out how to answer emails while carrying my toddler down 5th Ave. when he suddenly refuses to walk. Nor have I figured out how to make him laugh while also writing a pup’s update to their parents, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe I’m not supposed to. Maybe we’re not supposed to. Maybe the trick really is embodying one of my favorite quotes, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” I have more empathy and offer more grace to all of the women doing the thing now that I’ve become a mother. You never know who’s holding what in our metaphoric girl grip that we all somehow make look so effortless.

Photo by Jesse Dittmar

and education, the dog daycare industry, and motherhood feel very similar in practice. Essentially, all three careers allow me to provide exceptional care to the most precious family members. Communicating with parents, earning their trust, and genuinely loving and

caring for their child, 2- or 4-legged, is the most important part of the job, and it’s what lights me up. Sometimes you can only see how the dots connect after, but looking back, being of service in a creative way is what I am most passionate about. Serving people.

What has starting a business taught you about yourself? Starting a business, with no safety net, is not for the weak! But with that said, it’s also the most rewarding. It taught me that I’m stronger, more capable, and more of a doer than I ever thought possible. No matter how much advice you seek out, or how much you research, the best teacher is in the ‘doing’. The momentum is so important. As you put things into motion, the solutions inevitably reveal themselves, and you come to realize your potential. The fear that builds up before you start dissipates once you’re in the ring, and confidence replaces it.

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

calendar BY SHARA LEVINE

NASSAU

Disney Descendants, Zombies & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 8, 7 pm WHERE: UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tnpk., Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Experience a night packed with hits from “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES,” and “Camp Rock,” in a brandnew production with fresh mashups and fan favorite songs WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $58.25. ubsarena.com

LuminoCity Holiday Lights WHEN: Nov. 11 – Jan. 3; see website for complete schedule WHERE: Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Tnpk., East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Journey through 14 acres of dazzling lights across four immersive worlds: Magical Wonderwood, Dino Safari, Holidayville, and Tundra Twilight. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $36.53 for adults and $28.46 ages 4 – 12. luminocityfestival. com

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 4 pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 4 and under WHAT: Join Ms. Appleberry, JJ, Cody, Nina and Cece for an interactive show that brings CoComelon’s vibrant world to life, inviting families to sing, dance, and play together. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $46.50. (516) 299–3100, tillescenter.org

LuminoCity Holiday Lights at Eisenhower Park Disney on Ice Spotlight Magic! WHEN: Nov. 11 – 15; see website for complete schedule WHERE: UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tnpk., Elmont AGES: All WHAT: This all-new spectacular features never-before-seen performances, chart-topping Disney songs, and more than 30 beloved Disney characters. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $46. disneyonice.com

Magic of Lights WHEN: Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, Fridays and Saturdays, 5 – 11 pm, Sundays – Thursdays, 5 – 10 pm WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: This dazzling, drivethrough holiday lights experience features favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital

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animations. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $22 per carload. magicoflights. com

1863 Thanksgiving Day Celebration WHEN: Nov. 21 – 22, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Experience a Civil War– era Thanksgiving with cooking demonstrations, customs, historic reenactments and more. WANT TO GO?: $15; $12 ages 60 and older and children 5-12; free for children 4 and younger. oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org

Good vs Evil Royal Tea Party WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21, 3 – 5 pm

WHERE: Sparkle on Stage, 195 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport AGES: 3 – 8 WHAT: Little ones are invited to join Snow White and the Evil Queen for an enchanted afternoon of royal rivalry, etiquette lessons, & teatime treats. WANT TO GO?: $35. anovelprincessparty.com

Pete the Cat WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21, 3 pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington AGES: 4 – 9 WHAT: Join Jimmy and Pete as they set off on an adventure in Pete’s VW Bus to find inspiration, magic sunglasses, and friendship! WANT TO GO?: $45. landmarkonmainstreet.org

Spider-Man Skate Party WHEN: Friday, Nov. 27, 4 – 6 pm

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

WHERE: Calverton Airport, 4062 Grumman Blvd., Calverton AGES: All WHAT: Drive through a glowing holiday wonderland filled with hundreds of dazzling light displays, larger-than-life holiday scenes, brilliant tunnels of light, and exciting new displays. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $25 per car. holidaylightshow. com

WHERE: United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Meet Spider-Man in person, snap an awesome photo, skate to great music, and enjoy an afternoon of family fun on the rink WANT TO GO?: $17.50; $15.50 in advance; $7 skate rental; $6 non-skating adult. (516) 795– 5474, unitedskates.com

Jolly Jamboree

Sunday Funday: Treetop Friends

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 28, 5:30 pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Families can make merry together with hands-on art projects, holiday-themed performances, and surprise visits from some Santa and some jolly friends. WANT TO GO?: $16. (516) 224–5800, licm.org

SUFFOLK Santa Photos WHEN: Nov. 6 – Dec. 24, see website for complete schedule WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Visit Santa to share your wishes and take memorable photos. WANT TO GO?: Photo packages begin at $44.99. simon.com

Raptor Day: Meet Live Eagles, Falcons, Hawks WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 am & 1 pm WHERE: Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy raptor face painting for children, raffle prizes, an art auction, and an exciting presentation and demonstration featuring a live raptor. WANT TO GO?: $20; $10 ages 12 and younger. (631) 854– 5579, vanderbiltmuseum.org

Roots, Rhythms & Stories WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7, 5:30

calendar

Author Katharine Holabird Reads “Angelina Ballerina” at the Children’s Museum of the East End – 7 pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: This interactive community event honors our connection to Mother Earth and each other featuring a walk through woodland trail, Native American music, and an art project. WANT TO GO?: $25; $15 per child. (631) 878–6644, longislandgamefarm.com

Kids’ Night Out WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 5:30 – 8 pm WHERE: OFVS Studio at Project MOST, 44 Meadow Way, East Hampton AGES: 6 – 10 WHAT: Drop the kids off for an evening of fun movies, crafts, snacks, and pizza. WANT TO GO?: $30. (631) 507–4603, projectmost.org

Holiday Princess Tea Party WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 15, 10 am & 12:30 pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main St., Riverhead

AGES: All WHAT: Bring your little royal to dance and sing with all of their favorite Princesses, enjoy formal white glove tea service, and take photos of a lifetime. WANT TO GO?: $55; $49 children 2-12; $10.35 ages 2 and younger. longislandaquarium. com

Pickle-Making Workshop & Tasting WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 15, 1 – 4 pm & 3 – 4 pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This National Pickle Day, discover what whalers ate out at sea – including pickles! Taste pickle samples as you explore the science of food preservation, and make your own pickles. WANT TO GO?: $15 plus $6 – $8 admission. cshwhalingmuseum.org

Riverhead Holiday Light Show WHEN: Nov. 20 – Dec. 31, see website for schedule

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 22, 1 – 3 pm WHERE: Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: Learn about local trees and meet the animal friends who live in them while doing a craft, going on a short walk, and participating in a fun activity. WANT TO GO?: $15; $5 adult. (631) 979–6344, sweetbriarnc. org

Sing-a-Long Santa WHEN: Nov. 28 – Dec. 30, see website for complete schedule WHERE: Cm Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: Join Santa and a host of his musical friends for a theatrical event that promises the magic and merriment of the most wonderful time of the year! WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $26. (631) 218–2810, cmpac. com

Author Katharine Holabird Reads “Angelina Ballerina” WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 28, 10:30 – 11:15 am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Join “Angelina Ballerina” and “Twinkle” series author, Katharine Holabird, for a live reading of one of her timeless classics. WANT TO GO?: $25. (631) 537–8250, cmee.org

November/December 2026 | Long Island Family

SHOPPING

Lapland’s First U.S. Christmas Shop Is Here Beloved British brand brings North Pole to Fifth Avenue BY DANIELLE RAMOS

he British Christmas brand is opening its first U.S. store near Fifth Avenue, with holiday gifts, Elf-made treasures, hot chocolate, and an old-fashioned real Christmas experience for families. If you are already searching for ways to usher in the magic of Christmas (before even buying Halloween candy!), there’s a new holiday destination coming to New York City this year. Lapland Store, the British brand known for giving visitors a heartwarming Christmas experience, is opening its first-ever U.S. retail location right in the heart of Manhattan on November 4, 2026. The 3,800-square-foot store will be located at 3 West 57th Street, just steps from Fifth Avenue (and Bergdorf’s). And know this: it’s not your typical flashy, over-the-top holiday shop and doesn’t wish to be. The space is designed to bring families into Lapland’s Elven World, complete with holiday decorations, Elf encounters, hot chocolate, and Christmas treasures to take home. It’s more of what you might envision Christmas could be without all the hoopla. How the Lapland Store Began Almost twenty years ago, the store was founded in Britain in 2007 by husband-and-wife team Alison and Michael Battle. They created Lapland around the idea of making Christmas feel especially magical for children. “Everything we have created at Lapland began with wanting to honor the precious and fleeting years of childhood,” said Alison and Michael Battle. “To now see the world we created for our own children begin its journey to America is incredibly special. New York feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter.” The brand has since grown into a full

Christmas world, with its own characters, stories and traditions. Its live experiences in the U.K. have attracted more than 2 million visitors, including David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, and Prince William and Kate Middleton. A Christmas Shop With Much More Than Just Shopping The new Manhattan location is designed to feel more like stepping into a Christmas story than walking into a traditional store. Families can explore the Elven World, see the holiday displays, meet the Elves who are known to have crafted the treasures, and warm up with authentic Lapland hot chocolate. Kids can also sit in Father Christmas’s chair beneath the Elf Hat to find out whether they’ve made it onto the Good List. The NYC opening comes after Lapland Store began selling to American shoppers online in 2025. The brand says its Christmas Eve Collection sold out in just six days after launching in the U.S. What Can You Buy at Lapland Store? The store’s products are designed around the stories and traditions of Lapland’s Christmas world. The idea gets at heart of Christmas or at least what Christmas should be, striving to make the items feel like treasures that could have come directly from Father Christmas’s home. In our current world of rushing, spending, and constantly doing too much, it’s a welcome respite from the chaos of it all.

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There are three new collections this year: The Lapland Advent of Belief: The 25day countdown includes a different surprise behind each door, including illustrated stocking-book stories, soft toys, snow globes and treats. Each day is meant to reveal another piece of the Lapland story. Tree of Treasures: The Tree of Treasures collection is designed to turn decorating the Christmas tree into a family tradition. The set includes six ceramic baubles decorated with Father Christmas and his Elves, along with wooden decorations and velvet bows. The pieces come in individual keepsake tins inside a larger Tree of Treasures Chest. The Christmas Eve Collection: For families who treat Christmas Eve as the main event, this collection is designed to make the night feel even more magical. It includes 100% cotton Lapland pajamas, a letter from Father Christmas, a Storytime Blanket, a mug and hot chocolate, and reindeer food to sprinkle outside before bedtime. NYC Lapland Store Will Be Seasonal The store is planned as a seasonal holiday destination. Lapland says its first American Christmas chapter will run through the end of 2026, with the store closing after the holiday season and reopening for next year’s Christmas story. Lapland Store opens November 4, 2026, at 3 West 57th Street in Manhattan. The U.S. collection will also be available online soon at Lapland Store.

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