Founders

Deb Natale Co-Founder – In 2012 two parents, a grandparent and a teacher founded New Leaps Academy. We were one of the only schools for children with special needs in a 15-mile radius. We worked hard to bring NLA to our community to assist as many families as possible, educating their children and working on developing independent life skills. It has been a mission and passion. My granddaughter Hailey was and is the reason we are here working with these children every day. Life skills are very important, and we focus on them every chance we get. Some of our students will be with us until they are 22 years old, and others will spend a couple of years and then will be able to enter a mainstream environment. It is my hope as one of the original co-Founders that New Leaps Academy continue this mission for years to come. I am so proud to be a part of it from day one.

Jasmine Ferrara – Co-Founder- Wife and mother of 2. Our youngest daughter Hailey was diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation type 1 at 3. Secondary to her diagnosis she has developmental and speech delays. She utilizes American Sign Language as her primary form of communication. We have struggled with meeting her educational and developmental needs for years in both the public and private school settings. We needed a better option for her to achieve her individual goals for growth and development. New L.E.A.P.S. Academy was created with staff with specialized credentials to match the needs of our exceptional children. I see New L.E.A.P.S. Academy as a “family” that enriches every day by working hard, teaching and encouraging our children to reach their full potential.