Staten Island, NY — Four Staten Island professionals have teamed up to enable clients of all ages and backgrounds to stay fit, delve into the arts, and learn about new subjects all under one roof1 created two huge recreation centers.
Combining talent and expertise, the entrepreneurs set out to open The Fusion Programs, a 4,800-square-foot center in Dong’an Hills in September.
Designed to nurture the unique talents and interests of children, teenagers, and adults, the comprehensive facility is home to nationally-certified educators Maria Casale and her husband, creative artist George Casale. The brainchild of Casale, it resides in New Dope and owns the LEAP Tutor Academy. They teamed up with former Olympian Frank Mensah and adaptive programmer Diane Campione, both Olympic fit, and the perfect “fusion” happened.
“Frank and I work with adults 21 and older, post-special education adults, and post-secondary students,” explains Campione. “because [The Casales] Didn’t get into the adult part of it. And when we all worked together, it became a beautiful and creative collaboration. “
Fusion offers classes in technology, coding, beauty, aesthetics, fitness, dance, cooking, games, theater, social media classes, and DIY. [do it yourself] Beyond art projects, you’ll also learn how to bring your talents to the YouTube production stage.
The center’s program includes activities and classes for ages 2 and up. “Our various programs are available for children, teens and adults. Fusion Programs was founded out of a need to provide individuals with creative outlets for expression,” said George Casale. I’m here. (Courtesy of The Fusion Programs)
“Each of us has come up with a model for delivering quality programming,” she said. “Educators, athletes, graphic artists and adaptive programmers have proven to be a great combination of talent, motivation and dedication. The Fusion program is a unique blend of innovation and recreation housed in a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility. It’s a fusion.”
Suitable for all ages
The center’s program includes activities and classes for ages 2 and up.
“Our various programs are available for children, teens and adults. The Fusion Program was founded out of a need to provide individuals with creative avenues of expression,” said George Casale. says. “Whether you love cooking, nutrition, health, art, media production, photography, fitness, sensory playgrounds, drama, coding, creating digital art and avatars, games, science or technology, Fusion is for you. We offer something that is perfect for
All-inclusive program
Campione said the fusion program caters to both neurotypical and special needs children and adults.
“Fusions Programs are unique in that you almost see a place that does everything in one place for special needs and neurotypical individuals all in one place,” says Campione. “You rarely see a mix.”
“For example, when children, teenagers and young adults arrive, they are given the option to customize the program for the day. You can also stay for hours,” she added.
Fusion offers classes in technology, coding, beauty, aesthetics, fitness, dance, cooking, games, theater, social media classes, and DIY. [do it yourself] Beyond art projects, you’ll also learn how to bring your talents to the YouTube production stage.
fitness background
Mensah had already run a successful personal training business for over 20 years when he decided to team up with Maria and George Casale.
Mensah enlisted the help of Campione, a mother with special needs and a former adaptive programming specialist at the New York Public Library (NYPL), to start an inclusive model for his business. In 2017, Mensah developed her program for Triumph, and when Campione decided to retire from her NYPL in 2021 after her 34-year tenure, Mensah seized the opportunity and started his business. The Olympics offered her a position as her director of programming for her fit.
“Mensah has cautiously and confidently adjusted how people with special needs are included in the daily roster of community classes. He brings new clients to community-based centers and private gyms. , doing strength training with a typical individual,” said Campione.
Background of tutoring
Leap Tutoring Academy, owner of Leap Tutoring Academy, has a long history of working with children, teens and young adults using multi-sensory teaching approaches such as Orton-Gillingham and Touch Math.
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Casales came up with the idea for The Fusion Programs and built a facility on Cromwell Avenue in Dongan Hills, directly across from Leap Tutoring Academy.
“COVID has really taught us how small the world really is. Why should adolescents, and young adults, move to different facilities both within Staten Island and outside the borough?” said Maria Casale.
Fusion Programs is housed in a 4,800-square-foot center in Dong’an Hills. (Courtesy of The Fusion Programs)
“Not only are students interested, but growing people in general have special needs. [We realize] Both sectors are sociable, creative, and need to find meaningful outlets as true alternatives to using their phones or playing with their iPads,” she added.
Fusion program overview
address: 300 Cromwell Avenue
Website: fusionprograms.org
Facebook: facebook.com/fusionprograms
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