THE LEADERS BEHIND PARK VIEW ACADEMY
Meet the leaders guiding our mission to provide a safe, nurturing, and play-based learning environment.
Kristine Yamakaitis
Yeon Benkovitz & Diane Branco
Hi, we’re Diane and Yeon! As moms ourselves, we know how important it is to find a place you can truly trust with your little one. Diane, a Jersey City mom, left corporate America in 2008 to follow her passion for creating childcare centers rooted in warmth and community. Yeon, a proud mom of four and longtime Jersey City resident, launched the beloved play-based Lucie Goosie center. In 2019, we joined forces to create Park View Academy—a place built on our shared vision of trusted, play-based, and family-focused care where children feel known, loved, and supported every day.
Hi, I’m Kristine! I’m the Director of Park View Academy, where I’m passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children, families, and teachers can thrive. Growing up in a close Greek Cypriot family inspired my lifelong love for childcare and education. I believe that when teachers are supported, children receive the very best care and learning experiences. Outside of work, I cherish time with my husband Andrew, our daughter Eleni, and our extended family—moments that remind me of the deep connections we value at PVA.