About Us
Saratoga Children's Literacy League (SCLL) is a non-profit organization created by Erin Smith and Debra Nicastro. SCLL serves the children of Saratoga County by providing them with free books regardless of income level. The goal is to support the growth of children's home libraries to build a culture of reading for enjoyment AND to promote academic and personal growth. SCLL volunteers refurbish donated books to make them like new. Clifford and Ollie's book bus visits various neighborhoods and events through out Saratoga County. Book and monetary donations are gladly accepted to support SCLL's mission.
Our Mission
Low literacy causes a significant percentage of Saratoga County residents to needlessly endure a lower quality of life. It often leads to unemployment, poverty, and health issues. Unfortunately, the cycle commonly continues on to the next generation. Additionally, the Covid epidemic has made our literacy levels even lower. The largest literacy decline is among kindergarteners through second graders. In the fall of 2020, only 37% of kindergarteners in the United States were on track to learn to read, down from 55% a year earlier – this trend continued across all elementary-school students.
Clifford and Ollie’s book bus visits children of Saratoga County and gets them excited about reading! We want children to be able to select books that interest them. When children have the freedom to pick out the books they want to read, they develop their identities as readers. All books will are given out to children and families free of charge.
The Team
Debra Nicastro - Chairperson and Co-founder
Debra Nicastro is a recently retired school teacher from Schenectady City School District. Debra holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Masters of Science in Literacy from SUNY Albany. Over her 30 years of teaching, she has taught students of all ages from pre-school through 12th grade. In addition to her public school teaching, she created School Solutions, her educational consulting and tutoring business. Debra lives in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband Paul Nicastro and their 4 children and two dogs. Her hobbies include reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Erin Smith - Chairperson and Co-founder
Erin Smith is the creator and owner of Sanity Seekers-Roadtrips for Women. Erin is an active member of the Saratoga Springs community. She was Lake Elementary School PTA President, served on the Saratoga County Children's Committee, was a committee member of Saratoga Mom Prom for years, and TUFF eNUFF event coordinator. Erin enjoys spending time with her family. Husband Mike, her three sons, and Clifford, the little black dog. She enjoys reading, gardening, kayaking, and most outdoor activities. In 2023, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner awarded Erin with the Saratoga County Woman of Distinction Award.
Paul Nicastro - Treasurer
Paul Nicastro is the owner and operator of award winning pool company, Albany Pool Rebuilders. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Plattsburgh State University and an Associates Degree from SUNY Delhi. He had the lead role in Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, his 4th grade play. He is an accomplished woodworker, earning praise for his masterful work. His passions include cooking, hiking, poetry, boating and spending time with family.
Ellen Cuminale - Secretary & Volunteer Chair
Ellen holds a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Northeastern University. She was an Assistant Director of Career Development at the New England School of Law and Health Educator at Preterm Health Services in Brookline, Massachusetts. Ellen was a Student Assistant Counselor at the Prevention Council in Saratoga Springs. Ellen has volunteered for many non-profits including The Giving Circle, The Franklin Community Center Food Pantry and Jake's Help from Heaven. She is married with three children and she enjoys reading, movies, cooking and entertaining.
Robin Antalek - Vice Chairperson
Robin Antalek is a multiple award winning writer. She is the author of the USA TODAY bestselling The Summer We Fell Apart (HarperCollins, 2010) and The Grown-Ups (William Morrow, 2015). She has received many accolades for her non-fiction, short fiction and essay work. Recently she was a writer in residence at The Studios of Key West, Key West, Florida. She's the mother of two amazing grown women, Hannah and Tessa, and lives in Saratoga Springs, New York with her husband and dog, Poppy, the recipient of all their empty nest love.
Jerilyn Carozza Stellato - Board Member & Technology Chair
Jerilyn Carozza Stellato has been an educator in the South Glens Falls Central School District for over 30 years beginning as an elementary classroom teacher then shifting into the role of instructional coach and district administrator. Currently, Jerilyn is the Director of Innovative K-5 Curriculum, Instruction, and Design working with district and building level leaders to implement best instructional practices, shifts in curriculum, classroom design, and innovative changes necessary for learning in the digital age. Jerilyn is the mother of three wonderful children, two amazing step daughters, and her sweet dog Charley. In her free time she enjoys cooking, baking, cycling and rowing on Saratoga Lake with her husband Tony.
