Joan Correale is a native of Staten Island and attended public school there. She has been married to her husband Philip for 19 years. They have two children in the New York City Public School system, Julia who is 15 and Nicholas who is 13. Joan has been involved in educational advocacy since her son Nicholas was diagnosed with Autism in 1999. She started as a member of the Parent Committee in her son’s pre-school. She went on to Co- Chair the District 75 Special Education Committee for the SI Federation of PTA’s for 2 years. In June of 2002, Joan received the SI Borough President’s award for these efforts. She was on the Board of Directors of The Grace Foundation for 4 years. When Governor Pataki proposed closing The Institute for Basic Research on Staten Island, Joan played instrumental role in organizing and facilitating successful Town Hall meetings and demonstrations. IBR is a world known institution recognized for its research in developmental disabilities and Parkinson’s disease. She has served as Committee Parent for the NYC DOE Committee on Special Education for many years and is still a resource for special needs children and their families. In 2003 Joan received the New York State Woman of Distinction Award in recognition of her service in the disabled community. She was a member of the School Leadership Team for The Gaynor McCown High School for Expeditionary learning on Staten Island. Joan Correale has always played an active role in her children’s PTA’s and extra curricular activities.
On March 15 2004, Borough President James P Molinaro appointed Joan Correale to represent him on the NYC DOE Panel for Educational Policy. Joan owns and operates French Secrets, a small lingerie boutique. They specialize in post mastectomy fittings for cancer survivors and bridal trousseaus. Joan is active in the local business community, a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and The Bucks Business Network. She is a past Executive Board Member of the Bucks and currently sits on the Bylaws Committee. Joan can be reached at JCorreale2@schools.nyc.gov