Sisters Nancy Falco and Diane Marino have been dedicated to providing the highest quality services for Brooklyn children and families for more than 30 years.
Their Marine Park pre-school, Tiny Tots Express, demonstrates success in clear and measurable ways through educating and caring for kids of all ages. Established in 1985, the school has highly trained, licensed, certified teachers, and is part of the Department of Education’s Universal pre-K program.
“With pre-K for all now established by Mayor DeBlasio, it is important to have good quality preschools in Brooklyn,” says Falco, who also teaches in the Education Department at St. Francis College.
It’s “a blessing” to come to the office everyday, adds Marino.
“First, to watch the excitement in the children’s eyes when they learn something makes it all worth it; second, the women that work with me because I have the best staff anyone could ask for; and finally, knowing that parents have entrusted us with their most precious commodity — their child,” she says.
It’s a happy, productive environment, remarks Marino.
“I love what I do because I love nurturing young minds,” she says. “I have an added blessing of working side by side with my sister, and having our children and now my grandchildren at work with me each day.”
Fellow educators admire their commitment to their community and the next generation.
“Nancy and Diane are two of the most kind, good-hearted, generous, and hard-working individuals I have had the opportunity to work with in my professional career,” said Robert Oliva, director of special events at St. Francis College.
Oliva met the dynamic duo when he worked at Xaverian High School, where their sons were students.
“They were always the first to volunteer for our fund-raising efforts, and I could always count on them,” he says.
Falco and Marino remained involved with the school after their sons graduated. They also continued their relationship with Oliva, employing students from St. Francis College as teachers, assistants, and mentors at Tiny Tots Express.
“They do an incredible job educating young people in Brooklyn, but more importantly they are role models for the students of St. Francis College,” Oliva says. “I was not surprised when I found out they were named Women of Distinction.”
Brooklyn couldn’t ask for better ambassadors, he notes.
“Diane and Nancy are loving, caring, give back to the community, and consistently make a difference in the lives of others,” Oliva claims.
Name: Diane Marino.
Neighborhood: Marine Park.
Occupation: Executive director.
Company: Tiny Tot Express.
Claim to Fame: “Being married to an amazing man for almost 40 years, being mother to two outstanding children, and ‘Mema’ to five beautiful granddaughters.”
Favorite Brooklyn Place: Coney Island.
Woman I admire: “Mother Teresa, who said, ‘Do small things with great joy.’ ”
Motto: “Faith, family, and friends.”
Name: Nancy Falco.
Neighborhood: Marine Park.
Occupation: Educational director.
Company: Tiny Tot Express.
Claim to Fame: “Having a successful day care and Universal pre-K school for more than 31 years.”
Favorite Brooklyn Place: Marine Park.
Woman I admire: “My fellow honoree, partner, and sister Diane Marino, who has always been there for me, my family, and everyone around her.”
Motto: “Enjoy and treasure the little things in life.”
