Sky Village NYC

Many of our Sky Village families know Dusan Prica as our sports director and a big part of our program. We're happy to share that we recently got married and are excited to continue building both our family and the Sky Village NYC community together. Thank you for all of your love and support. ❤️🎉

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When you think about the people who influenced your journey in the most positive way… was it your parents or a teacher?

This isn’t meant to be controversial—it’s meant to shine a bright light on childcare and education.

Parents build the foundation:
confidence, security, values, and the feeling of being supported.

Teachers help children discover their potential:
they inspire, guide, and often become the first outside voice that says, “You can do this.”

And childcare providers?
They are the bridge between home and school.

They help children develop emotional regulation, social skills, independence, confidence, and trust—the life skills that shape everything that comes later.

The truth is, children thrive most when parents, teachers, and caregivers work together.

Education is not just academics.
It’s emotional safety.
It’s confidence.
It’s curiosity.
It’s connection.

Sometimes the person who changes a child’s life most is simply the adult who consistently showed up and believed in them.

ArtIsEducation CommunitySupport RaisingConfidentKids ChildDevelopment AstoriaParents

Did you know that you can register by-the-week for Sky Village World Cultures Summer CAMP!!? Yes! Registration is available at your convenience at both skyvillageastoriapark.com and skyvillagenyc.com. We will be offering full day camp from 8am to 6pm 5 days a week all summer long! You can also choose drop-in days. YEEEEES! Automatically receive 10% off when you register for the full summer (+ an additional 10% sibling discount!). We look forward to seeing you soon!!

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Meet Shasta Molnar is an artist, educator, founder and creative force behind Sky Village NYC, a community-centered arts and enrichment program serving children and families in Astoria, New Tork. Through after-school programs, summer camps, creative workshops, and community partnerships, she has built a vibrant platform where art, culture, movement, and mindfulness come together to support the whole child.

Shasta holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She began her career teaching art and theater at Rowland Hall Elementary School, where she developed her passion for hands-on, experiential learning. After relocating to New York City in 2005, she worked as a family nanny for Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick while continuing to develop her artistic practice. What began as commissioned dog portraits evolved into a professional painting career, with exhibitions at the Provincetown Art Association in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Mountain Trails Art Gallery in Sedona, Arizona.

Rooted in both creative vision and operational leadership, Shasta has grown Sky Village NYC into a multifaceted community hub — blending visual arts, sports, cultural programming, and mindful education. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering children through creativity while building meaningful partnerships within the Queens community.

As a devoted mother and business owner, Shasta is recognized for her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to creating spaces where families feel connected, supported, and inspired.

This woman needs no introduction—but just in case you’re new to Astoria…

Meet Jasmina Yilmaz, our Early Childhood Specialist and Lead Instructor at Sky Village NYC.

Jasmina brings a deep well of knowledge and heart to our Pre-School Alternative program, combining her background in Early Childhood Education with multiple certifications in trauma-informed yoga for children. Her approach is grounded, nurturing, and developmentally intentional—supporting the whole child: body, mind, and emotional well-being.

As a devoted mother to her daughter, Ayla, Jasmina brings a deeply personal understanding of children’s needs, rhythms, and emotional worlds into everything she does. We are incredibly grateful to have her guiding our youngest Sky Village learners.

Thank you for all of your LOVE, Jasmina! You truly make our Sky Village not just a community, but a home. 🌈🌈❤️

C. Ryan Quinn has been the Head Jiu-Jitsu Coach for Sky Village’s After School Program since 2019. While he truly needs no introduction, in case you’re not yet familiar — Coach Quinn is widely recognized as the premier submission grappler in Queens. With a career defined by excellence and a deep passion for the art of Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Quinn has left his mark on both national and international stages.

Professor Quinn earned his black belt while training at the renowned Renzo Gracie Academy headquarters in Manhattan under the legendary John Danaher — the Ivy League professor turned world-class Jiu-Jitsu coach. During his training, he shared the mats with elite athletes such as Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Eddie Cummings, and Nicky Ryan, and was awarded his black belt directly by Renzo Gracie himself.

In addition to his Jiu-Jitsu mastery, Professor Quinn is a well-rounded martial artist, holding a brown belt in Judo, and continuing to refine his Freestyle and Folkstyle wrestling under Olympian Brandon Escobar.

Professor Quinn’s competitive record speaks for itself. He has represented the United States at the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships (purple belt division), and as a brown belt, claimed multiple titles at the IBJJF New York International Open in both Gi and No-Gi. He also captured four NAGA Expert Division Championship belts. As a black belt, he became the Rise Invitational 185lb Champion, submitting every opponent in under a minute.

And beyond all of these achievements, what truly sets Coach Quinn apart is his ability to connect with children. His patience, humor, and masterful communication make him not just a phenomenal athlete — but an extraordinary mentor to every student who steps on the mat.

Thank you Coach Quinn! 👑

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Welcome to the Sky Village team Hannah Wong!

Hannah comes to us as a bilingual Mandarin educator with 10+ years of experience teaching children ages 4–10 in Hong Kong. Fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, she brings a warm, creative approach to early language learning—pairing songs, stories, games, and hands-on activities to build confidence and curiosity in every class. Beyond the classroom, Hannah has assisted in children’s jiu-jitsu programs, where she nurtures focus, resilience, and teamwork—skills she loves weaving into her lessons.

Originally from Hong Kong, Hannah moved to Astoria last year and is excited to be part of the New York community. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her crocheting playful projects—most recently a patch of festive pumpkin decorations for Halloween!🥰

We are so happy to have you Hannah! Welcome to our team!