The Rugby School at Woodfield ť A History of Child Advocacy

Dr. Donald J. DeSanto, a school psychologist and certified school administrator founded the Rugby School at Woodfield in 1977. At that time, Rugby was approved by the New Jersey State Department of Education to accept learning disabled and behaviorally challenged students.

Mr. DeSanto was born in Brooklyn, NY, and had lived there before settling in Freehold Borough in 1977. He received his BA Cum Laude from St. Francis College, Brooklyn, and his Master's in Clinical/Child Psychology from St. John's University, Jamaica Campus. He was a member of the Noon Time Optimist Club and the B.P.O. Elks Lodge both of Freehold Borough. Mr. DeSanto was a member of NAPSEC, Washington, D.C. He was also a member of The Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped, Hamilton Township, receiving their Legacy of Caring Award. He was a member of Marquis' Who's Who and the Mental Health Association, Monmouth County, where he was the 2006 recipient of their Tony Dowling Child Advocacy Award. He was the former Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Zoning Board in Freehold Borough. He was the recipient of the New Jersey Governor's Arts in Education Award and a member of Psi Chi Phi Delta Kappa.

He was a loving husband, the proud father of three daughters, and a grandfather. He touched countless lives throughout his career as an advocate of children. His mission and memory continue on in the hearts of the staff, and the work of The Rugby School at Woodfield.