Staff
Julie Guirguis
Rachel Benderson
Rachel Benderson
Founder/Director
After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Julie worked in commercial banking for 10 years. As an independent entrepreneur, she established a healthy vending franchise in Sarasota. She brings this invaluable organizational and public relations experience to The Brats Club, where she facilitates scheduling and registr
Founder/Director
After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Julie worked in commercial banking for 10 years. As an independent entrepreneur, she established a healthy vending franchise in Sarasota. She brings this invaluable organizational and public relations experience to The Brats Club, where she facilitates scheduling and registration, and maintains the accounting aspects of the business. She also works closely with staff, and manages personal relationships with parents and caregivers to ensure that every child is placed in a developmentally appropriate class.
Rachel Benderson
Rachel Benderson
Rachel Benderson
Founder/Director
With a strong background in sales, event coordination, client servicing and marketing, Rachel is a top producer at the prestigious Michael Saunders & Company. Prior to real estate, Rachel helped oversee the planning and execution of events held at the world class venue, Nathan Benderson Park, establishing strong community
Founder/Director
With a strong background in sales, event coordination, client servicing and marketing, Rachel is a top producer at the prestigious Michael Saunders & Company. Prior to real estate, Rachel helped oversee the planning and execution of events held at the world class venue, Nathan Benderson Park, establishing strong community connections and in-depth knowledge of the local area. With a Bachelors Degree in liberal arts, and a number of years working professionally in the musical theatre industry, Rachel is excited to bring her creativity and ideas to The Brats Club team!
Erin Carlson Taylor, MS, OTR/L, D.PSc
Erin Carlson Taylor, MS, OTR/L, D.PSc
Erin Carlson Taylor, MS, OTR/L, D.PSc
Infant Development Coach / OT
After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Erin pursued her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and has spent the last 25+ years working with infants and children in a variety of settings, including NICU, out-patient clinics and school settings. Erin has an exceptional understanding of the
Infant Development Coach / OT
After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Erin pursued her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and has spent the last 25+ years working with infants and children in a variety of settings, including NICU, out-patient clinics and school settings. Erin has an exceptional understanding of the importance of infant motor development and how it relates to later school success. She is passionate about helping parents be proactive about their child's early development in order to set them up for success.
Bonnie Brown
Erin Carlson Taylor, MS, OTR/L, D.PSc
Erin Carlson Taylor, MS, OTR/L, D.PSc
Teacher / Assistant
Bonnie is a mother of one and teacher to many. She has been teaching dance in Sarasota for over ten years and is most well known for her skills in hoop dance. You can find her around the community teaching several children’s and adult dance classes. She is also a former preschool teacher for the Capoeira academy, Capo
Teacher / Assistant
Bonnie is a mother of one and teacher to many. She has been teaching dance in Sarasota for over ten years and is most well known for her skills in hoop dance. You can find her around the community teaching several children’s and adult dance classes. She is also a former preschool teacher for the Capoeira academy, CapoKids. She brings experience of teaching as well as her sensitivity to the movements of one’s body. She is fascinated by the growth and learning process of little ones and always curious to learn more herself as a mother and teacher.
Kathy Varsalona
Erin Carlson Taylor, MS, OTR/L, D.PSc
Kathy Varsalona
Music & Preschool Teacher
Kathy has her Child Development Associate credential and her Florida credential in Early Childhood Development. She has 20 yrs experience in the field facilitating parenting classes, leading Mommy & Me and toddler music classes and teaching preschool at two of Sarasota's finest preschools. She also served as a c
Music & Preschool Teacher
Kathy has her Child Development Associate credential and her Florida credential in Early Childhood Development. She has 20 yrs experience in the field facilitating parenting classes, leading Mommy & Me and toddler music classes and teaching preschool at two of Sarasota's finest preschools. She also served as a client advocate at Carenet Manasota where she facilitated parenting & pregnancy classes. She is a Sarasota native and has been married for 37 yrs and has two grown children. She is thrilled to be teaching interactive music classes at The Brats Club!
Diana Visk
Dr Melissa Connelly, MBBS BSc
Dr Melissa Connelly, MBBS BSc
Assistant
Being a mother herself, Diana is passionate about early childhood development and the value of learning through play. She is a Florida native and has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of South Florida. Throughout high school and college Diana worked as a teacher assistant in toddler classrooms and as a substi
Assistant
Being a mother herself, Diana is passionate about early childhood development and the value of learning through play. She is a Florida native and has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of South Florida. Throughout high school and college Diana worked as a teacher assistant in toddler classrooms and as a substitute teacher. She is excited to be part of The Brats Club team and looks forward to helping children learn and grow.
Dr Melissa Connelly, MBBS BSc
Dr Melissa Connelly, MBBS BSc
Dr Melissa Connelly, MBBS BSc
Assistant
Earning her Bachelor's Degree in Medical Sciences, Melissa attended St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine & Dentistry where she received Bachelors in Medicine and Surgery. After medical and surgical hospital placements she obtained Membership to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. In 2011 she was appointed
Assistant
Earning her Bachelor's Degree in Medical Sciences, Melissa attended St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine & Dentistry where she received Bachelors in Medicine and Surgery. After medical and surgical hospital placements she obtained Membership to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. In 2011 she was appointed Psychiatrist for a hospital unit, treating females with severe mental health disorders and was active in teaching. Since having her own children she has found child development fascinating and enjoys her time at the Brats Club!