Staff

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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.  

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!

Founder/Educational Director

Barbara designed the curriculum to support the development of infants and toddlers through active play with their parents. Drawing on 25 years as a Feldenkrais movement specialist,  Child’Space educator and international trainer, she integrates gross motor play with fine motor, cognitive and early language development. Using concepts from her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling and training in Infant Mental Health, she ensures that the classes promote social-emotional growth through strength-based instruction and building positive relationships. Barbara personally trains and supervises the teachers to maintain the highest quality of infant/toddler programming.

 Founder

Dave, owner of downtown Sarasota's Definition Fit, is an Ironman triathlete, with a background in many sports, from tennis to half-marathons. Dave bases his personal training on functional movement, helping clients at any stage of fitness learn to move more efficiently and  reach their full potential.  He holds certifications in Muscle Activation Techniques and Trigger Point Techniques.   As a father of 2 young daughters, he has a vested interest in kids staying active and healthy.  His work with the older toddlers at The Brats Club prepares them for fitness and team sports.

Senior Teacher

Shayna has a Bachelors Degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sports medicine, and is Board Certified and State Licensed in Athletic Training. She serves in this capacity at Bayshore High School, covering all sports practices and athletic events, and is responsible for the care and prevention of athletic injuries.  In 2016, Crunch Fitness named her Group Fitness Instructor of the Year.  Her experience in youth to semi-professional sports, as well as her long-term apprenticeship with Barbara, has earned her the position of Senior Teacher at The Brats Club. 

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 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.

 Yoga Teacher / Assistant

 Casey has been a practicing yogini for 18 years.  After a 200 hour training in Costa Rica,  she was certified as a yoga instructor and is currently enrolled in a 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training.   She is also certified in Kidding Around Yoga (KAY) as well as Cosmic Kids Yoga and periodically offers classes at The Brats Club. 

 Teacher / Assistant

Christine, accredited through US Rowing as a Level II Certified Coach, and certified in lifeguarding and CPR/First Aid, works at Nathan Benderson Park instructing rowing and fitness classes, from beginners to the masters rowing team. Christine coaches a soccer program for toddlers and brings her enthusiasm  and knowledge to The Brats Club.