Giborim U Instructors

Dianne “Cookie” Billig has been teaching yoga and meditation to kids, including those with special needs, for the past nine years.  She teaches at schools, yoga studios, after-school programs, summer camps, and at private one-on-one sessions. 

Will Croud — A Taste of Sports

Will Croud has a bachelor’s degree with a major in behavioral science from the University of Central Florida. He is a former professional baseball player in the Los Angeles Angels organization and co-owned and operated a successful after-school BCPS all-sports enrichment program for nine years. He is currently the DPJCC assistant sports & wellness director/athletics and directly oversees the JHoops Youth Basketball Program.

Maritza Douglas — Culinary Arts

Maritza Douglas is a certified Wilton cake decorator and an experienced and knowledgeable chef who creates specialty desserts specifically to accommodate dietary needs palates and themes.  She enjoys the art of baking both vegan and non-vegan desserts — making a difference in people’s lives, one dessert at a time!  You will often find Maritza volunteering her time with special needs students at the Exceptional Theater Company.

Joan Gdasi — Zumba®

Joan Gdasi was born in New York City and earned an associate’s degree in dental technology.  She is a performer, songwriter, singer, dancer and fitness instructor (aerobics, Zumba®).  Her goal is to be supportive of her students and help them have fun and be joyful while getting fit.

Harrison Hunter — Karate

Sensei Harrison Hunter is a third-degree black belt and a member of the USA Goju Federation Karate. He teaches child and preschool karate at the DPJCC.

 Tara Evans — Artsy Craftsy

Tara Evans has worked as a lead preschool teacher, art specialist and sports coach at the J for 23 years. She has a child development associate degree in early childhood. Tara offers art therapy for the students to express themselves creatively and freely.

Debra Lombard — Drama with Exceptional Theater Company

Debra Lombard is the executive director of the Exceptional Theater Company (ETC).  For the past eight years, the ETC has taught children techniques in improvisation, movement and music, providing fun exercises and the opportunity to express ideas and feelings.

Andy Perez - Basketball

 Andy has been with the J since 2013 working with JHoops as a coach and scorekeeper.  He's coached children from grades 1 through 8 and children with special needs in summer camps and after-school programs. 

 Evelyn Richard — Drama with Exceptional
Theater Company 

In 2001 Evelyn Richard’s son was diagnosed with autism. She later enrolled him in the Exceptional Theater Company. She worked as a volunteer for ETC for two years before becoming a staff member in 2008.

 Debbie Rivera — Drama with Exceptional
Theater Company

Debbie Rivera has been with ETC since its inception, when she enrolled her son in the program. She became a volunteer, then went on to become an instructor and director of ETC night classes.

Risa Spevack — Circuit Training, Special Olympics Fit 5, Weights in Motion

Risa Spevack has worked with clients with physical disabilities and/or developmental delays since 2000.  She is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and a nationally certified athletic trainer (ATC) and Florida licensed athletic trainer.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in natural science and athletic training from Hofstra University.  Additionally, Risa is a Florida licensed emergency medical technician (EMT) and a certified CPR/AED/first-aid instructor.

Jason Stura — Basketball

Jason Stura began playing professional basketball at the age of 17 and continued to do so for more than 20 years.  Jason has been coaching youths for over eight years in both Italy and the USA.  He has spent the past five years coaching and training with DPJCC JHoops and runs an international basketball camp.

 Michael Thompson — Hip Hop Dance Party

Michael is an instructor and choreographer for Hip Hop Kidz with an extensive background in dance and working with children. Michael has been teaching for over 10 years.

 Ysaac Kaplan — Boxing

Ysaac Kaplan is a certified trainer with the National Council on Strength & Fitness, Mad Dogg Spinning and is certified in first aid and CPR. He enjoys helping people reach their physical goals.

 Amy Simcox — Life Skills: Transition to
Adulthood, Life Skills: The Fundamentals

Amy Simcox began her career with special needs children at the Baudhuin Preschool. She earned a degree in child psychology with a minor in speech. Amy opened Little Flowers of Hope School for children with special needs to provide an appropriate learning environment for her son.