|
Dianne Billig — Yoga
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 — Basketball, 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.
|
|
|
 Shayna Goldzslager — Dance Party
Dance Party instructor, Shayna Goldzslager, has taught dance to members of the JCC for the last 10 years from preschoolers to seniors in their eighties and all ages in between. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Florida.
|
|
|
 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.
|
|
|
 Spencer Linden — Soccer, A Taste of Sports
Spencer Linden is the director of the sports & wellness department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in sports management from the University of Florida where he was captain of the club soccer team. Spencer has worked in professional sports for 16 years.
|
|
|
 Debra Lombard — 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.
|
|
|
 Dixie Lee Hedrington-Miller — Arts
Dixie Lee Hedrington-Miller, a professional artist, quickly found there were limited creative outlets for people with disabilities when looking for enriching activities for her son, who is deaf. She founded Friends & Stars Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the well-being of South Florida’s special needs children and adults through inclusive arts programs. Providing individualized attention specific to each student’s needs in an environment of acceptance enables students to discover their unique artistic expression.
|
|
|
 Sean Miller — Soccer, A Taste of Sports
Sean Miller obtained his bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida Atlantic University. He has over six years of experience working in after-school and summer camp programs. He is currently the assistant director for the JCC Maccabi Games and is a summer camp unit head.
|
|
|
 Ashaunti Spencer — Hip Hop Kidz
Ashaunti Spencer is a gifted dancer who has been dancing since she was 12 years old with Hip Hop Kidz. Ashaunti has performed at numerous high profile events and been featured in major music videos and television shows. Ashaunti also graduated from nursing school with a degree as an LPN and is working toward her RN degree. Her natural love for teaching hip hop dance to kids and adults shines through in each one of her classes. She so looks forward to teaching this special class of students at the DPJCC.
|
|
|
 Risa Spevack — Cardio Fitness and Weight Training
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, A Taste of Sports
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 — 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.
|
|
|
 Shira Zevi — Weights in Motion
Shira Zevi is a certified personal trainer and amateur body builder offering both group and private training. She loves teaching spin, XZone Fitness®, track and many other classes. She has a real passion for strength training and wants to see clients become the best version of themselves while reaching all of their fitness goals.
|
