In 1995, Winnie and Lisa’s paths crossed as they worked together in a premier investment bank in NYC. Now, still strongest of friends, they are co-owners of The Little Gym of Bay Ridge – Bensonhurst.
Ms. Winnie was first introduced to The Little Gym family through her daughter’s introductory trial class. Enthralled by The Little Gym philosophy, its solid curriculum-based program, and inspired by the instructor who taught her daughter’s class, Winnie found herself seeking to fill a void that the corporate world could not fulfill. With incredible support from her husband Timmy, Winnie will now have the opportunity to bring smiles, laughter and confidence to children throughout the community where she grew up. Winnie pursued her interest in track and field from high school by participating in dozens of marathons and other races throughout the U.S. She earned a M.S. Degree in Information Science and a B.S. in Business, Management and Finance. Winnie brings her motherly instincts along with 12 years of research and management skills, as well as her enthusiasm for physical fitness and her strong belief in promoting a healthy lifestyle to her role as Owner/Gym Director.
Ms. Lisa worked in various capacities in the financial industry, including Treasury, Accounting and Human Resources Management. Lisa graduated with a B.S. Degree in Biochemistry. She is a world traveler and always brings back a wealth of knowledge, cultural experiences and albums of pictures from each adventurous trip. The opportunity to join The Little Gym family fulfilled Lisa’s lifelong dream of working with children and building their skills and self-esteem. Lisa can relate to kids of all ages and has the ability to create a fun environment in any setting. Lisa’s love and passion for children is why she is venturing into this next chapter of her life. Lisa’s strong family values, her strength in business management, as well as her dedicated yoga practice is what brings the best of Lisa into her role as Owner/Program Director.
Winnie and Lisa’s compassion for children and their well being will innately bring all their classes to an energetic and fun-filled level. And their determination and motivation for success will be expressed through their dedication to this new life adventure. The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst welcomes you to stop by anytime. We look forward to scheduling your Introductory Visit and joining The Little Gym family!
Mr. Jordan, (Assistant Program Director and Lead Instructor) is an actor, director, physical theatre artist and teacher. A graduate of Syracuse University, he was formerlly trained in acting and directing with courses in dramatic acrobatics, dance, clown & commedia del'arte. Before moving to NY, he also worked as a freelance childrens' entertainer for 9 years in Seattle, WA making balloon art, playing characters, and leading games for birthday parties, city-wide festivals, and corporate events. He is a founding member of the Ume Group, a NYC-based performing arts collective and creator/director of their inaugural dance-theatre work, Butoh Electra. He joined The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst in the Summer of 2011 and is pleased to combine his love of teaching and educational adminstration in a role that has him overseeing the implementation of TLG's time-tested curriculum.
Ms. Dagmar (Manager and Lead Instructor) joined The Little Gym in the summer of 2010. Born in Romania and grew up in Germany, she LOVES to DANCE! Dance brought her to NYC in 2005. She studied modern dance and ballet at the Ailey School. Dagmar was a part of a Gymnastics competitive team while growing up and learned to believe in herself and to never give up trying. She feels that "movement" is very important for a child's mental and physical development. Dagmar has 16 years of Gymnastics, 9 years of Dance experience and has taught Gymnastics and Dance to children for over 12 years.
Miss Danielle (Lead Instructor) joined The Little Gym in June 2011. She is currently getting her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology at Columbia University. She has been a dancer her entire life and was Captain of the nationally ranked dance team at The University at Albany. In 2005 she had the opportunity to dance in China as part of the welcoming celebration for The Olympic Games in Beijing. She has taught dance and gymnastics for a number of years and love working with kids. Her favorite color is orange. For fun she enjoys reading and going for runs!
Ms. Sasha (Lead Instuctor) joined us in 2009, took a break going to school FT and is now back since Winter 2011. A former Junior Elite Gymnast, she brings with her years of experience teaching kids and teens. Sasha also has years of dance experience.
Mr. Vino (Lead Instructor) joined The Little Gym in Spring 2011. He brings with him 10+ years experience in working with children. He enjoys all sorts of sports, especially baseball!
Mr. Jesse (Lead Instructor), joined The Little Gym in October 2010. He has studied Martial Arts for over 15 years and is familiar with about 9 different styles. He is currently attending Brooklyn College and majoring in Exercise Science. He loves teaching FUN and exciting classes here at The Little Gym. He also loves music and in his free time plays the drums.
Mr. Ernst (Lead Instructor), joined The Little Gym October 2010. Ernst is currently in his 2nd year of College. He enjoys working with children because they are so funny and full of energy. When he's not working at The Little Gym he enjoys movies, skateboarding and iceskating!
Ms. Alyssa (Lead Instructor) joined us in 2011. Alyssa has 9 years of Dance experience and has taken gymnastics for 2 years. She is currently in her 2nd year of college and studying Nursing.
Ms. Ladi (Birthday Party Leader) joined us in 2011 and brings LOTS of laughter and fun to all our The Little Gym Birthday Bashes! She has 7+ years of experience in celebrating birthday parties. She is currently in her 2nd year of college and her goal is to be a pediatrician. In her free time, she tries to enjoy still being a kid!