Lani Abeya-Barnabas and Edward Barnabas - Owner / Operators
After becoming new parents, they enrolled their then 12 month old in a class at The Little Gym. Almost immediately they noticed her confidence beginning to grow with every physical skill she learned as well as an expansion of her social and cognitive skills. Lani and Ed found The Little Gym’s non-competitive program so rewarding and so much fun that they wanted to be part of sharing The Little Gym with others. Lani and Ed are suited to own and manage The Little Gym of Silver Spring due to their love of children, passion for music and physical activity, and over 15 years combined experience in business ownership and project management.
The Little Gym of Silver Spring continues to grow by leaps and bounds (pun intended), and Lani and Ed’s daughter, now 5 years old, has never been happier. We invite you to call or stop by anytime – we’re looking forward to meeting you and are ready to schedule your child’s free introductory trial visit!
Now, meet our topnotch managers!
Ms. Jasmine – Program Director
Program Director Jasmine is a Terp through and through, receiving both her B.A. in English Literature & Education Human Development and M.F.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park. Having taught students ages 7 years to 40 years old at Chillum Elementary, The Nora School, and her beloved UMD, College Park, Jasmine is through-the-roof-excited to bring her love of children and teaching to The Little Gym of Silver Spring!
Ms. Jasmine loves living in the DC Metro area with her husband and 3 year old daughter, Chloe and a 3 month old son, Dane. Chloe is equally excited to help her Mom as she begins a new phase in her teaching career and takes on the toddlers and babies of Silver Spring!
Favorite Food: Anything spicy!
Favorite Book as a Child: The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton
Favorite Color(s): Pink and Green
Miss Amanda – Program Director
Program Director Amanda is an absolute expert in all things The Little Gym! A former “flyer” on her high school Varsity cheerleading squad, Miss Amanda has over three years of experience as an instructor in The Little Gym Network, as well as student teaching experience at Cabin John Middle School. A Merit Scholar, Miss Amanda received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of College Park with honors in May of 2008. All these accomplishments and the fact that small children everywhere seem to fall in line after Amanda's footsteps make her a fabulous addition to our management team!
Favorite Food: Strawberry Shortcake
Favorite Book as a Child: The Little Mermaid, by Hans Christian Anderson Sendak
Favorite Color(s): Blue