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 3 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 and instructors!

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 2 year old daughter, Chloe. 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 – Assistant Program Director

Assistant 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

Miss Alyssa – Lead Instructor

A sophomore History major at the University of Maryland, College Park, Miss Alyssa is a super-experienced, passionate, and well-rounded teacher who thrives on seeing her students “get it” and accomplish the skills they set out to do. In addition to being a Scholars student at the University of Maryland, Miss Alyssa is a Silver Spring native and a well-loved (if not famous!) babysitter in the area, and has earned a Brown Belt with Stripe in karate. Miss Alyssa is ecstatic to teach at The Little Gym of Silver Spring because it means working with the best students in the most fun atmosphere.

Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Book as a Child: The Nancy Drew Series, by Carolyn Keene
Favorite Color(s): Hot Pink

Miss Brittney – Lead Instructor

A senior Psychology Major at Howard University, Miss Brittney is an energetic, outgoing, and extremely personable teacher who turns up the energy and fun level in the classroom! In addition to being a distinguished student at Howard, Miss Brittney was a former Varsity cheerleader in her home state of Georgia, and has been formally trained in gymnastics. Miss Brittney is absolutely thrilled to teach at The Little Gym of Silver Spring because she truly enjoys working with children, and can’t wait to begin her new adventure in learning at The Little Gym.

Favorite Food: Anything Italian
Favorite Book as a Child: Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Suess and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Favorite Color(s): Blue and Purple

Miss Danielle – Lead Instructor

A junior Dance major at the University of Maryland, College Park, Miss Danielle is a super-active, dedicated, and insightful teacher who is motivated by seeing her students master the tasks they set out to try. In addition to being listed in the "Who's Who" directory among America's college students, Miss Danielle has consistently made the Dean's List at UMCP and shows that she can achieve in the classroom as both a teacher and student. With 16 years of dance, 5 years of Cheerleading and 2 ½ years of formal training in gymnastics on her resume, Miss Danielle is a perfect fit at The Little Gym of Silver Spring!

Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Book as a Child: The Lorax by Dr. Suess
Favorite Color(s): Hot Pink

Mr. Dov – Lead Instructor

A graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Mr. Dov holds a B.S. in Bio-Chemistry and Molecular Biology. Mr. Dov's passion for teaching motor skill development to children was ignited in a seminar he took about DCD children during his undergraduate studies. An exercise enthusiast, Mr. Dov keeps fit by practicing Yoga, Pilates, Rock Climbing, running and well…just about anything! Mr. Dov is looking forward to teaching at The Little Gym of Silver Spring because he is committed to inspiring children and families to lead healthy and active lifestyles.

Favorite Food: Meat
Favorite Book as a Child: Any Suggestions?
Favorite Color(s): Coral, Green and Blue (Why, you ask? Hmm…look around the gym!)

Mr. Nick – Lead Instructor

A Business and Acting major, Mr. Nick is a fun, gregarious and entertaining teacher who infuses each class with a healthy dose of F-U-N! A dynamic instructor, Mr. Nick's latest claim to fame would have to be his recent tryout for a spot in High School Musical 3 ! A true natural "talent" for teaching and developing children, Mr. Nick is enthused to teach at The Little Gym of Silver Spring because "fun" is indeed the "Number 2" Rule at The Little Gym of Silver Spring, and at "fun" Mr. Nick is an absolute pro!

Favorite Food: Banana Pudding
Favorite Book as a Child: Clifford the Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell
Favorite Color(s): Green

Miss Nile – Lead Instructor

A junior at Kennedy High School, Miss Nile is a warm, funny, and spunky teacher who has a knack for connecting with especially Pre-K and Grade School children. A dancer since she was 3 years old, Miss Nile brings loads of knowledge in developing balance, coordination and rhythm (all things especially developed in gymnastic sport) into each class that she teaches. Miss Nile is super excited to teach at The Little Gym of Silver Spring because owning her own dance studio and teaching children to enjoy movement activity is a life-long goal she is working to achieve!

Favorite Food: Macaroni & Cheese
Favorite Book as a Child: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Suess
Favorite Color(s): Pink & Purple

Our The Little Gym staff members are CPR & First Aid certified. All Lead Instructors are USA Gymnastics Safety Certified. All Lead Instructors receive training from The Little Gym International annually.