MY GYM - Children's Fitness Center

Since its inception in 1983, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© has been at the cutting edge of the children’s fitness industry. For over 20 years, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© has combined innovative, physical early learning/pre-gymnastics classes with state-of-the-art facilities to empower children – ages 3 months to 9 years – by helping them acquire the skills, confidence and positive self-image needed to become healthy young adults. My Gym’s award-winning, structured, noncompetitive and age-appropriate classes enhance children’s strength, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and social skills through games, music, exercise, sports, puppets, special rides, gymnastics and fun! My Gym Enterprises (MGE), the company responsible for franchising My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© worldwide, was established in 1994, began franchising in 1995, and has effectively replicated the My Gym concept with unfailing success.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© was created in 1983 as a collaborative effort by its founders, William Caplin and Yakov & Susi Sherman, who opened their first two My Gyms in Santa Monica and Van Nuys, California. Utilizing their experience in the fields of sports, dance, early childhood development, kinesiology and gymnastics, the founders developed a program and facility where children actively participate in a variety of structured weekly classes to gain physical ability, social skills and self-esteem. Both partners experienced such great response that, in the years that followed, they expanded the business by opening three additional facilities in the Southern California area – Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills. By 1989, each of the five locations was flourishing.

In 1989, Cory Bertisch and Monique Vranesh, then recent graduates of the University of California at Santa Barbara, purchased My Gym Van Nuys and experienced comparable success. From 1989 to 1994, the original My Gym founders, together with Bertisch and Vranesh, refined the My Gym programming, equipment and systems of operation and witnessed the popularity of their gyms explode. This refinement led to the creation of a standardized formula combining age-appropriate class programs and a state-of-the-art facility with unique equipment, designed and manufactured exclusively for My Gym. Their distinctive programming placed emphasis on the building of self-esteem, while teaching positive life lessons, essential to children’s healthy development.

In 1995, with their concept ready for duplication, the partners seized the opportunity for expansion by establishing My Gym Enterprises (MGE), the company responsible for franchising My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© worldwide. To ensure the success of future gyms, the GCI founding team developed a detailed, comprehensive franchise package including extensive training and support systems, the quality of which is unparalleled in the industry.

From 1995 through April 2003, MGE opened approximately 100 new My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© franchises in 27 states throughout the country. In October of 2001, My Gym Enterprises became international with the acquisition of a development agreement in South Korea to open a total of 8 My Gym franchises. My Gym Hong Kong is scheduled to open soon, with additional international gyms projected to open in Australia, Canada, England, Malta, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

As of mid-2003, there are 110 My Gym Children’s Fitness Centers worldwide, including both franchised and corporate facilities, with 27 additional My Gyms scheduled to open by April 2004 and another 28 on the horizon. By combining 20 years of operating experience, an exceptional product, and dedicated colleagues who share a common vision, My Gym Enterprises has created an operation that can be duplicated in criteria-rich locations with complete success.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL | Back To Top

Cory Bertisch - Chief Executive Officer, MGE
Cory is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara (1989) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He purchased My Gym Van Nuys in 1989 with Monique Broulard Vranesh, and together they quickly built their enrollment to an astounding 600 children. Cory was pivotal in the further enhancement of the My Gym programming and the driving force in the formation of My Gym Enterprises (MGE), the company responsible for franchising My Gym Children's fitness Center. From the company's very beginning, Cory has overseen all corporate operations including sales, expansion, employee development and company direction.

Mike Chalovich - Chief Operating Officer, MGE
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (1991), Mike earned his Bachelor's Degree in Communications. After additional studies at East Texas State University to earn his Alternative Teacher's Certification, he taught children with special needs from early 1995 through 1996. Chalovich began his career with My Gym Children's Fitness Center in 1997 as Director of the Plantation, FL facility. Within a short time, he proved his exceptional management capabilities and was asked to join MGE in 1998. In 2000, Chalovich was appointed Chief Operating Officer and today is responsible for overseeing all MGE operations and new business development. Chalovich is chairman of MGE's Executive Council.

Jamie Bertisch - Chief Financial Officer, MGE
Jamie is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a minor in Accounting. From September 1991 through 1993, he was employed as accountant with PJCPA Accounting Firm in Santa Monica, California. Bertisch was seminal in the establishment of MGE and is responsible for all financial matters of the company.

Monique Broulard Vranesh, Executive Vice President of Operations, MGE
Monique is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara (1989) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with emphasis on Family. In 1989, she purchased My Gym Van Nuys with Cory Bertisch. The gym has since relocated to Encino; and Monique, with her present partner Karyn Malchus, continues to operate the most successful My Gym to date. Monique played a significant role in the formation of GCI as well as the further development of the My Gym concept. Today, as Executive Vice President of Operations, she oversees franchisee support, on-site maintenance visits, program development and human resources.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE STAFF BIOS | Back To Top

Donna Bertisch - Editorial Consultant, MGE
A graduate of UCLA (1962) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Donna is a California credentialed kindergarten-primary instructor with a history teaching in the LA Unified School District. She is experienced with both physically challenged individuals and youngsters with learning disabilities. Donna retired to raise her family but remained active in the field of education, donating her services as Classroom Volunteer Coordinator for local public schools including the first LA City magnet for voluntary integration. Donna joined MGE at its inception.

Randy Bertisch - MGE Founder and President of Nonprofit Foundation
A successful screen actor since the age of 10 and owner/manager of his video production company at 16, Randy made an early entry into the professional world. He was accepted into USC's prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts Program (BFA) and continued his successful career until 1988, when his focus took a new direction. Randy was an initial investor and owner of one of the earliest franchised facility. He is the producer of the "My Home Gym" video series, lends his expertise to the entertainment division of the company, and is cofounder and President of the philanthropic organization, The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation.

Bill Caplin - My Gym Children's Fitness Center Founder
A Graduate with Honors from California State University at Sonoma (1979), Bill earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a minor in Physical Education. He has been active in the children's fitness industry for over 20 years and has appeared on national television as an expert to promote the importance of physical activity and fitness training for children during the early years of their development. One of the original founders of My Gym Children's Fitness Center, Caplin played an integral role in the development and later refinement of the My Gym concept.

Arnold Embuido, Vice President of Corporate Gyms
Arnold is a graduate of Cal State Northridge (1995) with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education. He began his career with My Gym in 1993 as an outstanding teacher in the My Gym Van Nuys facility and in 1992 was invited to join MGE as part of the Training and Support Division. In January 1999, Embuido became Director of Support and, as of January 2002, was named Vice President of Corporate Gyms, in which position he travels both throughout the US and internationally.

Edwin Chavez - Vice President of Training, MGE
Now in the process of completing studies in the field of General Childhood Development at California State University at Northridge, Edwin has worked in the field of children's fitness since the age of 15. His first involvement with My Gym was as instructor at My Gym Van Nuys and My Gym Valencia, both in Southern California. In 1998, Chavez was invited to join MGE and, in 2000, was promoted to Vice President of Training, the position responsible for overseeing the entire training department for new as well as currently operating franchisees. Chavez is Editor-in-Chief of the My Gym Newsletter and oversees My Gym brand development.

Laura Fetters - Central Regional Director, MGE
After graduating from Florida State University (1992) with a Bachelor's Degree in Leisure Services, Laura worked in the field of recreation until 1995. From 1995 to 1997, she was Regional Sales Manager for S & S Worldwide, a recreational supply company. From September 1997 to October 1998, Laura and her husband, Mark, owned and operated My Gym Greenacres in Florida; and, in 1998, they relocated to Illinois to open My Gym Aurora. In January 2001, Mark and Laura returned to Florida to become full-time employees of MGE. Today, Laura is the Midwest Regional Director, overseeing the needs of the currently operating and new franchisees in her region.

Mark Fetters - Assistant Director of Operations, MGE
Mark is a graduate of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO with Degrees in Marketing Management and Computer Systems Information. From September 1995 to September 1998, he worked in the financial service industry. From September 1997 to October 1998, Mark and his wife, Laura, owned My Gym Greenacres in Florida and, in 1998, moved to Illinois to open and operate My Gym Aurora. Today Mark is Assistant Director of Operations for MGE, a position that oversees the equipment department, construction and zoning, franchisee advertising, and statistical tracking.

Matt Hendison - Northeast Regional Director, MGE
A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Marketing (1989), Matt played 4 years of NCAA Varsity Ice Hockey for his school. From 1991 until he left to open his own My Gym franchise in May of 1999, Hendison acted as the Director of Programming for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) entertainment division. Because of his tremendous success with My Gym Shrewsbury, NJ, Hendison was asked to join MGE in January 2000 and today is the Northeast Regional Director, overseeing the needs of all presently operating and new franchisees in his region. Hendison heads the Entertainment Division of My Gym Enterprises and is a member of the MGE Executive Council.

Paul Jellen - Southeast Regional Director, MGE
Paul is a graduate of Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA (1993), where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and his Certification in Secondary Education Social Studies. From 1995 through 1996, Jellen played professional soccer for the Reading Rage in Pennsylvania and coached the sport at his alma mater, Wilkes University. From September 1997 through December 1999, he served as Director of My Gym Greenacres, Florida and, in January 2000, was named Southeast Regional Director for MGE. He oversees the needs of currently operating and new franchisees in his region and is a member of the MGE Executive Council.

Steve Jolton - West Coast Regional Director, MGE
Steve is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology. From February 1992 to September 1996, Jolton taught at My Gym Van Nuys in Southern California and worked part-time for My Gym's corporate entity, MGE, as a Support Specialist. From 1996 through 2000, he owned and operated two My Gyms, one in Aliso Viejo, CA and a second in Trubuco Canyon, CA. He subsequently sold both facilities and was asked to join MGE. In January 2000, Jolton was named West Coast Regional Director. He is responsible for overseeing the operations of currently operating and new franchisees in his region and also supervises the My Gym Product Development Department.

Jenifer Mills - Vice President of Openings & Support, MGE
A graduate of Brevard College in North Carolina (1991), Jenifer earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theater. She taught children with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances in the North Carolina public school system and has coached competitive level gymnastics and dance for over 15 years. Mills began her tenure with My Gym in 1996 and today is Vice President of Openings and Support. She oversees new franchise openings, supports new gym operators, and assists in the training and development of new franchisees.

Scott Myers - Assistant Director of Operations
A graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, Scott has a long, successful history with My Gym as well as a professional background couching children's sports. He proved his value to this company while teaching with Bill Caplin, a My Gym Founder in Santa Monica, CA as well as in My Gyms Valencia, Encino and Pasadena, CA. He held the position of Marketing Executive for all California Mirage Resorts, Inc. for 4 years before opening his own My Gym in Redondo Beach, CA. An invaluable member of the My Gym family, Scott was invited to join MGE and, in 2002, was named Assistant Director of Operations.

Tedra Bonner - Operational Support Specialist
Tedra is a graduate of Sam Houston State University (1995) with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts. A talented actor, dancer and singer, she sang in a Jazz Ensemble for 3 years and has performed in many musicals and plays throughout her life. After teaching 6th through 8th grade Theatre Arts in Galveston, TX for 2 years, Tedra move to Los Angeles and soon discovered My Gym, where she can bring together her teaching experience as well as her dramatic and musical talents. After proving herself as a creative and enthusiastic teacher/co-director at My Gym Encino, CA, she was asked to join MGE full-time and, in 2002, was named Operational Support Specialist.

Janet Cabai - Operational Support Specialist
A University of Florida graduate (1992), Janet received her BS in Journalism with a minor in Economics and, in 2002, earned certification in children's yoga, specializing in children with special needs. Before joining My Gym, she was a certified personal trainer and coached a high school auxiliary dance team. Janet began her career with My Gym in 1997 as a teacher in our Greenacres, FL location; moved to Chicago in 1999 to open and direct the 1st Midwest My Gym, located in Naperville, IL; and, in 2001, helped open and direct My Gym Lincoln Park, IL, at which time she began working part-time for MGE. In 2002, with her outstanding and dedicated history with My Gym, she was asked to join MGE full-time as an Operational Support Specialist, in which capacity she supports My Gyms throughout the Eastern part of the US.

Tim Harrison - Pre-Opening Support Specialist, MGE
A graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Tim earned his Master's in Health, PE & Recreation (1996) from Saint Mary's College, located in Moraga, CA. He is an experienced and talented trainer with a 10-year collegiate basketball coaching history in California and Colorado as well as overseas in Denmark. As the Director of My Gym Framingham, MA from November 2002 to March 2003 and Director of My Gym Newton, MA from March 2003 to August 2003, Harrison proved himself to be an outstanding and valuable member of our My Gym family whose goals parallel those of our philosophy. Tim was invited to join MGE's full-time corporate staff in October of 2003, at which time he was designated Pre-Opening Support Specialist.

Mae Perez - Staff Accountant & Technology Officer
Upon completion of high school in San Diego, CA (1999), Mae worked for both a construction company and a software corporation. In January 2001, spurred by her desire for a change, Perez relocated to Los Angeles and subsequently began working for MGE. In just over one year of employment, Mae proved her worth to the company, and her responsibilities now include those of Staff Accountant, Technology Officer and Webmaster. (www.my-gym.com, www.mgcahelpskids.org, and www.challengedamerica.com)

Tammy Lamberti - Office Manager
A graduate of Los Angeles Valley College with an Associate of Arts Degree in English, Tammy comes to My Gym with a professional background teaching youngsters as well as 2 years of administrative/office experience. Her history working with children includes 2 years teaching preschool, specializing in youngsters with special needs and learning disabilities. Tammy is a published poet and an aspiring and talented author. Having joined MGE in the beginning of 2003, Tammy has earned great respect for her excellent qualifications and managerial abilities in running the company's main corporate offices.

Susi and Yacov Sherman - My Gym Children's Fitness Center Founders & Trainers
After his studies in Special Education and Dance Therapy at Haifa University in Israel, Yacov went on to teach dance, gymnastics and physical education to children with special needs. Susi studied Dance at the University of Colorado with emphasis on Movement Education Training and is a Movement Specialist who has taught gymnastics, physical education and dance for the Los Angeles Unified School District, community centers and private institutions. Yacov and Susi are founders of My Gym Children's Fitness Center and remain the owner/operators of two thriving gyms they established in the early 1980's. Both Susi and Yacov train new franchisees for MGE and act as consultants to the MGE Executive Council, providing pertinent information on growth strategies.


Corporate Overview & History \| Executive Council National Executive Staff

	CORPORATE OVERVIEW & HISTORY \| Back To Top
	Since its inception in 1983, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© has been at the cutting edge of the children’s fitness industry. For over 20 years, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© has combined innovative, physical early learning/pre-gymnastics classes with state-of-the-art facilities to empower children – ages 3 months to 9 years – by helping them acquire the skills, confidence and positive self-image needed to become healthy young adults. My Gym’s award-winning, structured, noncompetitive and age-appropriate classes enhance children’s strength, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility and social skills through games, music, exercise, sports, puppets, special rides, gymnastics and fun! My Gym Enterprises (MGE), the company responsible for franchising My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© worldwide, was established in 1994, began franchising in 1995, and has effectively replicated the My Gym concept with unfailing success. My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© was created in 1983 as a collaborative effort by its founders, William Caplin and Yakov & Susi Sherman, who opened their first two My Gyms in Santa Monica and Van Nuys, California. Utilizing their experience in the fields of sports, dance, early childhood development, kinesiology and gymnastics, the founders developed a program and facility where children actively participate in a variety of structured weekly classes to gain physical ability, social skills and self-esteem. Both partners experienced such great response that, in the years that followed, they expanded the business by opening three additional facilities in the Southern California area – Beverly Hills, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills. By 1989, each of the five locations was flourishing. In 1989, Cory Bertisch and Monique Vranesh, then recent graduates of the University of California at Santa Barbara, purchased My Gym Van Nuys and experienced comparable success. From 1989 to 1994, the original My Gym founders, together with Bertisch and Vranesh, refined the My Gym programming, equipment and systems of operation and witnessed the popularity of their gyms explode. This refinement led to the creation of a standardized formula combining age-appropriate class programs and a state-of-the-art facility with unique equipment, designed and manufactured exclusively for My Gym. Their distinctive programming placed emphasis on the building of self-esteem, while teaching positive life lessons, essential to children’s healthy development. In 1995, with their concept ready for duplication, the partners seized the opportunity for expansion by establishing My Gym Enterprises (MGE), the company responsible for franchising My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© worldwide. To ensure the success of future gyms, the GCI founding team developed a detailed, comprehensive franchise package including extensive training and support systems, the quality of which is unparalleled in the industry. From 1995 through April 2003, MGE opened approximately 100 new My Gym Children’s Fitness Center© franchises in 27 states throughout the country. In October of 2001, My Gym Enterprises became international with the acquisition of a development agreement in South Korea to open a total of 8 My Gym franchises. My Gym Hong Kong is scheduled to open soon, with additional international gyms projected to open in Australia, Canada, England, Malta, Mexico and Puerto Rico. As of mid-2003, there are 110 My Gym Children’s Fitness Centers worldwide, including both franchised and corporate facilities, with 27 additional My Gyms scheduled to open by April 2004 and another 28 on the horizon. By combining 20 years of operating experience, an exceptional product, and dedicated colleagues who share a common vision, My Gym Enterprises has created an operation that can be duplicated in criteria-rich locations with complete success. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL \| Back To Top Cory Bertisch - Chief Executive Officer, MGE Cory is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara (1989) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He purchased My Gym Van Nuys in 1989 with Monique Broulard Vranesh, and together they quickly built their enrollment to an astounding 600 children. Cory was pivotal in the further enhancement of the My Gym programming and the driving force in the formation of My Gym Enterprises (MGE), the company responsible for franchising My Gym Children's fitness Center. From the company's very beginning, Cory has overseen all corporate operations including sales, expansion, employee development and company direction. Mike Chalovich - Chief Operating Officer, MGE A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (1991), Mike earned his Bachelor's Degree in Communications. After additional studies at East Texas State University to earn his Alternative Teacher's Certification, he taught children with special needs from early 1995 through 1996. Chalovich began his career with My Gym Children's Fitness Center in 1997 as Director of the Plantation, FL facility. Within a short time, he proved his exceptional management capabilities and was asked to join MGE in 1998. In 2000, Chalovich was appointed Chief Operating Officer and today is responsible for overseeing all MGE operations and new business development. Chalovich is chairman of MGE's Executive Council. Jamie Bertisch - Chief Financial Officer, MGE Jamie is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a minor in Accounting. From September 1991 through 1993, he was employed as accountant with PJCPA Accounting Firm in Santa Monica, California. Bertisch was seminal in the establishment of MGE and is responsible for all financial matters of the company. Monique Broulard Vranesh, Executive Vice President of Operations, MGE Monique is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara (1989) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with emphasis on Family. In 1989, she purchased My Gym Van Nuys with Cory Bertisch. The gym has since relocated to Encino; and Monique, with her present partner Karyn Malchus, continues to operate the most successful My Gym to date. Monique played a significant role in the formation of GCI as well as the further development of the My Gym concept. Today, as Executive Vice President of Operations, she oversees franchisee support, on-site maintenance visits, program development and human resources. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE STAFF BIOS \| Back To Top Donna Bertisch - Editorial Consultant, MGE A graduate of UCLA (1962) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Donna is a California credentialed kindergarten-primary instructor with a history teaching in the LA Unified School District. She is experienced with both physically challenged individuals and youngsters with learning disabilities. Donna retired to raise her family but remained active in the field of education, donating her services as Classroom Volunteer Coordinator for local public schools including the first LA City magnet for voluntary integration. Donna joined MGE at its inception. Randy Bertisch - MGE Founder and President of Nonprofit Foundation A successful screen actor since the age of 10 and owner/manager of his video production company at 16, Randy made an early entry into the professional world. He was accepted into USC's prestigious Bachelor of Fine Arts Program (BFA) and continued his successful career until 1988, when his focus took a new direction. Randy was an initial investor and owner of one of the earliest franchised facility. He is the producer of the "My Home Gym" video series, lends his expertise to the entertainment division of the company, and is cofounder and President of the philanthropic organization, The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation. Bill Caplin - My Gym Children's Fitness Center Founder A Graduate with Honors from California State University at Sonoma (1979), Bill earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a minor in Physical Education. He has been active in the children's fitness industry for over 20 years and has appeared on national television as an expert to promote the importance of physical activity and fitness training for children during the early years of their development. One of the original founders of My Gym Children's Fitness Center, Caplin played an integral role in the development and later refinement of the My Gym concept. Arnold Embuido, Vice President of Corporate Gyms Arnold is a graduate of Cal State Northridge (1995) with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies/Elementary Education. He began his career with My Gym in 1993 as an outstanding teacher in the My Gym Van Nuys facility and in 1992 was invited to join MGE as part of the Training and Support Division. In January 1999, Embuido became Director of Support and, as of January 2002, was named Vice President of Corporate Gyms, in which position he travels both throughout the US and internationally. Edwin Chavez - Vice President of Training, MGE Now in the process of completing studies in the field of General Childhood Development at California State University at Northridge, Edwin has worked in the field of children's fitness since the age of 15. His first involvement with My Gym was as instructor at My Gym Van Nuys and My Gym Valencia, both in Southern California. In 1998, Chavez was invited to join MGE and, in 2000, was promoted to Vice President of Training, the position responsible for overseeing the entire training department for new as well as currently operating franchisees. Chavez is Editor-in-Chief of the My Gym Newsletter and oversees My Gym brand development. Laura Fetters - Central Regional Director, MGE After graduating from Florida State University (1992) with a Bachelor's Degree in Leisure Services, Laura worked in the field of recreation until 1995. From 1995 to 1997, she was Regional Sales Manager for S & S Worldwide, a recreational supply company. From September 1997 to October 1998, Laura and her husband, Mark, owned and operated My Gym Greenacres in Florida; and, in 1998, they relocated to Illinois to open My Gym Aurora. In January 2001, Mark and Laura returned to Florida to become full-time employees of MGE. Today, Laura is the Midwest Regional Director, overseeing the needs of the currently operating and new franchisees in her region. Mark Fetters - Assistant Director of Operations, MGE Mark is a graduate of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO with Degrees in Marketing Management and Computer Systems Information. From September 1995 to September 1998, he worked in the financial service industry. From September 1997 to October 1998, Mark and his wife, Laura, owned My Gym Greenacres in Florida and, in 1998, moved to Illinois to open and operate My Gym Aurora. Today Mark is Assistant Director of Operations for MGE, a position that oversees the equipment department, construction and zoning, franchisee advertising, and statistical tracking. Matt Hendison - Northeast Regional Director, MGE A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Marketing (1989), Matt played 4 years of NCAA Varsity Ice Hockey for his school. From 1991 until he left to open his own My Gym franchise in May of 1999, Hendison acted as the Director of Programming for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) entertainment division. Because of his tremendous success with My Gym Shrewsbury, NJ, Hendison was asked to join MGE in January 2000 and today is the Northeast Regional Director, overseeing the needs of all presently operating and new franchisees in his region. Hendison heads the Entertainment Division of My Gym Enterprises and is a member of the MGE Executive Council. Paul Jellen - Southeast Regional Director, MGE Paul is a graduate of Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA (1993), where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and his Certification in Secondary Education Social Studies. From 1995 through 1996, Jellen played professional soccer for the Reading Rage in Pennsylvania and coached the sport at his alma mater, Wilkes University. From September 1997 through December 1999, he served as Director of My Gym Greenacres, Florida and, in January 2000, was named Southeast Regional Director for MGE. He oversees the needs of currently operating and new franchisees in his region and is a member of the MGE Executive Council. Steve Jolton - West Coast Regional Director, MGE Steve is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology. From February 1992 to September 1996, Jolton taught at My Gym Van Nuys in Southern California and worked part-time for My Gym's corporate entity, MGE, as a Support Specialist. From 1996 through 2000, he owned and operated two My Gyms, one in Aliso Viejo, CA and a second in Trubuco Canyon, CA. He subsequently sold both facilities and was asked to join MGE. In January 2000, Jolton was named West Coast Regional Director. He is responsible for overseeing the operations of currently operating and new franchisees in his region and also supervises the My Gym Product Development Department. Jenifer Mills - Vice President of Openings & Support, MGE A graduate of Brevard College in North Carolina (1991), Jenifer earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Musical Theater. She taught children with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances in the North Carolina public school system and has coached competitive level gymnastics and dance for over 15 years. Mills began her tenure with My Gym in 1996 and today is Vice President of Openings and Support. She oversees new franchise openings, supports new gym operators, and assists in the training and development of new franchisees. Scott Myers - Assistant Director of Operations A graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, Scott has a long, successful history with My Gym as well as a professional background couching children's sports. He proved his value to this company while teaching with Bill Caplin, a My Gym Founder in Santa Monica, CA as well as in My Gyms Valencia, Encino and Pasadena, CA. He held the position of Marketing Executive for all California Mirage Resorts, Inc. for 4 years before opening his own My Gym in Redondo Beach, CA. An invaluable member of the My Gym family, Scott was invited to join MGE and, in 2002, was named Assistant Director of Operations. Tedra Bonner - Operational Support Specialist Tedra is a graduate of Sam Houston State University (1995) with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts. A talented actor, dancer and singer, she sang in a Jazz Ensemble for 3 years and has performed in many musicals and plays throughout her life. After teaching 6th through 8th grade Theatre Arts in Galveston, TX for 2 years, Tedra move to Los Angeles and soon discovered My Gym, where she can bring together her teaching experience as well as her dramatic and musical talents. After proving herself as a creative and enthusiastic teacher/co-director at My Gym Encino, CA, she was asked to join MGE full-time and, in 2002, was named Operational Support Specialist. Janet Cabai - Operational Support Specialist A University of Florida graduate (1992), Janet received her BS in Journalism with a minor in Economics and, in 2002, earned certification in children's yoga, specializing in children with special needs. Before joining My Gym, she was a certified personal trainer and coached a high school auxiliary dance team. Janet began her career with My Gym in 1997 as a teacher in our Greenacres, FL location; moved to Chicago in 1999 to open and direct the 1st Midwest My Gym, located in Naperville, IL; and, in 2001, helped open and direct My Gym Lincoln Park, IL, at which time she began working part-time for MGE. In 2002, with her outstanding and dedicated history with My Gym, she was asked to join MGE full-time as an Operational Support Specialist, in which capacity she supports My Gyms throughout the Eastern part of the US. Tim Harrison - Pre-Opening Support Specialist, MGE A graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara (1991) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Tim earned his Master's in Health, PE & Recreation (1996) from Saint Mary's College, located in Moraga, CA. He is an experienced and talented trainer with a 10-year collegiate basketball coaching history in California and Colorado as well as overseas in Denmark. As the Director of My Gym Framingham, MA from November 2002 to March 2003 and Director of My Gym Newton, MA from March 2003 to August 2003, Harrison proved himself to be an outstanding and valuable member of our My Gym family whose goals parallel those of our philosophy. Tim was invited to join MGE's full-time corporate staff in October of 2003, at which time he was designated Pre-Opening Support Specialist. Mae Perez - Staff Accountant & Technology Officer Upon completion of high school in San Diego, CA (1999), Mae worked for both a construction company and a software corporation. In January 2001, spurred by her desire for a change, Perez relocated to Los Angeles and subsequently began working for MGE. In just over one year of employment, Mae proved her worth to the company, and her responsibilities now include those of Staff Accountant, Technology Officer and Webmaster. (www.my-gym.com, www.mgcahelpskids.org, and www.challengedamerica.com) Tammy Lamberti - Office Manager A graduate of Los Angeles Valley College with an Associate of Arts Degree in English, Tammy comes to My Gym with a professional background teaching youngsters as well as 2 years of administrative/office experience. Her history working with children includes 2 years teaching preschool, specializing in youngsters with special needs and learning disabilities. Tammy is a published poet and an aspiring and talented author. Having joined MGE in the beginning of 2003, Tammy has earned great respect for her excellent qualifications and managerial abilities in running the company's main corporate offices. Susi and Yacov Sherman - My Gym Children's Fitness Center Founders & Trainers After his studies in Special Education and Dance Therapy at Haifa University in Israel, Yacov went on to teach dance, gymnastics and physical education to children with special needs. Susi studied Dance at the University of Colorado with emphasis on Movement Education Training and is a Movement Specialist who has taught gymnastics, physical education and dance for the Los Angeles Unified School District, community centers and private institutions. Yacov and Susi are founders of My Gym Children's Fitness Center and remain the owner/operators of two thriving gyms they established in the early 1980's. Both Susi and Yacov train new franchisees for MGE and act as consultants to the MGE Executive Council, providing pertinent information on growth strategies.