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Meet your Child's Mentors
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Don Berryessa, 5th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Chief Master Instructor for the Oregon America’s Best Karate Academies, serves as President of ABK, Inc. With the help of his wife, Sheri Berryessa, and very dedicated teachers at ABK, they created Americas Best Kids Sports and Learning Center Sheri Berryessa, Vice President and Head Girls Team Coach Sheri Berryessa, Vice President and Head Girls Team Coach. Sheri is a Black Belt and accomplished gymnast. Her warm and caring teaching makes her a favorite with children and parents alike! Chris Blache, General Manager and Senior Gymnastics Coach. Chris has been coaching for over 20 years and teach from preschool gymnasts to Level 10 Champions. Chris has numerous certifications in coaching , is an avid skateborder and was formerly a tumbler with the LA Rams.Amy Inge, Senior Gymnastics Coach. She has been coaching for more than 30 years and competed as Elite gymnast throughout the world.Kedrin "Kid" McCree is the Gymnastics and Dance Assistant Department Leader and is also Birthday Party Activities Director. Kid is what ABK is all about - he cares about children, is fun, energetic, and a huge asset to ABK. He has been teaching dance for over 15 years.Molly Clement is the Preschool Department Leader at ABK. She has a degree Communication with a minor in Psychology. She has been working with children for over 17 years.Anna Crawford, Bachelor's degree in Business and Education-Wants to pursue a MAT-Worked at ABK as intern prior to becoming an employee.Loves to read, yoga, hike. Teaches preschool gymnastics-Been on the Hood to Coast team and is training for 2011-Attended culinary school & enjoys bakingCheyenne is an SOU graduate. She has 4 yrs exp. as an aerialist, 16 yrs of ballet, tap, jazz, hiphop, and breakdance, gymnast for 5 yrs, Pole Vaulting for SOU for 2 yrs and competed waterskiing for 3 yrs. Goals: Preschool Teacher or Special Education Teacher.Lisa Minor: ABK since 2007 and feels blessed to be a part of the ABK Team. Competitive gymnast in highschool, teaching off and on for over 25 yrs. Loves teaching preschool gym. She is amazed at how fast they learn and they brighten her darkest days. Hobbies: run,decorate, swim,bike,walking her dogsErica Rowland has danced and sang for ten years, and cheered for 7 years. She likes to wakeboard, golf, loves the summertime, working with kids.Melinda, Child Care Dept Leader, Kindergarten teacher. Masters in Education with an emphasis on health and physical education Continual graduate courses currently for a degree in leadership development. Training and certification in IYCA youth fitness specialist. Greatest joy in life is teaching. Ryan loves to be busy, spending time with family, making designs on paper/ computer screen, photography and music. Snowboarding for 10 yrs, plays acoustic/electric guitar. Goal: Four year degree majoring in graphic design and business minor. Ryan says he has the best job at ABK.Michelle came to ABK Child Care in Mar, 2010.Likes to take pictures, creating picture books online for family/friends. Enjoys massages,pedicures,manicures, going anywhere with her son, playing Farmville(Facebook), and is a reality TV junkie. Enjoys spending time with Melinda and kids. Mr. O’Connor, Senior Managing Instructor and a 4th degree blackbelt, began training at age 8 in Tae Kwon Do and has competed in forms and sparring in a wide variety of tournaments in the U.S. He has also trained in Karate, Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and weapons.Mr. Breen will be testing for his 3rd degree black belt in 2011. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in business and leadership. Sean has also worked in swimming, gymnastics, camps, and birthday parties. He plays both the guitar and piano. Kyle O'Connor, North Karate Academy. Kyle is currently a 2nd degree blackbelt. Nathan James, Karate Instructor at North and South Academy. Mr. James will be testing for his 2nd degree blackbelt on May 14, 2011 Nathan is also a Golden Glove Boxer.Jeff Rumelhart, Senior Karate Instructor at our South Medford Academy.Ashley is a 1st degree black belt. She is the lead instructor for the Jr Little Dragons. At ABK she has also coached swimming, dance, gymnastics, a teacher’s assistant in our preschool program.Kristi Higday, Customer Service Deptartment Leader. Joined ABK staff in 2002. Started as a gymnastics coach and now leads the CS Dept and maintains ABK's Website. Lynn loves being at ABK and helping parents with any, and all questions or concerns they may have. Lynn says the best part of her job is the kids! They always bring a smile to her face. Goal: would like to earn her black belt someday. Both of her children are ABK black belts.Shannon, Payroll Specialties and AccountingAlyssa Smith Gymnastics InstructorMarina Pecoraro Gymnastics Team Coach She has been coaching gymnastics for three years. Loves working with kids, music, dancing, photography, traveling.
At ABK we are continuously striving to find the best way to help your child develop mentally, physically and emotionally.  
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