Our founders, coaches and experts are all passionate about helping every child achieve success and realize their unlimited potential. The Team creates a community of support and acts as a resource for the child and family who are integral to the success of the program.
Our founders, coaches and experts are all passionate about helping every child achieve success and realize their unlimited potential. The Team creates a community of support and acts as a resource for the child and family who are integral to the success of the program.
In 2010 Michael and Rachel Dube started a business that sought to provide a positive sporting experience for kids of all ages. They wanted to teach children the core principles of sportsmanship through fair play, self confidence, teamwork and the value of self-expression and self-worth. What started as a small group grew into partnerships in 20 Tri-State area schools running daily sports programming, hundreds of events for corporate groups and non-profit organizations, birthday parties and private coaching for thousands of children. The philosophy behind DubeZone gave a fresh perspective on teaching and developing sports skills, team play and overall physical and social development, always driven by the motto of creating strong character and strong bodies. The Dube's bring their many years of experience and success to Elite Method.
Michael Dube, co-founder and President of Elite Method, has an incredible passion for working with kids and teaching them the skills needed to be successful in life. He stresses character building as much as strength and skill building. Michael is also co-founder of DubeZone, where he served as the inspiration and master trainer to a large coaching staff. Michael is considered an expert coach for his unique ability to connect with and transform every child with whom he works. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and he spreads his positive message through volunteerism, motivational speaking, and the charity he co-founded, Sharing Seats, which has given away thousands of event and sporting tickets to children in need. "Coach Mike," as he is affectionately called, is an inspiration to many and is very much looking forward to continuing his passion in helping kids through the development of Elite Method.
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars.
Rachel Dube, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Elite Method, has more than eleven years of experience working in the child-development market through her first business, DubeZone, which provided sports coaching and programming for kids. Her experience of intimately working with thousands of children and families has been the inspiration to create Elite Method. Rachel saw the need for more intensive and customized programming that focused on the "whole" child, including physical, social, and emotional needs. Rachel brings her many years of career experience in business development, marketing, and programming to the development of Elite Method. She is also very involved in her community having served as the Jewish Community Liaison to Englewood Hospital for more than five years. She is the mother to two wonderful children ages 14 and 17 and is the wife of co-founder Michael Dube.
Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.
Rebecca Jesin, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Elite Method, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. As a mother of four young children, she feels passionately about giving children every opportunity to succeed. Rebecca has more than ten years experience working with children and developing child programming. Rebecca brings her years of experience in business development, her creative mind, and organizational skills to the Elite Method team.
Always chase your dreams instead of running from your fears.
Glenn Maida earned his B.S. degree in Communications from the University of New Haven. He is an educator, coach, personal trainer and photographer with over 17 years experience working with children and adolescents. Glenn has taught enrichment programs in a variety of districts in NJ and NY and currently teaches students with special needs at an alternative high school in Paramus.
"Seeing improvement, growth and confidence in my students week after week is what drives me to deliver my best each day. I strive to instill a sense of self confidence and awareness when coaching, and believe that every child has an innate ability to achieve their best when they realize their success lies within themselves and just need some help to see it."
I strive to instill a sense of self confidence and awareness when coaching.
Noel Segarra attended Kutztown University to follow his dreams of being a college athlete. He graduated with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and then earned his Master’s Degree in Education Administration.
Noel has been an educator and athletic coach for the past 14 years. When he is not teaching English to his students, Coach Noel coaches High School Football, Varsity Track, and serves as Assistant Coach for the Fairleigh Dickinson University Devils Women’s Basketball team. After college, Noel spent time playing Semi-Pro and Arena Football, and was invited to the 2009 NFL combine. Following a car accident that same year, coaching and working with children became his passion. Coach Noel brings years of experiences from working directly with his students and athletes.
Throughout his career, Noel has made it his mission to reach his vision of guiding, assisting and witnessing the individual growth of each child he encounters. Coach Noel provides the knowledge and “tools” to help his clients gain that confidence they need to be successful in life. Coach Noel is looking forward to helping the next young person he has the opportunity to work with to accomplish their goals and continue building self-confidence. His expertise in both athletics and working with adolescents, provide great opportunities to truly impact those he works with.
It always seems impossible until it is done.
Coach Mitchell is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and multi-sports coach for children of all ages. He has many years experience as an ice hockey coach and specializes in developing children into young athletes. Coach Mitchell has a strong background in strengthening both mechanical and technical skills with all his clients. Mitchell played both intramural football and baseball on the collegiate level. He has also taught Physical Education in private schools throughout North Jersey. Coach Mitchell believes that physical activity and fitness have always been and continue to be a guiding light in his life. His is so grateful to be able to share that with all his clients.
It's never too early or too late to work towards being the healthiest you.
Giuseppe Pollicino earned his Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University Newark in 2018 where he majored in English, and minored in both Spanish and Urban Education. In addition to academics, Giuseppe was also a member of the men's soccer team during each of his four years at Rutgers Newark and while he helped the men's program to achieve their first championship in his senior year, Giuseppe's proudest accomplishment while a Scarlet Raider was in earning back-to-back Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards in 2017 & 2018.
Immediately after graduating, Giuseppe pursued his graduate studies in English at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, which he completed in the spring of 2020. During the academic off seasons, Giuseppe taught for the Institute of Reading Development at various college campuses throughout the Tri-State area as well as remotely to over a thousand students. Upon returning to New Jersey, Giuseppe taught seventh grade English Rutherford and currently teaches eighth grade English in Woodland Park.
With his experiences as a scholar-athlete, Giuseppe aspires to help those he works with cultivate a healthy balance between responsibilities and hobbies. His approach is one which is committed to consistent progress and champions the core values of work ethic, integrity, and humility.
Rebecca Jorgensen earned her Master of Science degree in Exercise Sciences from Montclair State University and has worked with children and adults of all ages and abilities in sports and fitness for over a decade. Rebecca has had the pleasure of working as a soccer coach, rock climbing instructor, aquatics director, as well as group and individual fitness coach.
Throughout her career, Coach Rebecca has worked with children, youth and teens. She ran group and individual soccer sessions for children from the ages of two through high school, as well as multi sports camps with the United Sports Academy, Kickz UK and her own soccer company for many years. Coach Rebecca strives to continue to make a positive impact on children’s lives by improving their self-esteem, as well as physical and cognitive abilities all while having fun.
Rebecca currently works as a Personal Trainer and serves as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach to the CCM Titans Division II NJCAA softball team. As a former college softball player herself and national level competitive gymnast, Rebecca values the importance of listening to your mind and body. Her knowledge, good humor and encouragement are key to her success with both children and adults alike.
Believe you can and you will.
Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, Alex Gamble received his B.A. with majors in Psychology, Anthropology, and Religion while also playing collegiate basketball at the University of Rochester. He is currently in graduate school at Columbia University getting his Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Sports Psychology as he provides performance and mental health support to the student-athletes at Rutgers University. Alex integrates his diverse academic background with his experience as a former student-athlete by taking a holistic approach to working with people of all ages from a multitude of backgrounds. He is passionate about the transformative power and potential of sports and seeks to share his passion with others as a way to collaborate and empower the kids he coaches in a variety of contexts. He believes that dedication to exercise and sport instill the values of hard work, leadership, and resiliency which are all essential for success in athletics, academics, and life more broadly.
Ernest Ross holds a Bachelors in Business Management from Fort Valley State University as well as Masters in Sports Management from Florida State University. Ernest has spent the last seven years teaching and coaching children from K-12 and up to college level. He has CPR/AEDA Certification as well as Coaching certification from Florida State University. Ernest is a former physical education teacher and is currently Dean of students at Democracy Prep Endurance High School. Ernest specializes in a various number of sports such as basketball, tennis, volleyball etc. Ernest philosophy working with children is to help build there confidence, teach life lessons though sports and believe in building positive relationships with children.
Manny Navedo graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Sports Management. He has had a lifelong passion for sports and continues that today by spreading his love for the game of basketball as Head Coach of the P723X basketball team. Manny is known for his ability to bring out the best in his players, through tough love and positive reinforcement. Manny's favorite sports to teach are basketball, baseball and football. He also was apart of an undefeated state championship wrestling team as a Senior in High School. He considers himself to be a student of many more sports and is consistently learning new things everyday to increase his coaching knowledge.
Coach Manny works as a vocational counselor at a non-profit organization. Coach Manny enjoys giving back to his community and helping youth reach beyond their limitations to become self-sufficient, confident individuals. Coach Manny is a firm believer that it is never too early to start implementing activities and sports in order to build perseverance and confidence. This will grow more leaders that the world needs.
If there is no struggle there is no progress.
Mick Hazen received his B.A. in Psychology from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is a multi-sport coach and academic tutor, who began his coaching career at 14 years old when he helped run a tennis clinic for children with special needs. Mick has coached children of all ages in an array of sports including basketball, soccer, football and tennis. Growing up, Mick played nearly every sport imaginable, competed at the national level in both tennis and golf, played varsity basketball, and worked professionally as an actor in film, television and theater. Although juggling his academics, professional acting career, and competitive sports schedule was difficult, it instilled in him a sense of discipline, the importance of leading a well balanced life, and the positive developmental impact of exposing a child to athletics and the arts in addition to their standard schooling. Mick attributes much of who he is today to the passionate teachers and coaches he had the privilege of learning from growing up, and strives to make the same positive impact on the children he works with.
Don't give up, the beginning is always the hardest.
Nicholas Joannides is a child development specialist and multi-sport coach. A New York City native Nicholas Started mentoring the youth at Riverside Church when he was fifteen. It was there he picked up some of the essential tools that would eventually lead him to a degree in Speech and Language Pathology with a focus on early childhood education. “I have always been interested in how children learn. Their minds are constantly workshopping problems and I have become fascinated by how they eventually solve these problems. Aiding in the development of a child has always been a very rewarding experience for me.”
Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.
Oren Ross has earned three separate Masters degrees from top Universities including NYU, Michigan and Columbia. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Cognitive Science in Education at Columbia University. Oren is a lifelong learner interested in the intersection of play and games on problem solving and creativity. He has worked for various video game companies as well as an educational tutor and after-school sports instructor. Oren enjoys playing and teaching all sports but his favorites are baseball, basketball, football, hockey, skiing, snowboarding and biking. He also loves teaching math, ELA and test taking strategies. Coach Oren is passionate about sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for life with his young clients.
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.
Steve Meehan received a degree in Management Psychology from Gettysburg College. Steve has been coaching kids in sports for over a decade. He's coached in basketball camps in Philadelphia and Los Angeles including the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy. He also coaches tennis and basketball and has run children's programs in all types of sports including soccer and flag football.As a former college athlete and current sports coach and performer, Steve comprehensively understands the power in trusting your body and leading with your heart. From working with children, teens, and adults, Steve knows the importance of acknowledging who you are now and believing in where you can go next.
If we listen to ourselves better and become more curious in the world around us, we can begin to pursue our fun in everything we do.
Dr. Walter Hidalgo is an educator, sports coach and life coach. He has a Master's of Arts in Sociology from Columbia University and a Doctorate from New York Theological Seminary. Coach Walter has spent 10 years running youth after school programming around New York City. He played football at Northeastern University and semi-pro with the Boston Bandits. Coach Walter also holds a second degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. Coach Walter believes that teaching children meditation techniques and mindfulness strategies are critical to a calmer and more peaceful child.
Never underestimate your strength, never overestimate your weaknesses.
Adam Grant has an LMSW with a Masters in Social Work. He attended Fordham University for Graduate School of Social Work and serves on both the faculty of Adelphi University and York College's Social Services Department and is a School Social Worker with the Department of Education. Adam is also a former Division I Basketball and Track & Field athlete with over 15 years of experience working with youth. Adam utilizes a strengths-based framework and approach in order to unlock the confidence within his clients. Adam believes social/emotional learning and physical enrichment activities make all the difference in teaching our youth to lead a healthy life. Adam is an avid chess player, loves nature and enjoys doing community service.
Youn Lindo is a multi-sport coach and music producer from Westchester County, New York who graduated from Westchester College with a degree in Communication Media Arts.Coach Youn has been teaching sports for over 12 years and has worked with children of every age group. His father, having owned a sports facility, educated and trained him on the importance of sports, both in the mental and physical aspects of the game. During this time, Coach Youn acquired the necessary skills to encourage growth and development and effect change in the lives of his many students. Coach Youn has been playing baseball since he was 7 years old. He believes the disciplines and lessons learned through sports, remain with you and are key to a successful life. He encourages self confidence by changing the perception of failures from negative to positive. Coach Youn is most fulfilled when he sees the evidence of self love and confidence demonstrated by those he has mentored.
Our reaction to a situation literally has the power to change the situation itself.
Conor Dorney is a Graduate student at Mercy College studying to be a School Counselor. He received his Bachelor's in Psychology from SUNY Buffalo. Conor also works as a College Admissions Counselor at St. Joseph's College. Conor has many years of experience coaching children through CYO basketball and youth lacrosse. He has also volunteered at summer basketball and lacrosse camps. Conor was a lifeguard and pool supervisor at his town pool for 7 years. While there, he taught swimming lessons to children ages 3-12. Coach Conor's goal is to help kids build confidence and realize their full potential, all while having fun!
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Chuck Tuttle has a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Oneonta in Communications and a minor in Sports Management. Coach Chuck has close to 10 years experience coaching multiple sports for children of all ages, but his main focus for the past few years has been coaching volleyball for children ages 8 years old all the way to the collegiate level. Coach Chuck is a volunteer leader for both the Young Boys Brigade and Youth Groups at his local Church. He loves playing baseball, golf, and backyard games like badminton, spikeball and kanjam but volleyball is his real favorite. Through fun and meaningful games and activities Coach Chuck's goal is to provide a way for his clients to improve their physical skills and really enjoy what they are learning making every sessions fun and educational.
Yes, it's going to be hard but it's going to be worth it.
Nick Giannone has a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a NYS K-12 Physical Education Teaching Certification from Adelphi University. Nick has over 3 years of experience working with children of all ages. He has conducted motor development tests for toddlers as well as created and taught lesson plans to elementary, middle school, and high school students. Coach Nick also holds a personal training certification through ISSA. Coach Nick's goal is to help children develop a passion for physical activity in fun and exciting ways.
My goal is to help children develop a passion for physical activity.
Colin Morris is a graduate from SUNY Purchase College with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Sociology. Colin is a lifelong athlete beginning with Little League and eventually becoming Captain of his collegiate baseball team at the Division III level. Over the last decade, he has coached at various organizations. Colin has spent the last two academic years as an Athletic Teacher and Coach at the Buckley School in Manhattan where he led boys in kindergarten through ninth grade, specializing in football, basketball, baseball and many recreational activities. He believes sports have so much to offer to the development of a child, building confidence, learning valuable social skills and fostering friendships and community. He takes an individualized approach to coaching, knowing that every child operates and responds to different forms of teaching. His ultimate goal is to help a child find a greater sense of self, both on and off the field.
Dr. Marla Baum, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a doctorate degree in School-Clinical Child Psychology from Yeshiva University-Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Dr. Baum has extensive experience conducting neuropsychological assessments, as well as therapy with children and adolescents along with their families in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private settings. Dr. Baum spent three years as an adjunct clinical professor at Ferkauf, teaching assessment to graduate students and supervising their testing cases in the school’s community clinic. She currently works in private practice on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and her specialties are neuropsychological assessments of children, adolescents, and young adults ages 3-21, executive function deficits and their remediation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with attention deficits and anxiety disorders.
Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.
Allison Mell holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hunter College. She has extensive experience working with the pediatric population through Early Intervention, sensory gyms, school, and home environments. She has worked closely with infants through middle-schoolers, specializing in treating children with low muscle tone, torticollis, stroke, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and general gross motor delays. Allison is passionate about childhood development and believes that movement is a key component to a child’s health, attention span, and self-esteem. She is confident that when given the right tools, children can break through limitless boundaries. “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs” is a quote she embraces both literally and figuratively. Allison is a co-founder of Tots on Target, a company with a mission to foster the natural developmental process in the areas of physical movement, sensory integration, and fine motor skills to build the foundation for a child’s success.
Mistakes are proof that you are trying.
Maryann Deutsch holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University. She also holds a post-professional certificate in Pediatrics and certification in Sensory Integration, including administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration Praxis Tests (SIPT). Maryann has worked with the pediatric population in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, sensory clinics, and home environments. She specializes in treating children with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, general motor delays, and coordination disorders. Maryann is passionate about providing children with sensory-rich environments and experiences to facilitate motor and sensory development. She believes in viewing the child holistically, and collaborating with parents and teachers to maximize the child’s potential. Maryann is the co-founder of Tots on Target along with her business partner and friend, Allison Mell. "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."
What we learn becomes a part of who we are.
Gitty Leiner, M.S., CCC-SLP, founder of NY SpeechTime, received her bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College in 1994, where she majored in communication sciences and disorders. In 2000, she graduated with honors from the speech-language pathology master’s degree program at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Ms. Leiner has also earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech language pathology in 2001, and is ASHA certified. Her over 20 years of experience includes treating children with a variety of developmental delays/disorders. Ms. Leiner has worked extensively with disorders of articulation and language. Throughout the year, Ms. Leiner enjoys a successful speech practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Her diverse clientele includes children from the board of education, insurance-based, early intervention and private students.
Children will listen to you after they feel listened to.
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