OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe in an environment that promotes self-esteem, self-confidence and an all round positive experience. This can only be achieved by having professional, caring, energetic, and qualified instructors, who love children and love their job.

OUR STAFF

NICOLAE PIPEREA – OWNER/INSTRUCTOR

Nicolae grew up in Bucharest, Romania. His sporting background began at an early age. He became an accomplished soccer player, competing for the Romanian Junior National Team. Later he competed for various professional teams in Germany until an injury sidelined his career. During these years, he also received a Master of Sport from the University of Bucharest. In 1994 Nicolae moved to the United States to seek out other opportunities and a better way of life. The rest speaks for itself... Becoming United States Citizens in 2002, Nicolae resides in Stamford with his wife Daniella, and two daughters, Georgiana and Nicole.

• Former Professional Soccer Player – Romania & Germany
• Physical Education Degree – Academy of Physical Education & Sports, Bucharest, Romania
• Romania Coaching Licenses
• U.E.F.A. "A" License 
• Advanced NSCAA National Coaching License
• American Soccer Coaching License
• Romanian Tennis Coaching License
• USA Gymnastics – National Safety Certification
• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Co-Host – Romanian Junior National Gymnastics Exchange
• Former Head Girls Soccer Coach – Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT
• Head Boys Soccer Coach – Darien High School, Darien, CT
• Owner – NFS CLUB (Nicolae’s Fun Soccer Club
• Co-Owner – Jack Rabbits Gymnastics Club, LLC

JOHN SCHWARTZ – OWNER/INSTRUCTOR

John resides in Ridgefield, CT. In 1987 He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Marketing. He started his business career with National Financial Data Services and American Century Investors in Kansas City, MO. and eventually made his way back to the northeast to work for Cadbury Schweppes North America. After being laid off in 1992 and tempting at various local corporations, John decided to give the corporate world the boot, and move on to career that was more rewarding, satisfying and fun. For 3 years he coached Cross-Country and Track and Field at his old High School. Inspired by the 1996 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team, John began instructing gymnasts at the U.S. Academy of Gymnastics and later at the Darien YMCA, where he still is employed.

• Marketing Degree – University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Arkansas
• KAT Certified – Kinder Accreditation for Teachers
• USA Gymnastics – Professional Member
• USA Gymnastics – National Safety Certification
• American Red Cross – First Aid & CPR Certified
• Co-Host – Romanian Junior National Gymnastics Exchange
• Former Director of Gymnastics – Darien YMCA
• Former Pre-Team Instructor – Darien YMCA
• Assistant Team Manager – Darien YMCA
• Class Instructor – Darien YMCA
• Co-Owner – Jack Rabbits Gymnastics, Club, LLC

ANATOLIE VARTOSU - INSTRUCTOR

Anatolie was born in the Republic of Moldovia, a region of Romania. A graduate of Sport University, Moldovia he received a Master of Sport. His professional experience encompasses teaching physical education, ballet, dance, track and field and soccer. Before moving to the United States, he devoted much of his time and energy towards bettering the lives of orphans and underprivileged children in Bucharest, Romania. Anatolie has also made a career out of track and field and road racing. He has competed all over Europe as a very accomplished long distance runner.

• Sport University, Republic of Moldova – Master of Sport
• Sports Teacher
• Personal Trainer
• Dance & Ballet Teacher
• Gymnastics Instructor
• Elite Athlete – Track & Field, Road Racing
• National and International Competitor
• KAT Certified
• USA Gymnastics Instructor Member
• USA Gymnastics – National Safety Certification
• American Red Cross – First Aid & CPR Certified

ALIN ANDREI – INSTRUCTOR