Our Staff

My name is Nikola Novakovic and I am from Belgrade, Serbia. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to play the game of basketball. Growing up in a country that was in war, basketball was my only way out of trouble. It motivated me to stay focused on a healthy life. I high school I was given an opportunity to visit the states and live with an American family as an exchange student. I saw how life in the US made more sense and I decided to pursue my basketball career in college where I played division 1 basketball for FIU. Upon graduating from college I moved back to Europe and played professional basketball in Greece. After getting injured I decided to move back to Miami with my wife and start coaching children in south Miami.

Why do you love the game?
The game of basketball is by far the most exciting sport to watch. I was always impressed how great players such as Jordan and Bird played the game. It is a fast paced sport that requires a lot of physical elements to work together in order to achieve one goal… to score the basket!
What’s your favorite part about teaching the sport and working with children?
Children are the future of this world. I want to pass my knowledge and my respect of the game to all children. They have to see that basketball is so much more than just a game. Its a place where you grow not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It is an environment where your emotions can reach the depths of your soul. It is a sanctuary of respect and fear. Its something that every kid should go through!

Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my father. He has taught me so much about life and about basketball and how much you have to practice in anything in order to achieve your goals. He always said: There are certain things that can be given to you, but there are many more things that you have to earn.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“You always have to fight adversity!” –Belco Bamba

My name is Carlos Fernandez and I was born and raised in sunny south Florida and have spent my whole life. I attended Dade Christian School from K-12^th grade where I learned many life skills, values, lessons, and through friends and their love for sports and competition. It was not until my final two years that I experienced true success in athletics. As a Junior, I was a two sport All-County athlete (Basketball & Track). During my senior year I decided to play football for my first time ever and became a three sport, All-County athlete and a State Champion in the 200 meter dash. All this set me up for what was a fun and interesting college career. My freshman year I attended the University of Miami and played one year of college football. I then attended Florida International University to focus on basketball where I met Courtney Young.

Why do you love Fitness, Sports, and Basketball?

Throughout my life I have gained an appreciation for fitness and sports on several dimensions. I have been given many opportunities to understand and appreciate the true values of fitness and sports and their relationship to one another. As I get older and set new goals and challenges in my life, I have gained a deeper appreciation for fitness and the role it plays in achieving ones goals in sports and living a healthy lifestyle.

What’s your favorite part about teaching Fitness/Sports and Basketball and working with children?

The reason I love teaching so much is because I learned a lot about ethics, teamwork, discipline, and social interaction through sports when I was young. While my parents where both hard working, loving parents who supported me in all of my athletic endeavors, sports helped shape me in during the hours that I wasn’t able to spend with them. Because of this, and having to learn on my own as I grew older, I have a love for athletics and the desire to show youngsters how rewarding sports can be so they can gain the tools needed to make the right decisions and achieve their dreams.

Who is your role model and why?

My parents. Through hard work, long hours, and a will to succeed in the United States, they showed me that hard work and selflessness is necessary for one to accomplish goals and the importance of fighting for what you truly want out of life.

What are your favorite quotes or sayings?

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.” Vince Lombardi

“Never give up! Failure and rejection are the first step to succeeding.” Jim Valvano

Josh Schiffrin is entering his second season working for Court’s 1-on-1 Sports and his first as the Head of the Basketball ASP. However, Josh is far from new to the community or to the game of Basketball. A Miami native who graduated from Gulliver Prep where he was a 3 time All County Performer and later went on to compete for two years at Lafayette College in Easton , Pa. Upon graduation Josh began to develop his extensive coaching back round. He returned to his alma mater where he has served as an Assistant Coach for the Gulliver Varsity team while also serving as the Head Coach for the Junior Varsity. At Gulliver Prep as an assistant to the Varsity Head Coach he helped compile scouting reports and specialized in guard development. While at Gulliver he helped to capture 8 district Championships in 10 years as well as assisting in the placement of over 20 student athletes on college teams.
Josh also served as the Junior Varsity Head Coach for 8 seasons and compiled an impressive overall record of 152 -26. Under Josh’s direction the kids developed both on and off the floor and learned the importance of team development, dedication and commitment. Josh is married with 2 kids and his daughter attends Nursery school at Beth Am. He and his family are very active in the community. Josh currently works for Fembi Mortgage as a Mortgage Banker while also serving as the Head of Basketball ASP.

My favorite part about working with kids is seeing the smiles on their faces as they realize they are getting better while also most importantly having fun.
A couple of my favorite quotes are: “Do your best and forget the rest” and “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Susie Green was born and raised in Miami, Florida and has been a professional singer/performer since the age of 10 years old with beginnings in the musical theater world. She performed with several companies and theaters, stateside and international, including: Peace Child Miami, Peace Child Russia, Actor’s Playhouse, The Blackbox Theater & New World School of the Arts.

During her college years she began working as a staff songwriter/artist in development for Crescent Moon Studios owned by Emilio Estefan as well as with FIPP/Sony Publishing. There she had the opportunity to work with songwriters, engineers, musicians, producers and artists such as: Phil Ramone, Randy Barlow, Gian Marco, Willy Perez-Feria, Jon Secada, Jorge Noriega, Aaron Fisbein, Carlos ‘Loco’ Bedoya, Tim Mitchell, Mandy Moore, Jimena, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Daniel Rene etc. After several years Universal Music Publishing (UMP) took over the FIPP/Sony catalogue and she was able to go on a writing tour to Los Angeles to work with various UMP writers including: Chaka and Jason Nesmith.

Some of her published works include: “Saturate Me” by Mandy Moore, “Volar Sin Alas” by Jimena, “Perception”, “Crave” & “Different Story” on Indie film- Perception featuring her own vocal performance.

She’s also toured the world with Latin Stars Chayanne (2002) & Christian Castro (2004).Susie owns Nusom Music Publishing and continues to write and collaborate with artists as well as feature her vocals on various projects. She also is the founder of The Colaboratory- a creative collective of Music Industry professionals.

In addition to her professional music experience, she also speaks for 500+ girls at a time across Miami at various Dade-County Public High Schools. Her messages are motivating, positive and energizing as well as entertaining and engaging. The Girl Scout Council of Tropical florida contacts her to create compelling curriculum for various age groups on subjects like: Self Esteem, Living Green, Science, Expression and The Arts. She enjoys bringing fun to learning experiences and models herself after her favorite teachers: Mrs. Trujillo, Chris Arroyo and Mr. Dones.

Her role models include her teachers, her family and anyone who goes out there to do good in the world asking nothing in return.

Favorite Quote: “Music is simply the way I experience the world around & within me…did I say “simply”? Hmmm…”

My name is Rina Jakubowicz and I’ve been in Miami since I was 4 years old, living predominantly in the Gables and the Grove. I was born in Venezuela but my mom is Cuban and my dad is Argentinean so I am a mut. I love this because Miami itself is a melting pot of sorts and it allows me to connect with everyone regardless of nationality.
Since I have lived in Miami for so long I love the feeling of walking down the street and seeing someone I know. It’s a beautiful city that has been growing so much in that it has embraced the importance of yoga and wellness as well.

Why do you love what you do?
My passion for yoga stems from wanting to help others help themselves and yoga allows people to do this. I don’t consider my job work because it is a pleasure and a blessing to be able to do what you love.

What’s your favorite part about teaching your area and working with children?
Children make life so lively and full of love and imagination. Yoga is all about imagination and exploration so naturally the two go well together. I learn so much from children that I find it an honor to be able to share with them while they share with me.

Who is your role model and why?
My mother is a huge role model for me because she has this impenetrable bubble of happiness and joy that has shown me that life can be a paradise depending on how you look at it. Plus, she’s a big kid just like me so playing with her all these years has allowed me to stay a child at heart!

What is your favorite quote or saying?
“Be careful with your thoughts for they become your words. Be careful with your words for they become your actions. Be careful with your actions for they become your habits. Be careful with your habits for they become your character. Be careful with your character for it becomes your destiny.” – Anonymous

My name is Fredy Rojas and I love the game of chess because it’s a game filled with strategies just like in war. My favorite part of teaching chess is seeing my student’s perspectives about the game change from a their view of regular board game to a very competitive strategy filled battle. I first learned the game of chess at Rockway Middle School when I was in 6^th grade. I originally thought of it as many others do and didn’t understand how intense and complex the game was. I was soon hooked and wanted to keep learning more and more about the game. After lot of practice I made the chess team and was off to my first state competition, successfully winning and carrying my team to winning 1^st place in the State Competition. After came the National Competition held in Tucson, Arizona where my team won the title and defending it for three years after that (2001-2003).

My name is Andres Vega. I am 24 years old and was born in Medellin, Colombia. I have lived in South Florida for twenty-two years now. The game of soccer was first introduced to me when I was seven years old at a local YMCA. From there I continued to play for South Kendall Soccer Club and Belen High School. Upon my graduation from high school, I joined local leagues and friendly tournaments such as Copa Latina and Inca Cola. For the most part, I fell in love with the sport and have continuously played it for nearly 17 years now.

Why I love Soccer: The black and blue bruises, endless hours of playing and practicing, and putting in the extra time and commitment are some I what I do for the sport I love. It is my passion in life, the one thing that makes me feel as if I do not have a care in the world when life’s problems come my way. The passion I have for soccer is like none other. Through this sport one learns the true meaning of teamwork and good communication skills. Soccer is a complete team sport where there is no such thing as an individual player. It is a sport where you need to combine talent, endurance, leadership, communication skills, and teamwork. With these aspects, the game of soccer is its own unique sport.

In college, I realized that I didn’t only enjoy watching and playing soccer. I also wanted to coach children and teach the game I love. I wanted to show children how to play the game and become passionate about it. I have coached soccer for approximately 5 years now and have enjoyed every second of it. Watching the children flourish with their skills and master techniques is remarkable. Furthermore, there is nothing better than seeing a child’s face after s/he scores a goal.

My Role Model: My role model in soccer is Andres Escobar. He started to play as a sweeper or central defender for the team he loved the most- Atletico Nacional. His great form, leadership skills, and talent made him the National team captain. He was considered one of the best players in Colombian soccer and was thus nicknamed “El Caballero de las canchas”. Throughout his many achievements in soccer, Andres Escobar was believed to be one of the best and solid defenders in the world. Unfortunately, in the 1994 World Cup, Escobar scored an own goal, costing Colombia to lose against USA 2:1. This event is said to be the reason for his abrupt murder 10 days after returning to Colombia from the World Cup. His passion for the game and what he meant to the country of Colombia made him my number one role model.

My Favorite Quote is- “Individual commitment to a group effort-that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work” –Vince Lombardi. I believe many people would benefit from this quote.

My name is Jossie Stern and I have been dancing since the age of 3 here in Miami, FL. I began dancing competitively at the age of 10 and continued to do so through my high school years. In high school I also became a two time captain on Ransom Everglades Upper School’s Dance Team. Growing up I also performed annually in a charitable dance show presented by the Coral Gables Junior Women’s Club, and loved the idea of dancing for a cause. Through the years I have been chosen to dance for events like the Jr Orange Bowl Parade, Disney’s Coral Gables Christmas Tree Lighting Show, and a popular Spanish Language show Quiero Ser Estrella.

Growing up I danced at one studio, Dance Unlimited, and now find myself as the Owner/Director of the same establishment I grew up dancing in. I love working with Miami’s youth and am dedicated to my students’ growth not only as dancers but as people as well. I consider myself very lucky to have the privilege to be a part of our students’ lives.

Why do you love Dancing?

I love dancing because it is an expression of the mind, heart, and soul through movement of the body. Whether professional, technical, or just your average hora, dancing is an outlet and is universal in this way. I happen to think that is very cool.

What’s your favorite part about teaching Dance and working with children?

My favorite part about working with Children is very simple. It is the smile that they put on my face every day. As an owner I sometimes get too focused on paperwork, and when I’m feeling crazed I teach a class and remember that I am here for these kids and that is all that matters.

Who is your role model and why?

My role models are both my parents, but for different reasons. I look to my Dad and see what he has accomplished in the Business world and continue to be impressed and learn from him every day. I look to my Mom and see an amazing woman who can create just about anything. The artist inside of her inspires me. I try to take a little bit of both of them with me in everything that I do.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

“Dance like no one is watching.” I know, typical right? However, I will defend my choice by saying that it is so necessary for a dancer to live by this saying. At the end of the day, no matter who might watch you perform, I believe that dance is solely for that individual and not for anyone else. We should always let go, and be dancing like no one is watching.

Christine Vega came to South Florida to study with an acting teacher who I was inspired by who ran the conservatory at the University of Miami. His style of communicating with the actor made me want to learn, grow, and explore my dream of acting. His passion and love of his craft made me want to improve mine. So I left my family in Wisconsin to move down to study in Miami. I graduated from UM with a degree in Musical Theater in 2006. I had all the plans to move to New York but I had met my now husband before my Senior Year. I decided to stay and start working in South Florida. I started working at Actors Playhouse performing in their Young Audiences shows. I also started teaching classes at Actor’s Playhouse as well. I had student taught in college, but had never really considered doing it long term. Working with the kids made me so excited again about acting and sparked a new love. I continued acting in local theaters and teaching when I was approached by Miami Children’s Theater. They needed a teacher and director and had heard about me. I signed on to direct my first show A Year with Frog and Toad. The experience changed my life and I have been teaching/directing with MCT for 5 years now.

Why do you love what you do?

I love to teach acting because whether or not the kids end up pursuing the arts, the skills they learn give them confidence and skills they can use no matter where life takes them. Kids from all backgrounds learn projection, presence, speaking skills, etc. Theatre is an all inclusive art. There are no rules, restrictions, or judgements. Everyone is welcome and accepted. Many kids who never fit in anywhere else find a home in theatre.

What’s your favorite part about teaching your area and working with children?

My favorite part is when a student comes up to me and tells me how they never expected their life to have been so changed but they cannot believe how much they have learned or grown or changed by participating in acting.

Who is your role model and why?

I have many role models in my life, but one of them is a woman named Jennifer Vellenga. She was my mentor in college and she is an inspiration to all women. She is witty, intelligent, accomplished, strong, and poised. She inspired me to follow my dreams and to deal with bumps in the road as they come with a steady head. She is a mother, an actress, a director, and a true friend to learn on. I strive to strike that perfect balance in life as she seems to have, but also know she would say life is never perfect, so don’t try to make it so.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

” All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”- William Shakespeare

” I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship” – Louisa May Alcott

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Alyssa Allen has been cooking and baking with the very best chefs (her father and grandmother) since she was two. In fact, her father wouldn’t let her order pizzas or Chinese food when she had friends sleeping over. He’d insist they’d make their own. She was born and raised in Miami. She attended college and then grad school in New York and Boston. Her husband brought her back home to heat nation. Alyssa received a Master’s Degree in Television Production to pursue a passion to work on children’s educational television. After working on children’s shows for PBS and Animal Planet she decided to make her own. Sticking to her favorite subjects she created and filmed a musical TV show for pre-school children and their parents that teaches food nutrition, kitchen safety, hygiene and how to make healthy food favorites.
Alyssa is also a third grade teacher at Beth Am Day School. As much as she obtained her love of the kitchen from her father, Alyssa also had a special gift for teaching and working with children that she’s sure had something to do with her mother, who is also an Elementary school teacher. Alyssa loves teaching kids and exploring the world with them.
She loves learning about everything about food from its history of use, to its importance in cultures, to flavors it can enhance in other foods. Her favorite part about working with kids and food is introducing kids to new flavors and tastes and the satisfaction of getting the most picky eater to try something that child has created.
Her role model is her “Bubby” who encouraged a world of creativity and imagination, spent her life always doing for others and showed that kindness was the mightiest tool to have.
Her favorite quote is: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

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My name is Mike “Chrome” Barberan Beltran and I was born in New York. I lived there for about 15 years until I moved down to Miami, Florida. My parents are Puerto Rican and one thing I’m proud of is being Latino and of Puerto Rican descent. It’s in my blood! One of my best friends is Puerto Rican great Carlos Arroyo.

I love sports and play everything especially baseball, football, and of course basketball. On my free time I play basketball anytime and anywhere. From the parks, courts on the streets, gyms, and recreational leagues all over you can always find me on the court either playing or coaching.

My favorite NBA player of all time is Michael Jordan but my favorite team is the New York Knicks. I’ve been a Knicks fan all my life and no matter what, I always will be. I feel the same way about the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. New Yorkers are true fans to their teams and will boo them when they lose, and cheer for them when they win.

My history with basketball started at 8 years old on a youth league in Staten Island, New York. I hardly got any playing time and I told my dad that I didn’t want to play anymore because I was always sitting on the bench. I hadn’t touched a basketball until I was 15 years old and living in Miami, Florida. I tried out for the high school team but didn’t make the squad. My skill level wasn’t close to that of the other kids, but I practiced and kept trying. I loved the game and pursued my passion for basketball in parks and leagues. As I got older, I started gaining recognition all over Miami-Dade County. I joined every basketball league from 3-on-3, Pro-Am, Top Gun, and highly competitive tournaments with cash prizes. I formed my own team called “The Dynasty” and our team lived up to the name. I led my teams to 28 championships before starting Hoopstars Basketball, Corp, a company that organized basketball leagues around South Florida.

I love helping others and truly am blessed to do so. My mantra has always been “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

My role model spiritually is G-d, and my family. They have both been part of my life always. My goal is to be a huge entrepreneur in every aspect of basketball, from scouting, coaching,