Dara Birnbaum started Albany Kids’ Corner in 1987 to meet the needs of students and working parents. She has worked in Early Childhood Development for the past 26 years with families from many cultures and serves as the Youth Services Director at the University Village.

Ken Cober began his study of Kojosho karate in 1990 and received his black belt in 1994. At that time he became an assistant instructor in Kojosho karate. Since 1999 he has been the main instructor of the Berkeley Albany class. He currently now holds a fourth degree black belt.

Randal Gory holds a bachelors degree in Physical Education and Human Movement as well as a MA in Sports and Fitness Management from University of San Francisco. A former collegiate basketball player and coach for the past 16 years, Randal is a Tehiyah Day School teacher and Athletic Director.

Jami James has been coaching both youth baseball and ice hockey for 5 years. As a former collegiate athlete, Jami majored in Child Psychology and was awarded the Male Athlete of the Year Award, for both his academic and athletic excellence. As a Minor League baseball and hockey player, he acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience that he wants to share with kids.

Suzanne Kunstman began skating at the Richmond Rollertorium when she was three years old. When Suzanne was 10 years old she saw Peggy Fleming on television and begged her parents for a pair of ice skates. A teacher and coach since 1974 of ballet, ice skating, yoga and dance, Suzanne has worked with children, dancers, athletes and professionals. Suzanne’s coaching philosophy is to inspire her students to discover and appreciate their unique gifts, while sharing her special training as both a skater and a dancer.

Dawn Martin-Rugo has taught and coached gymnastics since 1972. She has worked with Masayuki Watanabe, Muriel Grossfeld, Fritz Reiter among other elite level and national coaches over the years. She served on the coaching staff for the UCB Women’s Gymnastics team with Dan Millman and was
one of the founding coaches for Golden Bear Gymnastics. She has directed the Gymnastics Plus program since 1986 and the University Village Recreation Program since 1992.

Teale Matteson, founder and director of Pacific Soccer has been coaching soccer for the past 18 years. He was the Assistant Coach for the Men’s Soccer team at Cal from 1985-87 and is currently coaching at St. Mary’s College High School and the ACCYSL Mavericks. He has served as an evaluator for the Olympic Development Program and provided coaches training
through the ACCYSL.

Matthew Schwey We’d like to welcome Matt Schwey as our new Head Instructor for the Gymnastics Plus Program! He came out on top of a field of applicants from as far as Connecticut and Thailand! Matt hails from Florida via the South Bay where he
worked with children in recreational settings as well as gymnastics competitors through Level 10 over the past 13 years. He holds a BS in Recreation and Leisure Services and is USA Gymnastics Safety Certified.

Mike Smith, a local Poppin’ artist, has taught through the Albany Unified School District and University Village Recreation Program.

Rick Slettedahl, a former collegiate player with the University of Washington, has been coaching for over 20 years. He directed the YMCA’s Youth Basketball Program from 1993-95, founded the East Bay Youth Basketball Programs and has been Youth Basketball Director at University Village since 1996.

back to top

Back Home