MEET THE TEAM
ROBERT THORNTON
COMPANY FOUNDER
Robert Thornton is the founder and visionary leader of The Recreation Academy, dedicated to building strong communities through exceptional youth programs.
With hands-on experience as a camp counselor, outdoor education instructor, team building and leadership specialist, field instructor for at-risk youth, national parks guide, STEM franchise support specialist, and camp director, he brings a well-rounded expertise in creating meaningful, fun, and impactful experiences for kids.
Under his leadership, The Recreation Academy has gone from 1 to now 74+ locations that offer our unique programs in several cities.
Robert is passionate about helping youth thrive and connecting communities through shared growth and learning. For partnership inquiries or to learn more, reach out at robert@therecreationacademy.com
DAVID SAUNDERS
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
David is our Operations Supervisor and a driving force behind The Recreation Academy’s continued growth and impact.
He leads staff development, opens new program sites, supports marketing initiatives, and drives enrollment across all locations. With a sharp eye for operational excellence and a proven ability to launch thriving programs, David has helped numerous sites hit the ground running and exceed expectations in their first two years. Outside of work, David is a proud husband and father of two who enjoys hiking and unplugging with his family any chance he gets. His passion for youth development and community building shines through in everything he does.
Curious about bringing The Recreation Academy to your area? David is the one to talk to, you can reach him at david@therecreationacademy.com
Coach Fabian combines creativity and STEM passion to inspire kids in fun and unique ways. With four years of experience working with youth, he loves blending art and science—like making custom Pokémon cards—to spark curiosity and build community. Fabian is excited to grow as a leader and help shape new programs that make learning both meaningful and enjoyable. When he’s not coaching, he’s painting acrylic landscapes and cheering on Leones de Ponce.
COACH FABIAN
ST. LOUIS AREA MANAGER
Join our team!
POSITION OPEN
NASHVILLE AREA MANAGER
Join our team!
POSITION OPEN
MEDFORD AREA MANAGER
Background coming soon!
POSITION OPEN
KANSAS CITY AREA MANAGER
LEARN MORE ABOUT A FEW CURRENT & PAST INSTRUCTORS
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COACH NICK
Coach Nick brought serious hustle and heart to our team! A student-athlete studying Kinesiology and Business Management, he balanced fun and leadership like a pro. His favorite activity? Gaga ball—where he proudly claimed the title of self-dubbed Pit Champion. We loved having his competitive spirit and positive energy all summer long!
COACH CLAIRE
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Coach Claire is passionate about helping kids grow, learn, and have fun along the way. Studying Elementary Education and with classroom experience, she brings dedication and care to every camp session. Whether leading games or group challenges, Claire aims to help kids build confidence, resilience, and strong teamwork skills. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dog Milo and rooting for the St. Louis Blues.
COACH ELLIOT
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Coach Elliot is all about energy, fun, and positive impact. Now in his third year working with kids, he brings a love for sports—especially soccer and Gaga Ball—and a personal goal of making camp just as meaningful for today’s youth as it was for him growing up. Whether he’s running a game or cheering kids on, Elliot helps make every session more fun. When he’s off the clock, you’ll catch him lifting weights, playing Xbox, or rooting for the Denver Broncos.
COACH AINSLEY
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Coach Ainsley has been working with kids for 7 years and brings a ton of energy and experience to the team. She grew up loving summer camp and now works hard to give kids the same kind of fun, memorable experience. Whether it’s a game of Gaga Ball or 9 Square, she’s all about helping kids build teamwork and communication skills while having a great time. When she’s not leading activities, Ainsley enjoys playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and hanging out with her dog, Jupiter.
COACH TERRANCE
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Bio coming soon!
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COACH KATHERINE
Bio coming soon!
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COACH ETHAN
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Coach B has been working with kids since high school and brings 7 years of teaching experience. He loves helping youth grow while having fun through Ga Ga and basketball, focusing on teamwork, respect, and honesty. During the school year, Ethan coaches Esports, enjoying the unique challenges video games offer kids. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, sports, and sending Tik Toks to his wife.
COACH KIZZY
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Kizzy brings 27 years of passion and experience to youth enrichment, starting her journey as a high school volunteer reader who discovered her calling to positively impact children's futures. A proud Green Bay Packers fan, she specializes in leading dancing and arts & crafts activities that help kids have fun while trying new things. Kizzy's genuine curiosity about each child she meets drives her to learn something new from every interaction, making her sessions both meaningful and memorable for everyone involved.
COACH MORGAN
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Morgan is back for another summer with us, bringing 3-4 years of experience from babysitting and YMCA camps. She loves sharing her passion for dance, 9-square, and GaGa ball, helping kids learn new skills and teamwork. Morgan is excited to meet the cadets, learn from their fresh perspectives, and discover new games while growing her own skills in engaging and inspiring youth.
COACH
DESHAWN
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Coach Deshawn is all about building confidence, creating memories, and bringing the fun. With 10 years of experience working with kids, he's passionate about helping young people grow and believe in themselves—just like his mentors once did for him. Whether he's leading kickball, organizing relay races, or getting everyone laughing together, Deshawn makes sure every kid feels valued and capable of big things. When he's off the clock, you'll find him at the bowling alley, camping outdoors, or cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
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COACH ALEX
Alex brings four years of youth coaching experience and a passion for sports to every session. A dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, he specializes in football and flag football while also loving basketball and baseball. Alex's goal is simple but powerful: he wants every kid to find enjoyment with their teammates and develop a genuine love for the sport they signed up for. Always looking to grow, Alex is excited to improve himself as both a person and coach while developing stronger leadership capabilities through his work with young athletes.
COACH FESTA
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Bio coming soon!
COACH ALESHA
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Coach Alesha served as one of our Area Managers before pursuing her degree in clinical psychology with a focus on youth development. During her time with The Recreation Academy, she developed a specialized program for children with type 1 diabetes, creating workshops and fostering an atmosphere of normalization among participants. Her dedication to helping kids feel confident and included made a lasting impact on our programs and the families we serve.
COACH CALEB
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Coach Caleb brings energy and teamwork to every activity he leads. With six years of experience working with kids, Caleb loves guiding team games like basketball and kickball to help kids learn communication, problem-solving, and respect. He’s passionate about creating a fun, safe environment where every child feels heard and valued. Outside of camp, Caleb enjoys playing pickleball, jamming on guitar and drums, and rooting for the Toronto Raptors.
COACH LIA
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Lia brings one year of experience working with kids and a fresh perspective to youth enrichment. A Chicago Cubs fan who enjoys reading and drawing in her spare time, she specializes in leading Gaga Ball sessions with enthusiasm. Lia entered youth work to experience a different environment and is passionate about ensuring every child has a good time during their sessions. She's excited to continue improving her communication skills while helping kids build confidence and create positive memories.
UNDERSTAND OUR STAFFING PROCESS
Great programs start with the people running them
THE REVIEWS ARE IN.
St. Louis, MO
“Working here is so great! All the campers I have worked with have had a blast and really enjoy the programs we have. This organization has taught me a lot about teaching and organizing as well which is great for my future as a teacher!"