Meet the team

The people behind the programs.

From our founder to our frontline instructors, every person on our team is here for one reason: to help kids grow through play.

Leadership

The People Behind Our Programs

Robert Thornton

Founder / Director

Robert 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 specialist, field instructor for at-risk youth, national parks guide, STEM franchise support specialist, and camp director, he brings well-rounded expertise in creating meaningful, fun, impactful experiences for kids. Under his leadership, The Recreation Academy has grown from 1 to 74+ locations across multiple cities.

Robert@therecreationacademy.com

David Saunders

Operations Supervisor

David is a driving force behind The Recreation Academy's continued growth. He leads staff development, opens new program sites, supports marketing initiatives, and drives enrollment across all locations. He has helped numerous sites hit the ground running and exceed expectations in their first two years. Outside of work, he's a proud husband and father of two who enjoys hiking and unplugging with his family.

David@therecreationacademy.com

Area managers

Our City Leaders

Area Managers are promoted from within. They lead and mentor instructors at assigned locations, ensuring every program meets our high standards.

Coach Fabian

St. Louis, MO · Area Manager

Coach Fabian combines creativity and STEM passion to inspire kids in fun, 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. When he's not coaching, he's painting acrylic landscapes and cheering on Leones de Ponce.

Coach Dorie

St. Louis, MO · Area Manager

Coach Dorie loves helping kids stay active, build confidence, and feel included. With 30 years of experience working with children, she creates safe, positive spaces where kids can express themselves and discover what makes them unique. One of her favorites to lead is Foam Tip Archery. Outside of camp, she enjoys dancing, roller skating, Zumba, and line dancing.

Coach Jalen

Medford, OR · Area Manager

Coach Jalen brings 10 years of experience working with kids and a passion for helping them reach their potential. He loves leading high-energy football activities that build teamwork, confidence, and character. When he's not coaching, you'll find him playing video games, watching anime, spending time with family, and cheering on the Miami Dolphins.

Our instructors

Faces Behind Every Program

Every Rec Academy coach is selected for three things: real experience working with kids, the confidence to lead a room, and a genuine desire to keep learning.

Coach Elliot

St. Louis, MO

Coach Elliot is all about energy, fun, and positive impact. Now in his fourth 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. Off the clock you'll catch him lifting weights, playing Xbox, or rooting for the Denver Broncos.

Coach Ainsley

St. Louis, MO

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 that same fun, memorable experience. When she's not leading activities, Ainsley enjoys playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and hanging out with her dog, Jupiter.

Coach Terrance

St. Louis, MO

Coach Terrance brings high energy, steady leadership, and a real passion for helping kids grow through sports and play. He currently serves as a summer day camp director and supports several local youth enrichment organizations. With us he leads sports clinics, school-break camps, and after-school clubs. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening.

Coach Ethan

St. Louis, MO

Coach Ethan has been working with kids since high school and brings 7 years of teaching experience. He loves helping youth grow while having fun through Gaga and basketball, focusing on teamwork, respect, and honesty. During the school year, Ethan coaches Esports. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, sports, and sending TikToks to his wife.

Coach Kizzy

St. Louis, MO

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 dance and arts & crafts activities that help kids try new things and feel celebrated for who they are.

Coach Morgan

St. Louis, MO

Morgan is back for another summer! With 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 together.

Coach Fynn

St. Louis, MO

Fynn brings 3 years of experience working with kids and a drive to make a real impact in his community — one game at a time. Whether he's lifting weights, scaling a rock wall, running, playing pickleball, or cheering on Mizzou Football, Fynn stays active and brings that energy straight to the field with a killer game of Capture the Flag.

Coach Kerriann

St. Louis, MO

Kerriann brings 2 years of experience working with kids and a genuine passion for making a difference. A Cardinals fan at heart, she's drawn to youth work because she remembers looking up to adults who believed in her — and now she wants to be that role model. Whether leading video games or theatre-based programs, she creates spaces where kids feel seen and heard.

Coach Bryce

St. Louis, MO

Bryce brings 1 year of experience working with kids and a genuine desire to be the kind of positive role model he had growing up. A college football player with a love for nearly every sport, he knows what it means to stay active, compete hard, and show up for your team. His go-to: an intense game of Knockout.

Coach Carson

St. Louis, MO

Carson brings 2 years of experience working with kids and a clear mission — help every child grow into their best version. A college football player with a love for nearly any sport, he stays active through runs, hikes, and competing on the field, and brings that same energy to his favorite activity: football. Off the field he's cheering on the Commanders.

Coach Caleb

St. Louis, MO

Coach Caleb brings energy and teamwork to every activity he leads. With six years of experience working with kids, he loves guiding team games like basketball and kickball to help kids learn communication, problem-solving, and respect. Outside of camp, Caleb enjoys pickleball, jamming on guitar and drums, and rooting for the Toronto Raptors.

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