Meet the Staff

We at Cal Youth Camps are proud to uphold the Cal tradition of excellence.

Dave is currently serving as the Director of Youth Programs, and provides guidance and support to all members of the Rec Sports – Youth Programs team. Dave holds more than 18 years of experience developing, managing, and supporting high quality youth programs. Dave most recently worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs in leadership roles where he managed several Boys & Girls Club facilities and programs. Dave was instrumental in developing strong community partnerships in the Bay Area, and in Northern Utah that have benefitted countless youth. Dave received the National Service to Youth Award in 2017 due to his multiple years of service to the Boys & Girls Clubs. Previously Dave spent five years teaching Physical Education in Tucson, Arizona and in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dave has additional experience working with youth in residential settings, several years of experience working and managing municipal Parks & Recreation programs, and has several years of experience implementing and managing advocacy programs for foster care youth, and youth who identify as LGBTQ. Dave served for two years on the Arizona State Foster Care Review Board, and holds membership with the Foster Care Alumni of America where he is a previous Communication Chair for the Arizona chapter. Dave holds further certification as Youth Program Quality Trainer for the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. Dave is an avid bicyclist, and enjoys traversing the many trails of the East Bay.

Jennifer Battaglia

Head Coach, Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics

Jennifer grew up in Northern California, and attended high school in the South Bay. Jennifer attended San Jose State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and Communications. Jennifer competed in gymnastics through Class I/Level 9-10 through USA gymnastics and USGF, as well as participated in college gymnastics while attending San Jose State University. Her coaching career began in Northern California in 1988. Jennifer has coached in USA Gymnastics sanctioned events from level 3 through Level 10, worked with TOPS and Elite level athletes, coached all four events through the national level, and worked with athletes ranging from 3 years old through college age.

Jennifer has worked with several developmental and team programs throughout the Bay Area and Northern California including coaching at Regional, National and International camps. Jennifer is currently a Level 10 rated Women’s Gymnastics judge through USA Gymnastics and the National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges. Jennifer has been judging gymnastics for 24 years.

 

Sean has been running the Cal Skateboard Camp since 2000 and brings a lifetime of skateboard experience to the program. In addition to teaching skateboarding technique and skills, Sean emphasizes respect and bringing a positive attitude to camp. Sean’s skateboard curriculum is nationally recognized and he is sought after as a consultant to other organizations starting programs and building parks.

 

Victor has provided leadership to the archery program since 2009. He is a USA Archery Level 4-NTS coach and has trained at the Olympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs and Chula Vista. Victor’s coaching philosophy is to provide a fun and safe archery experience for all ages and levels, which is the primary goal of the Blue Camp program. The Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) camp is a challenging environment to learn the National Training System (NTS) and develop archery skills.

 

Leesa started working at Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics in 1986 when she was a student at UC Berkeley (BA- Art, BS- Nutrtition). Leesa left and then came back in 2004 and has been working in Youth Programs ever since. Leesa has been involved in gymnastics as an athlete, coach and judge. Leeas specializes in Xcel gymnastics and has been chosen to present at Regional and National Congresses. Leesa has dealt with all aspects of finance as well as a myriad of other tasks associated with the day to day operation of Golden Bears Recreation Center. Leesa also still coaches a bit and really enjoys that aspect of her job. Leesa love’s seeing kids improve, and seeing the confidence that comes with it. Leesa is married to Rob, a scientist, Rob and Leesa have 3 sons. In her free time, Leesa plays competitive Scrabble, participates actively in ballet, art, and vegan cooking.

 

Nikita Kadam is the Recreational Program Coordinator for the Golden Bear Recreation Center and the Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area. In her capacity as Coordinator she supports Gymnastics, Archery, Skate, and other year-round programming. Nikita began her time at UC Berkeley as a student and used her previous experience as a gymnast to coach for Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. In 2014, she graduated with a degree in Technical Theater and Performance Studies. While Stage Managing at local theaters around the Bay Area, Nikita took on a larger role in the Gymnastics program by managing their scheduling, camps, and marketing. In 2016, she took on the role of Gymnastics Camp Director. Due to the ever growing popularity of the gymnastics program, she worked with management to optimize the class schedule and enrollment processes. As Program Coordinator for Year Round Youth Programs, Nikita works with Rec Sports Management to apply best practices and new innovative ideas to youth camps and year-round youth programming. Nikita is passionate about using her experience in the arts and sports to serve the youth and parents of the East Bay.