Jeromie Schumacher: Co-Founder/Team Manager
Jeromie has coached youth and high school cross country, track and field, and triathlon for over 20 years. He has coached 9 middle school state champion teams at Rochambeau middle school which included 7 Connecticut individual champions and 6 All-Americans. His Junior Olympic cross country teams have won the USA Track & Field Region 1 championship and placed as high as 5th in the National Championship. At the high school level he has coached athletes to state record times in track and field and 3 New England individual titles in cross country. He also served as CT's Ambassador for Nike Cross Nationals. Jeromie was a captain in cross country and track & field at Southern Connecticut State University and he continues to compete in triathlons. In 2013 he competed for Team USA in the ITU World Championship Olympic distance triathlon in London. Jeromie has his B.S. in Exercise Science/Teacher Certification and taught Physical Education and School Health in Regional School District 15 for 13 years before leaving to coach Nutmeg Striders full time. He was named CT High School Physical Education teacher of the year in 2013. He also has an M.S. in Exercise Science/Human Performance and holds memberships with the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Jeromie is a USA Triathlon certified coach, USA Track & Field certified coach, and has first aid, lifeguard, and CPR certifications. Jeromie has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Contact: nutmegstriders@gmail.com
Phone: 203.695.1917
Jeromie has coached youth and high school cross country, track and field, and triathlon for over 20 years. He has coached 9 middle school state champion teams at Rochambeau middle school which included 7 Connecticut individual champions and 6 All-Americans. His Junior Olympic cross country teams have won the USA Track & Field Region 1 championship and placed as high as 5th in the National Championship. At the high school level he has coached athletes to state record times in track and field and 3 New England individual titles in cross country. He also served as CT's Ambassador for Nike Cross Nationals. Jeromie was a captain in cross country and track & field at Southern Connecticut State University and he continues to compete in triathlons. In 2013 he competed for Team USA in the ITU World Championship Olympic distance triathlon in London. Jeromie has his B.S. in Exercise Science/Teacher Certification and taught Physical Education and School Health in Regional School District 15 for 13 years before leaving to coach Nutmeg Striders full time. He was named CT High School Physical Education teacher of the year in 2013. He also has an M.S. in Exercise Science/Human Performance and holds memberships with the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Jeromie is a USA Triathlon certified coach, USA Track & Field certified coach, and has first aid, lifeguard, and CPR certifications. Jeromie has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Contact: nutmegstriders@gmail.com
Phone: 203.695.1917
Erin Schumacher: Co-Founder
With over 14 years of youth coaching experience, Erin brings a contagious enthusiasm to every practice and meet. She coached Rochambeau Middle School XC for eight years and a licensed Medical Massage Therapist with extensive knowledge in body mechanics and injury prevention. Erin is a certified professional mindset and wellness coach working with individuals, families and small groups in developing awareness, making empowered choices and implementing simple changes to elicit different outcomes in body, mind and behavior. She sits on the Advisory Board for Dylan's Wings of Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to children with autism and related conditions and is the co-founder of Wingman which Nutmeg proudly incorporates in all of their programming. She has a passion for what she does which is evident in the way she coaches and is driven by the belief that everyone deserves a positive and productive outlet to meet their fullest potential! Certified Professional Coach in Wellness, Addiction Recovery and Spirituality. Licensed Wellness and Medical Massage Therapist. Certified USA Track & Field Level 1 Coach. Certified CT Interscholastic Coach. Certified Stretch What Matters Yoga Instructor. First Aid, Lifeguard and CPR Certified. Erin has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Contact:
Email: nutmegstriders@gmail.com
Phone: 203.228.8445
Erin and Jeromie sit on the advisory board for Dylan's Wings of Change, a Foundation devoted to supporting children with autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. Dylan's Wings of Change Website
With over 14 years of youth coaching experience, Erin brings a contagious enthusiasm to every practice and meet. She coached Rochambeau Middle School XC for eight years and a licensed Medical Massage Therapist with extensive knowledge in body mechanics and injury prevention. Erin is a certified professional mindset and wellness coach working with individuals, families and small groups in developing awareness, making empowered choices and implementing simple changes to elicit different outcomes in body, mind and behavior. She sits on the Advisory Board for Dylan's Wings of Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to children with autism and related conditions and is the co-founder of Wingman which Nutmeg proudly incorporates in all of their programming. She has a passion for what she does which is evident in the way she coaches and is driven by the belief that everyone deserves a positive and productive outlet to meet their fullest potential! Certified Professional Coach in Wellness, Addiction Recovery and Spirituality. Licensed Wellness and Medical Massage Therapist. Certified USA Track & Field Level 1 Coach. Certified CT Interscholastic Coach. Certified Stretch What Matters Yoga Instructor. First Aid, Lifeguard and CPR Certified. Erin has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Contact:
Email: nutmegstriders@gmail.com
Phone: 203.228.8445
Erin and Jeromie sit on the advisory board for Dylan's Wings of Change, a Foundation devoted to supporting children with autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. Dylan's Wings of Change Website
George Ferris - Head Sprint, Relay, and Hurdle Coach
George was a competitive sprinter at age 8 and hurdler at age 11. Throughout high school he medaled in the high hurdles, intermediate hurdles, and 100 meter sprints in regional, state, tri-state, and New England post season competitions. A football injury in freshman year of college brought an abrupt end to hopes of college competition. Subsequently, he combined his interest of human kinetics, cybernetics, and computer modeling into an analysis of sprint mechanics and efficiencies. George has coached at the Junior High School, High School, University, and elite levels. He has worked to develop state champions, Junior Olympic Medalists, Nationally ranked athletes, Division 1 and Division 3 hurdlers. George brings over 20 years of coaching experience to the Nutmeg Striders Sprint, Hurdle, and Relays squad, as well as participation in workshops with Joey Woody (University of Iowa), Maurice Wilson (Jamaican National Track and Field Head Coach}, and Clyde Hart (Baylor University Director of Track and Field and coach of 8 gold medalist including Michael Johnson). George has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Contact: Georgedwferris2@gmail.com
Phone: 203.885.3317
George was a competitive sprinter at age 8 and hurdler at age 11. Throughout high school he medaled in the high hurdles, intermediate hurdles, and 100 meter sprints in regional, state, tri-state, and New England post season competitions. A football injury in freshman year of college brought an abrupt end to hopes of college competition. Subsequently, he combined his interest of human kinetics, cybernetics, and computer modeling into an analysis of sprint mechanics and efficiencies. George has coached at the Junior High School, High School, University, and elite levels. He has worked to develop state champions, Junior Olympic Medalists, Nationally ranked athletes, Division 1 and Division 3 hurdlers. George brings over 20 years of coaching experience to the Nutmeg Striders Sprint, Hurdle, and Relays squad, as well as participation in workshops with Joey Woody (University of Iowa), Maurice Wilson (Jamaican National Track and Field Head Coach}, and Clyde Hart (Baylor University Director of Track and Field and coach of 8 gold medalist including Michael Johnson). George has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Contact: Georgedwferris2@gmail.com
Phone: 203.885.3317
Jake Steel - XC & Track Sprint Squad Coach
Jake is currently going to school and working multiple jobs and training for triathlon his passion. Jake is known around the surrounding community as a triathlete. He is a 6 time National Championship qualifier and was ranked top 10 in the Northeast for his age group multiple times, he was also ranked third in the 2014 northeast Talent ID Series. Outside of sport Jake commits multiple hours a week to the Southbury Volunteer Fireman's Assoc. and Woodbury’s Volunteer Ambulance. Jake holds certifications in Firefighting 1, Haz-Mat Ops and Awareness, Lifeguarding, EMR, CPR, First Aid and AED. Jake has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Jake is currently going to school and working multiple jobs and training for triathlon his passion. Jake is known around the surrounding community as a triathlete. He is a 6 time National Championship qualifier and was ranked top 10 in the Northeast for his age group multiple times, he was also ranked third in the 2014 northeast Talent ID Series. Outside of sport Jake commits multiple hours a week to the Southbury Volunteer Fireman's Assoc. and Woodbury’s Volunteer Ambulance. Jake holds certifications in Firefighting 1, Haz-Mat Ops and Awareness, Lifeguarding, EMR, CPR, First Aid and AED. Jake has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Christine Carroll - Nut-Cracker and Throws Coach
Christine is a busy mother of four children ages 5-12. Three of her children are Nutmeg athletes. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker she has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She is currently an elementary school social worker in Waterbury serving Pre-K through fifth grade students. She works with students of all abilities emphasizing on strengths, self-esteem, confidence, and genuine kindness. As a youth, she participated in many sports such as softball, lacrosse, and rugby.Christine was previously certified in personal training, sports performance nutrition, fitness therapy, Bootcamp, and Interval Training. She was also an American Heart Association CPR instructor for 9 years. Christine is a USA Track & Field Level 1 Certified Coach. She is First-Aid and CPR Certified and passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Christine is a busy mother of four children ages 5-12. Three of her children are Nutmeg athletes. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker she has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She is currently an elementary school social worker in Waterbury serving Pre-K through fifth grade students. She works with students of all abilities emphasizing on strengths, self-esteem, confidence, and genuine kindness. As a youth, she participated in many sports such as softball, lacrosse, and rugby.Christine was previously certified in personal training, sports performance nutrition, fitness therapy, Bootcamp, and Interval Training. She was also an American Heart Association CPR instructor for 9 years. Christine is a USA Track & Field Level 1 Certified Coach. She is First-Aid and CPR Certified and passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Mike Scappaticci - Cross Country Middle School Coach:
Mike is in his first season as a coach with the Striders. However, he has spent the last two years as the distance coach for a youth track team in Danbury, CT. All four of his children have run for the Striders. His two older children currently run cross country and track for Danbury High School.
Mike has over 20 years of experience in the Health and Fitness Industry, working as a certified Personal Trainer in the lower Fairfield County area. Mike has passed the background screening and the Safe Sport course.
Mike is in his first season as a coach with the Striders. However, he has spent the last two years as the distance coach for a youth track team in Danbury, CT. All four of his children have run for the Striders. His two older children currently run cross country and track for Danbury High School.
Mike has over 20 years of experience in the Health and Fitness Industry, working as a certified Personal Trainer in the lower Fairfield County area. Mike has passed the background screening and the Safe Sport course.
Lindsay Mazza - Distance and Throws Coach
Lindsay graduated from Fairfield University with her Master’s in Education, and Teaching Certification in Elementary and Secondary Education World Language. She is certified to teach French Kindergarten through 12th grade and is currently the French teacher at Rochambeau Middle School in Southbury. Lindsay was a competitive cheerleader for 15 years and discovered running as her new physical outlet after she injured her ACL during a competition. Since then, she has competed in many races and is particularly proud of completing a Ragnar Relay. Lindsay is currently the Assistant Coach for the Rochambeau Cross Country Team and holds her CPR, First Aid and AED certification from the Red Cross. Lindsay has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Lindsay graduated from Fairfield University with her Master’s in Education, and Teaching Certification in Elementary and Secondary Education World Language. She is certified to teach French Kindergarten through 12th grade and is currently the French teacher at Rochambeau Middle School in Southbury. Lindsay was a competitive cheerleader for 15 years and discovered running as her new physical outlet after she injured her ACL during a competition. Since then, she has competed in many races and is particularly proud of completing a Ragnar Relay. Lindsay is currently the Assistant Coach for the Rochambeau Cross Country Team and holds her CPR, First Aid and AED certification from the Red Cross. Lindsay has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Brittany Mendelson - Summer Elite Coach
Brittany has been with us since the beginning of Nutmeg Striders. She was All-American for Nutmeg Striders as a 5th grader and 8th grader. As a Middle School runner she won the Connecticut Middle School State Championship all three years while running for Rochambeau Middle School in Southbury. At the High School level she was and SWC champion multiple times in Cross Country and Track & Field and was All-State, All-New England and the CT State Class L Champion for Pomperaug High. She is a recent graduate of Central Connecticut State University where she has gone sub-5 minutes in the mile, won the NEC Championship in cross country, and has run a 17-minute 5k. She has a degree in Exercise Science/Physical Education. Brittany has coached our Summer Elite team the past two Summers and Winter with us. Brittany has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Brittany has been with us since the beginning of Nutmeg Striders. She was All-American for Nutmeg Striders as a 5th grader and 8th grader. As a Middle School runner she won the Connecticut Middle School State Championship all three years while running for Rochambeau Middle School in Southbury. At the High School level she was and SWC champion multiple times in Cross Country and Track & Field and was All-State, All-New England and the CT State Class L Champion for Pomperaug High. She is a recent graduate of Central Connecticut State University where she has gone sub-5 minutes in the mile, won the NEC Championship in cross country, and has run a 17-minute 5k. She has a degree in Exercise Science/Physical Education. Brittany has coached our Summer Elite team the past two Summers and Winter with us. Brittany has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Sean Ramsey - Head Conditioning Coach
Sean graduated from Sacred Heart University with his Master’s degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach Kindergarten through Sixth Grade by the state of Connecticut. Before pursuing his Master’s degree, he graduated from Quinnipiac University where he competed in Division I Cross Country and Track. During this time he competed in the New England Championships for the 8k and the 4x800m relay. Professionally, he has worked in both the Newtown and Southbury school systems and is currently a second grade teacher at John Trumbull Elementary school in Watertown, Connecticut. Sean is in his third year as Nutmeg's Nut-Cracker coach and is a USA Track & Field certified coach. Sean has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Sean graduated from Sacred Heart University with his Master’s degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach Kindergarten through Sixth Grade by the state of Connecticut. Before pursuing his Master’s degree, he graduated from Quinnipiac University where he competed in Division I Cross Country and Track. During this time he competed in the New England Championships for the 8k and the 4x800m relay. Professionally, he has worked in both the Newtown and Southbury school systems and is currently a second grade teacher at John Trumbull Elementary school in Watertown, Connecticut. Sean is in his third year as Nutmeg's Nut-Cracker coach and is a USA Track & Field certified coach. Sean has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Lauren Henchcliffe - Middle School Distance Coach
Lauren is a full time senior at Western Connecticut State University, studying psychology, with the goal of eventually being a nurse. She was an avid cross country/track runner and triathlete in high school, but took a break during her first years of college. She is known for her bubbly personality and love for the sport, and has been with Nutmeg Striders for three years. Lauren is currently back training for marathons and triathlons, and has high hopes to not only continue to motivate herself but those around her as well. Lauren is First-Aid and CPR Certified and passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Lauren is a full time senior at Western Connecticut State University, studying psychology, with the goal of eventually being a nurse. She was an avid cross country/track runner and triathlete in high school, but took a break during her first years of college. She is known for her bubbly personality and love for the sport, and has been with Nutmeg Striders for three years. Lauren is currently back training for marathons and triathlons, and has high hopes to not only continue to motivate herself but those around her as well. Lauren is First-Aid and CPR Certified and passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Tony Perugini - Middle School Distance Coach
Tony is the former head coach of Rochambeau’s Middle School Cross Country teams where he led the Rams to a podium finish two years in a row and coached a state champion. Additionally, he was the head coach of Watertown High School Girl’s Track and Field teams where he led athletes to state record times and New England Championship qualifiers. Since middle school Tony has realized his passion for the sport of running and has personally accomplished much in his career. In high school Tony was All-State in the two mile and won several NVL Championships in both Cross Country and Track. At the collegian level, Tony ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track for the University of New Haven where he was the team captain and a two-time Academic All- American. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science , Master’s in Secondary Education, and a 6th Year Diploma in Educational Leadership/Supervision from SCSU. He has been an educator for over 12 years, mostly as Chair of Social Studies Department in Branford where he continues still inspires middle schoolers. As a lifelong runner, Tony still completes having qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2015 and will soon be competing in the New York City Marathon this November. Tony is First-Aid and CPR Certified and passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Tony is the former head coach of Rochambeau’s Middle School Cross Country teams where he led the Rams to a podium finish two years in a row and coached a state champion. Additionally, he was the head coach of Watertown High School Girl’s Track and Field teams where he led athletes to state record times and New England Championship qualifiers. Since middle school Tony has realized his passion for the sport of running and has personally accomplished much in his career. In high school Tony was All-State in the two mile and won several NVL Championships in both Cross Country and Track. At the collegian level, Tony ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track for the University of New Haven where he was the team captain and a two-time Academic All- American. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science , Master’s in Secondary Education, and a 6th Year Diploma in Educational Leadership/Supervision from SCSU. He has been an educator for over 12 years, mostly as Chair of Social Studies Department in Branford where he continues still inspires middle schoolers. As a lifelong runner, Tony still completes having qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2015 and will soon be competing in the New York City Marathon this November. Tony is First-Aid and CPR Certified and passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Josh Bent - Summer Elite Coach
Josh has been a member of Nutmeg Striders since he was in 5th grade. Josh recently graduated from Newtown High School where he was a 4 year Varsity member of Cross country and swimming. Josh continues to compete for Nutmeg Striders in triathlon and achieved All-American status for USA Triathlon in 2017. Josh is currently in College and already owns a very successful landscaping business in Newtown called JB Landscaping.
Josh has been a member of Nutmeg Striders since he was in 5th grade. Josh recently graduated from Newtown High School where he was a 4 year Varsity member of Cross country and swimming. Josh continues to compete for Nutmeg Striders in triathlon and achieved All-American status for USA Triathlon in 2017. Josh is currently in College and already owns a very successful landscaping business in Newtown called JB Landscaping.
Erin Gibbons - Summer Strider Coach
Erin graduated from UConn in May 2018 with degrees in Biology and Pathobiology. At UConn she was a member of the Club Running team competing in cross country and track. She ran for Nutmeg Striders back when it was called Bullet Hill and has loved running ever since. She is very excited to be coaching this summer! In the fall she will attend the University of Rochester to pursue a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology. Erin is first aid and CPR certified from the Red Cross.
Erin graduated from UConn in May 2018 with degrees in Biology and Pathobiology. At UConn she was a member of the Club Running team competing in cross country and track. She ran for Nutmeg Striders back when it was called Bullet Hill and has loved running ever since. She is very excited to be coaching this summer! In the fall she will attend the University of Rochester to pursue a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology. Erin is first aid and CPR certified from the Red Cross.
Katie Martin - Summer Strider Coach
Katie is a mother of four kids, two who have participated in Nutmeg Striders programs over the last five years. Katie works as an online Community Manager for BabyCenter, the #1 global pregnancy and parenting digital destination. Katie fell in love with running after having her children. She has run over 20 half marathons and 2 full marathons, one with a Boston Qualifying time. She currently is a #TeamHMF athlete ambassador for Hartford Marathon Foundation, a group of volunteers passionate about running and supporting other runners. Katie is currently training for her third marathon and has a goal of running at least 20 races in 2018 and becoming a pace leader in local races. Katie has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Katie is a mother of four kids, two who have participated in Nutmeg Striders programs over the last five years. Katie works as an online Community Manager for BabyCenter, the #1 global pregnancy and parenting digital destination. Katie fell in love with running after having her children. She has run over 20 half marathons and 2 full marathons, one with a Boston Qualifying time. She currently is a #TeamHMF athlete ambassador for Hartford Marathon Foundation, a group of volunteers passionate about running and supporting other runners. Katie is currently training for her third marathon and has a goal of running at least 20 races in 2018 and becoming a pace leader in local races. Katie has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport Course.
Dan Theleen - Head Nut-Cracker Coach/Cross Country
Dan is a former Professional Triathlete who continues to run and cycle. Dan is a graduate of Keene State College where he competed in cross country, swimming, track and triathlon. He holds his CPR, First Aid and AED certification from the Red Cross. Dan has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Dan is a former Professional Triathlete who continues to run and cycle. Dan is a graduate of Keene State College where he competed in cross country, swimming, track and triathlon. He holds his CPR, First Aid and AED certification from the Red Cross. Dan has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Jaclyn Theleen - Head Nut-Cracker Coach/ Track & Field
Jaclyn graduated from The University of Bridgeport with her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach Kindergarten through Sixth Grade by the state of Connecticut. Before pursuing her Master’s degree, she graduated from Southern Connecticut State University where she competed on a Nationally Ranked Division II Swimming and Diving team. During this time, she was named Captain of the Women's Swim Team her senior year. Professionally, she is currently a sixth grade teacher at Rochambeau Middle school in Southbury for the past 4 years. Jaclyn is also currently the Pomperaug Girls Swim and Dive assistant coach. She has helped coach the Naugatuck Thunderfish Swim Club in the past as well. In high school, Jaclyn competed for the Naugatuck Greyhounds in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, competing in both track and field events. (400m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, javelin and high jump) Jaclyn is lifeguard, first-aid and AED, and CPR certified and approved as a coach through USA Track & Field. Jaclyn has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
Jaclyn graduated from The University of Bridgeport with her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach Kindergarten through Sixth Grade by the state of Connecticut. Before pursuing her Master’s degree, she graduated from Southern Connecticut State University where she competed on a Nationally Ranked Division II Swimming and Diving team. During this time, she was named Captain of the Women's Swim Team her senior year. Professionally, she is currently a sixth grade teacher at Rochambeau Middle school in Southbury for the past 4 years. Jaclyn is also currently the Pomperaug Girls Swim and Dive assistant coach. She has helped coach the Naugatuck Thunderfish Swim Club in the past as well. In high school, Jaclyn competed for the Naugatuck Greyhounds in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, competing in both track and field events. (400m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, javelin and high jump) Jaclyn is lifeguard, first-aid and AED, and CPR certified and approved as a coach through USA Track & Field. Jaclyn has passed the USATF background screening and Safe Sport course.
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