Gary Lipsky - Co-President

Gary Lipsky comes from a background in business and management. He graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Boston University. After owning two restaurant delivery services Gary then went on to produce several films. While working on his next project, Gary started GOOD SPORTS PLUS which combined his love for athletics and working with youth. This new venture made both of his grandmothers, New York City teachers, very proud. A few months later, Gary became a Co-Owner with Brad and they expanded on the original concept for GOOD SPORTS PLUS, adding adventure opportunities and, in 2002, changed the company name to CHAMPIONS to reflect the wide array of educational, environmental, and adventure services they provide. Gary has two young daughters who love playing with CHAMPIONS toys and staff.

Brad Lupien, M.Ed. - Co-President

Brad Lupien holds a Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Vermont and a Master's in Teaching from Simmons College in Boston , MA . While teaching in the inner-cities of the Boston Public School system, he developed the Outdoor Education Club. His extensive athletic and outdoor experience includes guiding month-long wilderness excursions through the Rocky Mountains and National Parks. Brad left teaching in the classroom to teach in the outdoors. As a Partner of CHAMPIONS , Brad brings his belief in the power of self-confidence to the mission statement of CHAMPIONS.

Angelo Quiceno - Vice President

Mr. Quiceno joined CHAMPIONS in March 2005. As Executive Director, he focuses on managing the division of after school programs, with a special interest on compliance, systems operations and financial management. Prior to Champions Mr. Quiceno owned and operated Q's Sports and Tutoring Services, which provided in home services for children with special needs. Mr. Quiceno currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife.

Julie Munjack - Executive Director of Strategy and Public Affairs

Julie Munjack was born and raised in Los Angeles. After graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Rhetoric with Honors from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Julie returned to Southern California to earn a Master of Public Policy from the University of California, Los Angeles. Julie brings with her a diverse professional background, with experience ranging from developing measures for and ways to reduce GOOD Magazine’s environmental impact to building youth political participation as a Virtual Producer for the MySpace/MTV Presidential Dialogue Series. Julie had her first experience with CHAMPIONS working in the after-school programs after graduating from Michigan, and she is thrilled to be back as part of the executive team to expand the sphere of CHAMPIONS’ influence. Julie enjoys getting outdoors (and is Wilderness First Aid certified), traveling abroad and has lived in both Spain and Israel. In her free time, Julie plays soccer in two area leagues and regularly participates in running fundraisers for charity, including a full-length marathon in her dad’s honor.

Evelyn Dolphin – Human Resources Director

A native of Los Angeles (by way of Atmore, AL, Columbia, SC, Mainz, Germany and Ft. Lewis,WA), Evelyn is forever a UCLA Bruin. Her love of athletics-including her adventures as a UCLA cheerleader – and belief in the power of physical education and nature to contribute to a full and healthy life style - have led her to CHAMPIONS. Evelyn brings extensive expertise in human resources management, recruiting, staff development and training, corporate legal affairs, facilities and office management across several disciplines, including law firms and entrepreneurial companies. Evelyn is excited to be a part of the growth and development of the CHAMPIONS staff. She believes in the power within each of us to do amazing things when we connect to each other. On the weekends you can usually find Evelyn hiking and hanging out with family and friends exploring the gorgeous California countryside.

Julio Arroyo – Regional Manager High School Programs

A Native New Yorker and graduate of Skidmore College, Julio Arroyo received his Bachelors Degree in Dance Performance and Choreography with concentrations in Psychology and Anthropology. While performing and choreographing throughout the North East, Julio worked as a Teaching Artist for various Arts Organizations, Camps and the New York City public school system for 10 years. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles in 2006 he joined the Champions family as a Program Director and has since become a Regional Manager within the After School Programming Department. Julio continues to choreograph and teach dance in Los Angeles for Champions and the Best Foot Forward Ballroom Dance Program, as well as perform in LA and NYC.

David Nunez – Regional Manager High School Programs

David Nunez joined CHAMPIONS after graduating from UCLA with a degree in Chicano Studies. Born and raised in Los Angeles, David has committed himself to helping youth empower themselves in order to become future leaders in their communities. David comes from an arts background performing on various stages throughout Los Angeles with numerous theatre groups as well as performing his own spoken word poetry. Working with youth since the age of 14 David continues to learn as much from the students he works with as they do from him. During his three years with LAUSD David discovered that working with kids, adolescents and young adults is the true fountain of youth. Working at CHAMPIONS has broadened David’s world view and brought him closer to understanding the roll nature plays in creating well rounded individuals.

Chad Reilly - Director of Adventure Programs

Chad Reilly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. While growing up on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Chad found his passion for the outdoors during his adventure of obtaining the Eagle Scout Badge with the Boy Scouts of America. Prior to Champions, Chad worked as an Assistant Director at Pepperdine University’s Cottontail Ranch Camp, where he learned the joys of working with and bettering today’s youth. Chad is certified with the WMI Wilderness First Aid and First Responder, certified instructor with the American Red Cross for CPR, AED & First Aid, Class B Commercial Drivers License and has completed GPS navigation, setting anchors and top ropes. While not in the backwoods, Chad enjoys hanging out at the beach, surfing, volleyball, basketball and spending time with his friends, family and Jill (his dog).