Staff

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 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 .

Wanda Williams was born in New Mexico and raised in Ohio . She received a Bachelor's in Education from Ohio State University . In July of 2000 Wanda completed her Master's in Teaching in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Teaching Certification from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City , TN. Wanda comes to CHAMPIONS with over twenty years of experience working with children. She taught for four years in elementary schools as a PE instructor and has experience counseling children with special needs in both the classroom setting and at residential treatment facilities.  She has eight years of summer camp experience, working as a counselor, team leader, and director. As a Director for CHAMPIONS, Wanda applies her experience and enthusiasm for teaching to her roles in and out of the classroom.

Jordan Levine hails from Atlantic City, New Jersey. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he received a Bachelor’s in Sport Management. Jordan spent three years running the New Balance Haigis Hoopla 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and various other festivals before becoming the director of marketing and promotions for this tournament with over 13,000 in attendance. He has since gone on to produce the first ever CHAMPIONS Teen Adventure Race. Jordan developed a love for adventure sports and camping as a participant in and as a staff member for multiple overnight and day camps. When he is not working as a Executive Director of Adventure Programs for CHAMPIONS, Jordan spends his free time competing in the exciting sport of Adventure Racing and ultra-distance off-road racing.

Peter Leslie graduated from UCLA after earning a degree in English Literature. Peter's experience with adventure sports began while working in Yosemite National Park, and his love for rock-climbing and mountain hiking eventually led to his becoming a part of the Champions team. During his employment, Peter has worked as a Physical Education coach at dozens of Los Angeles schools and participated in numerous adventure programs and teambuilding events.

Angelo joined CHAMPIONS in March 2005 and is focused on managing the CHAMPIONS after school programs through the ASES grant with a special interest in operations and financial management. Prior to Champions Angelo owned and operated Q's Sports and Tutoring Services where he provided in home services for special needs children. He has also worked with private agencies and the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide services for children with autism. Angelo is a member of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art as at the President's Circle Level (LACMA) and donates his time and money to help small entrepreneurs with micro-loans in the South American country of Colombia . Angelo studied Political Science at University of California at Los Angeles . He is currently finishing his Certificate of Finance at California State University, Los Angeles and will began his MBA program for working professionals this coming fall.

Chris Rose earned a BS from the University of Vermont in Marketing and Finance. At UVM, he was a four year letterman on the men's varsity soccer team and spent summers as a organizer and coach for one of New England 's most respected soccer clubs. Upon graduation, he moved to Boston and began a career in advertising. He left the ad agency and Boston to move to Portsmouth , NH to pursue a life-long dream: owning his own restaurant. Within a handshake of making that a reality, Rosie (as he likes to be called) guided a CHAMPIONS trip to Yosemite, Joshua Tree and eventually Zion and Bryce National Parks in the summer of 2006. His new career was born. An avid outdoorsman who spends his free time hiking, camping, mountain biking, snowboarding and fly fishing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, he brings a love of athletics, the outdoors and a desire to help kids “get out and do” to the new east coast office.