Head Coaches
Joe Guise – Joe has been involved in youth coaching for nearly 20 years in a variety of sports, though he is most passionate about golf and basketball. For 27 years, he was the editor-in-chief of Pindar Press, an award-winning sports publishing company in Manhattan and is still a freelance writer/editor, but he has always made time to serve as a coach in youth recreational leagues, for youth travel teams and with an elite AAU basketball program. These days, however, he spends the majority of his time on golf. Joe runs junior golf tournaments throughout the Northeast for the U.S. Challenge Cup Junior Golf Foundation and serves as a consultant for golfers pursuing college scholarships.
John Taddei – John has had a lifetime love affair with all sports and was fortunate to have had great coaches, and parents, while growing up who instilled in him the life lessons and values that he passed on to his two sons and continues to pass on to our students. John joined TGA as a Lead Coach in August 2021, after an extensive and diverse business career in the banking and financial services industry. He has had many years of experience in successfully coaching youth sports (basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis) at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. “TGA has allowed me the platform to pass on my many years of experience in sports and life to our students in a positive, nurturing environment. It is a great organization!”, John shared.
Jeff Porter – Jeff grew up in Haverford, PA which is located outside Philadelphia and graduated from Cornell University. While at Cornell he played Varsity squash and was a 3 year captain and 2 time MVP while guiding his team to a #5 national ranking. He currently resides in Bronxville, NY with his wife and 2 sons. He remains competitive in many sports but has an affinity for golf, pickleball and squash – often competing in several tournaments a year. When he is not playing his own sports he can be found on the sideline coaching his sons in soccer and basketball.
Robin Brady – Coming soon
Tom Sutton – Coming soon
Pat Cianculli – Pat is a USTA trained tennis instructor & coach with experience at various major tennis centers. He has been a tennis instructor at the US Open, Ivan Lendl Tennis facilities, and other major tennis centers. He is also currently the director of Greenwich Tennis. Along with tennis, Pat also has 10 years of golf instructor experience with TGA and various CT and NY golf facilities.
Uwa Osagie – Uwa was born in Maricopa, Arizona, but has lived in Danbury, Connecticut for most of his life. He is a very passionate sports enthusiast who has participated in Varsity Volleyball and AAU Basketball in High school. Uwa attended Eastern Connecticut State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Leisure Management. In college Uwa participated in the following club sports: Football, Fencing, and Gymnastics. He also plays tennis recreationally
Darius Rose – Darius was born and raised in Rochester, NY. He attended Syracuse University where he majored in Physical Education with a minor in Sport Management. While at SU, he was a student manager for the Syracuse Orange Football Team from 2008 until 2012. Darius has recently earned his Master’s degree in Athletic Leadership from Springfield College where he was a Graduate Fellow in the Athletics Department and ran their annual golf fundraiser, which included over 200 golfers at 2 different courses, and raised over $30,000. Darius is a former 4th grade teacher, and now is the Director of Recruitment for a non-profit that aims to provide students with tutors.
Rae Vikorn – Rae was born and raised in Thailand, where she grew up enjoying many sports with her three brothers, including Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball, Gymnastics and Volleyball. Dancing is also a passion of hers and she taught and performed with a dance studio in Bangkok for several years. She started playing golf over 10 years ago after meeting her husband and enjoys going out to the golf course together with their nine year old son and budding golfer. She and her son had fundamental trainings from both Thailand PGA and US PGA teaching pros. She believes fun classes help kids improve and learn faster. She wants the student to walk away from their lesson feeling they have learned something valuable and improved their skills.
Thomas Blumenthal – Coming soon
Ginger Thompson – Educator currently working with in an elementary independent school. I came aboard TGA last year after helping out Joe Guise in the after school program at my school. I’ve always had an interest in golf, but never took that leap. I saw how much fun the kids have playing, I decided I should give it another try and learn a little more by teaching youngsters. I have prior coaching experience as I have coached high school girls basketball and lacrosse
AssistANT Coaches
Caslyn Gordon – I am a graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Nutrition. I have always been an avid lover of sports and have played basketball, tennis, golf, and bowling. I enjoy teaching kids about these sports because it’s a great way to develop new skills and make new friends.
I started the First Tee program at age 10 and have been playing tennis for many years. Both sports have become true passions of mine, which makes this job a perfect fit for me. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, working out, discovering new places to eat, and spending time with my friends. My ultimate goal is to work for a professional sports team as a sports nutritionist or trainer. I look forward to working with TGA for the foreseeable future.
Dawn Carter – With over three decades of experience as an educational director and founder of my own school, I have dedicated my career to nurturing and guiding young minds. Inspired by my father, a devoted golfer of 60 years, I discovered a profound appreciation for the sport later in life. Golf has since become both a personal passion and a source of relaxation. Now in semi-retirement, I am committed to sharing my love for the game with junior players, blending my educational expertise with a deep respect for the sport to foster growth, discipline, and enjoyment in the next generation of golfers.
Genesis Leon – Coming soon
Jason Sanchez – Jason was a varsity tennis player for two years, sparking his love for the game. Jason is certified by the Red Cross and has worked with children for 2 years as a coach.
Logan McGowan – Logan is an assistant instructor with TGA. As an assistant coach, Logan teaches tennis, pickleball, and golf. Growing up in Connecticut, he learned to play a variety of sports at a young age. Logan’s favorite sport is tennis, which he started playing at 8 years old. At age 13, Logan improved his strokes and began to compete in local tournaments. He played for the Varsity Tennis team at the high school level at Canterbury School. As a Senior, he played at the number 2 singles position. After high school, Logan played some intramural sports in college and studied history as an undergraduate. In recent times, Logan has continued to pursue the sport of tennis. He participates in a USTA Adult League in the summer months. While an assistant coach with TGA, Logan hopes to inspire the young TGA students to learn the value of sports and to have fun.
Lola Toro – Lola brings a vibrant energy and a strong passion for youth development through sports. With a background rooted in athletics and a deep appreciation for the life lessons that come from sportsmanship and personal discipline, Lola is thrilled to be part of the TGA team. She has experience working with children in both recreational and educational settings and believes that sports are one of the most effective ways to build confidence, perseverance, and leadership in children. She played tennis throughout her childhood and high school career and continues to play when coaching. Whether on the golf course or on the tennis court, Lola is committed to coaching kids by discovering their ability grow in a supportive, fun, and active environment.
Gabrielle Sutton – Coming soon
