Break The Barriers

Where barriers are explored and broken . . .
Celebrating all levels of victories and achievements!

8555 N. Cedar Avenue • Fresno, CA 93720 • 559-432-6292
A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization since 1985

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Steve Hergenrader
Chief Executive of Assets

As Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Assets, I am the foremost supportive arm of Break the Barriers in all aspects of operation and administration. My accomplishments, knowledge and experience in the field of sports has given me the opportunity to modify sports to fit all Abilities.

I have developed numerous pieces of equipment that have allowed persons with different Abilities to participate in many levels of sports. Since Break the Barriers' inception, I have been an advocate and have been given a stewardship of influence in the world of inclusion.

Phone: 559-432-6292

Deby Hergenrader
Executive Director

My accomplishments and knowledge of the sport of gymnastics, experience with my sister Kathy who has Down Syndrome, inspiration 38 years of experience with Special Olympics, National and International Inclusion and Disability workshops and conferences gave me the inspiration for Break the Barriers. Since Break the Barriers' inception, I have been an advocate and stewardship of influence in the world of inclusion.

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Phone: 559-432-6292

Jared Hergenrader
Athletics Director

My objective is to be a steward of influence in the world of inclusion and to be dedicated to accelerating awareness, understanding, acceptance and education for all people with various abilities.

Phone: 559-432-6292

JoAnn Johnson
Office Manager

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Kelly Stoltenberg
Gymnastics Director (a.m.)

Sharmela Yamakawa
Gymnastics Director (p.m.)

Cristal Tiscareno
Dance Director

Cristal Tiscareno has her MA in Dance Education from California State University, Long Beach and a BA in Theatre Arts with Dance emphasis from California State University, Fresno. She has acquired skills in Modern, Ballet, Jazz and African dance with a variety of professional choreographers, teachers and performer. Currently, Cristal is adjunct dance faculty at Fresno City College. She enjoys time with her husband Trankie and three children, Christopher, Michael and Katrina.

Phil Johnson
Martial Arts Director

Phil Johnson started as a white belt at Break the Barriers 8 years ago and was promoted to black belt and Martial Arts Director in 1998. He currently holds a second degree black belt and national certification of U.S. Chung Do Kwan Head Instructor.

Phil attended junior college in Yuba City, Santa Rosa and Sacramento. He currently attends California State University, Fresno as a Fine Arts major with an emphasis on teaching.

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Jeannette Muller
Sign Language Director

Jeannette Muller has been working at Break the Barriers for approximately 4 years as the instructor for sign language classes. Jeanette became associated with BTB about 12 years ago when her students started coming to Break the Barriers for gymnastic classes. Her daughter started taking classes at BTB six years ago and is now a member of the Barrier Breaker performing team.

Jeannette has been a sign language interpreter with F.U.S.D. for the last 23 years. She has been associated with students and adults with special needs since she was in sixth grade. Jeanette has three children and had a foster daughter for a year that had special needs. Her cousin, who is profoundly deaf, is a large part of the reason for her career choice.

Lori Klatt
Swim America Director

Lori Klatt is the Director of Aquatics at Break the Barriers and directs the lesson and water fitness classes. She also owns/operates SwimAmerica Family Swim School, Inc. and is the Marketing Director for the American Swimming Coaches Association. Lori's career in swimming began in 1988 and since 1997 includes teaching over 21,000 swimmers of all ages and Abilities in the Fresno area. Lori is married to Rick Klatt, a once World Record Holder swimmer. They have 6 children who are all swimmers/coaches of some sort and a son who competed in Greece in the USA Olympic Water Polo Team!!! Lori uses the licensed SwimAmerica curriculum which is the leading teaching progression system in the USA.

Phone: 559-432-6292

Cell Phone: 559-269-5490

Linda O'Neal
Development Director

Linda O'Neal has a long history with Break the Barriers as both an employee and volunteer. She is one of the original "Backyard Parents". Her daughter Holly was on the first Barrier Breaker performing team and because of BTB became a Special Education teacher in Dallas, Texas. Linda was the BTB's first Secretary from 1983-1991 and served on the Board of Directors from 1995-2001. She started the "Annual Dinner" in 1997 which has since become BTB's major fundraising project. Besides being Development Director she joined the Water Fitness Staff in the summer of 2005. She has also been a BTB Special Olympic judge and Barrier Breakers judge.

Break the Barriers plays an important part in her life and she has a passion for all people. She is married to Jim and has three children, Michelle, Holly and Adam. She loves water sports of all kinds, the mountains and being with close friends.

Break The Barriers • 8555 N. Cedar Avenue • Fresno, CA 93720 (P) 559-432-6292 (F) 559-432-5995
A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization since 1985

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