Meet The Team
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The Executive Team
Melody Johnson
SKILLZ Creator
Child Development Expert
Chief Executive Officer
With over 30 years in the martial arts, Melody has achieved many accomplishments in her Martial Arts journey, including dedicating a lot of her time researching and developing some of the best methods for teaching children.
In 2000, Melody presented her first innovative program, the Little Ninjas, to the Martial Arts industry. Today that program is operating in over 2,000 schools.
Melody’s latest career move is the development of her age-specific curricula branded as SKILLZ. The very first of its kind, SKILLZ is getting a lot of attention for its systematic approach to skill-based Martial Arts training, and is endorsed by some of the nation’s leading child psychologists, including the late Dr. Ruth Peters. Currently there are over 1100 licensed SKILLZ schools on almost every continent.
Melody resides in St. Petersburg Florida. She has a young son named Van.
Jeff Sperry
Chief
Technical
Director
Jeff has been involved with SKILLZ as a web developer since its move from paper Drill Manuals to the SKILLZ Online platform currently in use today.
Jeff brainstormed with Melody Johnson while his son was a student at her Martial Arts School to bring the SKILLZ Curriculum to other schools around the world, thus was born SKILLZConnect.
Jeff is a self-taught website developer with 10 plus years of experience and has personally developed every SKILLZ platform to date since its inception.
Currently, Jeff continues to update the SKILLZ Online platform as well as provide technical support for SKILLZ members.
He is also the Lead Website Architect at Market Muscles, where he has personally built and launched hundreds of websites for martial arts schools around the world.
The Experts
Chasity Scarberry
Director of Customer Service
With over 15 years of experience in the Martial Arts industry, Chasity is our Director of Customer Service at SKILLZ Worldwide. She has a passion for people. Her expertise shines in client relations, marketing, and team dynamics. As a seasoned professional, Chasity has completed the Pediatric Ninja Specialist (PNS) Program twice, earning the prestigious Advanced Pediatric Ninja Specialist Certification. She also plays a crucial role as the Expert Council Coordinator.
Chasity’s academic background includes an Associate’s degree in Psychology, complemented by certifications as a Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. Currently, she is expanding her knowledge in Ayurveda and Sound Healing, reflecting her commitment to holistic wellness.
A true martial arts enthusiast, Chasity has explored various forms but finds her deepest connection with yoga. Known for her radiant positivity and unwavering optimism, she believes in spreading love and light in every interaction. After over a decade in the industry, Chasity has discovered her true purpose in supporting Martial Artists, helping them thrive in their careers and often just lending an ear and being a friend. (Known to give the BEST HUGS)
Outside of work, Chasity’s love for nature shines through in her gardening, fascination with sunsets, clouds, and the moon. Always striving for personal growth, she is dedicated to becoming the best version of herself.
Feel free to connect with Chasity on Facebook or reach out via email at chasityscarberry@skillzworldwide.com.
Tae Yun
Tech Ninja
Tae Yun, a 7th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a 6th in Hapkido, has been the owner of Columbia Tae Kwon Do in the Albany, New York area since 1992.
Tae launched his school’s first website in 1997, in the early days of the internet. Because the cost to have a professionally built website at the time was well beyond his school’s budget, he taught himself how to build websites.
After decades of building websites for friends and family, in 2017, Tae started up his media consulting agency to offer digital marketing services to business clients and charity organizations.
He leveraged his love for technology and combined it with his years business experience to turn a fun hobby into a thriving second business by sharing his expertise with others.
Dee Ann Wilcox
SKILLZ Administrator
Dee Ann Wilcox, a 6th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, has been training and instructing martial arts for over 25 years. Dee Ann Wilcox is co-owner of Rev It Up, with two locations. One in West Berlin Township, New Jersey and one in Berlin Borough, New Jersey.
Having instructors who embraced different styles of martial arts has given her a unique collection of tools and techniques which has helped shape her into the instructor she is today.
Rev It Up has incorporated SKILLZ into their existing martial arts program and has developed SKILLZ Special Abilities Martial Arts and Fitness programs customized for each individual’s personal needs.
Dee Ann believes that Martial Arts is a way of life. Her passion is teaching people and empowering them to grow in mind, body and spirit!
Manny Cabrera
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Manny Cabrera and Jessica Cabrera are the highly respected martial arts instructors and dynamic forces behind Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Center in the Tampa Bay area. For the past 20 years they have dedicated their lives to helping children and adults become the best versions of themselves–physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially–through age and developmentally appropriate martial arts classes.
Manny’s journey in the martial arts began in the ‘80’s at an early age in the martial arts programs of his parents’. After leading a team of 20 for nearly two decades, he is an expert in teaching and training methods as well as business marketing, leadership, sales, and systemization. As a speaker he’s presented all across the United States and even Canada sharing the unique systems and methods that make Sidekicks an effective force for changing lives in the FishHawk community.
The SKILLZ philosophy and methodology lined up with Sidekicks’s fundamental mission to help children in local communities thrive in a more fast changing and more challenging childhood. So, it was a no-brainer for the Cabrera’s to become early supporters of Master Melody Johnson and early adopters of SKILLZ. Manny loves to work with coachable, action taking business owners on the implementation of SKILLZ age based curriculums at the organizational level and recently earned his certification as a Pediatric Ninja Specialist. Sidekicks was recognized at the SKILLZ School of the Year in 2024.
Manny and Jessica Cabrera have three sons–Jonas, Manny, and Gabriel–and two Corgis who are more famous on the internet than any of us. They live in Valrico, FL.
Rich Borges
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As a martial arts instructor with extensive experience training kids and adults, Rich Borges finds immense joy in witnessing their growth firsthand. Beyond martial arts skills, Rich values the personal development students experience through training—confidence, discipline, character, focus, and respect. Martial arts, to him, is about more than just physical skills; it’s a holistic approach to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Rich’s martial arts journey began in 1994, and over the past 30 years, he has established himself as a seasoned and respected figure in the martial arts community. He holds black belts in Shotokan Karate, Aikido, and Kobudo (Weapons). Since joining SKILLZ in 2018, Rich has specialized as a Master Pediatric Ninja Specialist, focusing on new school implementation, leading talented instructor teams, and integrating martial arts into afterschool and summer camp programs. Additionally, Rich is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), incorporating behavior analysis principles to better support children’s learning and development.
Rich’s achievements are extensive, training under notable masters and gaining proficiency in various martial arts such as Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Iaido, and Kempo. He has competed nationally and internationally, excelling in forms, weapons, and sparring, and coordinates several tournaments in New England, including the Worcester Classic and IPPONE Kick-Off. As a Certified C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense Instructor, Rich empowers law enforcement and civilians with effective self-defense techniques.
At Borges Martial Arts, with two thriving locations in Massachusetts, Rich’s dedication goes beyond personal success; it’s about creating lasting community impact. He and his wife Allie, whom he met at a kickboxing match in 1999, share their passion for martial arts with their daughters, Lucy and Marisol, fostering a family tradition of excellence and dedication. Rich Borges is proud to bring his expertise and passion to SKILLZ worldwide, continuing to inspire and shape the future generation of martial artists.
Katie Jordan
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Katie Jordan is a lifelong Shotokan Karate practitioner out of the Boston area and is the current Head Instructor of Borges Martial Arts’ Acton, Massachusetts location. After graduating in 2016 from Bentley University, Katie began teaching part time and competing nationally for the next five years.
In 2021, Katie left her corporate job to teach full time and implement SKILLZ with her team. Katie and a few of her teammates joined the Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialists Course run by Melody, and after 2.5 years of studying and training, Katie earned her Masters Pediatric Ninja Specialist certification! Katie now works for SKILLZ as a consultant, and leads workshops for schools around the county. Katie is passionate about training instruction teams to be the best they can be for the sake of their students!
Steve Cowan
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Steve Cowan, hailing from the United Kingdom, has been a dedicated martial artist since the age of six. Starting his journey with judo, Steve has explored numerous martial arts disciplines, ultimately finding his passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in his late twenties. Now a 4th degree BJJ black belt, he brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience to the table, blending a rich background in mixed martial arts (MMA) and BJJ.
Steve’s turning point came in 2017, during a call within an MMA group where he met Melody from Skillz. This encounter was transformative, helping Steve realize the missing elements in his approach to teaching children. Previously, he felt that his classes were merely diluted versions of adult training sessions, lacking a clear understanding of how martial arts could enhance children’s self-esteem, discipline, focus, patience, and confidence.
Embracing the Skillz methodology, Steve dove in wholeheartedly, taking every course multiple times and committing to his development as a true martial arts coach. His dedication paid off, transforming his school from a modest 40 child members to over 150, with a renewed focus on quality and value.
In addition to his extensive martial arts expertise, Steve has studied marketing and business for many years, equipping him with the skills to help other coaches and schools transition to the Skillz system. Whether you need assistance incorporating Skillz techniques into your existing curriculum, implementing brain skillz, or boosting your business with effective marketing strategies, Steve is here to support you.
For those in the UK, Steve offers workshops and seminars covering all aspects of Skillz, providing hands-on training and practical insights to elevate your coaching and business practices. Reach out to Steve Cowan for expert guidance in making the most of the Skillz program and transforming your martial arts coaching for children.
Corey Coffrin
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A life-long Martial Artist with 40+ years experience not only on the mat but in Instruction as well. Master Coffrin has dedicated his life in service to others. He is a founding member of the American Taekwondo Association’s Business Council and also a member the ATA’s Protech Training Team, teaching Black Belts from all over the globe. In 2020 he was bestowed the title of Senior Master Instructor. He also holds a Black Belt in Krav Maga.
Master Coffrin has an extensive instruction background. He is a retired Police Officer with over 24 years in Law Enforcement. During that time, he served on the statewide training team, teaching Law Enforcement classes to Police Officers across the state of Illinois. He is also a 2007 recipient of the Journal Gazette/Times Courier ‘20 Under 40 Award’.
Master Coffrin and his wife Elisha joined Skillz in 2006. He is a Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist. He has paired all of his previous experience with his Skillz training, he and his wife have developed thriving, award-winning training academy.
Elisha Coffrin
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1997 was a life-changing year for Mrs. Coffrin. She took her first martial arts class and two years later she became a school owner. Mrs. Coffrin has specialized not only in instruction, but specifically in the instruction of children. In 2002 she became a full-time school owner and her academies have been in the American Taekwondo Association’s top 50 schools since 2008. She is member of the American Taekwondo Association’s Business Council and serves on the Region 102a Tournament Team. She is also a Level 1 Krav Maga instructor.
Mrs. Coffrin was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship. She is a Graduate of Eastern Illinois University where she earned her Teaching Certificate. She is also a 2021 recipient of the ATA Regional Appreciation Award.
Mrs. Coffrin and her husband Corey joined Skillz in 2006. She has earned her Skillz Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist and her Advanced Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist certifications. She and her husband have a thriving program in Bloomington IL where their academy has earned multiple awards including, multi-time People’s Choice Award, multi-time Century Gold Award.
