We are an organization built upon life long passions and our focus is on providing a program for children to find and nurture their life passions.  

Debbie Scattareggia, Owner/Coordinator/Executive Director

Debbie founded GC Spirit in 2010 to introduce some of her childhood passions to the youth in the community.  Debbie was an avid cheerleader from 1980-1987 serving as captain of Connetquot JV and Varsity cheerleading teams.  Prior to that, Debbie was a competitive baton twirler for over 10 years with Lorraine's Cygnets (now Sparkers) and competed in local, regional and national competitions in solo, duet and team events.  Debbie holds a BA in marketing from Dowling College and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University.  Prior to starting GC Spirit, Debbie was a Vice President at the Citibank Private Bank and a Vice President at the Chase Manhattan Middle Market Lending Group.  Debbie is a married mother of three children and an active member of GC Community.  

Certified Level I & II Cheerleading Coach, Certified USTA Baton Twirling Professional Coach, CPR/AED Certified, Member Positive Coaching Alliance and Member of I Cheer Safe Campaign
Dorie Mehling, Director of Kickline and Program Choreography

Dorie started with Garden City Spirit in 2013 as DIrector of Kickline.  Dorie's extensive dance and education background makes her the ideal person to help lead the youth kickline/dance program and oversee dance choreography for all GC Spirit programs.  Dorie holds a BA in Dance and Elementary Education and an MS in Literacy Studies from Hofstra University.  Dorie has studied, performed and taught modern dance, ballet, jazz, tap and kickline styles throughout the last 25 years.  Her experience includes teaching and choreographing for children age 3 though adults.  She has taught movement and dance at various school districts in Nassau County, church youth organizations and summer theater.  She has also created and designed dance programs for youth and high school organizations.  Dorie is a married mother of three children and an active member of the GC Community.

Certified Level I Cheerleading Coach, CPR/AED Certified

SPIRIT Cheerleading and Kickline Coaches

Garden City Spirit Coaches include JV and Varsity cheerleading and kickline team members mainly from GCHS.  All cheerleading coaches are certified coaches and all of our kickline coaches have extensive dance and kickline backgrounds.  We seek coaches who have a combination of leadership, a passion for their sport and a love for children.  Many of our Spirit Coaches are CPR/AED Certified.  Spirit Alumni Coaches often return during college breaks and summer vacations to help lead our groups.
Baton Twirling Coach

Karen Cammer was brought on in 2014 to help grow and expand GC Spirit's baton twirling program.  Karen is a baton twirling Coach/Instructor & Judge with over 30 years professional and coaching experience.  She is Executive Director of the Baton Twirling Network, Inc. and USA Baton Twirling. She is also a Certified USTA Baton Twirling Professional Coach and Judge, AAU Judge and Coach for Baton Twirling and Coach of KC Entertainers an AAU Level 3 Club.  Her administrative, professional and athletic experiences are way too many to list.  GC Spirit is lucky to have her teaching baton to the GC youth.