About Us
Kids U was founded in 2003 by two parents driven to re-envision the children's recreational programming industry. Alycia and Bruce Angus, parents of two young girls, were frustrated with inconsistent curriculums, less-than-clean conditions, tepid customer service and lack of kid-focused employees and schematics at local gymnastics schools, music programs, dance studios, and the like. They pooled their talents in business, sports and entertainment, marketing and finance to invent a completely fresh concept. The Kids U mission was to establish a truly unique and exclusive kids-only activity center that both children and parents would appreciate and anticipate coming to.
Following a lengthy research process and long hours of planning after the kids went to bed, these parents created a model that worked. From its opening day, Kids U has been overwhelmed by enormous and positive customer response. Referrals at play groups and throughout the community quickly created a suburban buzz that has yet to die down. Parents can count on Kids U to provide the best instructors, the best classes, and the best equipment in a convenient, clean facility.
Meet some of our staff:
Colleen Murphy - Manager / Instructor
Colleen has a degree in Sociology from Keene State College, with significant course work in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education. She brings an extensive athletic background, having attained All-American NSCA in Lacrosse and playing internationally. Her love of children is paramount. Colleen’s passion for teaching brings out the best in her students. Whether in our Gym, Classroom, PlayQuad or Party room, you can expect to see Colleen singing, playing games, making friend with the kids and expanding your child’s creativity. Colleen has been instrumental in the development of Sports / Ball Skills and Martial Arts programs at Kids U. Our Martial Arts program has been nominated as the best Martial Arts class in the greater Boston Area. We are thrilled to have Colleen on our staff!
Jackie Reppucci – Instructor / Party Host
Jackie’s passion for dance and movement began at the age of three when she started formal dance lessons. Joining her dance studio’s competitive team at age seven, Jackie achieved numerous solo, duo and group awards at the regional and national level, including “American Dance Awards’ Dancer of the Year” for her tap solo. She has studied and performed all forms of dance, embracing jazz, tap, ballet, lyric, modern, pointe, and hip-hop. Jackie won the “Young Choreographer of the Year” in 2008 and in 2009 won first place in choreography in both “Jazz and Tap routines”. She began her teaching career in 2004, instructing at competitive and recreational levels. She loves teaching, playing and working with children. In addition, Jackie has been a dance motivator, encouraging families and would-be dancers of all ages. She is now a full time honor student at Fitchburg State College. We are thrilled to have Jackie on our staff!
Ashley Lane – Instructor / Party Host
Ashlley is a recent graduate of Stonehill College and is a licensed elementary school teacher. She brings over 6 years experience teaching dance, art and music and was instrumental in creating museum programs for children. She loves movement, art and music and is an avid sports enthusiast. We are thrilled to have Jackie on our staff!
Christina Oteri– Instructor / Party Host
Christina is a student at Mount Ida where she is in their Early Childhood program. She is a member of the Mount Ida Cheerleading team and is an active participant in gymnastic programs. Christina loves being with children. She has been a nanny and has worked with young children. Christina brings an enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm to Kids U. We are thrilled to have Christina on out staff!