Over the years the Sun Country Family has grown through our kids, staff and customers each holding a special place in our hearts. As we continue to offer many more opportunities to grow, learn, and have fun.
We would like to take a few moments to look back and highlight some of the lives we have touched.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
My daughter Addy is currently taking ballet.
Positions at Sun Country
Gymnastics when a student. After-School Counselor, Summer Camp Counselor, Cheer Coach and Birthday Celebration Squad.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My favorite thing about Sun Country is watching how much it’s grown over the years. I started off in the original location across the street from the mall, grew up in the Millhopper location, and I remember working at the Jonesville location and talking to Linda about the vision of eventually adding a pool and more amenities. Sun Country has grown so much and it’s amazing to see the impact and investment they have on children and families.
Where are you now?
I am the Director of Sales at Naylor Association Solutions.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Daughter at original Brown’s Gym.
Positions at Sun Country
Partner with Linda and Phil with her husband Mike.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Watching Jodi and Jesse grow up and become the strong families they are.
Where are you now?
Living in Ocala with my family.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Has a 3 year old in GymStars Ms. Debe.
Positions at Sun Country
Ms. Debe’s assistant, Camp/After-School Counselor and also worked birthday parties.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My favorite part was watching the kids grow and learn.
Where are you now?
I am at O2B Kids as an Associate Director.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
After-School, Gymnastics, Fencing Classes, Marketing Intern to Assistant, Front Office, Birthday Parties Manager.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My favorite thing about Sun Country is meeting and getting to know all of the people associated with Sun Country, the co-workers and customers.
Where are you now?
I work on the administrative side of the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
I started off as Office Manager, then moved to After-School and Summer Camp Director.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My absolute favorite thing was what I learned from Jodi and Linda, the life lessons that they taught me are still with me today.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
I worked in After-School, Summer Camp, NinjaZone and cheer for three years.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My favorite thing about Sun Country how it taught me to live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Coached Recreational Kids
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Love the people and getting to work with the Bennett family.
Where are you now?
Texas.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Assistant Team Coach – Beam / Floor.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Linda!
Where are you now?
Georgia! In the gymnastics apparel industry.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Gymnast in 1987, Coached Pre-School Gymnastics in 1990, Rainbow Director and Team Coach in 1995.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Still in contact with the Sun Country / Bennett family and shaped her life in many ways.
Where are you now?
In a career as a PTA.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Team Coach in college.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Loved how Sun Country felt like a family and a home away from home while in college.
Where are you now?
Lives in Tampa.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
I worked there when we had a Sun Country daycare and was able to bring my son with me to work with me which was absolutely amazing. I worked there while I was pregnant with both my my boys which was awesome!
Positions at Sun Country
Started as Desk Staff, Summer Camp Counselor, Gym Bus and birthday parties.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
I loved everything about Sun Country but the best part was being treated like family. The Bennett family Linda, Phil and Jodi were absolutely amazing and they took me as a part of their family right away. I was very lucky to have them and they were a part of a lot of my big life milestones. Linda threw me a bridal shower and a baby shower! I learned a lot from each of them and I am truly thankful for everything that they did for me!
Where are you now?
I live currently in Orlando, Florida. I am a stay at home mom with my husband Rob and my two sons Collin (13) and Brayden (11) and our dog Ma.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No, but I did the the Competitive Gymnastics Program for 8 years and then they both coached at Sun Country in their high school years.
Positions at Sun Country
Head Cheer Coach for Eclipse and Team Spirit All-Star Cheerleading.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
I love how it gives children a safe place to chase their dreams, become great athletes, and learn how to excel!
Where are you now?
I am a Mortgage Loan Originator at Chris Doering Mortgage and a realtor with VanBeek Realty.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Camper and then Marketing Intern.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
There is no shortage of fun and activity at Sun Country. Everyone there is a family and the skills you learn are transferable into your teenage years and even into young adulthood.
Where are you now?
Living in the Gainesville area and working full time as a social worker in the child welfare field.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Both my boys did pre-school gymnastics and 2 of my grandkids did as well.
Positions at Sun Country
I coached recreational classes in the early days but have always been the Director of the Pre-School Gymnastics Program.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
The family environment. Seeing previous students grow up and bring their children to me. Working in T shirt, shorts and barefeet!
Where are you now?
I am still at Sun Country. With 33 years, I am the longest lasting employee! Planning on retiring in 2023!
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
All 3 kids came to Sun Country in both camps and classes.
Positions at Sun Country
ORIGINAL gymnast with the Bennett kids as well as helped in most all departments.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Favorite thing is that it was always my family and still feels like yesterday that Jodi and I walking over to Mr. Han together to get white rice and soy sauce. Or the Greek restaurant to make a suicide soda. LOL
Where are you now?
Now I am in Ocala teaching Acro at a dance studio and party planning. Also second degree black belt in tae kwon do, which I owe to my balance and flexibility from gymnastics.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Rainbow, Girls Compulsory, and Optional Team Coach.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
As a gymnast and coach, doing the group events and parties together. Very family oriented.
Where are you now?
Flowery Branch, GA (outside of Atlanta).
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No kids, but her nieces grew up in the gym.
Positions at Sun Country
I worked after-school, summer camp and birthday parties.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My favorite thing about Sun Country is that it always felt like home. It also sparked in me a love of working with children and inspired me to become an educator; now I’ve been teaching for 5 years.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Ballet (6 years), Tramp and Tumble (3 years), and After-School / Camp kiddo and JCC.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
I loved the counselors when I was a kid and now that I am a counselor, I love working with the kids.
Where are you now?
Working at Sun Country and in college at Santa Fe working towards my music major.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Kiddo came to summer camp for 2 summers.
Positions at Sun Country
Camp counselor and camp group leader.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
I loved how welcomed I felt and how there was a sense of community among the staff.
Where are you now?
Professor at Penn State University.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Attended classes and Camps 2009-2018.
Positions at Sun Country
HR Manager, Dance Teacher, Yoga/Theater/Creative Writing//Dance Teacher for Camp/After-School.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
The family atmosphere and the wide variety of physical activities.
Where are you now?
Principal of small middle school in Gainesville.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Gymnastics, Dance, After-Schooler, Karate and now a staff person in After-School / Camp.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
The way the staff come together as one big family.
Where are you now?
Currently works in After-School / Camp and will be taking classes in the Fall at Santa Fe.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Kids Aaron, Josh, Donna took classes and worked at Sun Country while in High School.
Positions at Sun Country
I was the office manager for Browns and then for Sun Country.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
My favorite thing about Sun Country is the feeling of family.
Where are you now?
Retired School Teacher.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Rainbow instructor, janitor, facilities maintenance, summer camp counselor, bus driver, kindergym instructor, mobile gym pre-school teacher, rainbow director, summer camp director, assistant mens team coach, developmental director, substitute girls team coach, meet director, travel agent, misc.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Working with amazing people, including my mom.
Where are you now?
Patent Attorney in Seattle, WA.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Both of my daughters took classes there when they were small in dance and gymnastics.
Positions at Sun Country
Yes, I coached girls team, was the Development Director and the Gym Bus Director.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
The people I worked with and the family atmosphere. And I loved the kids of course!
Where are you now?
I am still in the area but changed careers to Marketing with Chick-fil-A.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Sun Country Kiddo – After-School kiddo, Rainbow Performance Team (3 years)
Favorite things about Sun Country?
The people here.
Where are you now?
Working at Sun Country as an After-School and Camp Sunny Counselor.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Campy Sunny Counselor, After-School Counselor, and Pre-School Gymnastics Coach
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Teaching my kids and making an impact on them.
Where are you now?
Working at Sun Country as a Pre-School Teacher.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Was in After-School / Pre-School Gymnastics Classes,Tumbling classes.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Being able to teach the kids complex skills.
Where are you now?
Working at Sun Country as a Ninja Coach and Camp Sunny Counselor.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Brittany Benton.
Positions at Sun Country
Dance Sun Country Department Leader; Founder and Artistic Director of the affiliated non-profit performing company – Sun Country Dance Theatre (SCDT).
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Instilling the love of dance in all my students.
Where are you now?
Dance Sun Country Department Leader; Artistic Director of Sun Country Dance Theatre.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Pre-School/Mommy & Me, Rainbow, and Team for most of her time.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
I love how much it’s grown. I love seeing the community involvement and that it’s a safe and educational place for all children to go!
Where are you now?
Jacksonville, Florida. Working in marketing and advertising for a startup.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
No.
Positions at Sun Country
Sun Country Daycare and After-School, Dance, Tramp + Tumble.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Dancing with his mother and Grandmother.
Where are you now?
In New York City as a full-time resident student at the School of American Ballet.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Yes! Emma age 1. Just started.
Positions at Sun Country
Gymnast! Then coached gymnastics classes, gym bus, birthday parties, office, stay & play.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Best memory is TEAM CAMP!
Where are you now?
In Gainesville loving being a new mom.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Tanner Benton was in the dance program from 2009 to 2016, and on the competitive tramp and tumble team.
Positions at Sun Country
2007-2016 – was a dance instructor, camp counselor, assistant summer camp director, and AfterSchool Director; 2021 to present as the Afterschool Director, Camp Director, dance instructor; Resident choreographer and rehearsal coach for Sun Country Dance Theatre.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
Being able to cross over to other departments that fit my interests and skills.
Where are you now?
2021-Current – Currently Department Leader of both Afterschool and Camp, Dance Instructor; Artistic Staff of Sun Country Dance Theatre.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Yes! 2 kids, Bennett and Truman.
Positions at Sun Country
Owner (former: Bookkeeper, Office, Rainbow Coach, Gym Bus Director, Birthday Party Director, Camp Counselor, Dance Teacher)
Favorite things about Sun Country?
1 – That we truly believe in our mission and I get to see it daily.
2 – Seeing my kids enjoy this place that I love so much!
Where are you now?
Here!!! And I LOVE coming to work every day.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Jodi and Jesse sort of.
Positions at Sun Country
Founder.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
That it’s so much fun!
Where are you now?
Lives in Gainesville and still maintains company decision making.
Do you have any kids at Sun Country?
Yes! Jodi and Jesse.
Positions at Sun Country
Founder.
Favorite things about Sun Country?
EVERYTHING!
Where are you now?
Watching over us.