Staff

Eric Barron - Associate Director, Business and Programs (he, him, his)

Email: eric.barron@umaryland.eduPhone: 410-706-5752


Eric earned a Bachelor's in Exercise Science and a Master's in Applied Health Physiology from Salisbury University. He is a Certified College Health and Wellness professional, Certified Health, Wellness & Nutrition Coach and holds numerous fitness certifications. Eric enjoys being outdoors boating, fishing, camping and playing sports with his two boys Bryce and Brant.

Amanda Breon - Senior Assistant Director, Wellness (she, her, hers)

 

Email:  abreon@umaryland.eduPhone:  410-706-7370

 

Amanda Smith Breon holds a BA in Dance from Mercyhurst University and a MS in Health Promotion/Health Education from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and adjunct faculty member at Towson University. Amanda has a background in the performing arts and teaching dance and instructed classical Pilates for over 15 years. Amanda enjoys staying active, teaching ballet, cooking, and spending time with her daughters, Ava and Flora.

Jimmy Heiner - Associate Director, Operations (he, him, his)

Jimmy Heiner

Email: jheiner@umaryland.edu Phone: 410-706-4631


Jimmy was born and raised in York, Pa., and earned his bachelor of science degree in Sport Management at York College of Pennsylvania and a master's degree at Georgia State University. Jimmy started at UMB in August 2011 as the Assistant Director of Aquatics.  Since then he has used his interest and experience in operations to become the Associate Director, Operations for URecFit and Wellness and the Campus Center.  In his free time, Jimmy loves to spend time with his wife, Amanda, daughter, Addie, son, JJ and their two dogs, Nittany and Mogli. 

Elizabeth Lasker - Assistant Director, Aquatics (she, her, hers)

Elizabeth Lasker

Email: elasker@umaryland.edu Phone: 410-706-7665


Elizabeth is originally from Baltimore. She holds a bachelor of science degree from the College of Charleston and a master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Elizabeth has 25 years of experience instructing swim lessons for a wide variety of people in ages ranging from 2 to 82 and with a broad spectrum of ability, from those with disabilities to those training for triathlons. Elizabeth is excited to bring her enthusiasm for the pool to the University of Maryland, Baltimore and hopes to help others reach their aquatic goals.

Borndavid McCraw - Specialist, Community Programs (he, him, his)

Email:  bmccraw@umaryland.eduPhone:  410-706-5858


Before joining URecFit and Wellness, Borndavid worked in UMB's Office of Community Engagement as PAL Program Coordinator, and previously served as Mentoring Manager for UMB's CURE Scholars Program.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Coppin State University, with future plans to pursue a master’s in Public Health.  In his spare time, Borndavid enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with his family.  As a native Baltimorean, he stays connected to his hometown by volunteering with Maryland State Arts Council and performing poetry for audiences of all ages.

Jimmy Mszanski, MBA, CPT, GFI - Senior Assistant Director (he, him, his)

Jimmy Mszanski

Email: jmszanski@umaryland.edu Phone: 410-706-5355


Jimmy joined the URecFit and Wellness team in May of 2016. Jimmy was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and earned a bachelor of science degree in Exercise Science from Youngstown State University. He moved to Baltimore from Birmingham, Ala., where he earned his master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jimmy manages all fitness programs, spaces, equipment, and staff. He has also served as the chair for the UMB Annual Wellness Fair since 2018 and the American Heart Association Chair in 2019.

Jacob Pridemore - Senior Assistant Director (he, him, his)

Email: jpridemore@umaryland.edu Phone: 410-706-7272


Jacob oversees intramural sports and the Pratt Gym at URecFit and Wellness. He is originally from Atlanta and has lived in Maryland since May 2016. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Georgia State University and a master's degree in Recreation and Sports Management at Florida International University. In his spare time, he enjoys officiating basketball and spending time with his wife, Caitlin, and his dog, Natty. 

Brandon Suárez - Assistant Director, Business and Programs (he, him, his)

Headshot of Brandon Suarez

Email: bsuarez@umaryland.edu Phone: 410-706-2719


Brandon was born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico. He moved to Baltimore in the summer of 2012 and attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology. While in college, he joined URecFit and Wellness in the fall of 2012, working as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and aquatics admin. In his free time, Brandon enjoys staying active, doing outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends. 

Julia Wightman, M Ed.- Director (she, her, hers)

Email: jwigh001@umaryland.edu Phone: 410-706-0288


Julia is originally from Edinburg, VA, and joined UMB and URecFit and Wellness in September 1991. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Radford University in Health and Physical Education and Master's from the University of Virginia in Exercise Physiology. Growing up surrounded by the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Julia’s love of recreation and fitness started early in life. In her free time, Julia loves spending time with her dogs and enjoys kayaking, fishing, and photography.