Meet Our Team
Dr. Edward J Lazzara
Lee Rouson
James Kramer
Ed is a charismatic and dynamic educational leader with a proven record of successfully leading schools while focusing on building relationships, improving organizational structure and empowering students and staff. He mentors new principals in NJ. Ed also teaches at the graduate level at Centenary University.
Lee brings years of motivational speaking, professional business accumen, and nearly a decade of professional football experience. Special teams Player of the Year and a two time super bowl champion, he knows what it means to lead, to cultivate teamwork, and to win. Lee has been speaking throughout the country impacted people, schools and communities for over 20 years.
After several years in the coaching ranks and being named the Nike Coach of the Year in NJ, Jimm retired from the sidelines. He has been an administrator at the middle and high school level for several years. Jimm has been instrumental in elevating academic achievement in his school district. In addition, Jimm has traveled and spoken internationally.
Jamie Barker
Jamie is an accomplished Vice Principal, Humanities supervisor, English teacher and head girls soccer coach with an extensive background in effective leadership. She collectively utilizes strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and content knowledge to enhance achievement and catalyze progress. Jamie possesses the knowledge and capability to promote change, lead by example and foster an effective culture with high expectations for growth and progress.
Jimm, Lee and Ed have worked together and shared a friendship for the past 20 years. They brought the first football state championship to Mount Olive High School (NJ) in 2002. Lee has been traveling the country for several years speaking to students, and adults after his extremely successful career with the NY Giants in the NFL. Ed and Jimm are both school principals and have many years of coaching and administrative leadership. Jamie Barker an accomplished former head soccer coach and administrator has also joined the group.
They have come together to engage with students, educators, teams, groups, businesses and leaders about creating a Championship Culture.
Giving students, teachers, administrators and business leaders the tools to bring your organization and personal life to the Championship Level.
Insiring and Engaging Professional Development and Student Leadership Workshops, Championship Culture will bring a fun, informative, interactive, and reflective program to your organization.
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Taking a picture with our guy Oscar at the Andover (NJ) Diner.
Affiliate Members:
Jeff Salazar
Championship Culture is excited to partner with Jeff. He is the Outfield/Base Running Coordinator for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After 11 years of playing Major League Baseball as an outfielder, he took to the coaching ranks. An avid bird watcher, world traveler, and adventurer, Jeff resides with his wife Adrianna, a speech pathologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jeff will share professional strategies and tools used at the highest level of the game.
Hitting Coordinator Los Angeles Dodgers
Assistant Hitting Coach Colorado Rockies MLB
Former MLB outfielder for the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates.
11 years of professional playing experience.
2 years selected to MILB All-star teams.
Former collegiate player at Oklahoma State of the Big 12 Conference.
McDonalds All-State High School Player of the Year for the state of Oklahoma.
Dr. Jessica McKinney
Championship Culture is excited to partner with Jessica. She is a High School Principal. In her early career, she taught Spanish at the elementary level and then became a school counselor. Her desire to continue advocating for students led to becoming a school administrator. A lifelong learner, Jessica earned her doctorate in 2022 from Centenary University. She resides in Easton, Pennsylvania with her husband, Tim, son, Jalen, and daughter, Jazmin. Aside from her passion for education, she loves to bake in her free time and spend time with her family. Jessica will share how we can reach success despite the barriers and obstacles we face along the way.
Counselor of the County - New Jersey School Counselor Association in May 2014
Warren-Hunterdon Women in Educational Leadership member; Steering Committee member
NJPSA Nominating Committee member
New Jersey Association of Educational Leaders member
2023 - Presented with the Educational Leadership Award, sponsored by Centenary University and Visions Federal Credit Union, for her service to the students and community of Belvidere.
Stephen Baker
Championship Culture is excited to partner with Stephen Baker. He was drafted in the 3rd round on the NFL draft by the NY Giants in 1987. Baker played for the Giants his entire career from 1987 to 1992. "The Touchdown Maker," won Super Bowl XXV with New York. Baker caught a Touchdown to help defeat Buffalo 20-19. He played in the NFL for 6 years scoring 21 touchdowns.
Stephen was inducted to the Fresno State Hall of Fame in 2008. In his two seasons at Fresno State, Baker had sixty-two catches (averaging 26.3 yards per catch) and sixteen touchdowns. Standing at 5'8" and 160 pounds he defied the odds making it to the NFL.
Stephen continues to serve as a representative for the Giants, visiting schools, camps, and special events working with youth in the New York/ New Jersey area. He also leads workshops and mentorship programs to assist students achieve their aspirations. Stephen understands what it takes to reach the championship level.
Tony Sorrentino
Championship Culture is excited to partner with Tony. He is the Wide Receivers Coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Tony has worked his way through the coaching ranks. He starting his coaching career at the high school level, progressed through college and is currently in the National Football League. Tony will share insights and thoughts on the determination and will it takes to work your way to the highest level of his profession.
In 2022, Sorrentino was instrumental in helping WR Justin Jefferson win NFL offensive MVP and become the first player in franchise history to lead the league in both receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). Jefferson's 1,809 receiving yards in 2022 was the sixth-most in NFL history.
In 2021, Sorrentino helped coach NIU to a 9-5 record, beating Kent State 41-23 in the MAC Championship Game. Sorrentino, who was NIU's tight ends and fullbacks coach in 2019, moved to wide receivers coach in 2020.
Prior to his time at NIU, Sorrentino spent the 2018 season as the director of football operations at Florida Atlantic.
In addition to working at FAU and Minnesota, Sorrentino had stops at the University of Miami (2011), Tennessee (2017), and his alma mater, The College of New Jersey (2007 & 2012).
Sorrentino began his coaching career in the New Jersey prep ranks with stints at Montville Township High School (2008), West Essex High School (2006) and Morristown Beard High School (2005).
Dr. Juan Garcia
Championship Culture is proud to partner with Dr. Juan Garcia.
Juan is a consummate speaker and an internationally recognized leadership development expert. He has been able to bring show stopping performances at conferences worldwide delivering evidence-based strategies that have an immediate impact. Juan has earned a Doctorate in Clinical Counseling and is Licensed in Brain Health. Juan also works with NBA, NFL and MLB athletes through mental toughness and peak performance.
You can learn more about Dr. Garcia and his practice at the following links.
https://www.juangarciaenterprises.com/ https://www.restoredcounselingcenter.com/
CJ Lazzara
Championship Culture welcomes CJ
He has just completed his sophomore year at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. He was the team captain at Roxbury HS in NJ, where they were conference champions, played for the state championship, and won the most games in school history. He was elected NJAC All-Conference his junior and senior years, as well as All Morris County, and an honor roll student. CJ will share his experience competing at the Division 1 level and the expectations of a student-athlete. He is majoring in sports management.
Samantha Lazzara
Championship Culture welcomes Sam.
She has just completed her sophomore year at James Madison University in Virginia. Sam was chosen as an alternate her freshman year. However, she quickly worked to earn a full-time spot on the game-day cheer squad All-Girl Team and was on the sidelines for the first game of the season. She was the team captain at Roxbury HS in NJ, a four-year letter winner, and an honor roll student. Sam will share her experience competing at the Division 1 level and the expectations of a student-athlete. She is majoring in communications.
Liam Murphy
Liam is one of the top distance runners in the country from Villanova University. His body of work includes school records in the 3000 meters (7:42.51) as well as indoor school records in the mile (3:53.85) and the 5000 meters (13:21.20). Liam was an All-American and the Gatorade New Jersey Cross Country Athlete of the Year as a senior in HS. He helped lead Villanova to cross country team titles at the BIG EAST Championships and the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional in 2022 He was named Villanova Senior Student-Athlete of the Year Award and a Two-time selection to the BIG EAST All-Academic Team. Liam will help participants understand the importance of teamwork and leadership while managing expectations.