OUR TEAM
Steve Shenbaum
Founder and President
Since creating Game On in 1997, Steve has become a nationally recognized expert on communication, leadership, character development, & media training. He’s revolutionized the way athletes, coaches, and executives train through his groundbreaking MILE™ curriculum, fueled by the power of Game Dynamics. He’s on the Advisory Board for The Players’ Tribune and is a consultant for the NBA Pre-Draft and Rookie Transition Programs. Steve graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Communication, and now resides in Bradenton, FL with his wife and two daughters.
Jake Higginbotham
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer for Game On, Jake, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, has led at all levels, from tactical to strategic, within small teams, and large organizations spanning thousands. He has vast experience in communications, cyber operations, intelligence, and special operations. With 28 years of service and numerous deployments, Jake possesses a refined ability to develop, nurture, and motivate diverse workforces. His strengths lie in overcoming adversity, fostering cohesion, and elevating teamwork. He is a Saint Leo grad with a master’s in Criminal Justice/Critical Incident Management. Jake resides in Ruskin, FL with his wife and has two daughters.
Chris Friday
Director of Programs
Chris is an industry leader in curriculum development, coaching, and improvisation. His unique talent for using positive humor to inspire change has helped some of the world’s most prestigious athletes and teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, NFL Players Association, University of Alabama Football, and over 50 first round NBA and NFL Draft picks. Chris resides in Parrish, FL with his wife and two daughters.
Erin Watson
Director of Client Experience
Erin has 10+ years of experience in the non-profit education field managing experiential law-based programs, developing engaging curriculum, and providing meaningful professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the State of Florida. As a member of the Game On staff, she provides program coordination and executive support to the Game On team. Erin resides in Bradenton, Florida with her husband and two sons.
Leonard Wheeler
Communication Consultant
Leonard is a former NFL Defensive Back (Bengals, Vikings, Panthers) who has spent the last 17 years creating culture change for elite clients including NASCAR, Hilton, Deloitte, Capital One, Abbott Labs, MIT, and MasterCard. He’s a former board member for the NFLPA, as well as a current Regional Director/Ambassador for the NFL. Leonard holds dual degrees in Business and Communications from Troy University and is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). His recently published book, Beyond the Locker Room, is a respected guide for career transition. Leonard lives in Charlotte, NC.
Elise Rodriguez, Esq.
Communication Consultant
Elise is a Cuban-American performer, teaching artist, coach, and creative professional who launched her improvisational theatre career in Miami, Florida. Prior to pursuing teaching and the creative arts full-time, Elise was a solo practitioner specializing in Estate Planning, Probate, Family, and Business Law. She currently resides in sunny Sarasota, Florida where she brings improvised comedy to the stage and the classroom at Florida Studio Theatre weekly.
Erik Stolhanske
Communication Consultant
Erik is a nationally recognized actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He’s best known for starring as “Rabbit” in the hit movie Super Troopers (which he co-wrote/produced). Erik has also appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Comedy Central, Six Feet Under, and the remake of Dukes of Hazzard. Born without a fibula, Erik overcame his disability and surprised fans by appearing in the elite exercise program P90X with Tony Horton. Erik is a graduate of Colgate University and resides in Minneapolis, MN with his wife.
Brenna Thys
Communication Consultant
Brenna holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College. With an extensive background in film, television, and theater, Brenna has performed on Broadway in A Time to Kill, at the Peoples Improv Theater, Cherry Lane, and Soho Playhouse. Brenna has spent the past six years as Professor of Acting at the Yale School of Drama Summer Session and is a full-time coach at the Stella Adler Conservatory and Pace University. Brenna resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband.
Ben Thys
Communication Consultant
Ben is a classically trained actor in stage, television, and film. Ben studied Mandarin Chinese, Philosophy, and world religions at the University of London and spent a year in Beijing before moving to New York where he is currently a successful working actor. He has performed in many plays on and off-Broadway, including Oslo (Tony winner for best play, Lincoln Center), and has appeared in over 30 films and TV shows on major networks including NBC, ABC, HBO & Comedy Central. He serves as a teacher at the French Alliance, the New School in New York City, and coaches Executive Functioning for students. Originally from Brussels, Ben now resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife.
Mike Kontio
Communication Consultant
Mike is a military veteran with 22+ years of proven leadership and communications experience within Special Operations. Mike’s ability to build cohesive teams capable of delivering extraordinary results in volatile, complex, and high-stakes situations, has created heightened demand for his expertise among senior executives and leadership within the Department of Defense. Mike is an intentional leader and dynamic speaker with a passion for people, culture transformation, and resolving challenges to create lasting impact and value. Mike resides in Tampa, FL with his wife and has three sons.
Mike Gonzalez
Communication Consultant
Mike is a community leader in youth development, outreach, and culture change. Raised in Puerto Rico and Tampa, FL, he spent 10 years guiding diverse teams and community groups toward transformational change. Mike currently serves as the Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, overseeing all Spanish language translation and culture diversity training for the major league team. Mike resides in Palmetto, FL with his wife and son.
Heather Wells
Communication Consultant
Heather, a retired Army Sergeant Major and experienced intelligence professional, has a wealth of expertise cultivated over 31 years. Throughout her service, spanning numerous deployments and roles within the DoD, Interagency, and Special Operations, she refined her abilities in teamwork, communication, and collaboration. Her proficiency in fostering trust, assembling cohesive teams, and driving organizational excellence is rooted in her extraordinary ability to connect with people. She holds certification as a Business and Professional Coach from the International Coaching Federation and a Bachelor’s in Administrative and Management studies from Excelsior University. Heather lives in Raeford, NC with her husband Jason, and spends as much time as possible with her three children and three grandchildren.
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