About Us

History

Stretch-n-Grow, the world's largest network of children's fitness professionals, originated in Galveston, TX in 1992 after Jill and Bob Manly delivered their last child and began to see the alarming rate of decreased health in young children. This sent them on a mission to change the course of children everywhere. Since then, Stretch-n-Grow has expanded to teach over 1 million children in 40 states across the U.S. and in 11 countries around the world.

The Stretch-n-Grow Mission:

* To teach as many children as possible the basics of proper exercise, nutrition, and related health issues.

* To establish patterns and a positive attitude at an early age that will be the foundation for a continuing physical conditioning program and good health.

* To prepare children for participation in physical education and athletic programs.

* To empower parents, caregivers, and educators of young children with current information concerning proper exercise and nutrition, and other related issues, in an effort to encourage each family to participate together in a fitness program.

 Experience

     Laurie McCarty is the owner and program director of Stretch-n-Grow in Jones, Covington, Hancock, Harrison, and Pearl River County as well as co-owner in Lamar, Forrest, and Marion County in Mississippi. She has been a Stretch-n-Grow affiliate since January 2006 and has joined partnership with a number of schools and facilities to help the fight against childhood obesity. As a result of these partnerships, over 600 children are participating in Stretch-n-Grow throughout Hattiesburg, Laurel, Collins, and Bay St. Louis.

     Laurie is a true believer in promoting health and wellness. Through her experiences as a Registered Dietitian and former gymnastics coach, she is able to implement a program filled with fitness, fun, and learning. Laurie is a certified youth fitness instructor who holds a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian and a Certified Health and Fitness Instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine. Laurie is working to provide a program where all children have the opportunity to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Youth Fitness Guidelines

Our Youth Fitness Guidelines are in compliance with AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America), ACE (American Council on Exercise),  ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Our curriculum and exercises are safe, effective, and age-appropriate.

Advisory Board

All curriculum and exercises were developed under the supervision of an Advisory Board consisting of pediatricians, nutritionists, educators, and fitness professionals. Our Advisory Board and Affiliate Council regularly review our program to ensure that our participants enjoy the most effective and safe exercises for children.

Meet Our Coaches

Stretch-n-Grow upholds high standards for their coaches. All Stretch-n-Grow coaches are CPR and First Aid Trained, must have a complete state background check and also maintain continuing education requirements each year. Most important, each of our coaches are a Youth Fitess Certified Professional and must complete a rigorous training process and pass a comprehensive written test to prove their abilities to educate children in the area of health and fitness.

Coach Laurie

Coach Jillian

Coach Brittney

Coach Brittani

Coach Brandi

Coach Andria

Interested in becoming a Stretch-n-Grow coach?
Click on Employment Opportunities and find out how!

Coach Jillian

Coach Jilllian Holloway is twenty-seven years old and resides in Laurel, MS. She has a B.S. degree in Exercise Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. Jillian was a fitness specialist in Jackson for five years. She recently moved back home to be with her family and attend William Carey University to pursue a degree in nursing.

"I enjoy health and fitness. My goal in life is to help everyone possible to become healthier and teach them the importance of daily exercise."   -Jillian Holloway

Coach Brittani

Coach Brittani Clark is a student at William Carey University and majoring in pre-med. Brittani has seven years of dance experience and worked as a assistant to an ABA therapist for two years in Southaven, MS. She loves working with children and is very passionate about fitness. As a Stretch-n-Grow coach and dance instructor Brittani is looking forward to being able to touch the lives of children and create the same passion for a healthy lifestyle that she holds.

"God is the center of my life and my goal in life is to live a life that glorifies him. He has given me a love for children and fitness. I love the fact that as a Stretch-n-Grow coach I get to share this love with others." -Brittani Clark

Coach Brittney

Coach Brittney Strength is a student at William Carey University and majoring in nursing. She has been involved in cheerleading and gymnastics most of her life and uses her accumlated skills to be the best coach she can be. Brittney is an older sister to two and her family is one of the most important things in her life. She loves outdoor activities and spends most weekends kayaking, boating, four wheel riding, and camping.

"I am so excited to help teach your children Stretch and Grow. I am a people person and love to talk, so if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. I will be happy to do my very best to answer them. -Brittney Strength

Coach Brandi