Our Mission is to improve the social and emotional well-being of youth through mindful movement and trauma-informed practices.
Social & Emotional Learning
Our programs, including weightlifting and yoga, are built around CASEL’s framework for social and emotional learning. We help young people develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Our Story
Rockford Barbell was founded in 2019 by a group of educators who experienced first hand the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on development, learning, and relationships. Rockford Barbell’s founders witnessed the social-emotional deficits of students, such as their inability to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, maintain healthy relationships, or engage in learning. Under the leadership of Nick Votava and Elliot Ganet, Rockford Barbell developed movement-based programs that engage youth in social-emotional learning by drawing on best practices in education and mental health. They used their understanding of youth development and the ways trauma and adverse childhood experiences can impact a child’s executive functioning, self-regulation, and relationships. This knowledge shaped Rockford Barbell’s hands-on approach with kids. It also guided the development of the program’s routines and overall structure.
The Team
Elliot Ganet, M.Ed
Elliot is involved in the development of Rockford Barbells youth regulation programs ensuring educational and trauma informed best practices. Elliot is also involved in the weightlifting instruction teaching youth safe, controlled, fully body movements used in weightlifting. Elliot has a Masters degree in curriculum and instruction as well as a background teaching the expanded core curriculum, self determination, and social interaction.
Elliot Ganet is one of the founders of Rockford Barbell as well as a current board member of the organization. In addition to running Rockford Barbell, Elliot has been a special education teacher with Rockford Public Schools for the past 10 years. Elliot has taught students in early childhood through high school.
Elliot helps develop the social emotional instruction within the yoga and weightlifting programs. Elliot also leads Rockford Barbells community engagement, makes connections with community organizations, and targets at-risk youth for the program.
815-505-3286
Nick Votava, LCSW
Nick is currently involved in the coaching and development of our Youth Yoga and Weightlifting classes. Funding through the Winnebago County Mental Health Board has allowed Rockford Barbell to employ Nick as a Trauma Therapist for our Youth Programs. Nick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has training in trauma treatment, and a background in teaching social and emotional skills to youth.
Nick has worked in social services within Rockford for the past 10 years. Nick has worked within the Rockford Public Schools and Harlem Public Schools as a Truancy Interventionist, School Social Worker, Counselor/ Therapist. Additionally Nick has worked as a case manager, mentor, and clinical therapist with Youth Services Network, Inc.
Nick provides mentorship to children involved in our programs and Social and Emotional instruction to groups and individuals. Nick is involved in assessing SEL functioning, goal planning with families and children, and providing individualized support to meet children and family needs.
