Back In the Game®
Mental Skills Training

A sports performace program designed to help athletes develop the mental skills necessary to take their game to the next level.

Back In the Game®
Mental Skills Training

A sports performace program designed to help atheletes develop the mental skills necessary to take their game to the next level.

Center Stage®
Performance Coaching

A new program provided by The Better Institute to help performing artists reach their peak.

Center Stage®
Performance Coaching

A new program provided by The Better Institute to help performing artists reach their peak.

Back In the Game
Mental Skills Training

Back in the Game is mental skills training and educational course for athletes of all ages. We focus on teaching the to help athletes build a strong mental game and maintain good emotional health.

What is Back in the Game®?

Back in the Game® is a sports performance program designed to help athletes develop the mental skills necessary to take their game to the next level. We’ve identified six core mental skills that are critical to developing a mental edge and amplifying talent. We provide coaching sessions to teams and private lessons to individual athletes based on these core skills. Back in the Game harnesses game-changing expertise to help athletes out-perform the competition and build on success.


What is Center Stage®?

Center Stage is a new program offered by The Better Institute dedicated to helping performers prepare for auditions, work on their craft, and gain confidence in their abilities. We offer online courses for general performance development, and individual coaching sessions for performers looking for more personalized programming.

Program Benefits

  • Advanced sports performance via proven strategies that build confidence, increase motivation, improve focus and manage performance anxiety
  • Access resources and personalized feedback through assessments and exercises that target six core areas of mental skill development
  • Level out the ups and downs of competition and learn how to effectively cope with success and failure
  • Work with teammates to improve team chemistry, leadership skills, and goal-directed behavior

Rob Bumbaco, LCSW, CMC

Back in the Game® was developed by Rob Bumbaco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Mental Coach, and former Division 1 athlete. During his time playing competitive hockey, Rob noticed gaps in the support and services available to his fellow athletes. Combining his mental health training and experience on the ice, Rob has created a suite of tools to achieve optimal athletic performance.


Rachael Isaac, MSW, LCSW, CPT

Rachael is a full-time mental health counselor and performance coach. She completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Rachael obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work (Clinical Specialization) from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Licensed Social Worker and has received additional advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Rachael is a former competitive figure skater and dancer. She has specialized in performance skills training throughout her life, education, and career. Rachael has worked with athletes and organizations to help them achieve their sports performance goals. Her areas of expertise include mindfulness training, goal setting, and confidence-building.