Gymnastics Coaches
The MJCCA Gymnastics staff takes teamwork very seriously, and works together to ensure the gymnasts are receiving optimal gymnastics instruction, and we are proud to boast a decorated staff of former collegiate and national gymnastics competitors. All of our coaches are CPR certified and trained, as well as USA Gymnastics safety certified. Our coaches strive to create a unique partnership with our families, which is why it’s important that we build a working relationship right up front. Your child’s best interests are our utmost concern. We want to know your family well and help your child’s skills and interest in gymnastics grow to their fullest potential. Kim WoodGymnastics DirectorKim started gymnastics as a young child and began coaching in 1990 as a volunteer at the local YMCA. A native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada she went to Seneca College and received a degree in Advanced Gymnastics Coaching where she took courses like biomechanics, kinesiology, sport psychology, business and even spotting with the National Team members. After working in Toronto for a couple of years, Kim moved to Atlanta in 1998 and took a job with the City of Roswell Recreation and Parks where she was the Team Supervisor. “To me, gymnastics offers so much more than just physical activity. Anyone can enjoy gaining self-confidence, self-motivation, discipline, and so many more valuable life lessons.” Kim has watched many gymnasts grow up under her supervision, some even moving on to College competition. “I can’t describe the thrill of seeing these kids grow up and move on to succeed in everything they do and I am just so lucky to have had a small part in that.” Flip Facts: Sarah SmithGymnastics Assistant DirectorA former Level 9 gymnast, Sarah has experienced gymnastics from many different angles. After completing her career as a gymnast, the Birmingham, Alabama native began coaching. Sarah has a diverse background; from recreational classes, to coaching Level 9 and 10 gymnasts, to being the manager of the Auburn University Gymnastics team. She brings her experience to the MJCCA Gymnastics program, and believes that “reaching goals and developing lifelong relationships” is what makes gymnastics such a special sport. Flip Facts: AllisonAllison was a gymnast for two years and a competitive cheerleader for eight a half years. She has been coaching gymnastics for the past year and a half for kids ages 3-7. Allison is 17 years old and goes to the Weber School. She enjoys working with the kids to help them reach their highest gymnastics potential. Flip Facts: AllyeAllye has been coaching gymnastics since 2002. A Roswell native, she has been involved with gymnastics her whole life and began coaching at Roswell Gymnastics in high school. A University of Georgia graduate, she coached throughout school at Georgia Elite Gymnastics in Athens, and spent a year in Charleston, SC coaching for the Charleston Twisters. "Gymnastics is an incredible sport to prepare children for life in terms of discipline, work ethic, and goal setting. It also helps children grow as individuals, while at the same time teaching them to be supportive and work as a team." Working with children and making a difference in their lives is Allye's favorite part of coaching, and she is very excited to be a part of the MJCCA gymnastics family. Her favorite events to coach are beam and floor. Flip Facts: CarmenStone Mountain native Carmen was a former level 10 gymnast who trained at the Atlanta School of Gymnastics and Georgia Gymnastics Academy. She went on to compete four years of collegiate gymnastics at Auburn University. Her favorite thing about gymnastics is “the character and discipline it builds in each individual, and the relationships developed along the way”. Flip Facts:
CatherineCatherine began gymnastics as a child and trained through high school and college. She also trained competitively in high school and collegiate cheerleading. She attended Mckendree University where she received a degree in Art and Education. She is currently at Savannah College of Art and Design here in Atlanta pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching. As a coach at the MJCCA, Catherine brings her past training and her passion for gymnastics to the program. “I value the discipline and work ethic that gymnastics taught me not only in the sport but in all areas of my life.” Flip Facts:
Dana E.Dana brings widespread knowledge and zeal to the MJCCA Gymnastics program. As a former Level 10 gymnast, Decatur native Dana "loved the relationships that she was able to develop with her coaches and teammates" during her time competing. Now, with 5 years of coaching experience under her belt, she passes on that love and excitement to the MJCCA gymnasts. She also enjoys coaching all of the events because of the variety of activities each individual event represents. Flip Facts: Dana W.Dunwoody native Dana brings extensive skill and expertise to the MJCCA Gymnastics program. A former level 10 gymnast, she would eventually go on to participate in college gymnastics at Auburn University and North Carolina State University. Since her days as a competitive gymnast, Dana has brought her skill and enthusiasm to each and every practice. "The thrill of learning new skills and the lifelong bonds that you make with teammates and coaches" is her favorite thing about gymnastics, and she instills that excitement into coaching. Flip Facts: ElizabethFormer gymnast turned cheerleader Elizabeth is a Dunwoody native that loves working with children. She was a cheerleader for 14 years, cheering competitively and for football and basketball all throughout middle and high school. Her greatest accomplishment was when she was awarded with the National Cheerleading Association All American title. After coaching and choreographing cheerleading for 4 years she is extremely happy to be a part of the wonderful MJCCA gymnastics family since the summer 2011. Her goal when coaching is to create a safe, positive environment for children, allowing them to love gymnastics as much as she did when she was a child. Flip Facts: KaylaKayla has been doing gymnastics since she was three years old. She was a level 5 competitive gymnast at the JCC for 3 years. After quitting she decided that she still wanted to be a part of the gym. She has coached since 2009, for girls ages 2-7. She wants to help the young girls have the same fun experience as she did. Flip Facts: MichaelMichael started out as a gymnast, but became a platform and springboard diver. He competed competitively in high school and went on to compete at Georgia Tech. Michael earned his B.S. in Science, Technology, and Culture. He began coaching, after his career as a diver, to teach others and stay involved in athletics. He has coached for Atlanta Diving Association and was the dive coach for the Redfield Swim and Tennis club. Michael came to the MJCCA in late 2010 where he began coaching the boys programs. He also participates in the adult gymnastics classes where he stays active and learns new skills. Flip Facts: StephanieStephanie has been coaching gymnastics at the MJCCA since 2010. A Dunwoody native, she has been involved with gymnastics for most of her life. At age 3, she began taking classes at the JCC. She later trained at Roswell and SEGA, as well as competed for Dunwoody High School. Stephanie earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Georgia Tech and currently works full time as an architect. In her spare time, she loves to travel, read, and run 5k’s, 10k’s, and half-marathons with her friends. Her favorite part about coaching has been watching the girls learn and master new skills while building self-confidence in themselves. Flip Facts: |
