TIANA HEADERS (1)

Educational Leadership Team

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Shae Christian

Educational Manager

SHAE CHRISTIAN

Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics when I was 7 years old and continued through recreational, gymstar and teen programs until I was 14 years old.

Coach Accreditation: Intermediate +

Other Qualifications: Diploma of Sport and Development, First aid and CPR

Fun Fact: I bungee jumped in New Zealand in 2019

Why I became a coach: I become a coach to share my passion for gymnastics with the younger generation. My goal is to empower children and young people to become happy, confident and strong-willed through gymnastics and sport.

Sarah Dean

Sarah Dean

Oakleigh Campus Coordinator

SARAH DEAN

Coaches Headshot Website

Jay Stokes

Glen Waverley Campus Coordinator

JAY STOKES

Gymnastics History: Coach, Judge, Masters Gymnast, Club Manager, Equipment Technician, Campus Coordinator, in that order!

Accreditation: Intermediate WAG & KG and Adv Mod 1

Fun Fact: I have Exotropia Strabismus, which looks like a lazy eye but actually just means I have a wider field of view than normal!

Why I Became a Coach: I love teaching kids, and I love gymnastics!

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Everyone knows someone who you know, it's one great big circle!

Favourite Coaching Moment: Going to National Clubs Carnival and seeing a gymnast I coached in Kindergym 5 years ago!

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

Educational Coach Mentors

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Adaelia Thomas

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ADAELIA THOMAS

Gymnastics History: 2015- Present (Level 10)

Coach Accreditation: Beginner Coach

Fun Fact: My favourite colour is blue!

Why I became a coach: I love doing gymnastics and wanted to spread the love for the sport with other children. I also like giving back to the community and coaching smiling kids makes me very happy!

Allyce

Allyce Sturge

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ALLYCE STURGE

Gymnastics History: I did WAG for 10 years, 2012-2022. I got up to ALP level 7. I have been coaching since 2021.

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Extra Qualifications: Bronze medallion (lifesaving)

Fun Fact: I foster dogs.

Why I Became a Coach: I love the sport and I want to show others why gymnastics is great. I want to watch gymnasts grow in the sport and help them through their journey.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The supportive and homely environment from being in a team.

Favourite Coaching Moment: When my gymnasts get new skills and are excited to show me.

Favourite Apparatus: Vault

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Anya Wickremasinghe

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ANYA WICKREMASINGHE

Gymnastics History: I did gymnastics for 8 years and completed the Waverley Gymnastics Educational program

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Extra Qualifications: First Aid

Fun Fact: I was born in England

Why I Became a Coach: I love to help kids achieve new gymnastics skills, whilst enjoying themselves and wanted to share my passion

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It is a great way to have fun by releasing energy, learning new skills and making friends with similar interests

Favourite Coaching Moment: Helping gymnasts to achieve a new skill and see their excitement

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Bella Stoffels

Educational Gymnastics Coach

BELLA STOFFELS

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Jessica Latimer

Educational Coach Mentor

JESSICA LATIMER

Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics when i was 5 years old, reaching competitive WAG level 9 now I partake in the medallion program at Waverley.

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Fun Fact: I have a dog called Billy and have three rabbits called Moochie, Cookie and Pepsi.

Why I Became a Coach: I have been involved in gymnastics my whole life, and from being inspired from my previous coaches I wanted to do the same to the next generation, to help inspire and motivate the kids. I love seeing the kids have fun at training and seeing them smile which makes me reflect why I love coaching.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: My favourite thing about gymnastics is the family you create, and how close you get to your friends. Going through the same things with your teammates allows you to grow closer with them and that is what I love about gymnastics.

Favourite Coaching Moment: Being apart of the kids journey of achieving a new skill. Seeing them through their challenging times and helping them through it, to them being so proud of themselves.

Favourite Apparatus: Beam and Bars

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Jordan Todd

Educational Coach Mentor

JORDAN TODD

Gymnastics History: I loved bars and not much else

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Fun Fact: I am a firefighter

Why I Became a Coach: Nothing specific, just enjoyed the sport and thought it could be interesting

Favourite Coaching Moment: Watching any gymnast achieve a skill they’ve worked hard to nail.

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Taneisha Thom

Educational Coach Mentor

TANEISHA THOM

Gymnastics History: None, but grew up doing acrobatics

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Fun Fact: I have danced for 18 years

Why I Became a Coach: To help Edu gymnasts grow and develop a variety of skills but also have fun at the same time.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Being able to challenge yourself and grow individually while also being part of a team

Favourite Coaching Moment: My favourite coaching moment is seeing how overjoyed the gymnasts are from achieving any new skill

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Taylor Montgomery

Educational Coach Mentor

TAYLOR MONTGOMERY

Gymnastics History: I was a squad gymnast for nine years completing at national level seven

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Extra Qualifications: First Aid

Fun Fact: I am from Northern Ireland

Why I Became a Coach: To use my experiences and knowledge to help other gymnasts achieve their goals

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Gymnastics teaches you to push past boundaries to gain new skills and experience

Favourite Coaching Moment: Being there to celebrate with my gymnasts when they achieve a new skill

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Tiana Schurmann

Educational Coach Mentor

TIANA SCHURMANN

Gymnastics History- I started gymnastics when I was 4 and competed until I was 14 in the national stream! After injury I had to stop training and so I began coaching. I moved from my hometown to Waverley in 2020 to coach alongside the incredible educational coaches.

Coach Accreditation- Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Fun Fact- My favourite apparatus is Beam!

Why I Became a coach- When I was doing gymnastics myself, my coaches were the people I looked up to the most. Being able to be that role model whilst doing something I love is the exact reason I come to work everyday and have continued to coach for the past 10 years.

Favourite Coaching Moment: Taking my gymnasts to competitions!

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Chloe Amott

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CHLOE AMOTT

Gymnastics History: I have done gymnastics since I was 3 so for 14 years and have participated in junior gym, squad and the medallion program.

Accreditation: Spotting

Fun Fact: I also did musical theatre and ballet until I was 13

Why I Became a Coach: I wanted to help to use my knowledge of gymnastics to help others to achieve there fullest potential and to help embrace the core values at Waverley

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love the amount of determination people put into the sport to achieve the skills they want to get and helping them to achieve this feeling of success

Favourite Coaching Moment: The GFA competition

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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May Ross

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MAY ROSS

Gymnastics History: I started gym when I was 3! I was originally at Grips Gymnastics, then moved to Waverley in 2014. I achieved National level 9 and represented Victoria at Nationals.

Accreditation: Intermediate

Fun Fact: I can make a paper crane in 1 minute and can juggle!

Why I Became a Coach: Because I love passing on my knowledge and passion for gymnastics onto the next generation of aspiring kids!

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The community of people you meet through gymnastics

Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing the athlete smile after achieving a new skill, knowing the hard work put in by both the athlete and coach has paid off.

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Millie Williams

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MILLIE WILLIAMS

Gymnastics History: I trained recreationally for 7 years and had to stop due to injury

Accreditation: Intermediate

Extra Qualifications: Barista course certificate

Fun Fact: I once was bitten by a wild wombat

Why I Became a Coach: I wanted a way back into the sport

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Being able to push and break physical boundaries

Favourite Coaching Moment: The big smiles when gymnasts accomplishes a skill they’ve been working super hard on

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

Educational Coaches

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Aisha Woon

Educational Gymnastics Coach

AISHA WOON

Gymnastics History: 1 year of pre-squad (when I was 6), 10 years of Edu gymnastics

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I am Chinese-Malaysian, Italian and Malay!

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I’ve always loved attending my own gymnastics classes and enjoy being around people who share the same interests. I also find it very rewarding to teach the gymnasts new skills.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love watching gymnasts perform their floor routines!

Favourite Coaching Moment: I love watching gymnasts perform their floor routines!

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Alex White

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ALEX WHITE

Gymnastics History: Six years of coaching in NSW in both recreational and competitive.

Accreditation: Intermediate GFA and tumbling

Fun Fact: I have travelled to Amsterdam to do performance gymnastics

Why I Became a Coach: I enjoy teaching and doing physical activities and gymnastics coaching is a great blend of both

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: All the people I get to meet and learn from

Favourite Coaching Moment: Taking my first class of kids to competition and seeing them perform

Favourite Apparatus: Mini tramp

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Alexandra Farley

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ALEX FARLEY

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Amelia Tarulli

Educational Gymnastics Coach

AMELIA TARULLI

Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics when I was 6 in the educational program and finished at 16 in a Gymstar program

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I am a twin!

Why I Became a Coach: To continue my involvement in and love for gymnastics after I stopped competing, and being able to teach children the sport that bought me so much joy when I was their age.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Tumbling and flipping

Favourite Coaching Moment: When one of my gymnasts told me I was going to break the trampoline when I demonstrated on it. When my gymnasts get so excited when they finally get a skill they've worked so hard on.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor and Vault

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Anishka Rajapakse

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ANISHKA RAJAPAKSE

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Caitlin Mujie

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CAITLIN MUJIE

Gymnastics History: I didn't get the opportunity to do a lot of gymnastics when I was younger, mainly did lots of whole day holiday programs. Did get to do a lot of dance styles like acro, lyrical, ballet, jazz and contemporary

Accreditation: Intermediate

Fun Fact: I play four musical instruments

Why I Became a Coach: I've always loved teaching others, I love working with kids and I got given the opportunity to return and be more involved in a sport I missed a lot.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The amazing skills that are done across multiple apparatuses

Favourite Coaching Moment: Watching a child's excitement when they finally get a skill that they have been working really hard to achieve and their enthusiasm to show me their skill or tell me all about it

Favourite Apparatus: Coaching bars and vault, watching beam and doing floor

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Catherine Davey

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CATH DAVEY

Gymnastics History: I did Edu gymnastics at the old Waverley campus up until I was about 12. I also did calisthenics!

Accreditation: Beginner

Extra Qualifications: First Aid and CPR

Fun Fact: I'm studying to be an occupational therapist!

Why I Became a Coach: I love working with the kids and seeing their confidence grow! It's also such a great sport to help build their fine and gross motor skills.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The skills that are developed during gymnastics will stay with you for the rest of your life- not even just the physical ones!

Favourite Coaching Moment: When kids come in wanting to show me a skill they've been working on at home!

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Clem Jarde

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CLEMENTINE JARDE

Gymnastics History: 8 years of Edu classes + 1.5 years of coaching

Accreditation: Beginner

Extra Qualifications: First Aid

Fun Fact: I've lived in 3 countries

Why I Became a Coach: I wanted to start a casual job where I could use my gymnastics knowledge and work with children

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: that it builds various essential physical skills needed in life

Favourite Coaching Moment: Whenever a gymnast achieves a skill they've been working towards for a long time

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Chelsea Shannan

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CHELSEA SHANNAN

Gymnastics History: I've done gymnastics ever since the age of 5 and gained the inspiration from my mum who also did competitive gymnastics when she was younger.

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I've skydived from 15,000 ft up in the air in Queensland in 2020.

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I wanted to teach children lifelong skills and share my knowledge from when I was a gymnast. 

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: How there is always a challenge your working towards and when you accomplish that challenge there’s excitement and satisfaction from your hard work of achieving that goal. 

Favourite Coaching Moment: When I was coaching and a girl in my class achieved a new skill that she had been working on for weeks and got to ring the bell and show off her new skill off to the gym. 

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Chloe Hui

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CHLOE HUI

Gymnastics History: I completed level 10 in the educational program at Waverley in 2019

Accreditation: Intermediate

Extra Qualifications: First Aid

Fun Fact: I can do my own nails!

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach so that I could inspire the same passion I had for gymnastics

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The thrill of watching others sticking a tumbling sequence

Favourite Coaching Moment: When a gymnast stepped on the back of my shoe and it fell off

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Claudia Longano

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CLAUDIA LONGANO

Gymnastics History: I have done gymnastics for 12 years total, 9 of those years were at Waverley

Accreditation: I am a fundamental coach

Fun Fact: I have 2 pet dogs!

Why I Became a Coach: Because I love helping people reach their goals, especially in gymnastics

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: All of the different types of flips you can do

Favourite Coaching Moment: the first time someone asked me to watch the skill they had been working on

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Charlotte Sproul

Educational Gymnastics Coach

CHARLOTTE SPROUL

Gymnastics History: I was a gymnast for around 8 years

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I have never travelled overseas

Why I Became a Coach: Being a gymnast once myself, I have always enjoyed the sport and now as a coach I would like to share my passion for the sport and my experience with the next generation of gymnasts.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: That anyone can do it, the friends you make along the way and there always a way to improve and progress.

Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing a gymnast achieve a skill that they have been working really hard on.

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Daniela Castillo Del Campo

Educational Gymnastics Coach

DANIELA CASTILLO DEL CAMPO

Gymnastics History: Did gymnastics from age of 4. At WGC for 8 years now.

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I have been doing gymnastics classes for over 10 years.

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I wanted to pass on my gymnastics experience to the next generation and see them accomplish those skills they work hard towards.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Tumbling

Favourite Coaching Moment: Stopping kids from falling off the beams, because they gain trust in my abilities to coach and become more comfortable with attempting harder skills.

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Daria Chumachenko

Educational Gymnastics Coach

DARIA CHUMACHENKO

Gymnastics History: 5 years of gymnastics          

Accreditation: Fundamental Coach

Fun Fact: I have gotten my art piece into an art gallery in 2022

Why I Became a Coach: I really love to see kids grow and develop not only in the program they come for but also to see them grow morally.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The big heart-stopping jumps and acrobatics

Favourite Coaching Moment: To see my kids achieve something they couldn’t achieve before

Favourite Apparatus: Tramp and bars

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Ella Brockway

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ELLA BROCKWAY

Gymnastics History: I have always loved sport. I did gymnastics for a couple years when I was younger. Since then, I have done a lot of different styles of dancing. I currently play netball and basketball.

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I lived in Belgium for 5 years (from when I was 3 years old to 8 years old).

Why I Became a Coach: I love kids and I also love sport, so I thought that being a gymnastics coach would be the perfect fit.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love that gymnastics is a sport that anyone can enjoy and participate in, despite their skill level.

Favourite Coaching Moment: When one of my gymnasts call out to me, to show me a skill they've learnt and that they are proud of.

Favourite Apparatus: Vault

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Erika Ting

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ERIKA TING

Gymnastics History: Gymnastics and a bit of acro at age 8 for roughly two years.

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I own a tennis court!

Why I Became a Coach: To gain experience and knowledge, as well as make children smile and learn new stuff.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: How someone can look so graceful yet fierce whilst performing skills.

Favourite Coaching Moment: When the children have memorised your name and call out to you.

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Evaan Rajapakse

Educational Gymnastics Coach

EVAAN RAJAPAKSE

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Evelyn Chapman

Educational Gymnastics Coach

Evelyn Chapman

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Freya Olsen

Educational Gymnastics Coach

FREYA OLSEN

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Gabrielle Down

Educational Gymnastics Coach

GABRIELLE DOWN

Gymnastics History: I did gymnastics when I was younger, I attended Waverley Gymnastics’ Mount Waverley and Glen Waverley campuses.

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I used to have 2 pet blue-tongued lizards

Why I Became a Coach: I wanted to develop my experience in working with children as I hope to become a child psychologist

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I find gymnastics really fun and the skills also look really neat and pretty

Favourite Coaching Moment: Anytime I work with a child who’s shy and they seem to slowly become more comfortable and confident in class over time

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Georgia Duns

Educational Gymnastics Coach

GEORGIA DUNS

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Gerty Narvaez

Educational Gymnastics Coach

GERTY NARVAEZ

Gymnastics History: Did it for 2 years, coached since august 2022

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: double jointed in all my fingers

Why I Became a Coach: my sister does it and she said it was really fun coaching kids!

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: how gymnasts have the ability to take risks in the sport

Favourite Coaching Moment: not really a moment but I love when my JG kids come up to me and give me a big hug before class

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Hannah Marshall

Educational Gymnastics Coach

HANNAH MARSHALL

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Hannah Medhurst

Educational Gymnastics Coach

HANNAH MEDHURST

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Hannah Riddett

Educational Gymnastics Coach

HANNAH RIDDETT

Gymnastics History: I have been doing gymnastics for 12 years

Accreditation: Intermediate

Fun Fact: I love reading fantasy/dystopian novels

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I wanted to help gymnasts achieve their skills and share in their excitement just like all my coaches have

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love being able to learn and perfect new skills

Favourite Coaching Moment: When I taught a gymnast how to do a handstand for the first time and they were really excited, and couldn't wait to show their parents

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Hayley Browne

Educational Gymnastics Coach

HAYLEY BROWNE

Gymnastics History: I was in Edu at Waverley for 10 years before moving into the medallion program for a year. I then got an offer to move into the Limited Hours squad where I am currently competing in level 7.

Accreditation: Fundamental

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I enjoy working with young kids and love seeing them leave gymnastics with big smiles.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The wide range of skills to learn on each apparatus.

Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing young gymnasts overcome their fears.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

3
Helena Papkyriakopoulo

Educational Gymnastics Coach

HELENA PAPKYRIAKOPOULO

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Isabel Bulach

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ISABEL BULACH

Gymnastics History: I’ve done gymnastics when I was very young, and have been a coach for 3 years!

Accreditation: Intermediate +

Fun Fact: I love the beach!

Why I Became a Coach: To teach in a fun and fitness environment!

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Gymnasts reactions when they achieve something new

Favourite Coaching Moment: seeing gymnasts develop not just new skills and friendships too

Favourite Apparatus: Trampoline

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Izabella Madison

Educational Gymnastics Coach

IZABELLA MADISON

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Jasmine Nguyen

Educational Gymnastics Coach

JASMINE NGUYEN

Gymnastics History: Aerobics Gymnastics National Athlete

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I go for Richmond

Why I Became a Coach: Because I love being in the gymnastics community and sharing the joy of gymnastics.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The bonds you form whilst doing the thing you love.

Favourite Coaching Moment: When an athlete had been persistent to get a skill, kept trying and finally got it.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Jasmine Amott

Educational Gymnastics Coach

JASMINE AMOTT

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Jiah Yadav

Educational Gymnastics Coach

JIARAH YADAV

Gymnastics History: I did gymnastics for 6 years but stopped for boarding school

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I'm Bilingual

Why I Became a Coach: To share my love for gymnastics

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The ability to achieve skills some people would think are impossible

Favourite Coaching Moment: My first day

Favourite Apparatus: Trampoline

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Kasey Dines

Educational Gymnastics Coach

KASEY DINES

Gymnastics History: I participated in gymnastics for 10 years and reached national level 8 before retiring in 2022.

Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1

Fun Fact: I used to play netball before I was a gymnast.

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I wanted to share my love for gymnastics and wanted to help children participating in gymnastics feel safe, confident and proud of themselves as they develop in the sport.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: My favourite thing about gymnastics is that allows you to learn new things and promotes self confidence as you develop and grow.

Favourite Coaching Moment: My favourite coaching moment would be when a gymnast achieves a new skill they’ve been working on for awhile and you can see how proud of themselves they are.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Kayla Helmocj

Educational Gymnastics Coach

KAYLA HELMOCJ

Gymnastics History: I used to do gymnastics for 10yrs, started at the age of 3 and finishing at the age of 13. When moving back to Australia at the age of 5yrs I attended classes for 2-3years at the Waverley Campus. 

Accreditation: Intermediate

Extra Qualifications: First Aid CPR and beginner judging

Fun Fact: my first spoken language was German

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I have a love for gymnastics, and assisting the younger children made me build my confidence in many ways as well watching young children have the excitement when accomplishing a skill/goal

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The adrenaline

Favourite Coaching Moment: Watching your gymnast succeed and persevere

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Kiara Brusco

Educational Gymnastics Coach

KIARA BRUSCO

3

Klaudia Ciurej

Educational Gymnastics Coach

KLAUDIA CIUREJ

Gymnastics History: I used to train at Waverley up to ALP 7!

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I love to read!

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach so that I could help kids learn how to do gymnastics while having fun!

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I became so that I could help kids learn how to do gymnastics while having fun!

Favourite Coaching Moment: Helping one of the kids to get their back hip circle for the first time

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Krisha Nambiar

Educational Gymnastics Coach

KRISHA NAMBIAR

Gymnastics History: I was in educational gymnastics at Waverley Gymnastics for 8 years

Accreditation: WAG Intermediate

Fun Fact: My favourite animals are otters and cats

Why I Became a Coach: I wanted to give back to the gymnastics community that offered me so much and share the excitement of learning gymnastics with the next generation of gymnasts.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love the social aspect of it, making friends and practicing your skills together, also the fact that there was always another skill to learn helped gymnastics stay really fun and exciting.

Favourite Coaching Moment: Every time a gymnast learns a new skill and we get excited together!

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Kyla Perrett

Educational Gymnastics Coach

KYLA PERRET

Gymnastics History: I have done gymnastics for about 8 years now

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I have done 8 different sports

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I enjoy gymnastics and I enjoy teaching others

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: getting new skills

Favourite Coaching Moment: When a child gets a skill they have been working hard towards

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Leigh Gendel

Educational Gymnastics Coach

LEIGH GENDEL

Gymnastics History: I did a month at Waverley Gymnastics when I was 7 and now have been doing gymnastics for the past year

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I’m doing 7 VCE subjects

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Gymnastics allows one to master their own body’s potential and provides a comfortable environment to release stress and energy in a healthy way

Favourite Coaching Moment: This gymnast I was coaching got her double backhand spring for the first time and was so happy and excited that she couldn’t wait to do it again, and she had a smile pasted across her face for the rest of the day.

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Lincoln Gray

Educational Gymnastics Coach

LINCOLN GRAY

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Lydia Hadikusumo

Educational Gymnastics Coach

Lydia Hadikusumo

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Madeleine Gin

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MADELEINE GIN

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Madeleine Fenton

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MADDY FENTON

Gymnastics History: I did gymnastics since I was 3, moved to Waverley in 2018. Competed up to level 10, finished up in 2023 and began coaching!

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I do a backsault everytime I go on a run

Why I Became a Coach: Because I wanted to be able to help kids follow their gymnastics dreams like my coaches helped me with mine growing up

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: the atmosphere and encouragement + teamwork

Favourite Coaching Moment: the enjoyment on my kids faces when they get new skills, or the excitement from last GFA when my gymnasts got to see me perform a floor routine!

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Madison Chin

Educational Gymnastics Coach

Madison Chin

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Madison Joy

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MADISON JOY

Gymnastics History: I used to be a gymnast for Waverley

Accreditation: Intermediate

Fun Fact: My favourite food is pasta

Why I Became a Coach: To help kids learn gymnastics and be more confident in their selves

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Get to try new things

Favourite Coaching Moment: When children get a new skill and are extremely excited about it

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Maxine Narvaez

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MAXINE NARVAEZ

Gym History: Level 6 Edu 

Qualifications: Beginner 

Why I became a coach: I loved doing gym when I was little and I love seeing all the smiling faces the kids have when they come into the gym. 

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Mia McLean

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MIA MCLEAN

Gymnastics History: I am a current gymnast

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I am a good runner

Why I Became a Coach: Because I wanted to inspire the next generation to do gymnastics

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Collaborating with friends

Favourite Coaching Moment: When a gymnast learns a new skill

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Michelle Kwok

Educational Gymnastics Coach

Michelle Kwok

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Mikaela Williams

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MIKAELA WILLIAMS

Gymnastics History: competitive gymnast at WGC for 7 years, finished gymnastic after level 7

Accreditation: Beginner

Extra Qualifications: CPR

Fun Fact: I am gluten free

Why I Became a Coach: Because I wanted to remain a part of the community that Waverley provides even after I left gymnastics, and I want to give future gymnasts the experience I had by teaching them new skills and watching them achieve their goals. 

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Watching the floor routines

Favourite Coaching Moment: When one of my gymnast got to ring the bell for achieving their front sault on the tramp.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Montana Alphonsus

Educational Gymnastics Coach

MONTANA ALPHONSUS

Gymnastics History: I did gymnastics at Waverley for 10 years!

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I have been a cheerleader for 7 years

Why I Became a Coach: I always loved gymnastics and I like to be able to give kids the same fun memories I have of learning gymnastics!

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Creating and learning and routine

Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing a kid get a skill they have been working hard to get!

Favourite Apparatus: Bars and Floor

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Natalie Klonis

Educational Gymnastics Coach

NATALIE KLONIS

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Natasha Winbanks

Educational Gymnastics Coach

NATASHA WINBANKS

Gymnastics History: This is my 13th year doing Gymnastics at Waverley

Accreditation: Beginner

Extra Qualifications: First Aid

Fun Fact: I can touch my elbows together behind my back.

Why I Became a Coach: I enjoy working with children and seeing the smile on their face when they do something new.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Being able to meet people and make friends outside of school.

Favourite Coaching Moment: A gymnast landing a skill after we had been trying to do it for many weeks

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Neve Anderson

Educational Gymnastics Coach

NEVE ANDERSON

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Nika Azad

Educational Gymnastics Coach

NIKA AZAD

Gymnastics History: Did gymnastics for over 5 years

Accreditation: Beginner Coach

Fun Fact: I am a huge soccer fan

Why I Became a Coach: I love gymnastics and I wanted to get back into it after quitting and wanted to share my passion for it with everyone else

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: the fact that there is always something new to learn and that it doesn’t just stop at a certain point. there is always room for growth

Favourite Coaching Moment: watching the gymnasts finally master the skill they’ve been practicing for a while

Favourite Apparatus: bars always

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Noelle Baghdali

Educational Gymnastics Coach

NOELLE BAGHDALI VUVU

Gymnastics History: I began practicing acro at the age of 7 and stuck with it until I was 14. Later, at 17, I transitioned to gymnastics, and now, four years on, I'm still actively involved in it.

Accreditation: Intermediate coach

Fun Fact: I earned my black belt at 15 and competed for four years. I'm also still competing in all-star cheer competitions.

Why I Became a Coach: Throughout my upbringing, I had so many influences that had moulded my gymnastics journey. As I grew up, I felt compelled to inspire and motivate the next generation, mirroring the impact my coaches had on me. Witnessing the joy and smiles on the kids' faces during training which reaffirms my passion for coaching, reminding me why I cherish this role.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The thrill of mastering new skills, coupled with the feeling of satisfaction after achieving something I’ve worked so hard for

Favourite Coaching Moment: watching the children grow in confidence, and witnessing their faces light up with joy after mastering a new skill, is truly rewarding.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Olivia Ingle

Educational Gymnastics Coach

OLIVIA INGLE

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Olivia Bell

Educational Gymnastics Coach

OLIVIA BELL

Gymnastics History: When I was younger I did the WGC education program         

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I am a twin

Why I Became a Coach: Because I thought it would be a great opportunity to further my leadership skills and work with children

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It is a fun way to get active

Favourite Coaching Moment: The excitement after a student learns a skill for the first time

Favourite Apparatus: Floor

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Olivia Hart-Crombie

Educational Gymnastics Coach

OLIVIA HART-CROMBIE

Gymnastics History: 10 years training and competing at Omega Trampoline Sports Club

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I have gone skydiving

Why I Became a Coach: To try something new and to gain the valuable skills and knowledge and pass it down to gymnasts.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The people and friendly faces Favourite Coaching Moment: Helping a girl do a back walkover on the beam and landing it for the first time

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Regan Ling

Educational Gymnastics Coach

REGAN LING

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Ruby Dixon

Educational Gymnastics Coach

RUBY DIXON

Sama

Sama Ahmed

Educational Gymnastics Coach

SAMA AHMED

Gymnastics History: I have been a gymnast for 12 years and I'm currently a level 9 gymnast at MLC gymnastics 

Accreditation: Intermediate

Fun Fact: I am bilingual so I can speak English and Arabic fluently and I am currently learning German.

Why I Became a Coach: To inspire young athletes as well as to create a safe and welcoming environment where kids can make friends and have fun learning new skills

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Getting to learn new skills

Favourite Coaching Moment: When one of my gymnasts did her front zahlt at GFA and stuck after having worked on it for 2 years.

Favourite Apparatus: Vault

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Samantha Yan

Educational Gymnastics Coach

SAMANTHA YAN

Gymnastics History: I did Gymstar for 7 years

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I love making paper stars!

Why I Became a Coach: I loved doing gymnastics and wanted to help others love the sport as well.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Being a part of a team and being happy for each other when getting new skills

Favourite Coaching Moment: When a gymnast tries something they were scared to do and ended up loving it!

Favourite Apparatus: Vault or beam

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Samuel Riddett

Educational Gymnastics Coach

SAMUEL RIDDETT

Gymnastics History: I have done 10 years of gymnastics.

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I like making balloon animals.

Why I Became a Coach: I always enjoyed doing gymnastics and wanted to teach it to others.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The strength exercise of climbing the rope.

Favourite Coaching Moment: When I first taught a gymnast to do a backwards roll

Favourite Apparatus: Vault

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Sarah Irons

Educational Gymnastics Coach

SARAH IRONS

Gymnastics History: 6 years of gymnastics experience

Accreditation: Beginner

Extra Qualifications: First Aid

Fun Fact: I did aerial circus for 4 years

Why I Became a Coach: To help students progress in their gymnastics whilst providing a positive, fun and safe space to learn

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Learning/ teaching exciting skills and gymnasts supporting one another

Favourite Coaching Moment: Anytime a student gets excited about learning a new skill

Favourite Apparatus: Beam

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Shalini Puranik

Educational Gymnastics Coach

SHALINI PURANIK

Gymnastics History: I started doing gymnastics for fun when I was 7 and did it until I was 18, had a few breaks in between those years too.

Accreditation: Beginner

Fun Fact: I moved to Australia when I was 5 from India

Why I Became a Coach: Because I enjoyed my experience being taught gymnastics and doing gymnastics, I loved my coaches throughout the years and how they would support kids and gymnastics brought me happiness, I wanted to be able to share that with other young kids and have them learn and achieve and feel supported the same way I did.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: How inclusive it is for everyone

Favourite Coaching Moment: Having kids achieve a skill for the first time and feeling happy about it along with receiving their level testing certification, brought a sense of pride and happiness seeing the smiles on their faces

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Sumer Daly

Educational Gymnastics Coach

SUMER DALY

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Xavier Dench

Educational Gymnastics Coach

XAVIER DENCH

Gymnastics History: None

Accreditation: Fundamental

Fun Fact: I played basketball for 11 years!

Why I Became a Coach: To teach children and let them have fun in gymnastics

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: How gymnastics is for everybody

Favourite Coaching Moment: Having gymnasts that I coach achieve their goals

Favourite Apparatus: Bars

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Yashvi Mehta

Educational Gymnastics Coach

YASHVI MEHTA

Gymnastics History: I have been doing gymnastics since 2012 and continue till this day.

Accreditation: Fundamental Coach

Fun Fact: My favourite animal is a peacock!

Why I Became a Coach: I have loved gymnastics from a young age and wish to make sure other gymnasts also have an amazing experience.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love the different variety of apparatuses.

Favourite Coaching Moment: Connecting with the gymnasts

Favourite Apparatus: Trampoline

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Zara Lusha

Educational Gymnastics Coach

ZARA LUSHA

Gymnastics History: I started acro when I was six years old and practiced it for four years before moving to Waverly Gymnastics, where I've been for six years now.

Accreditation: Fundamental Coach

Fun Fact: A fun interesting fact about me is that I have two different coloured eyes and have represented Australia in acrobatics.

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I wanted to share my passion for gymnastics with others and help them reach their goals, gain confidence, and be able to put a smile on their faces.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The excitement of learning a new skill, as well as the process of getting to the skill you worked hard for and feeling good once you accomplished it.

Favourite Coaching Moment: As a coach, nothing makes you happier than to see a child's bright smile and see them master a skill they have been working hard for.

Favourite Apparatus: Floor