Educational Leadership Team
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
Oakleigh Campus Coordinator
SARAH DEAN
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Hannah Medhurst
Educational Gymnastics Coach
HANNAH MEDHURST
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
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
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
Educational Coaches
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
Alex Sproul
Educational Gymnastics Coach
Annabel Feeney
Educational Gymnastics Coach
Audrey Browne
Educational Gymnastics Coach
Anishka Rajapakse
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ANISHKA RAJAPAKSE
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
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
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
Chloe Goncalves
Educational Gymnastics Coach
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
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
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
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
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
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
Daniella Rode
Educational Gymnastics Coach
Daisy Harvison
Educational Gymnastics Coach
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
Evaan Rajapakse
Educational Gymnastics Coach
EVAAN RAJAPAKSE
Harper Brauer
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
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
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
Helena Papkyriakopoulo
Educational Gymnastics Coach
HELENA PAPKYRIAKOPOULO
Jasmine Amott
Educational Gymnastics Coach
JASMINE AMOTT
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
Kathleen Dinh
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
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
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
Kiara Brusco
Educational Gymnastics Coach
KIARA BRUSCO
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
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
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
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
Lincoln Gray
Educational Gymnastics Coach
LINCOLN GRAY
Lydia Hadikusumo
Educational Gymnastics Coach
Lydia Hadikusumo
Madeleine Gin
Educational Gymnastics Coach
MADELEINE GIN
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
Madison Chin
Educational Gymnastics Coach
Madison Chin
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
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.
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
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
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
Natalie Klonis
Educational Gymnastics Coach
NATALIE KLONIS
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
Neve Anderson
Educational Gymnastics Coach
NEVE ANDERSON
Nicolas Cookson
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
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
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
Olivia Ingle
Educational Gymnastics Coach
OLIVIA INGLE
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
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
Ruby Dixon
Educational Gymnastics Coach
RUBY DIXON
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
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
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
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
Tabea Helmich
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
Tali Lasnitzi
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
Tess Reynolds
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
Tiyashi Perera
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
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
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
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