Educational Leadership Team
Monica Frost
Educational Gymnastics Manager
MONICA FROST
Shae Christian
Oakleigh Campus Coordinator
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.
Sienna Pennuto
Glen Waverley Campus Coordinator
SIENNA PENNUTO
Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics when I was six years old and I participated in competitive gymnastics until I was 16 years old!
Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1
Extra Qualifications: Intermediate WAG Judging qualification, First aid
Fun Fact: I am currently studying nursing!
Why I Became a Coach: I wanted to stay involved in the sport by helping the next generation of gymnasts find their passion for the sport.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The relationships and joy it brings!
Favourite Coaching Moment: The WGC Gymnastics For All competition!
Favourite Apparatus: Floor and Vault
Sarah Dean
Coach Education Coordinator and Campus Team Leader
SARAH DEAN
Anita Woon
Inclusion Coordinator
ANITA WOON
Gymnastics History: Keen supporter of gymnastics as a parent and teacher
Accreditation: Intermediate
Extra Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education)
Fun Fact: I hold numerous high scores on Michael Jackson Wii
Why I Became a Coach: As a parent to 3 children who all love gymnastics and as a Physical Education teacher, I thought it would be a great way to upskill and become more involved in this fantastic sport.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It provides the fundamental movement skill to all other sports and its so much fun!!
Favourite Coaching Moment: Seeing our first group of Inclusion students beaming and so happy to receive their certificates after completing a 5 week program.
Favourite Apparatus: Floor
Educational Coach Mentors
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
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
Michael Blight
Educational Coach Mentor
MICHAEL BLIGHT
Gymnastics History: Did gym for 7 years and started coaching since 2018
Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1
Fun Fact: I love scuba diving and snowboarding
Why I Became a Coach: To pass on knowledge and stay involved in the sport
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: How competitive and relaxed it can be pushing yourself to the limit or just having fun
Favourite Coaching Moment: Getting a new skill for a gymnast
Favourite Apparatus: Bars
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
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
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 7 years.
Favourite Coaching Moment: Taking my gymnasts to competitions!
Favourite Apparatus: Beam
Educational Coaches
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!
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 love forming friendships with the kids and find it very rewarding to teach them 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
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
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
Anishka Rajapakse
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ANISHKA RAJAPAKSE
Anni Sieranen
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ANNI SIERANEN
Gymnastics History: I did rhythmic gymnastics when I was younger. I was a synchronized swimmer for 8 years which is gymnastics in water.
Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1
Extra Qualifications: CPR
Fun Fact: I am named after one of the singers from ABBA
Why I Became a Coach: I enjoy sports and working with children. And being a gymnastics coach is a great way to incorporate both of these things.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: I love the creativity and how skills keep evolving through the years. I love the community aspect of gymnastics especially around the Olympics.
Favourite Coaching Moment: My favourite moment as a coach was when a child learn a chin up pull over after being scared to do it. The feeling when they got it for the first time was so amazing.
Favourite Apparatus: Beam
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
Arunika Wali
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ARUNIKA WALI
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
Charlotte Shin
Educational Gymnastics Coach
CHARLOTTE SHIN
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 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
Chloe Amott
Educational Gymnastics Coach
CHLOE AMOTT
Gymnastics History: I have done gymnastics since I was 3 so for 13 years and have participated in junior gym, squad and the medallion program. I have been coaching since I was 14 at 2 different clubs and have been working at Waverley for about a year.
Accreditation: Beginner
Fun Fact: I was also a dancer. I did musical theatre and ballet
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 watching everyone achieving new skills and finding passion in the sport as well as doing there favourite tricks
Favourite Coaching Moment: The WGC Gymnastics For All competition!
Favourite Apparatus: Bars and Floor
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
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
Dhanur Bhardway
Educational Gymnastics Coach
DHANUR BHARDWAJ
Gymnastics History: Doing handstands and cartwheels at the local playground
Accreditation: Intermediate
Extra Qualifications: Master of Sports Management
Fun Fact: I work in cricket broadcasting, where I meet and work with ex-players and commentators
Why I Became a Coach: I love to work with young athletes and enjoy a laugh with them
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The physical skills gained are exceptional and could provide strong base to play other sports
Favourite Coaching Moment: Whenever a gymnasts successfully performs a newly learnt skill
Favourite Apparatus: Trampoline
Divnoor Kaur
Educational Gymnastics Coach
DIVNOOR KAUR
Gymnastics History: I began gymnastics when I was 5 years old and competed up to state level 5 before pursuing coaching in Gymnastics and focusing on school.
Coach Accreditation: Intermediate WAG and MAG Coach
Other Qualifications: Beginner WAG Judge
Fun Fact: I love to travel and explore!
Why I became a coach: To give back to the community of Gymnastics as it was a huge part of my life as a child and I hope to make Gymnastics enjoyable for every gymnast I come across just like it was for me.
Freya Olsen
Educational Gymnastics Coach
FREYA OLSEN
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
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
Helena Papkyriakopoulo
Educational Gymnastics Coach
HELENA PAPKYRIAKOPOULO
Isabel Bulach
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ISABEL BULACH
Gymnastics History: When I was 5 I tried Gymnastics for a short while!
Accreditation: Intermediate
Fun Fact: My favourite place is the beach
Why I Became a Coach: Working with children to have fun, learn something new and get active all at the same time.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Working towards many different skills, sometimes in many different ways too.
Favourite Coaching Moment: After the Holiday Program, sitting down in a gratitude circle and hearing the gymnasts responses!
Favourite Apparatus: Beam
Bella Stoffels
Educational Gymnastics Coach
BELLA STOFFELS
Isabella Fewster
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ISABELLA FEWSTER
Gymnastics history: 4 years education program at WGC
Coach accreditation: Beginners coaching qualification
Fun fact: I use to do dance for 6 years before starting gymnastics!
Why I became a coach: I choose to become a coach as WGC as I have always had a strong interest and passion in gymnastics, and I loved the idea of being able to see and coach young gymnasts whilst in a positive learning environment and having fun!
Isobel Hall
Educational Gymnastics Coach
ISOBEL HALL
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
Jordan Rogers
Educational Gymnastics Coach
JORDAN ROGERS
Gymnastics History: Began coaching at Jets Bendigo when I was 16 and after moving to Melbourne for university I begun training MAG at Knox.
Accreditation: Intermediate with Advanced Module 1
Extra Qualifications: First aid and MAG Intermediate Judge
Fun Fact: I can tell you lots about identifying rocks!
Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach to challenge myself with a new set of learning and growth opportunities, and to develop my knowledge to empower people to enjoy movement!
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The constant challenge of working to be that little bit better every day!
Favourite Coaching Moment: Taking gymnasts to their first ever competition!
Favourite Apparatus: Parallel Bars
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Noelle Baghdali
Educational Gymnastics Coach
NOELLE BAGHDALI
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
Coach Accreditation: I am a beginner coach
Other Qualifications: I Have my child safe certificate work safety and hazard certificate
Fun Fact: I speak fluent Arabic
Why I became a coach: I became a coach to give kids a chance to try gymnastics and make some new friends and learn new skills whilst staying safe and having fun
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 role
Favourite Apparatus: Vault
Samantha Szalinski
Educational Gymnastics Coach
SAMANTHA SZALINSKI
Gymnastics History: Did gymstar in high school, primarily come from a ballet and dance background and then started doing acrobatics and fell in love with tumbling
Accreditation: Beginner
Extra Qualifications: Diploma in Elite Performance (Dance), first aid, sports nutrition (studying)
Fun Fact: I love baking - currently conquering bread!
Why I Became a Coach: To help the next generation on athletes unlock their potential and create sustainable and healthy habits for their future careers either in gymnastics or another field
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Tumbling!
Favourite Coaching Moment: Helping a gymnast get their first back hip circle
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
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
Sicilia Serra
Educational Gymnastics Coach
SICILIA SERRA
Sumer Daly
Educational Gymnastics Coach
SUMER DALY
Venus Xaio
Educational Gymnastics Coach
VENUS XIAO
Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics when I was 9 and sadly quit when I turned 13
Accreditation: Beginner
Fun Fact: I love the beach!
Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach so I could help new and talented gymnasts to learn new gymnastics skills and have fun!
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: being upside down!
Favourite Coaching Moment: seeing a gymnast do a skill by themself that they’ve been practicing!
Favourite Apparatus: Vault
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
Charlotte Bird
Educational Gymnastics Coach
CHARLOTTE BIRD
Gymnastics History: Educational Gymnastics
Coach Accreditation: Intermediate + (Tumbling & Spring Module)
Other Qualifications: Certificate III and IV in Fitness, Certificate II in Sports and Recreation, First Aid, Beginner and Intermediate Gymnastics Coaching Quals, Supervisor Qual,
Fun Fact: I love travelling and have visited 22 countries so far!
Why I became a coach: Passion for children’s health and well being!
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
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