Meet The Team
Balance Gymnastics coaches are exceptionally well-trained. We are all licensed through the National Coaching Certification Program, and strive to continually further our learning and coaching skills with professional development. We surpass the first aid training suggestions and re-certify every two years. We love what we do, and our expertise shines through our coaching in everything our gymnasts learn.
Julia
Owner & ManagerPHILOSOPHY: I believe that gymnastics is one of the most well rounded sporting pursuits, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for gymnasts to learn and develop. I strive to bring development in skills, fitness for life, personal goal setting, team work, mental practice, and overall “balance” together to create an atmosphere where every gymnast can excel and reach personal bests while having a great time in the gym and furthering themselves as individuals.
BACKGROUND: I started Balance Gymnastics in 2009 as my passion project to fill a niche market on the North Shore of providing high level competitive gymnastics training without overdoing the hourly training requirements. I wanted gymnasts to be able to find their own balance in their lives by having the ability to participate in other sports as well, prioritizing schoolwork, and having time with friends and family. I have been involved with gymnastics since I was 13 years old, and carried this interest through a degree in Human Kinetics Exercise Science from UBC. I have two young children and I delight in watching them explore movement with their bodies in and out of the gym. I also enjoy hiking, jogging, and road cycling.
I’m here to answer your questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Jayme
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: I truly believe in the importance of a positive training environment as it facilities productive growth and development. My philosophy as a coach focuses on positive motivation and encouragement while being safe and having fun. I know first hand how challenging gymnastics can be at times and I believe a coach can make an impactful difference in an athlete’s career and life. I strive to teach those important lessons, motivate through the hard times, and foster a safe, fun and welcoming environment where athletes can succeed at reaching their goals! I look forward to learning from and growing with each athlete I have the honour of coaching.
BACKGROUND: I started my gymnastics career at the age of 3 quickly moving from pre-competitive to provincial, to the national level where I ended my career at the age of 17. I have been coaching for approximately 15 years and have loved every second of it! My love for the sport inspired me to obtain my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, leading to my Masters degree in Public Health. Gymnastics has taught me so many important life lessons that I cherish to this day. I hope to inspire and motivate my athletes while they learn the important life skills gymnastics has to offer.
Maya
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: I believe in making gymnastics a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where gymnasts are encouraged to be proud of themselves and their teammates. My goal is for gymnasts to feel like they have accomplished something by the end of each practice or competition, whether they have mastered a new drill or skill, tried something new, or worked through a mental block. I am very excited to work with your gymnast this season and hope to give them positive experiences and memories to look back on for the rest of their life.
BACKGROUND: I trained as a competitive gymnast for multiple years before deciding to switch over to dance. I danced at a high level for several years throughout late elementary and high school. Switching back to coaching gymnastics has been a very positive experience - I have created so many memories and met so many amazing people. Outside the gym, I enjoy hiking with my family and two dogs: Molly and Pepper.
Natasha
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: My coaching philosophy is to foster a safe, fun, inclusive and engaging environment for all to learn physical literacy and maintain a well balanced healthy lifestyle. I coach from a perspective of compassion, open
mindedness, collaboration and athlete oriented goal setting. My goal as a coach is to provide a positive space for athlete to learn a high quality of gymnastics as well as life lessons that will last their lifetime.
BACKGROUND: I have been part of the gymnastics community since I was three years old. I trained as a competitive athlete until the age of 18 in the lower mainland. I started the coaching stream of gymnastics when I was fifteen years old. Over that time I have worked in a wide variety of programs with athletes of all ages and abilities. I think gymnastics is such a special
fundamental sport that can enhance so many aspects of people's lives. With that being said I want to be able to pass on the positive experiences and lessons I have learned onto the athletes I coach. Outside of the gymnastics environment some of my hobbies include: reading, playing music, sailing and traveling.
Clare
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: Gymnastics is such an important sport for childhood development, and creates the most well rounded athletes. I believe in creating a safe, positive and fun environment for the children to thrive in while developing their skills. By creating a safe space and allowing the children to have fun as well as learn high level skills, you can provide longevity in the sport. At Balance Gymnastics I was immediately taken by the overwhelming positive atmosphere within the gym - gymnastics is often classed as an individual sport, but at Balance we all work as a team to ensure everyone's success.
BACKGROUND: I have always loved working with children and being able to see them grow and succeed. I grew up doing many sports competitively, as well as gymnastics. I originally started coaching soccer, but switched to gymnastics in 2017 and fell in love with coaching and have been doing it ever since. Coaching is truly my passion and I love seeing the gymnasts grow and succeed in all areas of their life.
Melika
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: While gymnastics can be viewed as solely a sport, it can, on the contrary, build numerous advantageous skills for gymnasts both inside and outside the gym. It can allow gymnasts to develop their confidence while working through their fears. Creating a team-building environment in the gym can allow them to connect, build confidence, and work on challenges. Therefore, I strongly believe in having an engaging and fun atmosphere in the gym, allowing my gymnasts to persevere and thrive. I look forward to being there for my team to connect and see my gymnast's goals this season.
BACKGROUND: I started ballet at the young age of three and continued into my pre-teens. Later, I decided to do recreational advanced gymnastics by going on the monkey bars and practicing my flexibility countless days on the playground. I trained for seven years at West Vancouver Rec Center and was able to advance to level nine. Over my gymnastics career, it allowed me to not only fall more in love with the sport but also fall in love with teaching. I have had more than five years of gymnastics coaching experience, and I'm enthusiastic to start this new season with my gymnasts!
Susan
Coach
PHILOSOPHY:
BACKGROUND: I started gymnastics when I was four and instantly fell in love. At 8, I switched to competitive gymnastics at Balance and have been competing ever since! I started coaching when I was 14 years old and fell in love with the sport in a new way. I love Balance's positive and supportive environment and the sport we practice. Since then, I've been learning more about gymnastics and helping with Balance's fun and supportive atmosphere!
Barbara
Administrative Support
PHILOSOPHY: As a Mum of 3 boys, keeping my kids active and busy has always been a priority! Our family have been involved in many different sports on the North Shore over the years, in fact all three of my boys participated in recreational gymnastics at one time or another.
BACKGROUND: Moving to the North Shore almost 10 years ago with 3 young children, building community here became important. Volunteering within our children’s sports teams and schools was where we started. I am now passionate about living and working here on the North Shore as my children grow up. In my free time I enjoy keeping active exploring our local trails with daily dog walks in the forest and staying creative (I always have lots of projects on the go!) I’ve been working at Balance for over a year now in admin support and getting us ready for this upcoming season. It’s been a pleasure getting to know the team and I can’t wait to see what the year brings for our gymnasts and coaches!
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