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!
Yareni
Head Coach
PHILOSOPHY: At Balance I know we have a wonderful positive environment where I make sure that every athlete is achieving their goals. My philosophy is to always have open communication with gymnasts and parents, and to encourage gymnasts to never stop being proud of themselves, from the smallest skill accomplishment to working through a mental block. I enjoy teaching at the competitive level where we can break a skill down and build it up into the most successful skill each gymnast can perform. I lead by example - we are here to help and encourage each other from athletes to coaches and coaches in training. We are all here because we love the sport.
BACKGROUND: I trained as a competitive gymnast from the age of 8 to 16 - it was the first sport I joined when I came to Canada and I instantly fell in love. I started coaching gymnastics when I was 16 to special needs students which lead me to attend school for sign language and deaf studies. While coaching students with special needs in the morning I would coach competitive in the evening. I enjoy everything about the competitive side of the sport - it truly is my passion. I continue to do everything in my capability to further myself in the sport as a coach. By doing so I continue to implement long term athlete development plans as it is very important that I help to set up every athlete for success - as a current athlete and as an adult in the future.
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.
Nicole
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: I believe that although gymnastics is an individual sport, creating a supportive, fun team environment is very important. Gymnastics is unlike many sports as it requires a large time commitment. As a retired gymnast myself, I remember the bond I had with my coaches and teammates after spending 8-20 hours a week with them, and I hope to form that with my aspiring gymnasts. Maintaining a gymnast's love for the sport is of the utmost importance because in order for them to continue developing and improving they have to continuously want to show up and give it their best.
BACKGROUND: I trained as a competitive gymnast at Balance Gymnastics and have since been coaching for eleven years. Throughout high school and university I worked part time as a recreational coach. My love for sports led me to complete my degree in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. I am currently completing my Masters of Physical Therapy and UBC. Coaching competitive gymnastics has been a very rewarding experience, I am continually learning from my peers and love watching my gymnasts develop.
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!
Emma
Coach
PHILOSOPHY: Gymnastics can sometimes be a challenging sport, and the environment a coach sets can dictate whether or not a gymnast will persevere. Therefore, I strongly believe in creating a fun and encouraging environment. These two motives can enhance the overall experience of gymnastics for a gymnast. Not only is it important that they enjoy doing gymnastics, but also for gaining fundamentals and achieving fitness goals. I love to see my gymnasts achieve what they longed and worked hard for - this is truly why I love being a coach.
BACKGROUND: I started recreational gymnastics at the young age of four and continued until I was seven years old. Later on, I switched to competitive gymnastics at my home club and trained there for five years. Once I moved to the North Shore I joined Balance Gymnastics where I trained as a competitive gymnast for two more years at Balance. Over my entire gymnastics career I attended many local competitions and fell more and more in love with the sport that I did for a decade. I have experience coaching recreational gymnastics and assisting with competitive training, and I’m eagerly looking forward to working with our new gymnasts this season!
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 exploring our local trails with daily dog walks in the forest which continues to be my inspiration for creativity. I’ve been working at Balance for many months now in admin support 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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