About Us

Introducing our Team

Our team works together to help each gymnast in one of Ortona’s recreational, development or competitive programs become the best possible gymnast; while keeping true to Ortona’s vision, mission and goals. 

• Our coaching team has such a depth of technical strengths and a passion for gymnastics. 

• Our adminstrative team provides the support to our coaches, parents and participants throughout the year. 

Introducing our Team at Ortona:

Coach Jessica

Coming soon

Coach Kelsey

As a former competitive provincial level three artistic gymnast, and trained competitive dancer of 21 years, I will bring both passion and knowledge to your child’s program here at Ortona Gymnastics Club. I’ve been trained in various styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Novelty, & Hip-Hop, and hope to bring diversity to the training programs at OGC.

My training in dance has allowed me to perform alongside artists such as Sarah McLachlan, and Tegan & Sara, as well as attend workshops under the direction of Janet  Jackson’s choreographers, compete internationally, and train in Edmonton. Sharing my love of both dance & gymnastics by providing success through positivity and technicality will remain my goal for the members of OGC.  Seeing success in my students/athletes inspires me to continue training and developing new techniques. I respect students who try their personal best, are ready to work, and are positive influences for themselves and others, as I will reciprocate the same attitude! 

Admin Gabrielle

Welcome to a new session at Ortona!  I’m Gabe, and I’ve coached at Ortona since 2011. These days I am mostly involved with our developmental and competitive athletes and parents helping them out with all of their TEAM questions. 

Admin Jill

My journey with Ortona began in 1997 as a recreational athlete. This journey has allowed me to gain knowledge, develop relationships and enable my personal growth in the understanding of the sport of gymnastics as both athlete and coach.

My background in the sport, my understanding of the Ortona culture and my secondary education form the foundation that has given me the confidence to deliver the objectives and goals as Ortona’s Technical Gymnastics Programs Director.

Some highlights of my journey to date with Ortona:

• Recreational gymnast recruited to the competitive stream
• Competed at a National Level as an artistic gymnast
• Participated in the Coach in Training program beginning at the age of 13
• Recreational coaching specializing in badge class delivery
• Coaching career developed in both developmental and competitive streams
• Major event planning – Pop the Bubble invitational and National Stream Cup competitions
• Completing my university degrees in Education and Phys Ed while working at Ortona
• Today a management appointment to lead our programs

I look forward to working with our coaches, to continue delivering programs that keep you and your child(ren) interested and excited about gymnastics at Ortona.

Coach Serena

I joined Ortona in 2015, but I’ve been involved in many different sports my whole life. I believe a healthy, active lifestyle starts at an early age which is one of the many reasons I started coaching. The best part of coaching is being able to make a difference in their lives and teaching them lifelong skills. I love coaching recreational gymnastics and  believe that every class should be a balance of fun and learning. This allows the gymnast to feel successful, enjoy their time with us, and look forward to coming back!

 Thank you to all of those who I’ve had the pleasure of coaching, and I look forward to meeting all future Ortona athletes!

Coach Anita

For nearly 30 years I have been coaching gymnastics and 27 of those have been at a competitive level. I have coached across Canada and in New York State, Philadelphia and Florida.  I have had the privilege of coaching athletes who train at Ortona at National Championships, Elite Canada, Pan Am Games, World Championships and at the 2016 Olympic Games.

I came to Ortona in 2012, and the staff and gymnasts have helped me renew my passion for gymnastics. They have helped me to love what I do and do what I love.  What  could be better? Gymnastics is like a road trip with many twists and turns. Stay true to your path and you will reach your destination. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Coach Wei Ping

For over 25 years I have been coaching gymnastics. I’ve had the opportunity to coach across the globe including my home country of China, and Mexico, Ontario and now here at Ortona.  My athletes have experienced success on many different levels and in several countries. Regardless of where I coach, hard work, determination and technique are important aspects of any athlete’s success. 

As a coach at Ortona, I am committed to my athletes and offer them my experience and knowledge, so they can achieve all of their gymnastics goals. I look forward to being your coach.

Coach Danika

I am a former Ortona athlete, and proud to be a part of Ortona’s coaching staff. I was a competitive gymnast for 13 years and ended my training as a National level athlete. It was natural for me to move from competing to coaching so I could share my gymnastics knowledge and love of the sport with others.

Gymnastics has always been such a huge part of my life and has taught me so many important life skills. I am hoping to inspire new young athletes to try new things and learn how gymnastics can help them too. It is very satisfying for me to see how the kids improve from week to week and how excited they get when they master a new skill. I look forward to this year when I can help new and returning athletes to Ortona.

Coach Daniel

I have been with Ortona since 2015 and coaching gymnastics since 2010. As a former competitive gymnast, I love sharing my passion for gymnastics and building physical literacy with all of my athletes! I am inspired each day by the athletes I coach, both recreational and competitive. They constantly remind me why gymnastics is such a special sport. It not only builds fitness and contributes to a healthy lifestyle, but helps build independent and resilient young people.

I can’t wait to continue all the fun, laughs and unforgettable moments I see in the gym each week!

Admin Krista

I joined Ortona in Jan 2016. As a former competitive gymnast, I have enjoyed gymnastics pretty much my whole life. Upon graduating with a Bachelors in Kinesiology in 1998 I went on to work as a coach, program administrator and head coach coaching preschool, recreational and competitive gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling. After living in Cold Lake for the past 9 years my family and I moved to the Edmonton area.

I naturally gravitated back to my love of gymnastics and coaching and ended up here at Ortona! I love working with all ages and benefiting from the immense energy all the kids have. I believe that the Fun, Fitness and Fundamentals of gymnastics can be spilled over into everyday life. Being active is only as fun as you make it.

Coach Barb

I am pleased to welcome your child to my class. Understanding the importance of developing a child’s motor skills through activity is what first drew me to gymnastics. Through over 8 years of preschool coaching in gymnastics, I have enjoyed watching children progress from one program to the next; their energy and excitement to learn more progresses with them. Coaching is a wonderful experience. The small details, like facial expressions, laughter and enthusiasm, keep me specializing in the preschool classes.

The training and professional development that I have received within the gymnastics community has allowed me to develop the technical skills necessary in becoming a coach. I truly love this sport!   

Coach Taylor

Thank you for being a part of the Trampoline and Tumbling Program at Ortona! I am a former National level trampoline and tumbling athlete and have been a part of Ortona’s coaching staff since 2011. I use the experience I have gained as an athlete to help my own athletes discover spatial awareness and find their own success in this sport.

As a coach, I enjoy kids who come to training and share their day with me. My favourite part of coaching is helping an athlete achieve a new skill, trick or routine that they have been working towards. Thank you for joining us and I am excited for the coming year with you!

Coach Brooklyn

I am a former provincial level artistic athlete, and have been coaching for the past six years. My coaching knowledge is augmented by two years of Level 6 University Co-Ed cheerleading, and nine years of experience  judging women’s artistic gymnastics. I have a special place in my heart for  Ortona’s Aerials and Team Prep groups, as I started training for competitions at an older age myself after being part of a recreational program.

My favourite part of coaching is seeing an athlete gain confidence after working so hard to master a new skill; it’s extremely rewarding to see the athletes leave the session stronger than when they started. I look forward to helping your child reach their goals!

Coach Brandon

I have been involved in the sport of gymnastics for 26 years. I started when I was 3 and competed until I retired at the age of 29. During this time, I was a member of the Canadian National Team, attended 5 World Championships and the 2008 Olympic Games.  My specialties are the floor, vault and  parallel bars, and I won numerous international medals and many national championships.

I have coached for many years throughout my career, and I enjoy using my experiences to help teach kids the sport I love.  My main goals are to ensure your child has fun, pushes their limits and learns valuable life skills that extend beyond gymnastics.

Coach Lyndsay

I have been coaching at Ortona since 2003, first as an assistant coach and then as a certified coach. I was involved in starting Ortona’s Trampoline and Tumbling program, and   I coached the very first T&T developmental group.

I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in the Honors Molecular Genetics program and I am now working on my Ph.D., researching the genetics involved in brain development in  embryonic zebrafish.

I believe that gymnastics is an incredible sport that has countless benefits for all who participate, regardless of their age or level. I am proud to be a coach, and I look forward to helping all my athletes achieve their goals and enjoy lifelong fitness.

Admin Kim

I’ve been working at Ortona for a year and a half. I am currently a Customer Service Representative and just started helping with contracts for our TEAM athletes. I enjoy working at Ortona and building relationships with all of our great customers. I came into this position with no gymnastics  experience, but I have been so lucky to have the opportunity to work with so many talented    gymnasts and coaches who help me grow in the gymnastics community.  

Coach Keltie

My coaching career began in 2002 with Ortona. I first started working here part-time while in school, but the more I coached, worked with the families and learned new skills, the more I realized that this was where I wanted to start a career.  My favourite level to coach is girl’s developmental gymnastics.   Coaching at Ortona has taught me so many new skills, allowed me to meet amazing people and given me the opportunity to travel.

The best part of coaching is seeing my developmental athletes’ years later, still competing in gymnastics. I love music, and you might just catch me singing and dancing while I coach. It’s going to be a great year.

Coach Madeline

I’ve been involved in gymnastics for 15 years: competing, volunteering and coaching. I love the sense of community gymnastics builds between coaches, families and athletes.   

I enjoy encouraging kids to try new things and improve their skills. Gymnastics is a great way to learn perseverance and patience. I like seeing everyone turning up and having a go. Gymnastics has had such a positive impact on my life and I like sharing that with others through coaching.

Coach Nikki

I have been coaching gymnastics at Ortona since 2004 and this experience is complimented by my 14 years of training as a competitive gymnast cumulating with National level status. I truly enjoy working with the athletes and helping them reach their goals.

It makes my day when a gymnast turns to me at the end of training and says “I had such a good day!” 

Ortona’s Tiny Tumblers is one of my favourite groups. The energy and determination to succeed makes this lively class great to coach. I learn something new about the gymnasts every day. I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces this session and welcome everyone to the program.

Coach Sasha

I  have been in gymnastics for seventeen years; ten of which were at Ortona. My favourite event in gymnastics is pommel horse, and I have ranked nationally several times on this apparatus. I have been on the National team for eight years, and have been able to use my own experience to better coach young athletes.   I started in the CIT program six years ago, and have worked my way to becoming an NCCP trained coach. My favourite thing as a coach is to see everyone smiling and having fun doing gymnastics.

I love seeing everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm towards the sport!

Coach Brittany

I want to thank you for being a part of my class. Recreational gymnastics has always been a core component of my life. The positive experiences I had are what inspired me to become a coach.  I love the challenges that come with gymnastics and believe that every class should be balanced with fun activities, so the gymnast feels motivated and keeps coming back to learn.  

The best part of coaching is seeing the smile on your child’s face when they finally understand a skill they have been working so hard on. These moments of success are what make coaching worthwhile.

Coach Maksym

I have been in the sport of gymnastics since 2005 and over eight years have been with Ortona’s competitive men’s program. I am proud to be part of  Ortona’s coaching team as they have helped me develop my gymnastics. As a coach, I am excited to help other gymnasts achieve their personal goals.

Transitioning to a fully certified coach from Ortona’s Coach in Training (CiT) Program has been a journey and has helped develop my teaching skills.  The CiT program is designed to ensure CiT’s develop and attain excellent   coaching skills before going on to become a certified coach. I successfully completed this course allowing me to get my NCCP certification and start coaching. Since then I am pleased to have been and continue working with mostly recreational level athletes to help them become the best athletes that they can be.   I am really look forward to meeting and  coaching all of you and can’t wait to see you out on the floor. 

Coach Taylor

I have grown up with gymnastics in my life since I was around 2 years old. Through my entire gymnastics experience I have been with Ortona, which has always been a second home to me. I was in the competitive program for about 8 years and quit in May 2016. For the past 2 years I have participated in the Coach In Training program, which has sparked my enjoyment in coaching. I have always loved interacting with kids and it’s so amazing being able to coach them and teach them new gymnastics skills and life skills. I will always have a strong love for gymnastics and I would like to pass that passion on to all the kids that I have the privilege to coach. 

Coach Kayley

I’m a dancer who has a passion for gymnastics’ and children. I’m pleased to be welcoming your child to my class. I value that each child is unique and different, each having their own assets. It is my goal to make sure that every child succeeds, feels accomplished and enjoys being physically active.

I was a recreational gymnast for four years.  Although I’m currently not active as a gymnast I still believe that each child deserve the chance to enjoy  gymnastics in a safe, fun and nurturing environment where they may learn and grow.  I was a C.I.T. (coach in training) at Ortona for two years and now look forward to coaching your child.

Coach Kailyn

Hello my name is Kailyn; I started at Ortona when I was 3 years old, and  started competitive T&T when I was 9 years old. I have been a national athlete for 5 years.  My main goal is to motivate younger athletes and fill them with my own passion for gymnastics. It is my privilege to share my gymnastics knowledge with your child and make learning fun for them!

I want to help every athlete to walk into the gym with a positive attitude and a smile on their face. I hope to see you all soon!

Coach Robyn

Gymnastics was one of the many sports that I loved as a child. I began coaching gymnastics in 2009 in Victoria, B.C and became interested in child development. I then travelled to Calgary to take a Bachelor of Child Studies degree at Mount Royal University. I am so excited to be back to coaching, and applying the knowledge I gained in my degree.

I hope to encourage my students to find a love for physical activity, and build confidence in sport. I love supporting kids in gaining new skills, having fun in the gym, and sharing my passion for gymnastics! 

Coach Sara

My name is Sara, and I started gymnastics here at Ortona when I was two. So far, from being an athlete and competing since I was nine, I have learned a lot about the sport of gymnastics that I can’t wait to pass on as a coach.

I want to be able to see kids flourish in a gym environment, and for them to be able to grow through the sport of gymnastics just as I did. This sport truly changed my life, and I hope I will be able to help develop a strong passion for the sport in the children that walk through those big orange doors every day. See you in class!

Coach Alyssa

I started with Ortona in September 2016 as a customer service representative and special events coordinator, then slowly transitioned into field trip and recreational coaching.    

I really enjoy working with a variety of age groups and teaching them different techniques that will be useful later in life. The highlight of my job is coaching a birthday party or a fieldtrip with children that haven’t done  gymnastics before and seeing them come back because of their amazing experience. I love the look on a child’s face when they’ve finally accomplished a skill that they’ve been working really hard on.

Coach Chris

Growing up in the sport of gymnastics as a competitive athlete and transitioning to a coach has provided me with many memories. The         participation in the sport influenced long-term benefits for me such as continually staying healthy and active, increased motor control and    coordination, and cognitive functioning.

I not only want the children to  excel in the sport but also appreciate the other benefits that this strong-disciplined sport has to offer.

I look forward to meeting you all, welcome to Ortona!

Coach Celine

I grew up with gymnastics in my life and have now been coaching for ten years, and I really love helping kids get into the sport through recreational programs.  Thank you for  joining my class so I can share how great gymnastics is with you.  It is important for me that you have fun while learning new skills, like I did when I was a kid.  I want every athlete to go home with a smile on their face and something new to show off. 

I hope you are looking forward to the new session as much as I am.  See you in class!

Coach Andrey

I have been working as a coach for more than 10 years. As a coach, I strive to create a safe, organized and focused training environment, in which all athletes can fully participate, learn and grow.

I love coaching because it’s a constant challenge; trying to help gymnasts overcome barriers and achieve new skills. You see them grow and how it also helps with confidence and social skills which makes you feel like you’ve had an input into their development, no matter their ability.

Notwithstanding exhaustive trainings, their radiant smiles evidence about achieved success.

Coach Elyse

Thank you for joining me in my class! In my earlier years, I was a recreational gymnast myself. I have moved on to now coaching gymnastics, as I have found it to be an essential component of my life. I had so much fun here at Ortona, and I want to make sure that everyone has the chance to experience it in this light and find it as rewarding as I did.

When learning is made fun and enjoyable, athletes will want to keep learning. Not only will they learn gymnastics, they may also pick up some life skills such as determination and dedication. The excitement that the gymnasts get when they finally master the new skill helps to make this all worthwhile.

Coach Carys

I started gymnastics when I was two years old and since then I’ve been involved in it my whole life. I joined team Alberta, represented them twice at nationals and also had the opportunity to represent Ortona and travel the world and go to so many more competitions. I would like to welcome your child to my class! I love seeing kids get involved in a sport that has been in my life for so long. I hope they have tons of fun doing gymnastics and have a smile on their face while doing it. I am so excited for this new session and I’m so excited to share my love for this sport with your child. I truly believe gymnastics is one of the best sports, and I hope you have as much fun doing it, as I do coaching it! See you all in class! 

Admin Diana

I want to thank you for began at OGC in the winter of 2015 as a Customer Service Representative (CSR). I assisted our patrons at the front desk, and performed a wide variety of clerical office duties as well. This past summer I was recently promoted to Bookings and Special Projects Administrator.  

I have been successfully organizing Field Trips to OGC since December 2015. As well, I am responsible for OGC’s 40th Anniversary Social Media Project for the last year, and other special  projects presented to me by the executive director.

I enjoy a challenge and being creative. I really enjoy working at OGC and all those I work with.

Coach Callum

I have been at Ortona since 2005. I started as an athlete and then moved I into coaching in 2011. For the last few years I have been coaching both recreational and developmental classes.  Though I have been coaching for a while, I am still a national level athlete in trampoline and tumbling.

I love gymnastics because it’s one sport that has no limit to the skills you can learn, they just get harder and cooler as you advance. Coaching has given me a new perspective on the sport as I now get to watch the young kids I coach advance and learn newer and cooler skills, and that is just as much of an accomplishment to me as learning a new skill myself.  Looking forward to this year!

I love seeing everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm towards the sport!

Coach Julia

I have been at Ortona since 2005. I started as an athlete and then moved I into coaching in 2011. For the last few years I have been coaching both recreational and developmental classes.  Though I have been coaching for a while, I am still a national level athlete in trampoline and tumbling.

I love gymnastics because it’s one sport that has no limit to the skills you can learn, they just get harder and cooler as you advance. Coaching has given me a new perspective on the sport as I now get to watch the young kids I coach advance and learn newer and cooler skills, and that is just as much of an accomplishment to me as learning a new skill myself.  Looking forward to this year!

Coach Vienna

I have been involved in gymnastics since I first started walking, the majority of those years being with Ortona. I started as a recreational athlete and very quickly transferred over to the competitive stream. My experience as a high level competitive gymnast has given me a strong understanding for the sport and the many benefits that come along with it. 

After retiring as a gymnast, I joined the Coach In Training program which provided as a transition from being a gymnast to becoming a coach. I have been involved in the sport my entire life and have gained so many life skills from it and look forward to sharing my knowledge and love for the sport with Ortona athletes.

Coach Monique

I am a competitive gymnast for 10 year. It was my love and passion for the sport of gymnastics that led me to become a coach.

I love seeing my young athlete grow and progresses with each and every training day. I would love to inspire and give them the passion that I have for gymnastics.

Admin/Coach Maggie

I recently joined Ortona Gymnastics from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I spent my childhood years doing artistic gymnastics then later switched disciplines to T&T where I competed at a national level. I began coaching recreational athletes in 2009 and later started coaching competitive in my University years.

I coach competitive men’s and women’s gymnastics throughout my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I graduated university in Halifax and made the move to Edmonton where I was welcomed with open arms by Ortona Gymnastics Club.

I am so excited to be here and be a part of the customer service team, along with the awesome team of coaches. I look forward to meeting our parent community, building relationships with our athletes and continuing my growth in coaching!

Admin Jennifer

Jennifer has been part of Ortona since 2004, filling many different roles; a parent, a board member and is currently our executive director.  Her background in logistics and operations in the private sector provides a depth of knowledge and experiences which our club has utilized over the years. In addition, her portfolio includes over fifteen years of experience in the not-for-profit sector in sports and recreation. Highlights: 

• Most notable was the position of treasurer working in collaboration with various not-for-profits to acquire and execute funding agreements at the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government in excess of 37 million.  A term of six years to fulfil this volunteer endeavour.
• Shareholder representative in the negotiation of partnership agreement with basketball and volleyball groups. Collaborated in the negotiation of a three-year development from MOU through to an evergreen operating contract between a charitable organization and a post secondary institute.
• Ongoing management of complex operating agreements as our representative on an operating committee, comprised of representatives from post secondary institute and two other not-for-profit organizations.
• Selected as one of two independent auditors for a national organization to monitor, review and inspect operating facilities in relation to compliance to established industry standards across Canada.

 She continues to strive for excellence and supports our team and board of directors at Ortona.