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 administrative team provides the support to our coaches, parents and participants throughout the year. 

Introducing our Team at Ortona:

Coach André

I worked as a gymnastics coach in Brazil from 2005 - 2018. My coaching career began while attending university and in 2008 where I joined a large club to further hone my skills and experiences. As a Brazilian coach I attended to the T&T World Age Group Competitions in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. These two gymnastics teams were my life throughout the years. I am passionate about gymnastics so now Ortona is my new life! I hope to help enthusiastic gymnasts achieve their dreams.

Admin 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 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 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.

Admin Britney

Hi I’m Britney! I work as the Social Media representative here at Ortona. I love my job! As the social media rep I get to showcase your kids skills and see their progress as they continue to work hard. It’s awesome seeing the great things our athletes do and be able to share that with others. Along with running the social media, I do other administrative work to assist in maintaining the foundations of our club. My favourite thing about working at Ortona is the people I get to be surrounded with everyday; we have an amazing team! I look forward to seeing you all around and hopefully catching you on our social media :)

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 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 Callum

I have been at Ortona since 2005. I started as an athlete and then moved 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 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. I 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! 

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!

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 hope 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 Danni

Gymnastics is a sport that I completely fell in love with. I competed in Ontario within the Canadian gymnastics system as well as in the United States, attending two USAIGC National competitions. When my time as a gymnast came to an end in 2012, I began coaching competitive gymnastics, while also competing for two years on a college cheerleading team. I was then recruited to compete on the inaugural Acrobatics & Tumbling Team at Concordia University Wisconsin.

As a coach I realized I could take that same passion that I had for myself in the sport and put it into my athletes. I fell in love with gymnastics again but in a different way. I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with my athletes, I love helping them reach their goals, I love the relationships and trust that is built, and I love seeing how proud they are when they accomplish something new for the first time.

Admin Diana

I have been at Ortona Gymnastics Club since 2015 as a Customer Service Representative. I came to Ortona because the opportunity presented itself at the right time, and the location is great. I love working at Ortona because I love the people, whether it’s working with my co-workers or interacting with our clients. It truly is enriching to meet all the different people that come through our doors.

Presently, I am not only a Customer Service Representative, I am also the Booking and Special Projects Administrator. I mostly co-ordinate  all of the Field Trips that come to our facility. I love strategizing on how to plan a school’s Field Trip, with all the different factors you need to coordinate a school to come to our facility. It makes me happy when the schools come and they leave very satisfied after their visit.

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 Garrison

I have always loved being around kids ever since I one of them, and I’ve always admired their drive and energy. Creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for children to learn and be active in, is extremely important to me as a coach. Knowing that the children under my care feel cared for while they strive and are pushed towards success is one of the most satisfactory parts of my day. I look forward to seeing new and old faces at the gym, and I hope we can work together to make the best experience possible!

Coach Jacaida

I grew up in the gymnastics world, it runs in my family in fact. My dad was once a competitive coach, and my older sister is currently coaching after years of training. At 19 years old I have combined 15 years experience competitive training and coaching. This sport truly is my passion, working with kids and watching them learn the skills that I once also struggled with, and finally succeeding, is one of my favourite feelings. The confidence boost each child gets when they finally nail that pullover or stick their landing is inspiring and is one of many reasons I continue to return to the gymnastics community. I look forward to working with all ages and skill levels in my classes with Ortona and helping kids make steps towards meeting all of their goals both in and out of the gymnastics world.

Coach Jaimie

I have been involved in the sport of gymnastics all my life; and was a former competitive athlete for 10 years. I started as coach in training at Ortona and have worked my way up to being a trained gymnastics foundations coach. Recreational gymnastics is a big aspect in a child’s life because it is a foundation of all sports. Gymnastics teaches children at a young age agility, balance, flexibility and coordination which can be brought into all activities. I love being a coach because I can be a role model for younger children and help guide them to accomplish lifelong skills.

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 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 deserves 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.

Admin 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! 

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.

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.  

Admin Krista

I joined Ortona in January 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 Kristin

I have the pleasure of teaching a variety of ages and levels here at Ortona, from pre-schoolers to teenagers. As a dance specialist, trained at The National Ballet School of Canada, I will be working with gymnasts on performance skills, improved posture and poise, musicality, and increasing their dance movement vocabulary. We spend time together training gymnastic routines on the carpet, as well as a classroom format of a more formal dance class.

This should be an exciting year, and I am looking forward to working with your children. 

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 Laura

I am so happy to have a home at Ortona Gymnastics as a Customer Service Representative! I have been active my whole life, including a little bit of gymnastics experience as a child, and know the importance of fun physical activity for a happy and balanced life. I love the healthy and positive environment here at Ortona. I look forward to assisting you in the near future!

Coach Maksym

I have been in the sport of gymnastics since 2005 and, over a period of 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 working with mostly recreational level athletes to help them become the best athletes that they can be.  I am really looking forward to meeting and coaching all of you, and can’t wait to see you out on the floor. 

Coach Marianne

I had been coaching for many years in the province of Quebec before joining Ortona. I coached MAG and WAG, from developmental to provincial. I am passionate about gymnastics and sport in general! Wellness is a big part of my training philosophy; a strong mind in a strong body. My goal is to empower your children reach their full potential.

I look forward to working with all the amazing young athletes!

Coach Monique

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

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

 Coach Mykaela

Contributing to a child’s learning and skill set is very important to me, and one reason why I decided to become a coach. I enjoy the challenge of finding new ways to explain concepts and skills to children in a manner they will all understand, and I am always impressed by a child’s determination to master a skill they consider difficult. I believe if enough work is put in, then anything can be accomplished, and coaching recreational athletes at Ortona has only reinforced that. Nothing makes this job more worthwhile then when a child realizes after all their hard work and perseverance they have finally reached their goals.

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 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 then became interested in child development. Later on I 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 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 Susan

As a child, I was involved in gymnastics for six years. Being an athlete was such an empowering experience for me, and as a coach I hope that anyone that comes into the gym has a similar experience. The self-confidence that doing gymnastics helped me build is an asset for all areas of my life. Gymnastics is an exciting sport with many benefits and it’s a privilege to be able to work with people of all ages to help them reach their goals and encourage them to try new things. Hope to see you soon, it’s going to be tons of fun!

Coach Tanya

My name is Tanya, and I am a mother of two boys. I’ve been coaching gymnastics for 30 years. At a variety of different clubs across British Columbia and Alberta. In addition to volunteering with the Alberta Gymnastics Federation as Chairperson for the Recreational Development Committee for a number of years.

I coached full-time as Recreational Coordinator, until shortly the birth of my second son, and then I stepped back to pursue a different interest in working with the Blind And Visually Impaired, and other special needs children. I continue to coach part time, due to the love of the sport and to promote benefits that gymnastics has to offer to everyone.

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!

Admin Teagan

I started gymnastics at Ortona as a recreational athlete when I was 3 years old. I transitioned into the competitive program and competed here for 7 years and had such a great experience with the club that I just had to come back to my second home after a few years away.

Now, I am working as a customer service representative in the front office. I love getting to know all the friendly faces that come in and out of the gym. 

 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 Will 

I have been at Ortona since 2012 where I started my gymnastics career, and have competed nationally representing Ortona and team Alberta. Over the past six years I have learned many skills very quickly, and achieved a great understanding for skills ranging from fundamentals to highly competitive skills. With this background I hope to use my knowledge to better the athletes I coach. I have previously been in  the coach in training class with Ortona where I used the skills I learned and applied them to the coaching environment. Following the coaching in training program I became an NCCP trained coach in gymnastics where I learned the fundamentals of coaching gymnastics. I hope to get you excited for training and be an impact in your gymnastics careers. I love the sport of gymnastics and look forward to coaching you!