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:

NCCP Coach Amanda

I am a former competitive dancer that got a later pull into the world of gymnastics when I was 19. I was a recreational coach and always strive to work hard while having fun, this is something I will strive for in my classes. I am looking forward to progressing my knowledge in gymnastics and push myself to grow as a coach. I have a background in Educational Assistant course and am looking forward to applying the skills and knowledge I have acquired to my coaching technique. My goal is to always create a fun learning environment that will allow for growth and discovery in all the athletes I have the pleasure of coaching. My favorite part of coaching is watching an athlete complete a move they have struggled with and seeing the drive in them to work harder because of it.

 Hobbies:

• I enjoy horseback riding and camping.
• Curling up with tea and a good book.

 Fun Facts:

• I have been riding horses since I was 4 years old.

NCCP Coach Andrey

I have been working in Ortona since 2017 and I have coached for many years, since 2006.

 A coach is an interesting and creative work. Often you have to work hard not only to improve the physiological characteristics of the athlete but also to form a personality, concepts of responsibility, team spirit, sports ethics and else.

 I became a T&T coach because, as a former athlete, I understand that sport is not only healthy but it is an ability to achieve goals, go forward and be resistant. My aim is to help the athletes overcome themselves and do more than they think are available to do.

 Hobbies:

• Invent and produce various sports equipment.
• I also like fishing and hiking.

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!   

Dance Specialist Bianca

I have been dancing competitively since I was three and I was a competitive rhythmic gymnast for five years. I have been teaching since I was thirteen, I started with Ortona because I wanted to expand my teaching knowledge and I wanted more opportunity to learn and grow. I have been to summer intensives at Canada’s National Ballet School, The School of Alberta Ballet, and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. I also reached my second year of novice in my Rhythmic Gymnastics training and continue to share a passion for it. I have learned over the years that gymnastics and dance go hand in hand and sharing my passion of both through technique and emotion remains my main goal in teaching. My favourite motto is “Life is short so enjoy it while it lasts and take the risk”

 Hobbies:

• I love watching hockey and football
• In my spare time I love meditative colouring

 Fun Facts:

• I have always loved playing soccer
• I love school and studying and prefer podcasts over music

MAG Program Lead 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 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!

Front Desk CSR Carolina

Upon recently moving from Ontario a good friend recommended Ortona Gymnastics to me, without having much knowledge in the sport I took a chance and applied. The rest was history! Everyone here at Ortona is so welcoming and it makes me really want to learn a thing or two about Gymnastics. I have a few years’ experience working Front desk reception, and seeing all the families get together to support their children in the classes is what keeps me coming back. It’s such an immersive and interactive sport, and I’m glad I get to be apart of all this and share in it with everyone here at Ortona. Seeing everyone push themselves makes me want to grow and be an active part of the team!

 Hobbies:

• Camping, Hiking, boating and just being in the good ol’ outdoors.
• Archery and Painting 

 Fun Facts:

• I grew up learning three languages: Spanish, Italian and French
• My Gecko’s name is Gojira, named after the movie ‘Godzilla’

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!

NCCP Coach Danika

I have been at Ortona for 13 years, first as a gymnast and now as a coach. I was a 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. I have been coaching for 6 years now and I am currently working with our developmental and competitive programs.

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.

 Hobbies:

• I love listening to music and going to the movies!
• I love to travel when I get the chance to!

 Fun Facts:

• I have 2 golden retrievers named Kota and Kaper!
• I’m currently studying Anthropology at the University of Alberta!

NCCP Coach/CSR Elyse

I’ve been here at Ortona since I was in Parent and Tot myself back at the bubble. I moved through the recreational programs until I joined the CIT program in 2013, and eventually became a coach. This year I have taken on an additional role as a CSR. I have been involved with various sports throughout my life, so it was fitting for me to work in sport. Currently I am attending the University of Alberta, I am working towards a Bachelor of Education. I am passionate about working with kids, I love watching them grow and learn.

 Hobbies:

• In my spare time I enjoy painting and various other fine art mediums. My major is in art, so I have spent a lot of time in the studio working on portraits, still life work, landscapes, and abstract work.

 Fun Facts:

• I took the PAC 160 gymnastics course here through the U of A and I got an A!

NCCP Coach/Operations Coordinator Garrison

In December 2018, I started as a recreational coach at the Ortona Gymnastics Club. Since then, I have had the opportunity to grow into various roles, eventually promoting to the Operations Coordinator. As a child, I spent several years in gymnastics, and though I grew distant from the program for many years, I am absolutely thrilled to be back at it. I love facilitating learning and positive change in those around me, especially our young athletes, and being able to both coach and work in operations is a great way to do that. I am most happy when everything runs smoothly, and we at Ortona can all focus on facilitating the growth of our athletes and helping them reach their best future.

 Hobbies:

• I love to write! Books, short stories, poems, plays, anything that lets me tell stories.
• Driving, especially for long road trips.

 Fun Facts:

• I have gone camping each and every month out of the year, at one point or another!
• I’ve self-published four books.

NCCP Coach/Field Trip Coordinator Holly

I started with Ortona 15 years ago as a recreational athlete at the age of 4. I did both Artistic gymnastics and Trampoline & Tumbling, however, only competed in Trampoline & Tumbling. I later furthered my dedication to Ortona by becoming a full time employee working as a coach as well as a field trip coordinator. As a coach, I am committed to the athletes to ensure they experience and fun and positive experience in gymnastics, while also pushing them to be the best they can be. I feel success everyday through my athletes, as they achieve goals they set for themselves and participate in a sport that will resonate throughout their lives.

 Hobbies:

• I enjoy spending my free time riding my horses Jinx and Gypsy!
• Singing, Camping, Skiing

 Fun Facts:

• I have made it to semi-finals, singing at Big Valley Jamboree
• I own 8 horses 2 dogs and a cat.

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.

NCCP Coach Kailyn

As a current national level trampoline athlete here at Ortona, I know what it takes to become a great athlete, and one of those things is a good coach. I have had multiple coaches throughout my gymnastics career, and I know for a fact that I would not be where I am today without the help of those coaches. I have looked up to my coaches as role models for some time and I believe that a good coach is one of the most important things when thinking about creating a good athlete. My main goal is to be a coach that kids can look up to, and a coach that inspires them to be great at the sport of gymnastics, just like I had when I was younger and just starting out as a trampoline athlete.

 Hobbies:

• I love to spend time with family and friends
• I love to travel

 Fun facts:

• I have a screw in my elbow
• I’ve never had a pet

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.

Operations Director Kelsey

As a former Provincial level three artistic gymnast, and trained competitive dancer of 21 years, I have shared both passion and knowledge within the programs here at Ortona Gymnastics Club. I started with Ortona as a dance teacher to enrich the competitive WAG program with artistry. I’m personally trained in various styles of dance such as Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Novelty, & Hip-Hop. 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, perform at large scale events, compete internationally, and train in Edmonton. I furthered my dedication to Ortona by becoming a full time gymnastics coach working with both recreational and competitive athletes. Sharing my love of both dance & gymnastics by providing success through positivity and technicality will remain my goal for the members of OGC. In 2018, I grew into the role of Sport Operations Facility Manager at Ortona, later promoting to Operations Director. As the Operations Director, I am committed to our staff and all OGC members to ensure a positive environment is met. Every day, I feel successful when I see our youth smiling as they participate in a sport that will resonate throughout their lives.  My motto for Ortona is, try your personal best, be ready to work, & execute positive influence for others!

 Hobbies:

• I enjoy my time at the dog park with my two Huskies, Berkley & Denali!
• Quadding, camping, boating, and being outdoors!

 Fun Facts:

• I’m certified through the WPIC as a wedding coordinator, and I love to plan events!
• My cat is named Tsuk, and was named after the vault gymnastics skill “Tsukahara!”

Recreational Program Manager Keltie

My coaching career with Ortona began in 2002 where I worked part time in the front office.  After a year or so moved into coaching.  The more I coached and worked with families and learned new skills the more I realized that this was where I wanted to start my career. 

Coaching at Ortona has allowed me to meet amazing people, work with incredible athletes and given me the opportunity to travel. 

I love seeing my athletes (competitive and recreational) years later still competing or participating in the sport.  It’s wonderful to see that they have had a positive experience and continue to love the sport.

I love animals, being outside and music.  It’s likely you’ll catch me singing and dancing on the floor with my athletes!  

 Fun Facts:

• I have an adorable dog named Presley
• I love everything 90’s 

Contract Administrator 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.  

Dance Specialist/NCCP Coach Kristin

As a professional RAD and Cecchetti ballet teacher, trained at The National Ballet School of Canada, it has been my pleasure to work with the competitive athletes here at Ortona. I hope to bring a sense of artistry, coordination, musicality, line and performance to competitive performances. 

I also have the privilege of work with youngsters in Lepah’s Learning garden, bringing the children a selection of music and movement activities, songs and games, and early literacy skills to the classroom.

 Fun Facts:

• I graduated with a library degree in 2015
• I have over 25 years teaching experience

CSR 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!

NCCP Coach Maksym

I have been in the sport of gymnastics since 2005. I trained and was a competitive athlete myself from 2005-2019.I have since retired and now, however I am still very passionate and excited to help other gymnasts achieve their gymnastics goals.
I transitioned to a fully certified coach from Ortona’s Coach in Training (CiT) Program. 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 for nearly 4 years 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. 

 Fun Facts:

• I have previously competed and represented Team Alberta at the National level in 2019
• I am currently studying Business at the University of Alberta

 Hobbies:

• I enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and canoeing 
• I take joy in going on road trips to the mountains 

WAG Program Lead Marianne

I did practice gymnastics myself for about 10 years, in my last few years as an athlete I decided to start coaching as a high school student job, not to long after the decision was clear to go on and study in sport to have greater knowledge to help my athletes. I did a double major in Sport Studies and Psychology at Bishop’s University, in the Eastern Township of Quebec. While I was studying and coaching gymnastics, I also completed multiple certifications for Bootcamp, Aerobic dance, TRX, BOSU training and more, I did not have enough of just full-time study in a second language and full time coaching I needed one more challenge. That tell you a lot about my energy, and been always at a 100 percent.  So, I am a gymnastics coach, personal trainer and a fitness instructor. When I was done studying at Bishop’s University, I took the position of Recreational Manager at Shergym Gymnastics Club in Sherbrooke, Quebec. I fulfill that position for 3 years before coming to Ortona in May 2018. I am more than happy to be able to work with this incredible team of coaches, athletes and parents. It is true that Ortona is One Team. My work as a WAG lead is to make sure that every athletes and coaches from compulsory to optional level, reach their full potential.

 Hobbies:

• I make soap and other handmade beauty product
• Outdoor activities, like camping, hiking, kayaking and more.

 Fun Facts:

• I have two rescue dogs, Milou and Daisy. Milou is from Quebec and his bilingual just like me. While Daisy is from Alberta just like my husband.
• When I was done with gymnastics, I did triathlons.

Communications Coordinator Michelle

I am very excited to be joining Ortona as the Communications Coordinator! I am a Marketing graduate, having obtained my Bachelor’s degree from MacEwan University in 2017. Since then, I’ve worked extensively in the digital marketing, communications, and customer service fields. I am excited to combine my previous experience with my passion for physical activity to help Ortona grow!      

 You will occasionally see me out and about taking social media footage at all of Ortona’s fun events and competitions. I look forward to meeting you! 

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.

Competitive Program Manager Nikki

Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember. I started training at the age of 4 and progressed through developmental to become a High Performance National athlete. During my gymnastics career I worked my way to compete at 6 National Championships. When I was 14 I started in Ortona’s Coach in Training Program. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of special needs, recreational, developmental and competitive athletes. My passion for coaching grew when I was given the opportunity to take on my first competitive group and help them achieve their goals. My goal is to strive to help the athletes I coach become the best gymnasts possible and grow into well rounded people in the process.

 Hobbies:

• I love trying new restaurants
• Drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes with Coach Daniel

 Fun Facts:

• I have a teaching degree from the University of Alberta
• I was an Edmonton Eskimos Cheerleader for 4 seasons

NCCP Coach Riley

After several years of competing at a high-level in Trampoline Gymnastics, I bring both a long range of knowledge and respect for the sport. Over the years I have had opportunity’s to work with some amazing coaches and learn something new from each and every one of them. I believe a great coach is a extremely important part of a young persons growth and developing. I originally started coaching as a way to give back to the Gymnastics community all the incredible life experiences it gave me, and I have loved every minute of it since. I have been with Ortona Gymnastics club for around 10 years now and as a coach, my goal is to provide kids with the enjoyment that the sport gave me at a very young age. I have had the opportunity’s to work with the MAG and recreational programs over my 3 years of coaching.

 Hobbies:

• I am a very intense skier and I spend a lot of time training olympic weight lifting as part of my daily workouts.

 Fun Facts:

• I played high level hockey until the age of twelve and I have competed internationally in the power tumbling apparatus of gymnastics. 

Associate Program Manager/NCCP Coach Robyn

Gymnastics was one of the many sports that I loved as a child. I began coaching in 2009 in Victoria, B.C. I am an advocate for physical literacy from a young age, and love gymnastics because it has so many benefits to a child’s development. I enjoy building relationships with the athletes, helping them achieve their goals and work through challenges. Honestly, my job is so much fun!

 Hobbies:

• Hanging out with my dog, and being crafty.

  Fun Facts:

• I am the oldest of 6 siblings.
• I grew up in Victoria B.C.

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!

NCCP Coach Sarah

Throughout my years as a competitive Trampoline and Tumbling (TNT) athlete and Coach In Training (CIT) at Ortona I have developed a sincere dedication to Ortona Gymnastics Club. Originally, I was introduced to Ortona through my sister after I had done 5 years of cheerleading. My tumbling background made me the prefect candidate for TNT and I quickly joined the competitive team. Immediately, I fell in love with the sport of gymnastics and therefore still train to this day! As I got older I wanted to become involved in every aspect of the gym, leading me to join the CIT program. For a year and a half I shadowed the skilled and experienced coaches at Ortona and learned a variety of coaching techniques and strategies. Spending time with athletes and sharing my passion with them inspired me to become a coach. As a coach my goal is to share my positive experience with the sport to little gymnasts and create a magical experience they will never forget!

 Hobbies:

• Competitive Trampoline and Tumbling!
• Reading books (especially science fiction)

 Fun Facts:

• I speak fluent French and I’m currently learning Spanish!
• I played Gretl in The Sound of Music at the Citadel Theatre!

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!

NCCP Coach Sophia

Gymnastics has played a big part in my life; it taught me many life skills such as perseverance, discipline and respect. I started at Ortona in the recreational program for seven years reaching to badge ten before joining the trampoline and tumbling team where I competed for three years as a provincial athlete. I started coaching recreational gymnastics after retiring from the sport. I was motivated to pursue coaching because of the great experiences I have had with all of my previous instructors. The impact a good coach can have on an athlete is unbelievable and I aspire to spread my knowledge and passion for gymnastics through positivity to all of my gymnasts. 

 Hobbies:

• I love baking all sorts of sweets for my friends and family! My favorite thing to make is macarons!
• I have always enjoyed painting, drawing and calligraphy!

 Fun facts

• I can speak and write in English, French and Japanese!
• As well as gymnastics, I trained in ballet, jazz and tap until age 7!

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!

CSR 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. 

NCCP Coach Veronika

After some hard medical difficulties, I was required to take action and commit to fitness and health seriously. I grew tired of the gym and decided to join an adult recreational gymnastics program; I absolutely fell in love with the complexity and dedication required to this sport! My newfound ownership of my life inspired me to commit myself to a more challenging type of work, one where I had the potential to have an impact on children’s lives. While taking the many foundational gymnastics courses required to coach, I reached out to Ortona and made it my home. I truly love what I do, I am challenged and tested everyday, and I feel blessed that I am given the opportunity to grow as a coach and leader everyday.

 Hobbies:

• I love singing, painting and working out
• Swimming, hiking, yoga, dance

 Fun facts:

• I held a glider pilot’s license before I had a learner’s permit to drive!
• I completed a 5-day solo expedition on the Berg Lake Trail!

NCCP Coach Vienna

I have been involved in gymnastics since I first started walking, the majority of those years being with Ortona. I trained as a competitive athlete for over 10 years and throughout my training was given many amazing opportunities to travel with the sport. 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 trained coach. I recently became trained as a competitive coach and am very passionate about the developmental and competitive streams. 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. 

 Hobbies:

• I volunteer as an Alumni Choreographer at my High School
• I love spending time with my two Golden Retrievers

 Fun Facts:

• I am currently at the University of Alberta in the Business Program
• After retiring as a gymnast, I did competitive Track and Field and was given the opportunity to compete in the Alberta Summer Games.

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!