Roanoke Academy is proud to offer you the most experienced, best-trained staff of gymnastics professionals in the Valley. Your child will learn from instructors who are skilled with all levels of gymnastics instruction. We are dedicated to making your child's gymnastics class the highlight of their week. Our loving teachers ensure a fun, safe atmosphere full of challenges and new skills. Our instructors and coaches are USAG Safety Certified and CPR Certified. Your child deserves the best. We have it!
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Doug Anglin
Hi, my name is Doug and I love working with the Intermediate classes. I have 2 beautiful daughters taking classes here. My love of coaching started from growing up with gymnastics, as my mother owned a gym in Great Barrington, MA for 10 years. There is nothing better than challenging a young gymnast to meet her potential and then seeing her face when she does a cartwheel for the very first time!
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Jessica Highfill
Hi! My name is Jess and I work almost all of the recreational classes here at Roanoke Academy. I once competed for Roanoke Academy, and now have been employed here for over 4 years. I work with the Mom and Tot classes, Pre-school, Beginner, Intermediate, and Levels 1 through 3. I love this job! It is so great to work with young children, and be able to help mold them in to happy, confident children. I love being part of a such a great staff and I am so glad to be able to work in such a great environment.
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Barbara Jirka
Hi everyone! my name is Barb and I have been involved with teaching and coaching in the sport of gymnastics for over 35 years. I have my degree in physical education and I have been head coach of our Roanoke Academy competitive team for 16 years. I am a national-rated judge and enjoy traveling throughout the mid-Atlantic area judging collegiate as well as age group level meets. In 2006, I will be judging the NCAA Division I National Championship. My love is in coaching my optional level gymnasts and forming a great working relationship with them and their parents to help them receive a college scholarship and/or advise them in whatever course they may take after high school graduation.
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Courtney Johnston
Hi! I'm Courtney and I work with everything from pre-school to pre-team. One of the highlights of my gymnastics career was when I competed as a Level 9 gymnast representing Roanoke Academy in its first Aloha Gymfest competition in Hawaii! Now that was fun! I was also a certified high school gymnastics judge and judged in my junior and senior year of college. I just love helping kids in a sport that has had such an impact on my life. And it is my goal that each child I coach is also touched by the sport. I love gymnastics not only because it teaches you about general fitness, but also time management, discipline, responsibility, and teamwork.
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Christy Knott
Hi! My name is Christy. My daughter Felicia has been with Roanoke Academy of gymnastics since she was 4 years old and is now competing on the Level 5 Team. I have been an active member in the booster club since my daughter joined the team. I enjoy teaching pre-school through intermediate and help out the gym in any way I can. I love to see the smiles and excitement of the children when they learn a new skill. I am so proud to be a mom of a competitive gymnast and an employee of such an outstanding gym. It has been a positive experience for both me and my daughter. I hope you can come and enjoy our gym as much as we do! Hope to see you soon!
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Dawn Luke
Hi! My name is Dawn. I began working here 4 years ago. I am the Recreational Program Director and currently Level 5 Team Coach at Roanoke Academy. I could not think of a more fulfilling profession. Whether working with a beginner level gymnast, or with an experienced competitive team member, there is nothing better than being part of the emotional and physical development of a young boy or girl. It is so rewarding to be part of such a crucial stage in the development of young children. My job is my passion! I can only hope to have as much of an impact on the girls as some of my coaches had on me.
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Lisa Mason
Hi, I'm Lisa and you can "spot" me on the floor teaching beginner through advanced cheer tumbling with most of the high school competitive teams in the Roanoke Valley. I competed nationally as a Level 10 gymnast and have been coaching for over 26 years, 20 of which have been here, at Roanoke Academy. Many of the athletes I have trained have received college scholarships.
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Nikki Sweeney
My name is Nikki and I have worked here at Roanoke Academy for over 18 years. What I like best about my job is the GIRLS! Working with the Level 6 Competitive Team girls for 12 hours a week, you really get to know them. Especially since I have taught some of them since they were in pre-school class! It's really awesome to look back at their growth as girls and their progress as gymnasts. Our team has truly sweet girls - we are one big family here!
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Eric Wagner
Hi! My name is Eric. I teach Intermediate, Level 2, 3, and 6-10. I also coach the boys' team and tumbling classes. What I like best about my job is the fact that I can instill the values of hard work, confidence, athleticism and time management. I also like the fact that the kids gain body awareness far beyond what they normally would in other sports.
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 Kazia Williams
Hey! My name is Kazia and I have been coaching gymnastics since 2002. I began teaching at RoanokeAcademy in July 2006 after moving here from New York. I currently teach Mom and Tot classes, Preschool, Beginner, Intermediate, and Level 2-4. I also do mobile gym in the mornings, teaching at different daycares in the area. I myself competed as a level 7 gymnast in New York and certainly know all the hard work that these kids have to put forth every time they step into the gym. Gymnastics makes these kids disciplined and so much more aware of their bodies. I love being challenged and always ready to make it a fun experience for the kids I work with!
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