Roanoke Academy Staff
 

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
 
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!
 		  
 

Ashley Fisher

Ashley spent 11 years as a competitive gymnast.  She has competed for Roanoke Academy as well as 4-H Share-the Fun and 4-H Congress.  She began coaching in 2005.  She has worked with Beginner's through Level 6 team.  In 2007, she passed her Judge's Exam which allows her to judge levels 1-8.  She currently coaches Level 4 & 5 team, but you may find her working with Beginner's, Intermediate's, Aerial's, Tumblebee's, Mom & Tot, or any number of Pre-Team gymnasts.  We are excited to have Ashley on our staff here at Roanoke Academy!
 

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.

 

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.
 

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.

 

Christy Knott

Hi! My name is Christy.  I enjoy working with the mobile gym and helping out 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 an employee of such an outstanding gym. It has been a positive experience for both me and my daughter who competed with Roanoke Academy. I hope you can come and enjoy our gym as much as we do! Hope to see you soon!
 
 

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.

 Loren Parker                                                                                                            

Hi!  My name is Loren.  Gymnastics has been a passion of mine since I first saw the movie Nadia when I was a young child.  I began coaching gymnastics at the age of 16 and have not stopped since!  After graduating from Lee University in 2004, I decided that my love of gymnastics and children was too great to give up for a "regular" job, so I have been coaching full-time ever since.  I enjoy every minute of it!  In the past, I've done everything from Mom & Tot all the way to level 7/8 competitive team.  Cureently, you'll find me in all areas of Roanoke Academy.  I working at local preschools with our mobile gymnastics program in the mornings and teach preschool and recreational classes in the evenings.  I also teach Aerials, Level 2, and Level 3 pre-team programs as well as Level 4 competitve team.

  

Nikki Sweeney

My name is Nikki and I have been a team coach at Roanoke Academy for almost 20 years. As a gymnast, I competed for Roanoke Academy.  What I like best about my job is the GIRLS! Working with these 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.

 

Eric Wagner

Hi! My name is Eric. I teach Intermediate, Level 2, 3, and 6-10. 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.

             Kazia Williams

Hey! My name is Kazia and I have been coaching gymnastics since 2002. I began teaching at Roanoke Academy 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!