Meet Coach Michelle

For Michelle, gymnastics has always been more than a sport—it has been a second home.

Having spent most of her life in the gym, Michelle understands firsthand the impact a positive, supportive gymnastics environment can have on a child. Growing up, the gym was where she went on both her best days and her hardest days. It was a place where she learned discipline, resilience, confidence, and the value of hard work - lessons that continue to shape her coaching philosophy today.

Michelle began coaching at a young age and became a certified gymnastics coach in 2014. Since then, she has worked with athletes of all ages and abilities, from parent-and-child classes and preschool programs to recreational, pre-competitive, competitive, and adult gymnastics. Over the years, she has helped countless athletes develop not only their gymnastics skills, but also the confidence, perseverance, and self-belief that carry far beyond the gym.

As a certified Women's Artistic Gymnastics Competition Introduction Coach with advanced training in the Competition Development pathway, Michelle brings a strong technical foundation to her coaching. She also holds coaching foundations certifications in Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics, and Rhythmic Gymnastics, allowing her to bring a well-rounded perspective to athlete development. In addition to coaching, Michelle serves as a gymnastics judge and coach assessor, giving her valuable insight into skill progression, athlete development, and competitive performance.

Her athletes have achieved success at invitational and qualifying competitions, but what she values most isn't the medals or scores - it's seeing athletes grow into confident, resilient young people who learn to believe in themselves.

Michelle's coaching style combines high expectations with genuine care and connection. She believes children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and challenged. Her athletes know she expects them to work hard, but they also know she is one of their biggest supporters. Building meaningful relationships with athletes and their families has always been one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

In addition to her coaching credentials, Michelle graduated with Honours from both the Social Service Worker diploma program and the Bachelor of Social and Community Development program. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology while maintaining Honours standing. These educational experiences have strengthened her understanding of child development, mental wellness, leadership, and the importance of creating environments where children can thrive.

As a mother, Michelle understands the trust families place in their coaches. When she founded Elite Gymnastics Academy, her vision was simple: create the kind of gym where every athlete feels welcomed, valued, and supported - a place where families find community, children discover their potential, and athletes learn that success comes from getting back up every time they fall.

Michelle's greatest pride isn't measured in results. It's seeing an athlete conquer a fear, master a skill they once thought impossible, or develop the confidence to keep trying after a setback. She loves watching athletes truly buy into the process - learning that growth comes from hard work, resilience, and the courage to get back up 100 times after falling 99.

At Elite Gymnastics Academy, Michelle is committed to building more than strong athletes. She is committed to building confident, capable young people and creating a community where every family feels at home.