Coaches & Staff

Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center
Jeff brings more than two decades of executive leadership, nonprofit management, athletic development, and youth mentorship experience to Parkettes. As lifelong Lehigh Valley resident, former Division I athlete, and accomplished coach, Jeff is deeply committed to developing confident, disciplined, and high-character young people through the power of sport.

Prior to joining Parkettes, Jeff served as Executive Director of The Susquehannock Camps, a 501(c)(3) multi-sport youth organization overseeing the development of ten team sports and three individual sports. Under his leadership, the organization experienced a remarkable revitalization—eliminating operating deficits, generating sustainable surpluses, and completing its first-ever multi-million dollar capital campaign.

These efforts funded transformative facility improvements, including new athletic fields, hockey and basketball courts, a modernized waterfront, and upgraded dining and recreation spaces. Jeff also expanded access by securing full and partial scholarships for more than 100 under-resourced children.

A passionate advocate for athlete safety, integrity, and long-term development, Jeff established a partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and its subsidiary, TrueSport, to promote clean competition and youth education. He also brought Team USA Olympians and elite coaches directly into youth programming to inspire athletes and elevate coaching standards. His leadership in youth sports was featured in the NBC Sports special For the Love of Sport, highlighting his commitment to helping young athletes grow through teamwork, confidence, and character.

As an athlete, Jeff competed in varsity basketball, baseball, and track before continuing his baseball career at Texas Christian University and earning his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more than 20 years, he has competed at the elite national level in extreme endurance sports, reflecting his lifelong commitment to discipline, perseverance, and personal growth.

Jeff has served on the boards of several 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including the United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA), Bart Adaptive Sports Center, and the Gibbons Outdoor Adventure Leadership School (GOALS), supporting expanded access to adaptive athletics, outdoor education, and youth development programs.

Jeff and his wife, Kim, live in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family and pursuing outdoor adventures, including skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, whitewater paddling, and mountain biking.

Across every chapter of his professional and athletic journey, Jeff remains focused on one mission: helping young athletes build confidence, resilience, and character through the lifelong lessons of sport.

(Levels 9–10, TOPS, HOPES, and Elite Coach)
Tricia Scott, from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, has devoted her entire career to the Parkettes legacy, beginning as a distinguished gymnast and evolving into a preeminent coach and Program Director. With over two decades of coaching experience at Parkettes, Tricia has played a central role in shaping the Girls Team Program across all levels—from foundational pre-school and pre-team classes to the highest competitive tiers, including Level 9, Level 10, TOPS, HOPES, and Elite.

Her athletes’ achievements are a testament to her expertise, with numerous state, regional, and national titles, as well as placements at TOPS National Testing and A Camp. In the Elite Program, Tricia has guided athletes to compete at the U.S. Classics, USA Championships, and internationally at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan; the Friendship and Solidarity Competition in Tokyo; the Jesolo Trophy in Italy, and the Region 7 All-Star Trip to Bulgaria.

Tricia is instrumental in preparing college-bound athletes for success, helping secure full athletic scholarships at highly selective universities nationwide. She continually advances her professional mastery through USA Gymnastics W300 and W400 courses, Regional Congresses, Elite Development and National Team Camps, and mentorship alongside Master of Sport coaches like Bill and Donna Strauss.

Tricia’s coaching philosophy emphasizes self-confidence, discipline, and the holistic development of each athlete, ensuring excellence in gymnastics and life beyond the gym. Her commitment to Parkettes’ mission, combined with her technical expertise and passion for athlete development, cements her role as a cornerstone of the Parkettes legacy.

Gabriel Gan serves as the Director of Men's Gymnastics at Parkettes, where he leads the vision, development, and long-term success of the boys program. With more than 20 years of international coaching and athlete development experience, Gabriel brings world-class expertise and a passion for helping every gymnast reach his highest potential.

Before transitioning into coaching, Gabriel enjoyed one of the most accomplished competitive careers in Singapore gymnastics history. As Captain of the Singapore National Gymnastics Team, he represented his country at three FIG World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Universiade Games, and multiple Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Throughout his competitive career, Gabriel became an 11-time Singapore National Champion, earned four SEA Games medals, and competed as a finalist at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. His firsthand experience competing on the world's biggest stages gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to develop athletes from their first skills through elite international competition.

Following his competitive career, Gabriel dedicated himself to coaching and program leadership. He has led recreational, developmental, and competitive gymnastics programs while mentoring coaches, designing athlete development systems, building curriculum, and creating long-term training plans that emphasize both athletic excellence and personal growth.

Most recently, Gabriel served as Women's Artistic Gymnastics Competitive Coach at UWCSEA Dover in Singapore after previously serving as Head Coach of Men's Artistic Gymnastics at UWCSEA East. His experience coaching both men's and women's artistic gymnastics provides Parkettes with a comprehensive understanding of technical development, strength and conditioning, athlete progression, and high-performance program management.

Gabriel holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Certificate in Exercise & Sports Science from Edith Cowan University. He has also completed numerous FIG, Asian Gymnastics Union, and international coaching and judging certifications throughout his career, combining modern sports science with decades of practical coaching experience.

As Director of Men's Artistic Gymnastics, Gabriel is committed to building a program that develops exceptional athletes while instilling confidence, discipline, resilience, and character. He believes every gymnast deserves an environment that challenges them to pursue excellence, supports them through every stage of development, and inspires a lifelong love of the sport.

Known for his professionalism, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style, Gabriel works closely with the entire Parkettes coaching staff to ensure every athlete receives the highest level of instruction in a positive, safe, and encouraging environment.

Hayley Michael joins Parkettes as the Director of Recreational Gymnastics, bringing a strong
combination of coaching expertise and program leadership experience. She comes to Parkettes
from the Texas Academy of Gymnastics, where she served as Operations and Training Manager,
playing a central role both on the gym floor and in the operational leadership of a large
gymnastics’ facility serving more than 2,500 athletes annually.

In that role, Hayley was responsible for helping lead daily operations, staff training, program
development, and athlete instruction across multiple recreational and early development
programs. Her work focused on building structured, engaging programs while maintaining high
standards for coaching, safety, and athlete development.

Hayley is especially passionate about the recreational side of gymnastics, where she enjoys
introducing young athletes to the sport while helping them build confidence, coordination, and a
love for movement. She believes these early experiences are where a lifelong love for
gymnastics often begins.

As Director of Recreational Gymnastics, Hayley’s goal is to ensure that every
athlete—regardless of age or ability—feels supported, challenged, and excited to come to the
gym. She is committed to creating an environment where athletes develop not only physical
skills but also confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the
gym.

After making the 1,400-mile move to Pennsylvania for a new adventure, Hayley is excited to
join the Parkettes family. She looks forward to continuing the strong tradition of the Parkettes
recreational program; while helping it grow and evolve for the next generation of athletes and
families.

Sherri Portalatin, from Holtsville, New York, joined Parkettes in 2017 and brings 31 years of elite coaching experience developing gymnasts across Levels 2–10, as well as athletes with special needs. She is known for her expertise in nurturing athletes to reach their highest potential while emphasizing self-confidence, determination, time management, discipline, and life skills that extend far beyond the gym.

Sherri’s athletes have achieved remarkable success, including over 40 state champions, 26 regional champions, 18 TOPS National qualifiers, and 11 TOPS National Team members.

Before joining Parkettes, Sherri built a distinguished coaching career across the country, serving as Developmental Director, Team Coach, and Recreational Director at numerous gyms, including Force Gymnastics and Kids CO-OP (PA), Flippers Gymnastics (NJ), L.I. Gymnast (NY), and Arizona Academy of Gymnastics.

A former gymnast herself, Sherri competed for 8 years, reaching Level 9 and earning multiple individual and team accolades. Her firsthand competitive experience informs every session, providing athletes with insight, guidance, and inspiration.

Today, Sherri is a key contributor to the Parkettes legacy, empowering athletes to achieve excellence, cultivate confidence, and realize their full potential at every stage of their gymnastics journey.

Vasili Vinahradau has been a cornerstone of Parkettes’ high-performance culture since joining the organization in June 2015. As a High Performance Coach and Men’s Team Coach, he has elevated athletes to championship caliber across all levels—producing numerous state and regional champions and guiding multiple gymnasts to national podium finishes.

Internationally respected for his technical mastery, Vasili has coached athletes on the world’s biggest stages. Most notably, he served as the personal and lead coach to elite gymnast David Jessen, guiding him at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow and Great Britain—and again at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where Jessen represented the Czech Republic.

As a distinguished Master of Sport coach in the former USSR—one of the highest coaching honors in international gymnastics—Vasili has been developing world-class athletes since 1986. His gymnasts have competed at the World Championships and other premier global competitions, a testament to his elite training methods and uncompromising coaching standards.

Before joining Parkettes, Vasili spent three successful years coaching in the United States—two in Rhode Island and one in Florida—where he played a pivotal role in building strong and competitive programs. Prior to relocating to the U.S., he spent a decade or more as the Head Coach of a major men’s gymnastics program, consistently producing high-level athletes and earning a reputation for excellence.

Vasili brings unparalleled experience, technical sophistication, and a proven championship pedigree to the Parkettes coaching staff, continuing to shape the next generation of elite gymnasts.

Katie Fleming brings more than 13 years of coaching experience across both compulsory and optional gymnastics levels. Prior to relocating from Pittsburgh, PA to Palmer Township in 2024, Katie served as the co-head coach of Gymkhana’s competitive team program for two years. She now lives in the Lehigh Valley with her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Lexi, a competitive gymnast on the Parkettes team.

A former collegiate gymnast at West Virginia University, Katie competed from 2004–2008, specializing on uneven bars and floor exercise. She graduated with degree in Sports Management. Before her collegiate career, Katie trained for 11 years at X-Cel Gymnastics, where she competed through Level 10 and earned a full athletic scholarship to WVU.

Before returning to the gymnastics community, Katie built a professional career in sports administration, operations, and marketing. Her experience includes serving as Assistant

Director of Business and Office Management for Conference USA, as well as roles with Staffmark and R&Q Solutions. Her passion for gymnastics ultimately brought her back to coaching, where she has dedicated herself to athlete development and competitive success.

Katie is excited to join the Parkettes coaching staff and contribute her experience and love of the sport to the next generation of gymnasts.

Carson Scott is a distinguished Vault Coach whose technical precision and competitive methodology have produced consistent, high-level results. His athletes have amassed an impressive record of State and Regional Championship titles, contributed to the development of National Champions, and advanced into collegiate programs with earned athletic scholarships—clear evidence of his elite training standards.

Carson maintains a relentless commitment to professional excellence, regularly engaging with top USAG-sanctioned training and educational platforms. His continued participation in programs such as Bar Boot Camp, Regional Congress, and TOPS Training Camp ensures that his coaching strategies remain current, sophisticated, and aligned with the demands of modern high-performance gymnastics.

A former Level 8 gymnast himself, Carson brings authentic competitive insight to the gym. His athletic career, highlighted by a State Gold Medal on Still Rings, shapes his coaching philosophy and informs the discipline, expectations, and mental fortitude he instills in every athlete he mentors.

Carson’s relationship with Parkettes is one marked by longevity, loyalty, and an almost uninterrupted presence—something he jokes about as a lifelong connection, having seldom been away from the facility for more than two weeks. Today, he is an integral force within the Parkettes coaching staff, driving athletes toward peak performance with an exacting eye for detail, an unwavering belief in their potential, and a commitment to cultivating both mastery and joy in the competitive arena.

Carly is from Coopersburg, Pennsylvania and joined the Parkettes staff in 2015. She is a highly accomplished coach with 17 years of experience developing top-level gymnasts and cheerleaders of all levels and ages.

Known for her expertise in building self-esteem and confidence in each athlete, Carly has coached all events across various levels. She has coached athletes to major achievements including state/regional qualifiers and medalists and the TOPs National Team (7 state champions, 26 regional qualifiers and 3 regional champions).

Before joining Parkettes, Carly established a strong reputation at three local Lehigh Valley High Schools leading their Varsity teams to the UCA National High Cheerleading Championships. Carly has been an employee at St. Luke’s University Health Network for four years as a certified Health Coach. In addition, Carly is certified in group fitness with a MPH in Health and Wellness Promotion, where she prides herself in utilizing this knowledge in her coaching philosophy.

As a former Parkette athlete Carly is dedicated to continuing the legacy of developing high level athletes and individuals. She continually expands her knowledge by attending educational avenues such as: Region 7 Congress, Bar Bootcamp and local clinics, while utilizing Parkette senior coaching staff as mentors. By continuing to expand her knowledge, she brings firsthand competitive insight to every training session.

Today, Carly is a key contributor to the Parkettes legacy, helping athletes reach their highest potential with confidence and excellence.

Coach Leah was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania but grew up in the Schuylkill County area. She spent her early adult years living in the State College and Harrisburg areas before returning to Allentown in 2022.

Leah has been coaching since 2019 but joined Parkettes in November 2022. She currently coaches toddler, preschool, and recreational classes as well as the Parkettes Excel Bronze team. In addition to all her coaching duties, Leah is also a certified judge for Levels 4/5 and Excel.

Previous to Parkettes, Leah discovered her love for coaching and teaching children through Centre Elite Gymnastics in State College, Pennsylvania where she also enjoyed the position of assistant coach to the T&T (Trampoline & Tumbling) team.

As an athlete, Leah enjoyed several different sports in addition to practicing gymnastics recreationally. She spent time as a cheerleader, a soccer player, and a track star (sprinting, jumping, hurtles, pole vaulting).

Today, Leah is a key contributor to the Parkettes legacy, inspiring the next generation to not only be the best athletes they can be, but to also be the best person they can be.

Taylor Lawson, from Macungie, Pennsylvania, is a distinguished member of the Parkettes coaching staff and a lifelong Parkettes athlete. She trained in the program from age 2 until her 2017 graduation, earning a full academic and athletic scholarship to Stanford University. Taylor began coaching at just 16, working with girls’ classes and Special Olympics athletes, and officially joined the Parkettes staff in 2020, returning full-time in 2024. With 10 years of elite coaching experience, she has developed gymnasts across Levels 6–10 to achieve their highest potential.

Renowned for her expertise across all four events, Taylor has guided athletes to major accomplishments, including:

•  State, Regional, and National qualifications
•  Top-3 placements at National competitions
•  Collegiate scholarships for gymnastics, acro, and tumbling

Before her return to Parkettes, Taylor earned a strong reputation at Peak Elite Gymnastics Academy (PEGA) as Head Optional Girls Team Coach for Levels 6–10. She led coaching across all four events, developed conditioning programs to enhance strength, stability, and mobility, choreographed floor and beam routines, and organized elite camps with Olympic coaches to advance athlete development. She has also served as a clinician for Stanford Women’s Gymnastics Camps and Oregon State Gymnastics Camps, instructing girls ages 10–17 in skill development and mental training, and in 2023, she was the head floor coach for Beam Queen Bootcamp.

As a gymnast, Taylor reached the highest competitive levels as a USAG International Elite (2012–2015) and competed collegiately for the Stanford Women’s Gymnastics Team (2017–2022), bringing invaluable firsthand competitive insight to her coaching. Her athletic accolades include:

• 2012 USAG American Classic AA Champion
• 2012 U.S. Secret Classic Qualifier
• 2014 P&G U.S. National Gymnastics Championships Qualifier
• 2016 USAG National Floor Champion
• 2016 USAG Junior Olympic National Team Member
• 2016 USAG Region 7 All-Star Team Member
• 2020 NCAA Stanford Women’s Gymnastics Floor Champion
• Multiple NCAA PAC-12 Coaches’ Choice of the Week awards
• 2022 NCAA Sweet 16 Finisher

Today, Taylor is a pivotal contributor to the Parkettes legacy, guiding elite athletes to maximize their potential, excel with confidence, and achieve competitive excellence across every event.

Gheorghe joined the Parkettes coaching staff in 2003 and brings more than 46 years of elite-level coaching experience to the program. Originally from Romania, he is a highly accomplished coach with a proven track record of developing high-performing gymnasts across all levels of the sport.

Throughout his career, Gheorghe has trained both women’s and men’s athletes who have gone on to earn multiple state, regional, and national medals and titles, as well as selection to State, Regional, and National Teams. His athletes are known for their strong fundamentals, competitive consistency, and technical excellence.

Prior to Parkettes, Gheorghe built a respected coaching reputation at School Sports Club NR 7 Dinamo in Bucharest. From 1997 to 2003, he also served as a coach at the International Gymnastics School Camp, further expanding his international coaching influence and expertise.

As an athlete, Gheorghe competed at the Level 10 and Junior Elite levels. His deep passion for gymnastics is evident in his meticulous attention to detail, unwavering focus, and commitment to athlete development. Highly respected by his peers, Gheorghe is a key contributor to the Parkettes legacy, helping athletes reach their highest potential with confidence, discipline, and excellence.

Salvador Gonzalez is from Brooklyn, New York, and joined the Parkettes staff in 2000. He is a highly accomplished coach with over 25 years of experience developing top-level gymnasts across all levels.

Known for his expertise in all four events—particularly the uneven bars—Sal has coached athletes to major achievements, including first-place finishes at state championships, regional titles, and success from Level 10 through the Xcel program.

Before joining Parkettes, Sal established a strong reputation at International Gymnastics School, where he truly wore all hats—from teaching preschool and kindergym classes to coaching cheerleading and competitive gymnastics across every level.

As an athlete, Sal competed as a Class I gymnast, the equivalent of today’s Level 10, gaining valuable experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete successfully in the sport.
Today, Sal is a key contributor to the Parkettes legacy, helping athletes reach their highest potential with confidence and excellence.

Jenn Benbow, hailing from Allentown, PA, has been a valued member of the Parkettes coaching staff since September 2016. With an extraordinary 46 years of coaching experience, Jenn has developed gymnasts across all levels—from toddlers to Level 6 and Xcel—helping athletes build strong fundamentals while achieving competitive success.

Renowned for her expertise in bars and vault, Jenn has guided young athletes who have gone on to compete at high levels in both high school and collegiate gymnastics. Her coaching emphasizes skill mastery, confidence, and a love for the sport, ensuring that each gymnast she mentors reaches their highest potential.

Before joining Parkettes, Jenn earned a strong reputation at several local institutions, including the Allentown Y, Nardi’s Dance and Gymnastics Studio, Lehigh Valley Sports Academy, and Rhythm and Soul Dance Studio. As a former athlete herself—competing in gymnastics, diving, and cheerleading—Jenn brings firsthand athletic experience and insight to her coaching.

Today, Jenn remains a cornerstone of Parkettes’ legacy, combining decades of experience, technical excellence, and a passion for developing young athletes into confident, capable gymnasts.

Cheyenne Burton is a dedicated and highly respected member of the Parkettes coaching staff, joining the organization on November 30, 2021. Hailing from Alburtis, Pennsylvania, Cheyenne brings a lifetime of gymnastics experience and a distinctive perspective to her coaching. She views her unique cognitive processing style—including navigating Autism and ADHD—as a strength, leveraging clear, consistent communication to ensure every athlete fully understands instruction and feedback, fostering precision and confidence in the gym.

Cheyenne’s deep expertise in gymnastics is rooted in her own journey as a Parkettes athlete. Beginning in 2008 at age five, she progressed through the program and competed at the Xcel team level starting in 2013, earning multiple State and Regional competition appearances. Trained by esteemed coaches Sal and Corrine, Cheyenne developed a strong technical foundation that informs her instruction today, allowing her to teach essential skills with authenticity and authority.

Renowned for her professionalism, diligence, and respect for her colleagues, Cheyenne prioritizes the emotional and psychological well-being of her gymnasts. She believes trust is the cornerstone of the coach-athlete relationship, frequently asking, “Do you trust me?” to establish a safe, collaborative, and empowering environment. Her coaching emphasizes communication and individualized support—when athletes encounter challenges, she actively engages to identify the root cause and guide them toward overcoming mental and physical barriers.

While Cheyenne thrives on the daily rewards of teaching, her commitment to professional growth is unwavering. She continuously expands her coaching expertise, drawing on her competitive background and ongoing experiences at Parkettes. Looking ahead, she aspires to advance into a Team Coach role, where she will continue helping young athletes build skills, push boundaries, and grow in a positive, supportive, and high-performance environment.

Sylvia Seltzer, proudly from Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been an integral member of the Parkettes coaching staff since 1969. With a remarkable 55-year career, Sylvia is celebrated as a distinguished mentor who has shaped generations of gymnasts, guiding athletes to achieve success across Levels 4 through 9.

Renowned for her exceptional expertise in youth development, Sylvia has helped athletes reach major milestones, including coaching Level 9 Regional Champions and mentoring future Olympians through the foundational Kindergym Program. Her ability to identify potential early and nurture it with precision and care has made her a cornerstone of Parkettes’ elite training culture.

A former competitive gymnast herself, Sylvia brings firsthand experience, technical mastery, and an unwavering passion for the sport to every athlete she coaches. Over decades of service, she has become a pivotal architect of the Parkettes legacy, empowering young gymnasts to achieve their fullest potential with confidence, discipline, and excellence.

Diane Smith elevates the Parkettes Xcel program with over three decades of distinguished coaching experience. A former Class 2 competitive gymnast, Diane transitioned seamlessly into coaching, building a lifelong career devoted to developing athletes at every stage and guiding them to reach their full potential.

Professional Leadership and Development

For more than 20 years, Diane directed her own premier gymnastics training facility, designing and managing comprehensive recreational and competitive programs. Her oversight spanned preschool classes to advanced-level training, with a particular focus on competitive pathways from pre-team through USAG Level 8. Under her leadership, Prep Optional and Xcel teams achieved consistent success, producing state and sectional champions and earning multiple top team awards.

A Philosophy of Excellence

After a brief hiatus to focus on family, Diane returned in 2025 to lead the Parkettes Xcel program. Her coaching philosophy centers on creating a rigorous, positive, and safe training environment that motivates athletes to achieve their highest competitive potential. Diane views gymnastics as a vehicle for cultivating critical life skills, including sportsmanship, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, preparing athletes for success both in and out of the gym.

Commitment to Professional Mastery and Athlete Safety

Diane continually advances her expertise through elite USA Gymnastics clinics, state and national congresses, and specialized training in athlete safety, wellness, skill progression, lesson planning, and spotting techniques. She has further honed her skills through hands-on clinics at International Gymnastics Camp, collaborating with top national and international professionals to stay at the forefront of elite coaching practices.

Defining the Parkettes Legacy

As Xcel Program Director, Diane applies her extensive knowledge, technical expertise, and positive, results-driven coaching framework to ensure Parkettes athletes thrive at every level. Her leadership fosters confidence, inspires excellence, and strengthens the enduring Parkettes legacy.

Kira Leiderman, a native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been an integral member of Parkettes since October 1993, bringing over three decades of dedicated coaching experience. She has cultivated gymnasts at every developmental stage—from toddlers learning foundational skills to athletes competing at Level 7 and Xcel programs.

Before officially joining Parkettes, Kira gained valuable experience as a volunteer and staff member at the Bethlehem YMCA, honing her instructional skills and passion for gymnastics education. She specializes in all four women’s artistic gymnastics events, with particular expertise and affinity for the uneven bars, guiding athletes to technical mastery and competitive success.

A former Parkettes athlete herself, Kira developed her skills within the program and also competed for two seasons on her high school gymnastics team. She derives immense fulfillment from nurturing young gymnasts, combining technical precision with encouragement, confidence-building, and a love for the sport.

Kira’s decades of experience, technical expertise, and dedication make her a cornerstone of Parkettes’ mission to develop confident, capable, and skilled athletes at every level.

Ashlyn joined the Parkettes coaching staff in Fall 2025, bringing a strong background in competitive gymnastics, high-level cheerleading, and multi-sport athletics. She began gymnastics at the age of four at CO-OP Gymnastics in Palmer, Pennsylvania, whereshe quickly developed into a high-level athlete. Ashlyn was a TOPs National Testing Qualifier and competed successfully at both the State and Regional levels through Level 9 while training for Level 10.

In 2021, she transitioned into All-Star Cheer, competing on elite teams with Valley Elite. In addition to gymnastics and cheer, Ashlyn also competed in field hockey and lacrosse, experiences that helped further develop her athleticism, strength, and versatility.

Prior to joining Parkettes, Ashlyn coached at Lafayette Gymnastics Academy in Louisiana, where she worked with athletes ranging from preschool through competitive team levels,
including Levels 1–3 and Xcel athletes.

At Parkettes, Ashlyn is passionate about helping every athlete build confidence while developing strong fundamentals in a positive and encouraging environment. She believes gymnastics should challenge athletes while also helping them grow as individuals both inside and outside the gym.

Her goal as a coach is to help each gymnast feel supported, motivated, and proud of their progress while reaching their full potential along the way.

Coach Lindsay Capobianco-Wenck plays an integral role within the Girls Level 1–3 program and leads the specialized Acro for Dancers curriculum, while also contributing her expertise to Parkettes’ Open Gym sessions. Her work strengthens the technical foundation of young gymnasts and elevates the acrobatic artistry of aspiring dancers.

Widely respected for her mastery in both dance and acrobatics, Lindsay focuses on cultivating technically sophisticated performers. She seamlessly blends strength, control, and high-level acrobatic technique with performance quality—guiding dancers to become more dynamic, versatile, and stage-ready athletes.

Lindsay’s connection to Parkettes is deep and formative. A dedicated Parkette herself from ages 8 to 14, she trained under Coaches Michelle, Kira, and Jenn—mentors she still holds in the highest regard. The discipline, fundamentals, and artistic foundation she gained at Parkettes propelled her into a successful collegiate and professional dance career.

Today, Lindsay’s coaching philosophy centers on developing advanced acrobatic capability and refined technique, empowering every gymnast and dancer she mentors to unlock their full potential.

Lindsay Capobianco-Wenck, M.Ed., LPC, brings the unique combination of elite acrobatic training, professional dance experience, and advanced academic credentials to Parkettes—dedicating her expertise to shaping the next generation of accomplished gymnasts and dancers.

Emma is from Mililani, Hawaii and joined the Parkettes staff this year in 2025. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated new coach who is excited to bring her passion for gymnastics to developing athletes across all levels.

Known for her smiley, bubbly energy and her commitment to creating a supportive training environment, Emma strives to make the gym a positive, motivating, and confidence-building space for every athlete she works with.

In addition to coaching, Emma has been an active athlete mentor, supporting younger cheerleading athletes through guidance, goal setting, and sharing her own experiences in gymnastics and cheer. Her ability to connect with athletes and help them navigate both the mental and physical aspects of training has shaped her into a compassionate and uplifting role model.

As an athlete, Emma competed through JO Level 9 before graduating in 2023. She managed to qualify for Westerns twice, earning a placement on floor during her senior year. Her competitive background gives her firsthand insight and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in the gym.

Today, Emma is proud to contribute to the Parkettes legacy, helping athletes grow with confidence, joy, and a love for the sport.

Anderson Card, from Blairstown, New Jersey, joined the Parkettes coaching staff in March 2025. A highly accomplished gymnast, Anderson is embarking on his 7th competition season with Parkettes and his 11th overall, bringing exceptional skill, leadership, and experience to both recreational and competitive athletes.

As team captain of the Parkettes men’s gymnastics team and a second-year Level 10 gymnast, Anderson is a 1x National Qualifier and 3x Eastern National Qualifier, with Rings as his standout event. His athletic journey has been marked by consistent growth and dedication, and he brings firsthand competitive insight to his coaching. Fun fact: Anderson earned his first college scholarship money at age six by winning a Bantam Bowling tournament with his dad, showcasing his early drive and competitive spirit.

Academically, Anderson excels as well, earning recognition as a 3x USAG Academic All-American, 6x Pennsylvania State Scholar-Athlete Award recipient, and a Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth High Honors awardee. A high school senior maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Anderson is graduating a year early and plans to pursue engineering in college.

Passionate about gymnastics, Anderson combines his talent, experience, and leadership as a coach and team captain to inspire younger athletes, share his love for the sport, and help them reach their full potential at Parkettes.