Our Staff

Tony WhitakerTony and Carole Whitaker

Owner & Co-Director

  • Former High School Gymnast & State Medalist
  • 34 years of coaching experience
  • Coach of State & Regional Champions & National Medalists
  • 10 year member of the US Elite Coaches Association
  • 30 year member of the USA Gymnastics Professional Coaches Association
  • Member of the Illinois State Gymnastics Board for 16 years
  • USA Gymnastics Safety Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Kinder Accreditation for Teachers Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Movement Education & Lesson Plan Development Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Theory Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Hands on Training Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Level I & II Professional Development Program Certified
  • American Coaching Effectiveness Program Certified
  • Former Emergency Medical Technician
  • CPR & First Aid Certified
  • Speaker/Clinician at State & Regional Gymnastic Congresses

Carole Whitaker

Owner & Co-Director

  • Former Gymnastics State Champion
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education
  • 9 years as Elementary Physical Education Teacher
  • 28 years of coaching experience
  • 12 year member of the USA Gymnastics Professional Coaches Association
  • USA Gymnastics Safety Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Kinder Accreditation for Teachers Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Movement Education & Lesson Plan Development Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Theory Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Hands on Training Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Level I Professional Development Program Certified
  • CPR & First Aid Certified

Jenny DeMatteisJenny DeMatteis

Office & Marketing Manager

  • Former High School Gymnast
  • 20 years of coaching experience
  • 18 year member of the USA Gymnastics Professional Coaches Association
  • USA Gymnastics Safety Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Theory Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Hands on Training Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Level I Professional Development Program Certified
  • CPR & First Aid Certified

Joe DeMatteisJoe DeMatteis

Lead Instructor

  • Former High School Gymnast & State Qualifier
  • 17 years of coaching experience
  • 5 year member of the USA Gymnastics
    Professional Coaches Association
  • USA Gymnastics Safety Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Kinder Accreditation for Teachers Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Movement Education & Lesson Plan Development Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Theory Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Hands on Training Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Level I Professional Development Program Certified
  • CPR & First Aid Certified

Rafael WatkinsRafael Watkins

Lead Instructor

  • Former High School Gymnast
  • Former College Cheerleader
  • 6 years of coaching experience
  • 4 year member of the USA Gymnastics Professional Coaches Association
  • USA Gymnastics Safety Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Theory Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Hands on Training Certification
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • CPR & First Aid Certified

Kelsy DornKelsy Dorn

Lead Instructor

  • Former Gymnast
  • 9 years of coaching experience
  • Member of the USA Gymnastics Professional Coaches Association
  • USA Gymnastics Safety Certified
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Theory Certification
  • USA Gymnastics Preschool Fundamentals Hands on Training Certification
  • CPR & First Aid Certified