Meet Our Instructors
Successful staff produce successful students
With years of excellence in the competitive world of gymnastics, our team is run and supported by a skilled group of athletes with a passion for coaching newcomers to the sport. Their guidance facilitates the growth we seek for every participant entering our doors.
Stephanie, Programs Director
Stephanie Laughland has over 20 years of experience in coaching competitive gymnastics. Her start in gymnastics was as a competitive athlete. She began her coaching career in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with Marian Gymnastics where she coached athletes in the competitive program (pre-national), one of which went on to compete at the national level, including with team Canada. When Stephanie moved to Calgary in 2000, she continued her coaching career predominantly focussing on coaching athletes involved in competitive gymnastics. Stephanie has also offered and continues to offer, her coaching skills to athletes on a one-to-one basis through private lessons.
Stephanie has a recognized ability to bring out the best in her gymnasts. This is largely attributable to her genuine love of children, her ability to relate well to them, her ability to quickly identify how best to motivate them, and her strong understanding of biomechanics through both her university education and gymnastics training. Stephanie’s love of and dedication to sport has been evidenced throughout her life by her constant participation as both an athlete and coach in various sports in addition to gymnastics, including participation as an athlete on the University of Saskatchewan track and field team as well as her continuous involvement in coaching basketball, volleyball and track and field throughout her children’s middle school and high school years.
Her commitment to sports and outstanding personal attributes were recognized by her selection as one of twelve Canadian youth to join the Canadian Olympic team at the summer Olympics in Barcelona (1992) as part of the Olympic Youth Camp. Stephanie studied at the University of Saskatchewan where she obtained her Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology (1993) as well as her Bachelor of Education (1995). Stephanie has achieved her accreditation as an NCCP level III gymnastics coach.
Julie, Competitive Coach & AG Competitive Program Coordinator
Coach Julie has been involved in gymnastics since age 3. She is passionate and very dedicated to the sport and her athletes. She trained at Calgary Gymnastics Centre for 14 years where she achieved National Level by age 11. She went on to compete in multiple National Championships and Canada Cups, as well as International competitions around the world.
Julie’s competitive nature has led her to excel in the sport of gymnastics as well as academically. She is currently on the GK International Honour Roll receiving her Bachelor of Science- Kinesiology, and after plans to complete her Master of Science. She is also receiving her C2 Competition Advanced certification and works with the Alberta Sport Development Centre, where she trains and tests athletes from various ages and sports. Her passion for sports has also led her to be an avid volunteer with many organizations such as Special Olympics and ASRAB.
Julie has been coaching since 2011 and loves to share her experience and knowledge with her athletes. Her love for gymnastics and physical activity has only grown over the years as she has never spent more than 2 months outside of a gymnastics club since age 3. Becoming a coach herself and learning from Cynthya has made her realize gymnastics is much more than a sport. Coach Julie believes that gymnastics helps build important life skills that aid in personal development, setting the stage for success in future endeavours.
Emma, Ballet Dance Teacher
Emma is from Calgary and began her dance training at age 5. She danced competitively at Eurhythmics Dance Studio for 11 years where she trained in ballet (Royal Academy of Dance syllabus), jazz, contemporary, tap and hip hop. She continued her pursuit of creative expression and studied at Rosebud School of the Arts, graduating in Dramatic Arts in 2012. At Rosebud she taught ballet and jazz. In 2012 she produced, choreographed and stared in Dream Within a Dream, a contemporary dance show. She believes that dance can bring joy and loves to share her passion for the art of ballet.
