Lake Norman Gymnastics Academy requires each instructor to earn and maintain a Safety Certification from U.S.A.G., and to become active members of U.S.A.G. (United States Association of Gymnastics). Safety Certification is one way that we seek to increase safety awareness. While safety certification alone is not a guarantee of safe conduct, it is a means of enhancing all gymnastics professionals' awareness of safety issues and injury trends.

Our professional instructors are chosen for their teaching ability as well as their knowledge and experience in their field. Each instructor is qualified and committed to teaching each student safely, progressively, and in a fun and positive manner. 

Debi Taffi-Owner
Debi began taking gymnastics when she was 8 years old and was a competitive gymnast for 15 years in Southern California, receiving many awards and honors. She earned an athletic scholarship to California Polytechnic University at Pomona where she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Business. "Miss Debi" has over 30 years of experience coaching women's gymnastics. It has been a lifelong dream to own her own gym; and now she has achieved that dream. She is a USAG Professional Member, and is USAG Safety and KAT (Kinder Accreditation Training) Certified as well as Red Cross CPR and first aid/safety certification. While Debi is the head coach of the competitive team, she also coaches recreational gymnastics classes and monitors all of the programs offered at LKNGA. She continuously introduces new and innovative programs in order to offer something for everyone. Debi is very well respected among her peers and she cares deeply for every one of our athletes, working hard to help each one strive to be their best. 

Teresa Royko-Owner
Teresa has over 20 years of administrative management experience as well 13 years experience owning and operating two real estate investment companies. She has been an active volunteer in our school system and has taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years. Teresa always loved gymnastics as a child and although she never competed, she has always been drawn to the sport. Owning the gym with her best friend, Debi has been a wonderful way to remain close to the excitement of gymnastics and sports in general. She is a USAG Professional Member and is USAG Safety Certified, Red Cross CPR and first aid/safety certification. 

Kristen Taffi-Gym Manager/Gymnastics Instructor
Kristen has been with LKNGA for four years as a progressive coach. She is also our birthday party and kid's night out coordinator. She is extremely knowledgable and versatile. All of Kristen's students and their parents adore Kristen and her teaching methods. Kristen is a USAG Pro Member and USAG Safety Certified.  Kristen is CPR certified along with a first aid/safety certification. 

Mark Williams - Martial Arts Instructor
Mark is a well seasoned professional in the art of Kung Fu with over 30 years of experience under "his belt" as a student, competitor and instructor. His background is in Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu and it is quite extensive! He has trained regional, state, national and world champions throughout his career, and is again ready to add to this list!  Mark relates to both children and adults in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident.

Hollie Luther - Gymnastics Instructor/Allstar Cheer Coach
Hollie has been with LKNGA for 2 1/2 years.  She is a former competitive gymnast and was a member of her state champion high school cheer squad.  She cheered at UNCC- the team was nationally ranked. Hollie also coached gymnastics through high school and college.  In 2004 she took on the role of Gym Director and Team Coach at Gymnastics Time in Asheboro, NC.  Hollie is a USAG Member, USAG Safety Certified, Pop Warner Safety Certified for cheerleading and Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified.  Hollie has the unique ability to share her knowledge and love of gymnastics and cheerleading.   

Steve Schwabe-Gymnastics Instructor
USAG Member
USAG Safety Certified
"New Dad"  
Red Cross CPR and first aid/safety certification. 

Shannon Earnhardt-Instructor
Shannon has been involved with gymnastics for 20 years, teaching for more than 7 years, levels ranging from beginner to advanced.  She also has 10 years of dance experience.  She competed in dance for many years, receiving many top awards as both a student and an instructor, and although she never was a competitive gymnast, she has always followed the sport very closely.  With the combination of her dance and gymnastics knowledge, she has become a great asset to our competitive team.  Shannon is a USAG Professional member and is USAG Safety Certified.

Delana Murdock-Instructor
Delana has five years of gymnastics experience she received here at LKNGA and she is a former member of our competitive compulsory team. Delana has been an instructor at LKNGA for four years. She is a senior at North Lincoln High School. Delana is currently working on her USAG Safety Certification and Red Cross CPR and first aid/safety certified. 

Joey Royko-Junior Instructor
Joey is a USAG Jr. certified instructor and has been assisting with classes at LKNGA for two years.  He is currently a yellow belt in Shaolin Kung Fu, which is taught here, and he assists in this area also.  Joey also works closely with our gym manager, assisting with Kid's Night Out, parties and any other area he may be needed.  He is a freshman at North Lincoln High School.

Jason Royko-Junior Instructor
Jason works closely with our gym manager assisting with Kid's Night Out, parties and any other area he may be needed.  He is a senior at North Lincoln High School. Jason is Red Cross CPR and first aid/safety certification. 

Mary McNeil-Office Assistant   

Meredith Kistner-Team Head Coach 
With 15 years experience coaching Levels 4 thru Level 10, 10 years as a competitive gymnast-Class 1 and being a Nationally ranked college gymnast Division II-III, Meredith knows how to draw the most out of every girl and is a true motivator.  She is a former gym owner and coach from the New Jersey area moving to North Carolina with her husband Rich. Meredith also helps with our pre-team and cheer tumble department. Meredith is Red Cross CPR and first aid/safety certified. 

Mindy Weber - Team Coach 
Mindy is a former level 10 gymnast, with 7 years of competitive experience.  She is a regional and national qualifier and earned a full ride scholarship to Alabama University.  After an injury cut her college career short Mindy returned to her passion - gymnastics!  She is definately a gifted coach. 

Samantha McAulay-Dance Instructor

Alicia Foster-Director of Dance