LKN GYMNASTICS

Home FAQs Forms Photos Links/Sponsors Testimonials

About the Staff

Lake Norman Gym 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 CPR and first aid certified. Debi monitors all of the programs offered at LKNGA to insure that the quality of education is second to none and she continuously introduces new and innovative programs in order to offer something for everyone in our community. Debi is very well respected among her peers and she cares very deeply for every one of our athletes, working hard to help each one strive to be their best.

Teresa Royko-Owner
Teresa has over 25 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 the local 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, CPR and first aid certified.

Kristen Taffi - Manager/Instructor
Kristen is our gym manager,a progressive coach and our birthday party, kid's night out and events coordinator. She is extremely knowledgeable and versatile. Her students and their parents adore Kristen and her teaching methods. Kristen is a USAG Professional Member and is USAG Safety Certified. Kristen is CPR and first aid certified and has a degree in business administration.

Hollie Luther - Instructor
Hollie has been with LKNGA for nearly four years. She has been a competitive gymnast and a member of her state champion high school cheer squad. She has cheered at UNCC- the team was nationally ranked. Hollie coached gymnastics through high school and college and coached gymnastics professionally at a gym in her hometown of Ashboro, NC. Hollie is a USAG Member, is USAG Safety Certified and First Aid / CPR certified. Hollie has the unique ability to share her knowledge and love of gymnastics and cheerleading with her students.

Brian Moates - Instructor
Brian was a three year member of the top-five nationally ranked Boilermaker Varsity cheerleading squad of Purdue University. When Brian's daughter enrolled in our program it sparked his desire to become involved in cheerleading again! His passion for the sport is obvious and his students love him for it!

Delana Murdock- Instructor
Delana has five years experience as a gymnast, which she received here at LKNGA and she is a former member of our competitive gymnastics team. Delana has been an instructor at LKNGA for five years. Her experience as a gymnast allows her to easily demonstrate and communicate with her students. She is a graduate of North Lincoln High School and is attending UNC Charlotte. Delana is a USAG member and has her USAG Safety Certification, CPR and First Aid certifications.

Joey Royko-Junior Instructor
Joey is a USAG Jr. certified instructor and has been assisting with classes at LKNGA for six years. Joey works closely with our manager, assisting with Kid's Night Out, parties, special events and any other area he is needed. He plays competitive baseball and is a certified scuba diver. Joey is CPR and First Aid Certified. He is a junior at North Lincoln High School.

Jason Royko-Junior Instructor
Jason has worked closely with our manager assisting with Kid's Night Out, parties, special events and any other area he is needed for six years. He is a graduate of North Lincoln High School and attends NC State University where he studying Mechanical Engineering and is an active member of the Air Force ROTC. Jason is a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diver. He is Red Cross CPR and first aid certified.

Danielle Taffi-Instructor
As a former member of LKNGA's competitive gymnastics and cheer teams, Danielle has a vast knowledge of each sport and she loves children; making her a natural when it comes to teaching. Over the last five years she has taught classes, Kid's Night Out, parties, special events and any other area needed. Her creative and very artistic personality shines through when she is around the gym. Danielle is a USAG member and is USAG Safety Certified and is a junior at Lincoln Charter School-Denver.

Steve Schwabe - Administrative Assistant / Instructor
Steve was a gymnast through college @ Iowa State University and became the womens team coach there as well. He then became the assistant coach @ San Diego State University. Steve has 30 years of experience coaching club gymnastics and is a 'fountain of knowledge' when it comes to gymnastics! Steve has been assisting in the office and loves to help.

Meredith Kistner - Team Head Coach
Meredith has 10 years as a competitive gymnast-Class 1 and was a Nationally ranked collegiate gymnast Division II-III. She has over 25 years experience coaching Levels 4 thru 10. Meredith knows how to draw the most out of every student and is a true motivator. She is a former gym owner and coach from the New Jersey area. Meredith is a USAG Pro Member, has a USAG Safety Certification. USAG PDP Level I & II, USAG certified Meet Director, USGF Level I-IV Skill Evaluator, and USAIGC/ACEPS Certified.

Mindy Weber - Team Coach
Mindy is a former level 10 gymnast, with 7 years of competitive gymnastics experience. She is a regional and national qualifier and earned a full ride scholarship to the University of Alabama. After an injury cut her very promising college career short, Mindy returned to her passion - gymnastics! She is definitely a gifted coach and easily imparts her knowledge to her students. Mindy is a USAG Pro Member and has a USAG Safety Certification. She is also certified in CPR and AED use through the American Heart Association.

Lori Kelley - Instructor

At a young age Lori was introduced to gymnastics as a way to exhaust some of her energy. She discovered quickly that she excelled in the sport and continued to become a competitive gymnast in Salt Lake City and Charlotte. Her love of the sport lured her to pursue work teaching gymnastics in the Charlotte area and finally to LKNGA. The excitement of the sport has kept Lori thirsting for more ways to impart this knowledge to all of her students. Lori is a USAG Member and USAG Safety, CPR / First Aid Certified.

Hali Eplin - Instructor
Hali began gymnastics when she was only three years old. She became a competitive gymnast for seven years and competed in the AAU Junior Olympics in floor, receiving a gold medal. Soon after, Hali became interested in cheerleading and cheered eight years varsity for her school's team. Her next goal was to cheer in college and put in her four years on Marshall University's Co-Ed team earning a National's ranking during her time. She also received Collegiate All-American two years in a row while in college. During her time in college she made time to instruct gymnastics. Hali competed with the Carolina All-stars Level 6 International Team and ranked top 10 in the World's Cheerleading Competition. She has taught cheerleading camps around the United States and Europe. Hali has a passion for what she does and constantly wants to share her knowledge to help others. Hali is a USAG Instructor member and is USAG Safety Certified.

Ashley Coleman - Instructor

Ashley is a member of LKNGA's Competitive Gymnastics Team and works well sharing her knowledge of the important fundamentals involved in gymnastics. She loves children and has the enthusiasm to keep them wanting to learn more! Ashley is a USAG member, is currently working on her USAG Safety Certification and is CPR and First Aid Certified.

Ashley Bartram-Instructor
Ashley grew up in the gymnastics world; beginning at age 4 and competing up to Level 8 at age 12. She attended many camps including the 1996 Women's Olympic Dream Team camp with Shannon Miller &Strug. Ashley became a competitive cheerleader in 8th grade and continued through college. She was a 2002 UCA National All Star Champion, UCA National Champion in 2003, 2004, 2005, two time All American in 2004 and 2005 and was featured on the cover of the very first Inside Cheerleading Magazine. Ashley received a full scholarship to Morehead State to compete on their co-ed team While in college Ashley coached competitive gymnastics and cheerleading and was a VRock Staff member for Varsity Brands. Her love of both gymnastics and cheerleading has drawn her back into the gym, where she shares that love with all of her students.

Jennifer Green - Instructor

Lindsy Wagner – Dance Instructor
Lindsy’s passion for dance began at the age of 2. Her training includes ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, hiphop, modern, tap, clogging, and gymnastics. At 9 years of age, she began competing regionally and nationally. Lindsy was a team member of the Carolina Cats from 1997-2000. She performed with the Moscow Ballet in the Nutcracker. In the summer of 1999 she was a dancer with Carnival Cruise Line. Lindsy has modeling and acting credits to add to her resume. In 2000 she was Young Miss Lake Norman. The mother of two dancers, Jaeda and Gabe, she enjoys sharing the love of dance with them as well as her students.

Tabetha Hughes - Instructor

Tabetha has brought her life long love of gymnastics and cheerleading to LKNGA. She comes to us with 3 years of gymnastics and cheerleading coaching experience. Tabetha is a hard working mother of four and has learned the patience, support, and fun loving nature that helps kids to excel! Tabetha is working on her USAG membership and safety certification.

Shelby Smith - Junior Instructor

Karen Taylor - Monkeys In Motion Instructor
Karen helps teach our mobile gymnastics class and is the Preschool Director at Unity Preschool here in Denver. She has over 25 years experience with young children as a former day care owner and preschool director. Karen has been with LKNGA for five years. She is CPR and First Aid Certified.