LKN GYMNASTICS

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 has been with LKNGA for five years as a progressive coach and Manager, as well as our birthday party, kid's night out and events coordinator. She is extremely knowledgable 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.

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 is also a yellow belt in Shaolin Kung Fu, plays competitive baseball and is a certified scuba diver. Joey is CPR and First Aid Certified. He is a sophmore 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 Aerospace Engineering and is a member of the Air Force ROTC. Jason is a licensed private pilot and a 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 knowlege of each sport and she loves kids; 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 artistic personality shines through when she is around the gym. Danielle us a USAG member and is USAG Certified. Danielle is a junior at Lincoln Charter School-Denver.

Mary McNeil-Office Administrator
As a retired elementary school teacher, mother of four and grandmother of 8, Mary has lots of experience with children. She believes it is most rewarding to see "the smile" on a child's face when they have accomplished a specific skill or technique. Working in LKNGA's office and helping you and your children is a privilege she truely enjoys. Mary has her Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications.

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 definately 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.

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 also made time to instruct gymnastics and teach others. She recently 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.

Brittany Abernathy - Instructor
Gymnastics and Cheerleading have always been a very big part of Brittany's life. She was a Level 8 State Champion in competiive power tumbling which includes floor, trampoline and double mini. Brittany has competed at regional and national levels. She began cheerleading at age five and cheered for numberous all-star teams, middle and high school, where she won two State Championships and several National Championships. Brittany cheered for UNC-Charlotte. Now, she has found a 'home' @ LKNGA where her love of children is obvious and she loves coming to work! She is a USAG Member and is USAG Safety Certified along with CPR / First Aid Certification.

Robin Bennett-Dance/Instructor
Robin has been in the dance industry for over 20 years and still a student at one of the most prestigious dance schools in the United States. She participated in an Elite Competition Team that won numerous national awards and was invited to tour the USSR in the summer of '89. They performed on stages through Minsk, Moscow, and Poland. Her choreography has received high-scoring marks in local competitions where her students received regional titles. She has judged local pageants as well. Robin is passionate about teaching programs that offer an authentic approach to learning by using age-appropriate core elements of Tap, Ballet, Jazz & Kinder Dance. Robin is so excited to start a DANCE COMMOTION at LKNGA. She has the determination and dedication to provide our students with a quality, FUN dance education while building their self-esteem and confidence! Robin is CPR / First Aid certified.

Yvette Salerno - Fitness Instructor
Yvette is certified ZUMBA and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) instructor. She discovered Zumba over a year ago and absolutely loved the Latin inspired dance/fitness class; so much so that she decided to become an instructor herself. Whether you are a trained dancer or have never danced a day in your life, anyone can do Zumba. It's all about passion and keeping your body moving. Yvette is also co-owner of a local marketing and graphic design agency. She is married and has two children.

Monica Edmiston - Fitness Instructor
Growing up as a competitive dancer and cheerleader, college gave Monica the opportunity to coach her football and basketball dance teams and to branch out from her traditional dance training to study styles such as: modern, African, bellydance, hip-hop, theatrical movement, and many forms of Latin dance. Monica works as a graphic designer and teaches a variety of fitness classes including: Zumba Dance Fitness, Body Fit, Body Blast, Cardio Kickboxing, Abdominal Strength, Kid's Dance Fusion, and Barbell Resistance Training. Her credentials include Certified Group Fitness Instructor through AFAA, Certified Zumba Fitness Instructor, and Member of the Zumba Instructor's Network, specialty certifications in Body Blast and Barbell Resistance Training classes and certified in CPR/AED.

Frank Terzino- Fitness Instructor
Frank is the owner of Outtabox Personal Training Company of Denver, NC. He has more than 15 years experience and holds his personal trainer diploma from the New Jersey Board of Education.