Gym Ventures Gymnastics & Dance Staff
Our staff members are qualified instructors who are fingerprinted and FBI cleared.
Click here to apply for employment at Gym Ventures
Brandon Howard
Bio
My name is Brandon Howard and I have been teaching/ coaching in the wonderful sport of gymnastics for 9 years. And have grown up in and experienced gymnastics since I was 7 years of age. I’ve taught an enjoyed all ages and levels from 2 yrs old to 18 yrs. I like to educate my students about the advantages that gymnastics offers in other sports. My favorite thing about coaching gymnastics is inspiring my students to try new things by stepping outside their comfort zone. I aim to provide all children, regardless of their ability with a opportunity to learn the importance and benefits of physical activity.
I my self have participated in and love all different kinds on sports such as:
- Gymnastics: Power tumbling, boy gymnastics (High flyer award)
- Dance: Tap, hip hop, Jazz (Smooth dancer award)
- Basketball: Varsity level in high school. (MVP)
- Track: Collegiate level (MVP & Captain)
- Football: Varsity level in high school. (Fastest receiver award)
- Baseball: pee wee, (Most likely to entertain in the outfield award)
- For fun I love snowboarding!
I have had lots of training and have received numerous coaching certificates such as:
- National Congress attendee 2007
- Safety certified certificate
- CPR/First Aid certified
- Head camp coach of the year
- 6 units in Early Childhood development
Debbie Fricker, Owner & Coach
Education
- Child Development and Physical Therapy
Certifications
- CPR/First Aid
- USAG Safety Certified
- Kinder Accreditation/Pre-School Development Certification
Specialization
- Coaching all Levels infant through adult. Working with special needs children.
Bio
- Debbie is the founder of Gym Ventures and has been involved in gymnastics, both as a competitor and as a gym owner/operator for over 28 years.
- She grew up with a love for the sport and for inspiring children of all ages and all ability levels.
- Debbie loves her family and all of the Gym Ventures families.
Jenny Simon, Coach
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies
- Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling
Certifications
- CPR and first aid
Specialization
- Birthday Parties
- Camps
- Tours
- Boutique
Bio
- Born in Cleveland, Ohio.
- I recently moved to San Diego with my husband and puppy.
- I was competitive in gymnastics through high school and have been coaching for 11 years.
- I love shopping and relaxing on the beach.
Jessica Garrisi, GV Coach & Birthday Party Coordinator
Education
- B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology
- Certificate of Accomplishment in Peace Studies
- Coursework in child development and nursing
Certifications
- NASM certified Personal Trainer
- CPR/ First Aid
Specialization
- Recreational gymnastics through USAG level 3
- Dance and Cheer
- Birthday Party Coordinator
Bio
- Born and raised in Los Angeles County.
- Danced competitively for 2 years and cheered for 6.
- I started gymnastics at the age of 6 and have been doing it recreationally ever since.
- I like to be outdoors, playing with my dog, hiking, slacklining, skating and riding my bike.
Kate Mahaley, Coach & Preschool Director
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Developmental Psychology
- Recent Graduate from UCSD
Certifications
- CPR and First Aid Certified for Infants, Children and Adults
Specialization
- Recreational Gymnastics through Level 3
- Preschool, Parent-Tot and Baby Gymnastics
- Preschool program and curriculum development
Bio
- Born and Raised in Sacramento, CA.
- Participated recreationally in gymnastics and played competitive soccer until entering college.
- Planning to attend graduate school to obtain a PhD in Fall 2011.
- Loves spending free time at the beach, taking naps, going out with friends, traveling, listening to live music and having adventures!
Kristen McGrath – BabyVentures-PreVentures Teacher
Education
- Working on BS in biology
Certifications
- CPR and First Aide Certified, USAG Safety Certified
Specialization
- Recreational gymnastics
Bio
- Born in Texas but raised in Los Angeles
- I have traveled all over the US when I competed in speech and debate in college and have traveled to Europe and parts of Mexico
- I had tried every sport when I was a kid but finally stuck with gymnastics when I was 14 years old
- I love to dance. I’m currently on a salsa dance team that performs and competes all over San Diego and California
Laurene Pena, Lead Coach
Education
- Background in Art
Certifications
- CPR/First Aid
- USAG Safety Certified
Specialization
- Coaching all Levels infant through adult
Bio
- Laurene started gymnastics at age 8 and competed for a club as well as in high school here in San Diego. She started teaching at Gym Ventures when her children began taking classes. Like all Gym Ventures instructors.
- Laurene loves the sport of gymnastics and loves kids—two very important attributes in a Gym Ventures team member.
Lindsey Palmer, Coach
Education
- B.A. in Communication with a specialization in Media Studies, minor in Marketing.
Certifications
- CPR Infant and Adult certified
Specialization
- Women’s competitive and recreational gymnastics
- Women’s Optional gymnastics
Bio
- Born in Stockton, Ca.
- Moved to San Diego to attend SDSU and I am currently a senior.
- Trained up to level 9. Captain of my gymnastics team levels 6-8. Level 6 State Champion in bars, floor and all-around.
- Captain of my high school cheer squad junior and senior year. Competed jazz and hip hop in high school.
- I love to exercise and stay healthy. My passion is to see children set a goal and achieve it in gymnastics or anything in their life.
Mandy Shefman, Evening Office Manager & Coach
Education
- B.A. in Art History & a minor in Studio Art from the University of Arizona
- M.A in Educational Psychology from University of Colorado in Denver
Certifications
- CPR/First Aid
Specialization
- Office administration
- Gymnastics coach levels Parent Tot levels through Level 5 Team
Bio
- Born and raised in Houston, Texas, however, I don’t have an accent.
- Trained briefly as a Level 10 gymnast, but due to injury never competed at that level. I loved all events except beam. Now beam is the event I coach best!
- Earned a 5-year college scholarship for Shot put, Discus, & Hammer throwing.
- Besides Houston, I have lived in Tucson, Denver, and now San Diego!
- My loves are boating, water skiing, sea kayaking, rollerblading, softball, San Diego & GYMNASTICS!
Mauricio Cortes, Senior Coach & Trainer
Education
- Currently working on Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
Certifications
- CPR/First Aid
- USAG Safety Certified
Specialization
- Coaching all levels and team.
- Best birthday party coach in San Diego BIO.
- Mauricio has been coaching gymnastics since 1999.
- He loves the sport, and loves working with children – his passion is coaching team.
- Mauricio is constantly increasing his knowledge and coaching skills in the ever growing sport of gymnastics and has taught all different age groups and levels.
Monica Pacas, Coach
Education
- Graduated in 2008 from SDSU with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology.
- Graduated in 2004 from Atascadero High School, located in Atascadero, CA.
Certifications
- CPR / First Aid Certified
Specialization
- Preschool gymnastics
- Recreational gymnastics
Bio
- Was raised in Atascadero, CA in San Luis Obispo County.
- Started Gymnastics at the age of 7.
- Competed as a level 9 gymnast at the age of 15.
- Pole-vaulted for 4 years on the SDSU’s track and field team on scholarship.
- Loves running, hiking, snowboarding and traveling.
- Has travelled around Europe and Mexico and next plans to visit Australia and South America.
Nichol Caprioli, Coach
Education
- Cal State University of Bakersfield where I began my general studies, focusing on Child Development
- Pierce College where I continued my general studies, focusing on sign language and photography
Certifications
- Certified Massage
- USAG Coach
- USAG Professional Member
- KAT
- Safety/Risk
Specialization
- Women’s Recreation and Competitive
- T.O.P.s
Bio
- Born and raised in Bakersfield, Ca
- Lived in Los Angeles for 5 years and just recently moved to San Diego
- Started gymnastics at age 8 and worked my way up to level 8 by the time I was 12. By the age of 14 I was competing at Regional’s and decided to end my gymnastics career. After a year on High School I did cheerleading and was also on a traveling All-Star Cheerleading team.
- I love photography, scrapbooking, working out, and spending time with my family, especially my newborn niece!
Shannon Pirozzi, Girl’s Coach
Education
- B.A. in American Literature, UCLA Scholar Athlete 2008 and 2009, National Dean’s List 2005 and 2006
Certifications
- CPR and First Aid Certified
Specialization
- Women’s recreational gymnastics
Bio
- Born in Westminster, CA and also lived in Minnesota, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Former level nine gymnast and state champion on the uneven bars. Holds the record at Perpetual Motion
- Gymnastics for highest score ever received with a 9.7.
- Was on the national championship co-ed senior cheerleading team in 2004.
- Switched to the sport of springboard diving and received an athletic scholarship to UCLA.
- Currently pursuing a Master’s in Pediatric Nursing and has a lifetime dream of opening a ranch for children afflicted with cancer.
Stephanie Arne, Gym Ventures Pre-ventures, Girl-ventures, middle school and high school Coach as well as Gym Bus Director
Education
- B.S. Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences/Education
Certifications
- Basic First Aid and CPR certified
Specialization
- Director of Gym Bus program for pre-school children
- Recreational gymnastics for girls
Bio
- Born in Clarion, Iowa.
- I have lived in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Hawai’i and California.
- I was competitive in sports in high school and college competing in gymnastics, cheerleading, dance team, swimming, track and field and boxing.
- I love being outdoors, being physically active, drawing, reading, dancing and traveling! I have been to West Africa, Europe, Japan and Thailand.