Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2003

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: balance beam

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "My favorite part is seeing my vision come to life. I absolutely love the community we have created here and the relationships I have formed along the way. I truly enjoy going to work every day and getting to use my creativity in planning lessons and events. Helping children conquer skills that they never thought they could do and watching them grow as individuals never gets old to me!"

Fun Fact: Jen is a licensed school teacher and spent several years as a Title 1 Teacher and even taught Physical Education. Besides doing gymnastics growing up, she is also very good at bowling and loves to watch all things dance related. Jen, her husband and three children all love Disney and travel there often so next time you see her try to stump her on Disney trivia.

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2021

Most Loved Gymnastics Event:

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG:

Fun Fact:

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2021

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: floor exercise

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "My favorite part is the relationships I have developed with the children, families and with the Learning Ladder staff. We truly have the best crew and families at our gym who make it such a fun environment to work in and why I look forward to coming into work for every class I teach!"

Fun Fact: Sydney has her bachelor's degree in Psychology from THE Ohio State University and is currently pursuing her Educational Specialist degree at Kent State University to become a School Psychologist. She previously worked at a school for children who had Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities as well as worked as a preschool teacher a the Goddard School. Her favorite TV show is Friends!

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2022

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: uneven bars

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "My favorite part is working with the students. I love seeing the progress each student makes week after week. It's so fun to celebrate their successes and see the joy on their faces every time I teach. Additionally, I couldn't ask for a better group of teachers to work with on a weekly basis! The positive energy and special skills each teacher offers is so encouraging and has made me feel right at home at Learning Ladder."

Fun Fact: Mara grew up dancing and loves team building exercises. She is a certified Tension & Trauma Releasing (TRE) provider. Her website is simplyrelease.org. Mara is also certified as an Aerial Arts instructor and loves to dance and work out in her aerial hammock. You might find her in her spare time watching her chickens and dog play in the yard.

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2022

Most Loved Gymnastics Event:

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG:

Fun Fact:

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: for 3 years, at Learning Ladder since 2021

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: it's a tie between the balance beam and uneven bars

Fvorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "What I love most about teaching at Learning Ladder is the relationships I get to form with my students. I love getting to know each child and discovering how I can best coach them!"

Fun Fact: Rachel has two kids and is a homeschool mom. She has a background in music and sang in choirs in both the White House and Carnegie Hall.

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2022

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: uneven bars

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "My favorite part of teaching at Learning Ladder is watching the gymnasts grow in gymnastics as people! I love being able to help the kids anyway possible!"

Fun Fact: Along with teaching gymnastics, Alyssa also teaches at Davey Elementary School in Kent. Alyssa used to run track and pole vaulted as well as being on a swim team and in band. In her spare time she enjoys listening to music, hiking, hammocking and being around family and friends.

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2021

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: balance beam

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "What I love most about teaching at Learning Ladder is seeing our amazing gymnasts grow and improve. It is such a fun and rewarding job!"

Fun Fact: Sophie was a competitive gymnast and cheerleader throughout most of her childhood and teenage years. She is currently a student at The University of Akron where she is finishing her degree in Social Studies Education with a second major in History and a minor in Spanish (she is almost fluent in Spanish). She enjoys reading, yoga and spending time outdoors.

Years of Teaching Gymnastics: since 2022

Most Loved Gymnastics Event: floor exercise

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "My favorite part is getting to teach kids something that I really enjoy. I also love seeing the kids improve every class. It brings so much joy to me when they finally get that skill and get so excited!"

Fun Fact: Growing up Ava enjoyed being a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. She is currently a student at Kent State University where she is majoring in Psychology with a Pre-Med Concentration. She hopes to be a pediatric physician assistant someday! Ava also loves to travel with her family and visit new places both in the United States and in other countries.

Years of Teaching Art: 20 years

Years with Learning Ladder: since 2017

Favorite Part of Teaching at LLG: "I love how much creativity and thought goes into every class and event at Learning Ladder. Learning Ladder is about gymnastics but also so much more. My favorite thing is seeing the kids get excited; whether it be learning a new gymnastics skill or doing a fun art project or just having fun! I also love all the people I've met...both kids and adults!"

Fun Fact: In addition to Learning Ladder, Miss Beth also currently works with adults with developmental disabilities doing art therapy. Beth has two kids who both love gymnastics and a kitty named Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. She loves trees, starry skies and spending time with her family and friends.

Jen is the proud owner of Gram's Goodies Bakery, an Olde World style bakery with a modern twist! Her beloved Gram taught her how to cook and bake in the "European style" growing up. She is committed to offering gluten free, vegan, Paleo/low carb, dairy free and sugar free options.

Check out her goodies next time you are at the gym! www.gramgoodiesbakery.com