Christine Mellas

General Manager • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I began my work career at age 15 scooping ice cream for 4 years at 40 flavors in Colonia NJ where I remember being so nervous on my first day.  Being a patent secretary for 7 years at Siemens Corporation was easy compared to raising 3 children.  When my youngest was 3, I returned to the workforce as an Assistant Preschool Teacher with Oak Hill Christian Pre-School in Howell.  My favorite years working with children were no doubt as a Girl Scout leader for 10 years.  Funny story because being a Girl Scout leader actually surprisingly led me to Monmouth Gymnastics after my daughter, Alena at age 5, rang the doorbell to sell Girl Scout cookies to the owner of Monmouth Gymnastics.  One year later Karen offered me a fun part-time job as a preschool gymnastics coach which blossomed into a full time career.  14 glorious years later not only has Monmouth grown with a 2nd location but I have grown to have a deeper understanding of what makes truly makes a person happiest!  Being surrounded by enthusiastic children who love coming to their home gym and people who are not staff members but truly are my family!!” -Christine

 

 

Yuriy Aminov

REC & TEAM COACH • MONMOUTH 20 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

Jade Shloyda

REC & TEAM COACH • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Alejandro

OFFICE STAFF • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I have a B.S. in Physical Education and Heath, with a Teacher Certification K-12. I have three children, two sons (twins) and a daughter. I started working at Monmouth Gymnastics 13 years ago, when I was looking for a place to call home for my daughter’s gymnastics path. That’s exactly what Monmouth has turned into for me, a home with a family!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dulce Drapkin

JOGA TEAM COACH • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonnie Smagacz

REC COACH • SPECIAL NEEDS COACH • MONMOUTH 20 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

BACKGROUND :
Working at MGE for approx. 22 years.  Biology major from Rutgers.  Speaks fluent Polish.

FUN FACTS :

1. Working in the horse industry since 1991. Mainly with racehorses, but also with polo horses and rodeo trick-riding.  Tried bull-riding just for fun.2.  Competes in a variety of performance sports with her Siberian Husky, Athena Tundra.  In AkC Scent Work, she is the top Siberian Husky in the USA.
3.  Competed on a Power Lifting Team.  Was part of an Arm Wrestling Team.  Enjoyed cross-country and 5K races.
4.  Worked as an Artist. Painted murals and faux finishes in private homes, restaurants and a golf club.
5.  Hosts International Students world wide. 14 to date.  Countries include: Germany,  France, Japan, Spain, China, Africa,  Dominican Republic and Pakistan.
6.  Has a daughter, Summer who is working as a Gymnastics Coach while in college.  Has a supportive husband, Bill who keeps up with all the activities.  Also owns 4 cats: Maniac,  Luna, Loki & Cleopatra. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juliana Pandolfino

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH • JOGA TEAM COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I grew up doing competitive cheerleading. Started coaching at 18 and fell in love with the sport. When I’m not coaching I like to spend time with family and friends, take bike rides in the nice weather and read.” – Juliana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brie Moore

REC COACH • SPECIAL NEEDS COACH • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR CertifiedUSAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I’ve been a professional trainer for over 25 years. I also worked at multiple gyms teaching step, aerobics & pilates! I’m also a certified dietitian. I’ve been a proud employee at Monmouth Gymnastics since 2014. At this point, this gym is my family. I tell everyone I know that Monmouth Gymnastics is the best. Both of my kids, my son & my daughter were both longtime team gymnasts at Monmouth. My daughter is still currently on the JOGA team & couldn’t be happier. It truly is a wonderful place for your kids. ” – Brie

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ally Val

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH • JOGA TEAM COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenn Diaz

ASSISTANT MANAGER • REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY EVENT MANAGER/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

“As a mom of a competitive gymnast I know the perseverance it takes to dedicate yourself to this wonderful sport.  As a mother who has seen her child grow and triumph in this sport since the age of 3 I found myself spending a lot of my free time at Monmouth  Gymnastics which lead me to oversee the homeschool program.  This is a program wherein competitive gymnasts train in the morning or afternoon and then participate in a homeschool program right here at Monmouth Gymnastics.  Many of you also know me as coach Jenn as I absolutely love teaching our recreational program.  If you don’t catch me coaching you’re sure to catch me coordinating birthday parties or handling customer service in the main office.  I am blessed is an understatement as I love what I do each and every day.”

 

 

 

 

 

Hunter Warchal

REC COACH • SPECIAL NEEDS COACH • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sydney Willhalme

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I grew up doing dance since I was 2 and was a competitive dance since 12. While I practiced and learned all different forms of dance, I love tumbling the most. I started teaching gymnastics in college when I found Monmouth Gymnastics in 2020. Monmouth Gymnastics has become a second home to me. Getting the chance to work with and help all my students grow has been the best accomplishment of all.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alena Mellas

REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

“I have been attending Monmouth Gymnastics since the age of five.
I took gymnastics classes here until joining the Monmouth Cheer Academy cheerleading team at age 11.  My experience at Monmouth Gymnastics combined with competing as an All-Star cheerleader for nine years gave me the confidence to try out for the Colts Neck high school cheer team as a Freshman & continued all 4 years. Upon graduation I began working part time at Monmouth while attending college. I enjoy working out, the beach and vacationing with my family and friends.  I really enjoy working with kids and when working at a fun place like this it doesn’t feel like work!”

 

 

 

 

 

Grace Pacchiano

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH • JOGA TEAM COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“Fitness has always been an important aspect in  my life. I have always pushed myself in competitive sports and fitness . My knowledge and experience in track and field, cross county ,  high intensity training , fitness competitions  and my participation in  competitive gymnastics all support my ability to coach many levels in the sport of gymnastics . For the past three years I have been coaching various levels in gymnastics,  which Include levels in recreational , pre team, usag and usaigc . Joining Monmouth gymnastics has provided me with the opportunity to continue my coaching across these levels , as well as to focus on the competitive Joga team.  I am fortunate to be a part of the Monmouth gymnastics team, a team that is structured as a family, a family  who supports and focuses on the wellness and growth of their athletes and their coworkers .” – Grace

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allie Kroese

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I joined Monmouth Gymnastics in 2021. Working here has since not only provided me with the opportunity to grow as a gymnastics coach, but has also given me an incredible work family filled with love and support for not only myself, but my children as well. Growing up I trained and learned many styles of dance with ballet being one of my main focuses. Eventually I started cheerleading both on the varsity high school and all-star levels. Throughout my years of dance and cheerleading, I took on tumbling and thus grew a passion for the sport. I began assistant teaching as a teen, where I found my love for teaching children and helping them grow as athletes. Watching my students learn new skills and gain new levels of confidence while doing so brings me tremendous joy. It doesn’t matter if they’re a little star learning a new jump or a pre-team student finally connecting a tumbling pass, seeing their eyes light up with excitement as they learn will never get old to me.
When not coaching, I can be found at home with my four sons and daughter on our small farm along with Coach Jake. If I’m not herding kids around or chasing chickens or bouncing back and forth to my sons sporting events, then I’m often times crafting, reading, or cooking.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xavier Powell

REC COACH • SPECIAL NEEDS COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sami Palone

REC COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I grew up doing gymnastics since age 2 at Monmouth Gymnastics and competitively cheered throughout my teenage years. I currently reside in Middletown, NJ with my husband, daughter, son  and dog. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, going on hikes, snowboarding in the winter, and going to the beach in the summer.”
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerardo Montoya

REC COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia Capri

REC ASSISTANT COACH • 

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I recently started working at Monmouth Gymnastics in January of 2024. Working here as a gymnastics assistant coach and a birthday party instructor has been a fantastic opportunity and job to work with children to show their growth and success with gymnastics, build solid and important bonds with them, and help them reach for the stars.  I was once a gymnast for about three years here at Monmouth and it feels as if I never left my favorite place here. Right now, I am babysitting in my free time and working here. I am also a camp head counselor during the summer. My favorite extracurricular activities are working out, spending time with friends, going to the beach, and, most of all, having the opportunity to work with children. “

 

 

 

 

 

Jaelyn Rodriguez

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“My name is Jaelyn Rodriguez and I am 22 years old. Although this is only my first year coaching with Monmouth Gymnastics, I’m lucky enough to have grown up with my step mom as my coach which gave me the ability to start learning to teach other kids what I loved to do from a very early age. I competed in both rhythmic and artistic gymnastics for a short period of time, but spent my whole youth (3-18) on a competitive dance team, with more circus based interests. I spent years learning ALL styles of dance but, I always had a main focus in acrobatics, tumbling, and hand balancing. I still continue to train today, and I love sharing what I call my craft with all of my students!”

 

 

 

 

Zarina Alcaraz

REC COACH • SPECIAL NEEDS COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“My name is Zarina Alcaraz . I started gymnastics since I was 5 years old . I had amazing days of hard work as a gymnast as well as winning 1st places on the national competitions. This sport gives you a head start in life. I am very proud to be a team member of Monmouth Gymnastics.”

 

 

 

 

 

Jaclyn Connors

REC COACH • MONMOUTH 20 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

  ” I started doing gymnastics at Monmouth when I was 9 years old and basically never left! My goal is to share my love for the sport with my students.  I coached JOGA and then USAIGC for Monmouth for about 12 years and have had multiple local and state champions that I am still so proud of to this day. After taking a step back from coaching team to be able to spend more time with my family, I have had so much fun teaching our rec program. My husband and I have been together since high school and we have an 11 year old daughter, 7 year old son, and our 2 dogs Diesel and Dezzie. I was practically raised at Monmouth and now my children are growing up here too. “

 

 

 

 

Sam Geris

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH 

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christina Oczkowski

BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jake Kroese

BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I grew up playing and competing in various sports throughout of childhood. I began assistant coaching for gymnastics in high school. Being able to help children experience the same love of a sport, I had growing up and watching them learn new skills as they grew stronger has brought me so much joy. I believe staying active helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Acting as one to help children create that healthy relationship with fitness and helping them set themselves up for a healthy life as they age is something that I love to do. If you can’t find me here at Monmouth Gymnastics coaching, then you can find me farming away on my family farm. From growing various fruits and vegetables to caring for our farm animals I spend a majority of my days outside. In my downtime I enjoy playing sports with my sons, watching movies with my little girl, fishing and sitting by a bonfire in the evenings with my family and dogs.”
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 

Kaylee Ann Rivera

REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illyana Fernandez

REC COACH 

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica Kyprianou

REC & TEAM COACH • MONMOUTH 10 YEAR CLUB! ♥

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Mellas

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jess Jacobson

REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah Goldberg

REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Lopes

REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“With over five years of experience working with children and a background in gymnastics, I bring energy and enthusiasm to my role as a coach at Monmouth Gymnastics. My passion for fitness extends beyond the gym; I also enjoy working out, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. Currently, I am a student at Rutgers University, actively participating in various clubs that enrich my academic and personal growth. My dedication to coaching young gymnasts reflects my commitment to fostering their development and helping them achieve their goals.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carmela McGoey

REC ASSISTANT COACH • SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keisha Gandhi

REC ASSISTANT COACH • SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharon Nasimov

REC ASSISTANT COACH • SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tessa Strieffler

REC ASSISTANT COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/COORDINATOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bianca Evangelista

REC ASSISTANT COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaitlyn Hardy

REC ASSISTANT COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan Villani

REC COACH • TEAM ASSISTANT • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jayda Bowden

REC COACH 

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

“I am a senior at Colts Neck high school. I competed USAG for over a decade, I’ve learned so many life skills and lessons such as ones in perseverance, hard work, dedication, gratitude and responsibility etc… from being a gymnast for over 12 years. I’ve babysat ever since I was 11 years old and currently nanny in my free time. I got my first job when I was 14, working at Beach Plum Ice-cream in Bradley Beach New Jersey. My favorite extra curricular activities include peer mentoring Colts Neck High school’s LLD program or (Learning and Language disorder) program, working out, running with my dog, and reading. I am so excited and grateful to be able to help so many young gymnasts explore and love gymnastics just like I did.” 

 

 

 

 

 

Eliana Pinkhasov

REC COACH 

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“i was a gymnast till the age of 12 at a different gym. I have been working at Monmouth Gymnastics for more than a year. After being a gymnast i transitioned to doing cheer at Manalapan highschool. I cheered through all 4 years of my high school career. i was included in various high school clubs revolving around leadership. I am now going to be a freshman at Monmouth university. I love to go hangout with family and friends, go to the beach, shopping, and most of all, working with kids and helping them learn gymnastics!”

 
 
 
 
 

 

Oyinda Majekodunmi

REC ASSISTANT COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“Hi my name is Oyinda Majekodunmi and I just recently became a member of Monmouth Gymnastics this year and to say that it has had a huge impact on me would be an understatement. Not only has it helped me improve my tumbling but I have made so many new friends and met new coaches that have helped me in so many different ways. This fall I am entering my Sophomore year of high school and I am excited to work on my club OASIS (Overdose Awareness and Support In Schools) that I opened my Freshman Year of High School. I also look forward to my first year on the cheer team and continuing being an active member of Student Council. On my free time, I love to read, listen to podcasts, make content for social media and hang out with my friends. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and I look forward to all the exciting opportunities ahead!”

 

 

 

 

 

Jess Widom

REC ASSISTANT COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“I started taking classes at Monmouth when I was 7 years old. Which led me to my passion for cheerleading. I currently am a senior at Saint John Vianney where I cheer on the Varsity game day and competitive team.  I volunteer at the Monmouth county cheerleading camp during the summer and babysit around my neighborhood so I have lots of experience with children! “

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Koechley

REC ASSISTANT COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billy Rohr

REC COACH • BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marla Rudich

REC COACH 

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natasha Tokareva 

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

Natasha began her gymnastics career at the Russian Olympic Training Center over 40 years ago, coaching both the Junior and Senior National Teams for the USSR/Russia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yuriy Tokarev

REC COACH • PRE-TEAM COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Mundy

BIRTHDAY PARTY INSTRUCTOR/ REC ASSISTANT

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Armstrong

REC COACH

USAG SafeSport Certified • USAG Safety & Risk Certified • CPR Certified

“From as young as I can recall, tumbling in my back yard was a staple & something I always loved as a kid. I’m a generational cheerleader; grandma, mom, & sisters paved the way for me to become competitive in the sport. I lead junior and varsity squads as team captain growing up, performing in multiple competitions placing in top positions. I learned the values of discipline, consistency and persistence from an early age.  I graduated from Rutgers University with dual BA degrees and continued to I broaden my physical fitness through regular strength training and yoga. I took my first “real job” with British Airways in Advertising & Marketing where I worked for the next 15 years. I got to travel the world, attend White House Correspondence dinners and fly Concorde. Having children shifted my focus and priorities to raising my family. In 2021 I became my daughter’s cheer coach and continue enjoying it today. In 2023, when my children expressed interest, I brought them to Monmouth Gymnastics. I immediately knew there was something special about this studio. The vibrancy, energy and most notably, welcoming & knowledgeable staff made it a shoo-in for my kids to start gymnastics here. In pursuit of expanding my passion, I decided to apply to be a coach after seeing the “we’re hiring” sign on the wall. Happy to report, the most meaningful thing next to being called mom, is definitely, coach. I’m completely present and immersed when I instruct kids and am delighted by their gratification and increased confidence once things start to click. I love it here! “

 

 

 

 

 

Kristen Weidner

OFFICE STAFF

 

Dana Higley

OFFICE STAFF