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Get to Know Us

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Founded in 2023, "I Flip Gymnastics" is the manifestation of a burning passion for gymnastics and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes. We started this journey with a simple goal: to provide a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can explore the exciting world of gymnastics.

Located in Richmond, CA, we proudly serve children and families from El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, and beyond! At I Flip Gymnastics, we believe in the transformative power of coaching to develop skills and instill values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Our team is dedicated to helping children discover their potential, achieve their personal best, and flip towards a future filled with health and confidence

Meet The Team

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Siavash

CEO

Siavash's own journey in the sport began at an early age, culminating in a series of prestigious competitive accolades including numerous first-place titles and recognition as an All-Star gymnast.

Recognizing the potential in others, Siavash transitioned into coaching, leveraging his personal experiences to develop and inspire the next generation of gymnasts. Under his guidance, his teams consistently performed at an exceptional level, frequently securing first place in competitions, even against formidable opponents like Stanford at state championships.

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Mina

Recreational Coach

Mina, an accomplished gymnast with 12 years of competitive experience, is a fitness professional with an impressive background in physiology, a discipline she majored in at UC Davis. After graduation, she applied her skills in the real world, working as a physical therapy aide in Concord.

Mina is currently enhancing her credentials by pursuing a personal training certification, positioning her for future enrollment in physical therapy school. Her passions aren't confined to fitness alone; Mina finds joy in the arts, maintains a love for gardening, and cherishes moments spent with her dogs.

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Jocelyn

Recreational Coach

Say hello to Jocelyn, a native of Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico and fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. ​

 

Dance and education have been central to her journey. Having swayed to the rhythm of jazz for three years, she then pursued her academic aspirations at De Anza high school in Pinole, marking the first milestone in her educational journey. Currently, she finds herself engrossed in the academic world of Contra Costa College, where she is paving the way for her future in international business. ​

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Nathan

Recreational Coach

Growing up in the Bay Area, Nathan began his gymnastics and martial arts training at the age of seven. This early love for sports not only shaped his childhood but also inspired his career path. By 21, he had transitioned into coaching, driven by a desire to share the joy and excitement he found in athletics with the next generation.

 

Now, with four years of coaching experience under his belt, Nathan dedicates his efforts to nurturing young talents. Drawing from his own experiences as an athlete, he guides his students towards excellence, hoping to instill in them the same love for the sport that has defined his own journey.

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Natali

Director

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Kelsy

Media & Design 

Kelsy is a passionate creative with a deep love for gymnastics. She began her journey as a coach at the age of 16, working at the same gym in San Diego where she trained as a child. After earning her degree from Saint Mary’s College of California, she blended her skills in media and design with her background in gymnastics.

 

Now, as the Media & Design Coordinator at iFlip Gymnastics, Kelsy oversees everything from crafting newsletters to designing graphics and merchandise, while also helping manage on-site communication. Although media and design are her primary focus, Kelsy continues to coach young athletes, sharing her love for the sport and helping them grow in both skill and confidence.

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Ms. B

Administration

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Orion

Boy Teams Coach / Recreational Coach

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Leesa

Grils Team Director

Leesa is a nationally rated judge and serves on the boards for both USAG and NAWGJ, holding elected positions in both organizations. She has been involved in gymnastics for over 50 years as an athlete, coach, meet director, meet referee, and judge.​

Recent Judging Highlights:
2024 Green Flag Award Recipient for Region 1 (Utah, Nevada, NorCal, SoCal, Arizona)
2024 Level 9 Westerns in Iowa
2023 Level 9/10 Regionals

Leesa’s day job is Operations Coordinator for UC Berkeley Recreation & Wellbeing, where she has worked for over 20 years. She holds two degrees from UC Berkeley (Art and Nutrition) and is married to Rob, an immuno-oncology research scientist. They have three sons who all attended Berkeley Public Schools.
 
Hobbies: Ballet, art, and caring for her four Maine Coon cats.

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Sam Hunt

Girls Team Head Coach

Sam has 10+ years of experience coaching developmental gymnastics and has coached many event and all-around state champions.

 

Sam, a former gymnast from SoCal, is excellent at spotting and helping gymnasts learn fearful skills. Sam has many hobbies, currently working on improving his handstand hold time and competing in video game (SSBM) tournaments.

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Lauren Dugas

Acro Head Coach/Director

Lauren Dugas is an accomplished Acro Head Coach and Director with over 15 years of coaching experience and a passion for developing athletes at all levels. She began her gymnastics journey at the age of 4 and quickly distinguished herself as a talented acro athlete, earning accolades as a State, Regional, and National Champion.

 

In addition to her extensive coaching background, Lauren has enjoyed a diverse career as a professional stunt double and water skier, which has enriched her understanding of athletic performance and stage presence. Her commitment to excellence in sports is further exemplified by her scholarship at UC Davis for springboard diving, where she earned degrees in Psychology and Human Development, along with additional degrees in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language Interpreting. With over 10 years of experience as a professional sign language interpreter, Lauren brings a unique perspective to her coaching, fostering an inclusive environment for all athletes. Her holistic approach to coaching combines technical skill development with psychological support, ensuring each athlete reaches their full potential both in and out of the gym. Lauren’s dedication to the sport and her athletes continues to inspire those around her, making her a respected leader in the gymnastics community.

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Taylor Ruhe

Acro Coach and Camp Director

Taylor Ruhe is an accomplished Acro Coach and Camp Director. Bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her roles. With over 14 years in the dance industry, Taylor has performed as a professional ballet and modern dancer with prestigious companies such as Diablo Ballet Company and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. ​Transitioning from performance to education, Taylor has dedicated herself to teaching ballet, jazz, modern dance, and choreographing routines.

 

Her expertise extends to acro coaching, where she has two years of experience coaching Devo, and levels 2-10 along with international FIG athletes. She also has choreographed dynamic routines that inspire and challenge her students.​ Taylor's educational background includes degrees in Child Psychology and French Language and Culture, providing her with a unique insight into child development and communication. Her six years as a nanny and over 11 years as a mother have honed her nurturing skills, making her adept at connecting with children of all ages and backgrounds.​ In addition, Taylor has specialized training and experience working with children with special needs, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all her students. Her innovative approach to education is evident in her role as Camp Director, where she has successfully organized themed camps for children aged 3 to 16 over the past two years.​

 

Taylor is committed to fostering an environment where children can thrive, express their creativity, and develop into their brightest and most unique selves.

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Lily

Recreational Coach

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Jadin

Recreational Coach

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Gabriel F.

Recreational Coach

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