Clifton Park, NY Gymnastics Center
Cartwheels Gymnastics Center is committed to enhance the learning, personal growth, and self confidence of every child that walks through our doors. These core values are taught through the basic principles of gymnastics and movement. Our emphasis aside from the obvious (gymnastics, of course!) is to foster a fun, safe, and loving environment where each child feels special in what they learn and accomplish. Our passion is to help children feel good about themselves while helping them to appreciate the importance of physical activity.
Dana Marion, Co-Owner / Program DirectorDana has 20 years experience in the world of gymnastics, both as a coach and competitive gymnast. She has built an extensive knowledge-base of the sport through her personal competitions and experience coaching children of all ages and levels. Many of her gymnasts have won titles at the State and Regional level. She is also a former compulsory coach of USA Gymnastics Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas. Competing through level 9, she earned numerous state/regional titles and had the honor of competing on three regional teams. As Captain of her high school gymnastics team, she lead them to their first Virginia State Championship Victory. Dana graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Dana’s life passion is to teach children to grow and thrive in life, just as they do in the gym.
Jason Dammer, Co-Owner / Business ManagerJason’s five year plan of opening a gymnastics studio has finally come to fruition! After serving in the United States Navy, Jason has found a home in upstate New York. Having earned an A.S. Degree in Supervisory Leadership he is close to completing a B.S.B.A. from Hawaii Pacific University. Jeff Metzger’s Small Business Boot Camp, geared towards effective management of a gymnastics club, has empowered Jason to join Dana’s talent in gymnastics to open this premier gymnastics facility in Clifton Park, NY. An athlete himself, Jason enjoys running marathons, to include the Marine Corps Marathon in 2007. Jason served aboard the USS Tucson, a fast-attack submarine stationed in Hawaii, and taught nuclear electronic operations at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Ballston Spa, NY.
Lori Yowell, Recreational DirectorLori has over 10 years of cheer and gymnastics experience. She spent four years on her high school varsity cheer team and was also Team Captain. With five years of coaching under her belt she has determined that coaching is her true passion. “The best part about coaching is watching the kids learn something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives’.
Majiel Mehan, Pre-school DirectorMajiel has over seven years of working with children in a pre-school setting. Majiel spends her day as Head Toddler Teacher at a daycare in Latham and her evenings as a Little Flipper’s coach at Cartwheels. “I have a lot of patience and love using it towards creating a fun and rewarding atmosphere for children.”
Gregory Burke, Gymnastics CoachGregory Burke has over 30 years of coaching all levels of gymnastics, cheerleading and tumbling in the Capital Region. Besides his time spent in the gym he has also worked with numerous schools and cheerleading groups. Greg is married to Amanda, an Irish Step-dance instructor. Together they have one daughter, Scotlynn, who is a competitive gymnast. His love for teaching can be seen and heard as he tries to make every child smile and laugh, but most importantly, have fun as they learn new skills.
Emily De Bara, Little Flippers CoachEmily comes to us with an extensive childcare background. Before joining Cartwheels she spent five years as an assistant and then head teacher in a daycare. Emily is in her final year at The College of St. Rose where she is earning her B.S. in History and Political Science. Her outgoing and bubbly personality get our Little Flippers excited and engaged in class everyday!
Karen Muzio, Little Flippers CoachKaren comes to us with over 20 years of experience working with children in a preschool setting. She has her A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood and truly has the patience and compassion needed to help children grow and learn. Karen and her husband live in Latham with their two daughters Maggie and Jordan. Maggie has been doing gymnastics for the past 15 years and Jordan is currently a gymnast here at Cartwheels.
Rachael Bloomingdale, Gymnastics CoachWith a background in dance Rachael quickly became interested in gymnastics when she tried out for cheerleading in high school. She attended numerous cheerleading camps where she was awarded for excellence in teamwork, tumbling and spirit. Asking the children their favorite part of a gymnastics class is one of her favorite rewards. “The best gift in life is work, worth doing.”
