Our Coaches

Greg McCalester
	Greg is the founding member of Elite Gymnastics Academy. He has been coaching competitive gymnastics in San Diego since moving here in 1996. In addition to his role as owner of the gym, Greg coaches all levels of gymnastics at Elite. Greg is the head coach of the optional girls on Bars, Vault, and Tumbling. "When I was a competitive gymnast, I couldn't wait to get to the gym each day I had practice. I always knew that I wanted to be a part of gymnastics as long as I could. Elite has allowed me to remain a part of gymnastics, a sport that I love, and for that I am lucky."
Carrie Pohlman
	Carrie was a competitive gymnast since age 8. Carrie is our compulsory team coordinator. She currently coaches all levels of classes at Elite as well as being the head coach of the Optional Girls on Beam and Dance.
Brandi Schutt
	Brandi coaches our Level 5/6 Girls Team, tumbling, and introductory and developmental classes. Brandi started gymnastics at age 5. Trained and competed through Level 6 in Texas and then switched to competitive cheerleading. She cheered through high school and college. She has taught gymnastics for 11 years. She began with preschool and advanced through team.
Candice Dowling
	Candice coaches our Level 5/6 Girls Team. Candice is a former Elite Gymnastics Academy gymnast and competed up through Level 9. Candice is also a credentialed math teacher and has taught middle and high school. Coach Candice says, "Gymnastics was my life until I graduated high school. My favorite part about gymnastics was learning and perfecting new skills. Now my favorite part is watching my gymnasts do the same."
Rey Acacio
	Rey is our Boys Team Coach. Awarded New Mexico State "2007 Coach of the Year - Compulsory" Rey graduated from U.C.L.A. with a B.A. in Dance, specializing in Dance and Sports Medicine He has been coaching gymnastics for 10+ years but has also taught dance and coached competitive cheerleading. Coach Rey says, "It is a heartfelt passion to coach gymnastics. Not only do I get to see these young individuals grow to become better athletes, but it is a privilege to be a part of that development. It gives coaches a good feeling knowing they've made a difference."
Olin Eaves
	Olin was a tumbler and a cheerleader throughout high school and college. He has coached competitive gymnastics since 2004. "Childhood is the most critical part of our lives, especially in terms of developing good exercise habits at an early age. Gymnastics is the best sport there is, and I hope to share my enthusiasm for it with all of my students." Olin currently coaches Level 4/5 Boys and Level 4 Girls Team as well as Introductory and Developmental Classes.
Kelsey McCrae
	Kelsey coaches our introductory and lower level classes and coaches for our S.T.A.R.S. program and Level 4 Girls Team. She is our lower level program coordinator. Kelsey started gymnastics at age 3 and competed for Tricks Gymnastics in Northern California through Level 6. She quit gymnastics when she was 12 continue dance - Jazz, Ballet and Tap. She was in a dance ensemble in High School. Kelsey says, "I missed gymnastics so much and am so happy to be back in the gym helping to teach other kids about my favorite sport!"
Kristen Brinkley
	Kristen coaches our introductory and lower level gymnastics classes and Tap, Jazz, and Ballet Classes. Kristen danced competitively for 10 years. She graduated from Granite Hills High School and is currently attending college.
Katrina Lancia
	Katrina coaches our advanced, introductory and lower level classes. Katrina was a competitive gymnast for 11 years and competed through Level 8. She was varsity cheer captain and a varsity gymnast in highschool. She is currently working towards a degree in child development.
Ariana Randle
	Ariana coaches our advanced, introductory and lower level classes. Ariana was a gymnast for 6 years. She then did competitive cheerleading for 5 years and the varsity cheer squad at her high school for 2 years. Ariana says, "I love working with kids and being able to teach them skills that will benefit all aspects of their lives."
Alexandra Thiele
	Alexandra coaches our introductory and lower level classes and tumbling classes. Alexandra has done All Star Cheer for 9 years. She was on the Varsity Cheer Team at Hilltop HIgh School. Before cheer she did recreational dance. Alexandra is currently a college student, working towards a degree in English Literature.
Katheryn Cordero
	Katheryn coaches our introductory and lower level classes. Katheryn was a competitive gymnast for 6 years and competed up to Level 7. She trained Level 8 at Airborne Gymnastics. In high school she was on both varsity competition and game squad.
Natalia Valerdi-Reese
	Natalia is our Team Ballet and Creative Movement teacher. Natalia graduated from U.C. Irvine with a Master's degree in Dance. She has taught ballet, modern dance and choreography since 1999 both in the United States and abroad. She also teaches Children's Yoga. Natalia says, "My passion is to help young people achieve their full potential. Not only to be better athletes but to be a better person in the world." Natalia has strong family values and enjoys time with her husband and her two boys, ages 2 & 8.
Donnavan Johnson
	Don coaches our Hip-Hop Classes. Don has been dancing his whole life. Don started Junkyard Dance Crew in 2004 where he has taught, performed, and trained dancers from ages 6-16. He has performed at over 100 competitions and shows throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. Don background includes Hip-Hop, Krump, Popping, Body Control and Choreography. Don has also danced for many charity events including the Relay for Life Cancer Event.
Ashlee Johnson
	Ashlee currently coaches beggining ballet and jazz classes. She also helps at the Front Desk. She has a background in many styles of dance including modern, lyrical, jazz and contemporary. Ashlee has been involved in dance and gymnastics since she was very young and competed gymnastics up to level 5 before going into dance. Ashlee says, "I love being able to come to work everyday and share my knowledge to other students . My main goal for everybody is to learn something they didn't know before they came to class and continue learning everytime they come into the studio."
Carol Brackett
	Carol currently works at our Front Desk. Carol is a San Diego Native and volunteer at the San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation. She has strong family values and enjoys spending time with her nieces, nephews and her two kittens.
Paula McCalester
	Paula is Elite's Web Master, Advertising and Marketing person and the Community Outreach Coordinator. She is often seen in the gym with her four girls. Paula competed track and cross country through College and did High School gymnastics. Her daughter Bianca is a Level 8 Gymnast. "Elite is our extended family and so much a part of our life. I think how blessed we are to work, play, form friendships, and be part of this special place."