I spent my early childhood in Windsor, Ontario, where I had the privilege to try out many different sports. At 5 years old, I participated in indoor T-Ball. At the community center where we played, there were balance beams stored against the gymnasium wall. When it was my turn up at bat, I would take my swing and run! Not to first base as my coaches continually tried to direct me, but to the back of the gym to climb up on the balance beams. This recurring behavior led to the suggestion that I might be better suited for gymnastics. And I suppose you could say this was the beginning of the journey that brings us Little Kippers. 

I truly discovered my passion for sport when I began recreational classes at Rose City Gymnastics. I went once a week from age 6-11 and as I grew and I was intrigued by the personal goal-setting aspects of the CANGYM badge program. It was incredibly empowering to work towards masteringg new skills and progressing through the levels. As a preteen, I was invited to try out for and successfully joined my gym's "Interclub," which was an introductory program for competitive gymnastics. I spent several years competing in Artistic Gymnastics, showcasing my routines on the beam, uneven bars, floor, and vault across Ontario, from Windsor to Orillia. I also initiated a gymnastics team at my high school, which had not had one in decades, and competed at the province wide OFSAA level. During this time, I was encouraged to become a Junior Coach and at 15 years old I completed the Level 1 National Coaching Certification Program for gymnastics.

The head coach at my gym, who remains a close mentor and friend, recognized my tumbling skills after watching my floor routine and suggested I focus on power tumbling. This marked the beginning of my transition into that discipline. Eager to support his vision of opening a new gymnastics club, I became deeply involved with his club, Windsor Vistas Gymnastics, all throughout my teenage years. I found great fulfillment in preparing the gym for its opening day, taking on various roles such as painting, managing registrations, setting up and cleaning the gym, serving as a summer camp counsellor, and coaching recreational classes, including assisting our neurodiverse athletes. This all encompassing experience instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility, pride, and the importance of collaboration in pulling off ambitious goals.

I competed in Power Tumbling for four years, aspiring to join the national team, but an unfortunate injury affecting our coach led to a shift in our team’s dynamics, and I made the decision that I didn’t want to compete without him. I continued coaching at my club and a local community center until I moved to the East Coast at the age of 21, knowing that as a coach, opportunities would be present wherever there was a gym.

Upon arriving in Halifax, I took on a part-time coaching position at Halifax Alta Gymnastics. (where I had the absolute honour and privilege of watching four-time Olympian Ellie Black train daily in her home gym!) I also got another coaching job, and established the first recreational gymnastics program at the Citadel Community Center. During my daily commutes through the park, I connected with a group of circus performers and was drawn to the art of fire spinning, which allowed me to creatively merge my gymnastics and performance background. I eventually left both coaching roles to join the performance troupe, participating in shows at summer music festivals and various events throughout the Maritimes. For two winters, we traveled to India, performing at party venues on the beaches of Goa and up in the Himalayan Mountains.

It was within our vibrant maritime music festival community that I found my way to Saint Andrews, coming to town for live music. I partnered up with an old friend and we bonded over our shared belief in the healing power of nature and growing food, leading me to move to Saint Andrews to help realize his dream of operating an off-grid permaculture farm. Since 2017, I have contemplated how to combine my extensive experience and passion for gymnastics into a program for the Charlotte County community. After welcoming my first child, I was determined for her to have the same opportunities I had in recreational gymnastics. I dedicated my maternity leave to planning and preparing, and now, that vision is coming to life! I’m so thrilled to finally be here and to see all the fun and excitement that will unfold on the mats! 

-Coach Kelly