I began teaching in 1968 at 18 years old and was immediately involved in coaching a number of sports. Early coaching interests centered around baseball on a variety of levels but in 1969 interests centered more around gymnastics. I expanded the school based gymnastic club from Altadore School where I,as principal, and a group of interested teachers continued to coach athletes after the gymnasts completed their elementary schooling. The “Altadore Club” trained in a variety of high school gymnasiums for several years eventually renting a closed school facility as a full time base. During this time, I continued coaching in the summers in the USA and our first athlete qualified for Nationals in 1971! Eventually the club rented a full time warehouse location in east Calgary and I left teaching to be a full time gymnastics head coach and director. After a number of years, I left this position and returned to teaching full time. After a few years of semi-retirement, coaching high school gymnastic squads and helping with a small club in Millarville, In 1996 I retired fully from teaching and opened Mountain Shadows and developed our club to its current status. Currently, I am still involved in administration and consulting with our younger coaches 5 days a week. With approximately 59 years of involvement in Canadian Gymnastics, it has been a great experience.
Coach Carley – I have been coaching gymnastics since 2015. I began my gymnastics career as an athlete training in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and then transitioned into coaching at that club. I moved to Alberta in 2018 and continued my coaching career obtaining my C3 WAG and level 2 trampoline certification. I have coached competitive athletes from levels 1-10 and all preschool and recreational levels including adult gymnastics. Outside of the gym, I enjoy hiking, spending time with my growing number of pets, skating and trying any new sports!
Coach Jen – I was a gymnast for many years and naturally transitioned to coaching to see the joy when athletes meet their goals. I have been coaching for 30 years and am WAG C2 certified, C3 trained and trampoline foundations certified. I am also a judge in the Women’s Artistic program. Outside of the gym, I am a preschool teacher in Okotoks and a mother to 4 boys. I love watching my kids play sports and spending time at our cabin in MB.
Coach Karen – I have been coaching gymnastics since 1992. I began my career as a gymnast in Yellowknife, NT and continued on with the sport after moving to Calgary in 1997. I am WAG C2 certified, Level 2 MAG certified, level 3 trampoline trained and Active Start trained. I am also a Coach Educator and Coach Developer for Alberta Gymnastics and have also taken various judging courses for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. Outside of gymnastics, I like to volunteer, bike, swim, camp, sew and travel the world!
Coach Madi – I was first introduced to gymnastics at the age of 6 and continued as a competitive athlete until I was 16. I began coaching in 2014 and am trained in C1 WAG and TG. I was also a compulsory judge for 5 years judging in both Alberta and BC. Outside of gym, I am a fulltime university student at the UofC finishing up my undergraduate degree in English Literature, with a minor in Anthropology. When I’m not in the gym or in school, I enjoy spending time camping, reading books, doing crafts, yoga and working out!
Coach Victoria – I have been a part of the Mountain Shadows community for many years, first as a competitive athlete for nine years and now as a dedicated coach since 2013. I am C1 WAG certified and C2 WAG trained. In addition to coaching, I have also served as a judge since 2013. Outside of the gym, I enjoy travelling and spending quality time with my friends and family.
Mountain Shadows Gymnastics Club 