meet our staff...

 

Carol Dickinson - (Co Owner)

Carol has been a gymnastics coach for 19 years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and minored in Dance from UNH. Carol coaches preschool through competitive gymnastics, and is also the director for the Girls Competitive Team. Carol is also the co founder of gameOnHockey - "off ice training for on ice success". 

 

 

 

Brenda Plante - (Co Owner)

Brenda has been a gymnastics coach in all capacities for the last 13 years. She coaches toddlers gymnastics and girls and boys recreational gymnastics. Brenda is the founder of Maine's first "Fitness Based Nursery School"combining education with fitness. Brenda holds a Early childhood Education Degree from the University of Maine at Farmington.

 

 

 

 

Molly Leonard - (Founder of the X-Squad)

Molly, a former competitive gymnast has been coaching gymnastics for her entire adult life. She coaches toddler and preschool gymnastics and is one of the Head Coaches of the Girls Competitive Team. Molly's English Degree is from the University of Maine Fort Kent. She has recently joined Brenda Plante in the nursery school, what a great team they make.

 

 

 

Alex Dickinson

A former competitive gymnast, Alex brings patience and understanding to all of her gymnasts. Alex is head coach for the Girls Recreational Program as well as the Girls Hot Shot Program. She is also a girls team competitive team coach, and attended the National Training Camp in Texas last year for additional training. Gymnastics is her passion!

 

 

 

Lori Souliere

After bringing her 2 daughters to gymnastics at gymNation Lori has joined our staff. She brings years of Cheering expertise to our cheer/tumble program. Lori coaches preschool classes, mini cheer and levels 2 and 3 girls competitive gymnasts.  

 

 

 

 

Steve Randall 

A national level gymnast himself and a national level coach with over 30 years of experience, Steve is back giving old school gymnastics a new school charm. Steve is gymNation's boys competitive team director. 

 

 

 

Don Liedke

Don is the Assistant Boys Competitive Coach. Don has been with gymNation since 2004. Don holds a BS Degree in Education from University of Dayton Ohio and is currently the music director at Kingswood Regional High School.

 

 

 

Jason Brunet

A former competitive gymnast, Jason is back in the gym coaching our tumbling classes and the girl's competitive team. His vibrant and fun personality are only a few characteristics that add to his coaching style! Come take a class with him- it's a blast!!

 

 

Kristen Dowler - Head Prep-Op Coach

Kristen is also an ex-gymnast at gymNation. Kristen holds a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management from the University of New England. She is currently our head coach to our new program here at gymNation, Prep-Op, and she led our team to its first place victory at States in 2009.

 

 

 

 

Nadia Chester - Director of Birthday Parties at gymNation

Originally from Indiana, Nadia participated in gymnastics for 15 years. Beginning with club and continuing on through high school gymnastics, she finished her competitive career at Level 10. Nadia began teaching gymnastics in high school and now enjoys teaching recreational classes here at gymNation. Nadia is also an integral part of the Tiny Stars Fit 'n Learn Nursery School Program.

 

 

 

 

Meghan Rioux

Our newest staff member has joined the Tiny Stars Fit 'n Learn Nursery School Program. She holds a degree in Sports Medicine and Family Ecology from Meryhurst College. Meghan herself was a competitive gymnast and is excited to be back in the gym.

 

 

 

 

Eric Jacobson

Eric is a former gymNation gymnast. He is currently pursuing a degree in Human Ecology with a focus in Business from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Eric has been coaching for the past four years. His experience ranges from young children up through adults. With encouragement from gymNation, Eric grew the first USAG boys team at the Bar Harbor YMCA - now he's back here at gymNation.

 

Sensei John Hinkle

Our very own Karate Instructor here at gymNation, John has been involved with martial arts since he was eight years old. Growing up John learned how to make his materials and techniques his own. His knowledge and mastery of Hin-Ryu Kempo has helped develop a unique fighting arts standard. He currently lives here in Maine with his wife and son.