Our Coaches
Charlene Knudsen
Charlene is the president and co-founder of Markham Gymnastics Club, which has been operating for over 30 years. She is also the creator of the Gym for Life Program. She has an honours degree in physical education and psychology. She is a certified level 4 coach.
As well as having coached for many years at Markham Gymnastics Club, she has 6 years experience teaching physical and health education in private schools in the Richmond Hill and Markham areas.
Charlene has coached several Ontario teams into international competition, and was coach of the 1992 National Open Champion.
Her philosophy is to develop future strong, self-confident leaders and to challenge every child to be the best they can be.
Under Charlene’s leadership, every child matters at the Markham Gymnastics Club. All are treated equally with respect and care. She feels that gymnastics is the basis for all sport and should be taught to all children for physical preparation . There are tremendous cross-training benefits to all sports.
Paul Knudsen
Paul is co-founder of Markham Gymnastics Club, as well as Brampton Gym, Steeles West Gym and Skyriders Trampoline Place. He has been the business manager for the Markham Gymnastics Club for over 30 years.
Paul is a fully certified level 2 coach in gymnastics and trampoline. He has coached various levels of gymnastics classes, and his students all enjoy the rewarding learning environment that he provides – looking forward to each of their classes and the new skills that they can learn and practice under his careful, positive leadership.
Paul feels it is important to provide a safe environment where all children are treated equally with honesty and respect.
Dragi Stojkovski
Position: Head Coach, Boys’ Competitive Gymnastics
Qualifications: fully certified level 3 gymnastics, level 2 trampoline, level 1 track & field
Philosophy: Gymnastics is the basis of all movement and sports. Coaches should never forget that they are in the gym for the gymnasts, and not the other way around.
Simone Senior
Position: Gymnastics Coach, Provincial level athletes
Qualifications: level 2 gymnastics
Philosophy: Gymnastics should be a fun and enjoyable sport, but it requires focus and determination. You have to want it to succeed and you should have a positive attitude and never give up. Believe in yourself because anything is possible.
Simone Erwin
Position: Coach, gymnastics
Qualifications: Level 2 certified artistic gymnastics, Level 2 certified trampoline
Philosophy: Children who grow up doing gymnastics grow into more confident, active adults
Roya Tavangar
Position: Coach, Competitive Gymnastics
Qualifications: NCCP certified level 2 gymnastics, NCCP level 2 trampoline, Managing Conflict / Leading Drug-free Sport / Psychology of Performance Certified
Philosophy: Gymnastics is not only beneficial for physical gain, but also empowering healthy brain function. As a school teacher, I monitor students’ learning and notice that gymnastics improves students’ focus.
Judy Singer
Position: coach, gymnastics
Qualifications: level 1 gymnastics, rhythmics, special needs, trampoline, level 2 theory.
Philosophy: Gymnastics should be fun and creative while encouraging fitness and safety.
Ashley Speed
Position: Coach, Gymnastics and Tumbling
Qualifications: level 1 gymnastics, trampoline.
Philosophy: Gymnastics is an all-round sport that isn’t easy. If you have a talent, use it wisely. Try your best and never give up. If you set your mind to achieving a goal, it can happen.
Marcus Sorrell
Position: Gymnastics Coach, Recreational athletes
Qualifications: certified level 1 gymnastics
Philosophy: In gymnastics, athletes must condition their minds and bodies so that they can have strength to hold on, and the courage to let go.
Nikki Dyakov
Position: Gymnastics Coach, Recreational athletes and Provincial Invitational Competitive athletes
Qualifications: certified level 2 gymnastics
Philosophy: I believe that every gymnast is capable of success with the right attitude and work ethic. If you focus, put in the work and never give up,, you can achieve anything!
Lindsay Solmon
Position: Coach, Provincial Pre-Competitive Tumbling and Gymnastics
Qualifications: certified level 3 gymnastics
Philosophy: Coaching is giving gymnasts the opportunity to learn what they’re capable of achieving, and paving the path to get there.
Luna Erwin
Position: Coach, Recreational Gymnastics
Qualifications: certified level 1 gymnastics
Philosophy: To me, gymnastics is not only a sport that requires hard work and dedication but it’s a way of life. It teaches you the bravery you need to succeed and the courage to try again when you fall.