MEET THE STAFF
GAB - MEDFORD
We know that the quality of the instructors makes a difference in your child’s experience with gymnastics. Over the years we have interviewed dozens of highly-qualified, energetic, and patient instructors, and have hand-selected only the finest we have seen. We are confident that your child will look forward to spending time with all of our instructors at any level! Our 40-year reputation has been built one child at a time and we intend to keep it that way! Want to meet our instructors before you make a commitment? Stop by the facility and say “Hi” to them
Julia Jacobs
Owner & Team Director
Julia Jacobs is the Owner and Team Director of GAB-Medford. Her gymnastics journey began at just 18 months old, and she started competing by age 6. Julia has experience in both the Development Program and the Xcel Program, finishing her competitive career at the Xcel Diamond level at age 15. She transitioned immediately into coaching and now brings over a decade of experience coaching competitive athletes. She is also a USA Gymnastics certified judge for competitve Women's Artistic Gymnastics.
Julia attended BB&N, a local Cambridge private school. She then spent some time at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and is currently completing her degree in Psychology and Business at Simmons University. Her true passion lies in coaching competitive gymnastics—she finds deep joy in helping young athletes grow, both in skill and confidence. Julia is wholeheartedly dedicated to the success and well-being of every gymnast she works with, and considers it a privilege to be part of their journey in this incredible sport she loves.
Michelle Sparks
Michelle is one of our very valued coaches, and has been involved in coaching gymnastics for over a decade. She started gymnastics at 4 years old and participated in gymnastics competitively until she was 14. She’s been working as a coach at GAB for the past 4 years in both the competitive and recreational programs. In her free time Michelle participates in rock climbing!
Michelle Sparks
Michelle is one of our very valued coaches, and has been involved in coaching gymnastics for over a 5 years. She started gymnastics at 4 years old and participated in gymnastics competitively until she was 14. She’s been working as a coach at GAB for the past 4 years in both the competitive and recreational programs. In her free time Michelle participates in rock climbing!
Administrative Director & Coach
Taylor Schwarz
Taylor has been coaching gymnastics in California for 2 years. She has nine years of gymnastics experience, training up until level 8 when she transitioned to diving. She was a Division 1 competitive diver at UC Davis for four years. She has much experience working with children, and is very excited to work with all of the athletes! Taylor also recently graduated with a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior!
Stars (Pre-Team) Director
Stef Parish
Stars (Pre-Team) Co-Director, Coach, & Front Desk Support
Stef grew up in Los Angeles, California where she started gymnastics at the age of 2 and competed for 8 years! She has 10 years of gymnastics coaching experience for all ages and is so excited to work with the GAB team! She also did cheerleading in high school and during her undergraduate studies in NYC. She loves gymnastics and is passionate about creating a welcoming and joyful space for kids. Stef also recently graduated with a Master’s degree in History from Cambridge University in the UK! In her free time, she loves reading non-fiction, trying different coffee shops in the area, and taking ballet classes.
Mackenzie Barry
Mackenzie started working at GAB 2 years ago, and brings a great deal to our competitive program. She has seventeen years of gymnastics experience, primarily in the Xcel Program, competing up to Xcel Platinum. She also did four years of Division I cheerleading/tumbling. She has fourteen years of experience working with children, and eight years of coaching experience. Mackenzie recently graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy!
Team & Adult Coach
Michele Fry
Michele grew up outside of Princeton, New Jersey, where she was a competitive gymnast until she graduated high school. Michele graduated from TCNJ with a BS in Elementary Education and math in 1998. She was the head coach of the level 6/7 group at her home gym in NJ through college and after graduation until she moved to Massachusetts in 2004. She also taught fifth and sixth grades in South Brunswick, NJ for 5 years before moving to MA. She received her MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in literacy in 2007 and taught fourth grade in Newton until 2011 when her son was born.
Michele spent the next several years as a full time mother to her four children. She began coaching the GAB team in 2018 and is excited to begin another season with the team! Michele also manages the preschool gymnastics program at GAB and works as an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Services at Harvard. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, four children ages 8, 11, 11, and 13, and their dog, Piper.
Preschool Director & Coach
Hirut Gibson
Hi my name is Hirut and I was a competitive gymnast for around 6 years! I have been working at GAB for 4 years and I am going into my senior year of high school. I am the Birthday Party Coordinator and a coach. I am used to coaching all skill levels and I’m very excited for this upcoming semester!
Birthday Party Coordinator
Lily Growdon
My name is Lily and this is my third year coaching at GAB! I have done competitive gymnastics for the past 6 years, and have done gymnastics pretty much my whole life. I am so excited to meet you and your child!
Dylan Stergerwald
My name is Dylan and I’m studying Biology and Environmental Science at Tufts University! I competed in Trampoline and Tumbling (T&T) for 6 years where I won a couple national titles. I was also a certified judge for T&T for 2 years. I’ve greatly enjoyed continuing gymnastics by helping kids thrive in the sport I love through coaching since I moved to Medford last year.
Yasmin Dos Santos
HIYA! My name is Yasmin (miss masmin) as the littles say and I am one of the preschool coaches! I am also the head coach for our new cheer team! I have been working at GAB for two years and I love working with the littles they have become a part of my personality. I’m a college freshman I have been a cheerleader for ten years. I’m also a CNA and a Pharmacy tech! But coaching is what my heart really loves i can’t wait to become best friends with you and your kiddos!
Preschool & Cheerleading Coach
Toby Winnick
My name is Toby and I’m a senior at Tufts University, where I am a member of the Club Gymnastics team. I have experience working with children as a coach, camp counselor, and babysitter. I’ve greatly enjoyed giving back to the gym and gymnastics as a coach at GAB.
Jacey Odvil
Hi! my name is Jacey Odvil and I've been cheering for 6 years and doing gymnastics for 1 year. I currently attend Malden Catholic as a junior and I’ve been cheering for Malden Catholic Varsity since the winter of my freshman year!
Julia Correia
Hi my name Julia, I did gymnastics for 12 years. I have experience working with kids and I just started here at GAB Medford. I’m so excited to begin my journey as a coach and help your kids grow as gymnasts!!
Emily Arevalo
Hi, my name is Emily! I’m currently a senior in high school and have enjoyed being part of varsity cheer for two years. I also have experience working at our summer camp for two years, which taught me responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. I enjoy connecting with others, and taking on new challenges. I can’t wait to meet your children and see them succeed!
Damary Figueroa
Hello my name is Damary and I’m a first year coach and I’m a freshman in college super excited to get to know the kiddos and everyone else and I would love to see the kiddos smile as they learn new skills and gain confidence.
Jessica Hellman
Jessica has been working as our receptionist from sunny St.Petersburg Florida! She has an extensive background of coaching both team and recreational gymnastics and used to be an all star cheerleader as well.
