Our Coaches
 

 

Alison Riley

Alison Riley

Head Coach/Intermediates Coach

How long you have been coaching?

I initially class assisted for 2 years, before coming a Cadet for 1 and have been coaching for 18 Years, so 21 years in total!

What made you want to become a coach?

I loved doing the sport so much and wanted to help others develop such love for Cali!

So, I started coaching and over the years I have coached teams, solos, ACT skills classes, recreational classes and school programs. I love all age groups and have taught Tinies and every age group up to Seniors, even coaching a recreational Masters team with Cali mums and ladies who wanted some fun and fitness!!
How long you have been a member of Joyelle?
I have been involved in Cali for 25 Years and the last 15 years of that has been at Joyelle.
Your fav thing about calisthenics…
I love that you can always pick a Cali student by the way they stand and walk and I love watching students learn or master a new skill. I love the friendships that come out of this sport. I love that Calisthenics can involve the whole family, and be shared across generations.

 

Samantha Thomas

Samantha Thomas

Seniors Coach

How long you have been coaching?
3 years (2 years cadet + 1 year coach)
What made you want to become a coach?
I thoroughly enjoy performing myself so naturally I began choreographing for fun at home. Becoming a coach allowed me to put my work on stage, but in addition, it allowed me to inspire and help others to improve and fill their dance potential as well as thinking about being a coach themselves. After all everyone loves to dance!
How long you have been a member of Joyelle?
11 years
Your fav thing about calisthenics…
It is a unique style of dance which teaches discipline in all areas.
Katherine Thomas

Katherine Thomas

Seniors Coach

How long you have been coaching?
I began my coaching journey as a cadet in 2016, and in 2017 I received my level 1 accreditation and have been coaching since.
What made you want to become a coach?
I chose to coach because this sport has given me some valuable skills and friendships and I want to give that to the next group of girls in the club.
How long you have been a member of Joyelle?
I have been involved as a competitor in calisthenics since 2008, where I started in sub-juniors and continue now in Seniors.
Your fav thing about calisthenics…
My favourite thing about calisthenics is the long-lasting friendships that I have formed and the great memories I have created with these people.

 

Valeria Volkova

Valeria Volkova

Seniors Coach

How long have you coached for?

I’ve been coaching for 2 years (one as cadet, this year attained my Level 1 certification)

What made you want to become a coach?

When i was little i always loved making up little calo routines, and as i got older i realised i could actually do that properly & it’s such a fun creative outlet to see your work come to life!

How long have you been a member of Joyelle?

This is my 12th year with Joyelle!

What do you love most about Cali?

My favourite thing about calo is how diverse and theatrical the sport is! you can show discipline/technique as well as comedy and artistry its like the perfect combination of all the things i enjoy in dance.

Keisha McDougall

Keisha McDougall

Intermediates Coach / Sub Juniors Coach

How long you have been coaching?
I started out as class assistant 7 years ago, then became a cadet 4 years ago and completed my level 1 last year.
What made you want to become a coach?
I progressed into coaching to work with Children. I love watching them grow and flourish in the Calisthenics environment. Their smiles light up my week.
How long you have been a member of Joyelle?
14 years
Your favourite thing about calisthenics…
My favourite part of Calisthenics is the girls. Their perseverance to complete a goal and the joy they get when they get there just makes me smile. They motivate me to be a better dancer, coach and person. I also love the community within the club. There is so much support and love within the club, It’s such a joy to be apart of.
Taylah Parr

Taylah Parr

Juniors Coach

How long have you coached for?
2018 is my first year of being a level 1 coach. I have been cadeting/class assisting for 6 years.
What made you want to become a coach?

When I was a first year Intermediates I decided to become a class assistant as I have always loved working with children and seeing them with a smile on their face makes my day. I then progressed into cadeting and now a level 1 coach because I want help young people become stronger dancers as what my previous coaches gave me.

How long you have been a member of Joyelle?
I have been doing calisthenics with Joyelle for 13 years.
Your favourite thing about Calisthenics…
My favourite thing about calisthenics is the people. As the ACT is so small there are so many people you meet across the state. All of the clubs in Canberra become really close and each person is different and can teach you something different.

 

Emma Gillan

Emma Gillan

Juniors Coach

How long have you coached for?

I was a cadet for 4 years, and have been a Level 1 accredited coach for 3 years.

What made you want to become a coach?

As a young participant in Joyelle, I always looked up to the coaches that I had over the years and hoped that one day I would have the same love, dedication and pride in being a coach for Joyelle – having my own teams, and working alongside some amazing people like them; and I guess it happened!

How long you have been a member of Joyelle?

I have been doing Cali for 19 years… holy moly!

Your favourite thing about Calisthenics…

Along with teaching and learning fundamental skills, coordination, balance, flexibility, building strength, recognising and expressing emotions, being active and social in a fun-filled environment, and showing sportsmanship and working as part of a team. Growing up doing Cali, and being partof our Joyelle family, has to be one of the greatest things that our club, and our sport, has offered me as both a participant and a coach.

Tiffany Davies

Tiffany Davies

Sub Juniors Coach

How long have you coached for?

2018 has been my first year as a level one coach, having completed my assessment during 2017.

What made you want to become a coach?

I moved from cadeting into coaching as I love watching the girls develop their skills as well as having a love for this sport.

How long you have been a member of Joyelle?

I have been doing Calisthenics for 20 years. The last 17 of those have been with Joyelle and the previous 3 with Top End Calisthenics Club in Darwin.

Your favourite thing about Calisthenics…

My favourite thing about Calisthenics is being able to develop friendships with my team mates that will last a life time.

Sarah Bates

Sarah Bates

Sub Juniors Coach

How long have you coached for?

I became a cadet in 2006 and obtained my Level 1 accreditation in 2007.  I have actively coached for about 8 years since then.

What made you want to become a coach?

I had great coaches as role models growing up and it seemed like a natural progression to my love of performing.  It is very rewarding watching the girls improve through the year and develop new skills.

How long have you been a member of Joyelle?

I have been a Cali participant for 25 years, most of which was with Joyelle.  I also competed for a few years with other clubs when I lived interstate.

What do you love most about Cali?

I love the variety that the sport offers.  Instead of separate classes for each type of dance, you get to learn an assortment of styles and skills all in the one class.  I also enjoy the life long friendships I have made with team mates, parents and coaches.  Cali has also taught me a lot about discipline, commitment, and working with a team, as well as setting and achieving goals, all of which are great lessons for life.

Emily Lim

Emily Lim

Cadet - Juniors

How long have you been a cadet?

I have been a cadet since 2016.

What made you want to become a cadet?

I became a cadet for the opportunity to help give others the incredible experience that I have had. I hope to help create a place where you can let loose, forget about the world, and dance.

How long have you been a member of Joyelle?

I have been doing Calisthenics for 14 years and hope to continue to do so until it is no longer socially acceptable for women over 100. The adrenaline rush I get just before going on stage never gets old. I will never get tired of the feelings of happiness, excitement and pride every time I perform or watch my team.

What do you love most about Cali?

My favourite thing about Calisthenics is the people. The Calisthenics community is like a big second family, learning from one another and creating memories that last forever. The friends that I made in my first year of subbies are some of my closet friends today. Calisthenics has been the best experience of my life!

Denise Spencer

Denise Spencer

Tinies Coach

How long have you coached for?

I have been coaching for 30 years!

What made you want to become a coach?

The opportunity to give back to the sport and pass on my love of Calisthenics to others.

How long you have been a member of Joyelle?

I have been a member of Joyelle since 1997!

Your favourite thing about Calisthenics…

My favourite thing about Calisthenics is seeing the girls having fun and watching everyone perform on stage!

Sinead Benson

Sinead Benson

Cadet - Tinies