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Bill "Bee" Thoma
Girls Team Head Coach, GM/CEO
Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, a small town with an extraordinary gymnastics tradition. One of their highest achievements was the number of college scholarships given to their student athletes.
Bee received a gymnastics scholarship to Georgia Southern University and graduated with a BS in Education, majoring in Physical Education. After college he went to work with Athletes in Action, an athletic ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. In 1984 Bee founded New Hope Academy of Gymnastics from the roots of AIA. Bee has been coaching state, regional, and national champion gymnasts for 15 years.
Bill "Bee" Thoma can be reached at bee. |
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Guonian Wu
Boys Team Head Coach
Coach Guonian started his gymnastics training in 1971. From 1979 to 1983 he competed as a member of the Chinese National Team. He has won numerous titles on floor, pommel horse, and vault at national and international competitions. Coach Guonian originated one of the most difficult skills on the pommel horse, a skill named the "Wu Guonian" by the Federation of International Gymnastics, which possesses a difficulty level of "E." The "Wu Guonian" on floor exercise was also originated by Coach Guonian, first performed in international competition in 2006 by prodigy student and Elite gymnast Bryan del Castillo.
Coach Guonian has a B.S. Degree from Sports University of Beijing, China. He spent 14 years coaching the Beijing Gymnastics Team, where he trained 7 national champions. His seven years of coaching experience in the U.S. includes training 11 Junior National Champions and 5 U.S. Champions. Two of his students have been U.S. National Team members. Since 2002, Guonian has been a member of the U.S. Junior National Team coaching staff. As head coach of the 2004 U.S. Junior Men's Gymnastics Team, the team won the title at the Pan American Games in El Salvador.
In addition to coaching, Guonian Wu has been a Federation of International Gymnastics judging brevet for 12 years.
Guonian Wu can be reached at g.wu. |
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Krassi Varbanova
Optional Girls Team Coach
This talented coach and choreographer is multi-lingual, speaking English, Bulgarian, Russian, and Italian. Krassi started gymnastics at age 6, and by age 11 this prodigy was on Bulgaria's National Team. Her notable achievements include three Gold medals and one Silver at the 1976 Bulgarian National Championships. She competed at the 1978 World Championships in Stratsburg, France, and at the 1979 World Championships in Ft. Worth, Texas, which qualified Krassi to the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. While her Olympic dream did not come true (no appearance due to a serious knee injury), Krassi continued to represent Bulgaria's National Team in several international competitions until 1982.
A former FIG International Judge brevet, Krassi possesses a Masters Degree in Pedagogics and Sports Training. In 1983 she began work for Bularia's Gymnastics Federation Research Team, analyzing the performance of high-level gymnasts during training sessions, and designing a more effective skill and ability testing program. She later spent four years in Italy after a special invitation from the Italian Gymnastics Federation to work with their athletes. After several years of coaching National Team members in both Bulgaria and Italy, Krassi came to the U.S. in 1998. Prior to arriving at New Hope in 2005, Krassi spent time coaching for Charter Oak Gliders and Top Flight in northern California.
New Hope is proud and blessed to have Krassi Varbanova on our staff!
Krassi Varbanova can be reached at krassi. |
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Scott Picquelle
Compulsory Boys Team Coach
Scott Picquelle was a 3-time All-American gymnast. While at Long Beach City College, he was a 2-time California State Champion and a 2-time NJCAA Champion. After moving on to Cal State Fullerton, he became a 2-time Pacific Coast Division Champion and an NCAA Division I National Champion.
Scott knows how to motivate his athletes, and has had great success in getting his athletes to achieve. Having produced 32 All-Star Team members, Scott was named a So Cal All-Star Team coach 9 times. Scott has trained 17 Regional Champions and has won over 75 Team competitions, while producing numerous champions at the Conference and State levels.
Scott Picquelle can be reached at scott. |
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Linda "Chilly" Tickenoff
Preschool and Academy Instructor, and Compulsory Girls Coach
"Chilly" has been teaching gymnastics since 1980. She began competing in gymnastics at the high school level, then received athletic scholarships to compete at the college level. She has been a certified USA Gymnastics judge for women since 1982, and a judge for men since 1998.
Chilly is an experienced team coach at the compulsory and optional levels. She also especially enjoys teaching preschool-age students. Chilly believes that coaches can bring out the best in every student, no matter what their ability, in a positive and nurturing way. "Children are precious and impressionable. We should do our best to protect and nurture them."
"Thanks for bringing your children to our gym, they bring joy to me!"
Linda "Chilly" Tickenoff can be reached at chilly. |
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Russell Gleason
Developmental Teams / Boys Compulsory Coach
New Hope's very own Russell Gleason possesses degrees in both Mathematics and Physics from California State University, Fullerton, and plans to pursue Masters Degrees. He aspires to be the "smartest" coach out there on the floor. Russell coaches our Developmental Boys Teams, our Level 4 Compulsory Boys Team, and Tumbling classes (beginning through advanced). He competed for three years at New Hope and won Gold medals at the State and Regional Championships. He is currently training so that he can audition for Cirque du Soleil.
Russell Gleason can be reached at russell. |
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Karissa Thoma
Girls Compulsury/Optionals Team Coach
Karissa was a Level 9 gymnast on the New Hope Girls Team. Karissa has performed as a dancer/actress in many movie, stage and television productions. No longer able to compete, Karissa brings her incredible dance skills and "coaching eye" to coach both our Compulsory and Optional GIrls Teams.
Karissa Thoma can be reached at karissa. |
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Sachi Senteno
Compulsory Girls Team Coach
Recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Sachi returns to New Hope as Academy Instructor and Level 4 Girls Team Coach. She also assists with the other Compulsory and Optionals Girls team training. Sachi was a skilled Level 10 competitive gymnast for New Hope and has coached academy and team since her graduation from high school. Sachi is a professional, kind and personable--loved by all her students and appreciated by all the parents!
When not coaching, Sachi uses her degree in Education to teach special needs students enrolled in local school districts.
Sachi Senteno can be reached at sachi. |
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Jenifer Tasiemski
Developmental Teams / Compulsory Girls Coach
Jenifer is a former varsity gymnast from Lakewood High School, and has been coaching gymnastics for five years. Prior to arriving at New Hope, she worked at AGA in Long Beach. Jenifer currently coaches in our Preschool and Girls Academy. "I try to push my kids, and challenge them to do more than they think they can do, and remind them that trying their best is more valuable than doing everything perfectly."
Jenifer is presently working on her degree in Kinesiotherapy at California State University, Long Beach. She plans to enroll in a Physical Therapy program upon graduation. Jenifer is First Aid and CPR certified.
Jenifer Tasiemski can be reached at taz. |
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Eddie Baker
Academy Instructor
A skilled college gymnast and professional tap dancer/instructor, Eddie Baker is one of our most popular and qualified coaches. Eddie is also the proud father of two New Hope gymnasts.
Eddie Baker can be reached at eddie. |
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Laneisha Brown
Academy Instructor
Laneisha Brown's bio is not available at this time.
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Nikki Burrelli
Academy Instructor
Nikki Burrelli's bio is not available at this time.
Nikki Burrelli can be reached at nikki. |
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Maria Canapino
Academy Instructor
Once a competitive gymnast, Maria Canapino is now a highly skilled coach. Maria has been involved in gymnastics since the age of 5. She was on the competitive team at Rainbow Gymnastics Academy in Hawaii until age twenty, and trained and competed until Level 8. Maria moved to California from Hawaii to expand her knowledge in gymnastics. Before coming to New Hope she coached at Rainbow Gymnastics Academy for seven years, coaching Levels 1 through 6, and also coached at Woodward West Gymnastics Camp for two summers. Maria hopes to one day open a gym of her own in Hawaii and continue to spread the great and wonderful experience gymnastics brings to the lives of children.
Maria Canapino can be reached at maria. |
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Ami Garcia
Academy Instructor
Ami Garcia was a Level 7 gymnast who trained with Coach Chilly. Now a mom and pastor's wife, Ami has returned to her passions of gymnastics and teaching.
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Pam Moore
Academy Instructor
Pam Moore's bio is not available at this time.
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Keith Morgan
Academy Instructor
Keith Morgan's bio is not available at this time.
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Sammy Muth
Tumbling/Cheer Instructor
Sammy has been involved in the field of cheerleading for 14 years. His vast experience includes 3 years of high school cheer, where his team was both State and National champion. He also participated in college cheerleading for 3 years.
Sammy presently coaches in our Tumbling and Cheer programs at New Hope, while working as a massage therapist for a chiropractor. A certified massage therapist from Bryman College, he is also studying to become a physical therapist.
Sammy is CPR and First Aid certified. He teaches cheer and gymnastics camps in the summertime, and has also been a tumbling coach at UC Irvine for the past 4 years.
Sammy Muth can be reached at sammy. |
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Valerie Peterson
Academy Instructor
Valerie Peterson has been part of the New Hope family since she was eight years old. Starting at the Academy Level and working her way up to the Competitive Team, Valerie competed for 3 years in Levels 5 and 6. She now enjoys the energy and excitement that the young gymnasts bring to the program. Valerie is one of our youngest staff members, but is enthusiastic, skilled, and amazingly mature.
Valerie Peterson can be reached at valerie. |
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Dannielle Scholz
Academy/Dance Instructor
Dannielle (or Danni, as she is called at the gym) Scholz has an extensive background in dance. Danni started her career in dance and gymnastics at the tender young age of 7, which eventually led to regular weekly appearances in television dance shows over a three-year period, during her early twenties. At age 13, Danni began her career as a dance teacher, continuing into college where she studied nursing and dance. In addition to teaching gymnastics and dance to our Academy students, Dannielle also works with our Girls Teams. She is now married, with a four-year-old daughter who participates at New Hope Gymnastics.
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Brittany Swinford
Academy Instructor
Brittany Swinford's bio is not available at this time.
Brittany Swinford can be reached at brittany. |
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Jordan Thoma
Academy Instructor
Jordan has been an accomplished athlete his entire life--competing in gymnastics, wrestling and, currently, college football. He now instructs our Boys Academy and assists as a spotter for our competitive girls team. He is a skilled teacher and the students love his playful personality and love of sports. In addition to coaching and attending school, Jordan hosts a weekly Bible study group for his friends and fellow Calvary alumni.
Jordan Thoma can be reached at jordan. |
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Emily Yamashita
Girls Team Dance Instructor
Emily Yamashita's bio is not available at this time.
Emily Yamashita can be reached at emily. |
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Sue Carlson
Office Manager / Webmaster
Sue Carlson came to New Hope after 18 years as a fully-licensed Series 7 securities agent and Certified Financial Planner. Born in San Pedro, California, Sue graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with two Bachelor Degrees—Kinesiology (the biomechanics and physiology of human movement) and Economics. After working two years in the fledgling UCLA Athletic Marketing office, she ran the accounting and operations for a proprietary/custom software company here in Fountain Valley. She has served her community as PTA volunteer, Girl Scout Leader and as a volunteer in her children’s many activities.
Now, as New Hope Office Manager and Gym “Mom,” Sue is responsible for Academy Administration, team meets and travel, accounting, website maintenance and, well, just about everything else in between. Her true assets here at New Hope are her compulsively organized personality, a mathematical mind…and a love of children. Workaholic, domestic diva, camping expert, sports enthusiast and over-zealous pet owner—Sue’s real passions are God and family…most of all, her high-school sweetheart husband, Chris, and her two wonderful children, Sara and Paul.
Sue Carlson can be reached at scarlson. |
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Wendy Squier
Office Assistant
Wendy Squier's bio is not available at this time.
Wendy Squier can be reached at wendy. |
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Jill Travers
Office Assistant
Jill Travers's bio is not available at this time.
Jill Travers can be reached at jill. |
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Shawna Daigle
Office Assistant / Volunteer & Fundraising Coordinator
Shawna Daigle's bio is not available at this time.
Shawna Daigle can be reached at shawna. |
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Georgia Ginsberg
Office Assistant / Concessions Coordinator
Georgia Ginsberg's bio is not available at this time.
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Paco Petelo
Web Administrator
Paco Petelo specializes in the development of data-driven websites, and is the proud father of two New Hope Gymnasts: Level 6 team member Tony Petelo, and Level 4 gymnast Alyssa Petelo.
Paco Petelo can be reached at admin. |
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John Edberg
Asst. Webmaster - Photo Gallery
John Edberg is the proud father of Level 5 gymnast Jake Edberg. John is our new webmaster for our Photo Gallery! If you like the photos he has taken, many of them can be purchased at slogophoto.com.
John Edberg can be reached at john. |
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Patsy Spiro
Boys Team Uniform Coordinator
Patsy Spiro has been involved in the field of gymnastics for many years. Her husband Scott is a former gymnast, and she has two sons, Jonathan and Nicholas Spiro, who are presently on our Optional Boys team. She also runs a mobile gymnastics program for preschoolers. Before running her mobile gymnastics business, she was a CPA, and a CFO of a public relations firm.
New Hope Gymnastics is happy to have Patsy volunteer as our Boys Team Uniform Coordinator!
Patsy Spiro can be reached at patsy. |
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Neisha Brown
Academy Instructor
Neisha Brown's bio is not available at this time.
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Pam Moore
Academy Instructor
Pam Moore's bio is not available at this time.
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