Ellie Monument (she/her) - Head Coach
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NCCP training and certification level: Level 2
How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? I started Rhythmic Gymnastics at 8 years old with Rhythmic South Gymnastics Club, based in Southampton, England. I was a competitive athlete until we moved to Canada in 2007, we found NorGlen and I joined their Junior Performing Team when I was 14. I started junior coaching when I was 15, and became head coach of the club in 2015. Since joining NorGlen I have attended 3 World Gymnaestradas as an athlete and will be attending my 4th in 2023 as a coach for the first time. How long have you been a coach? 15 years What is your favorite aspect of coaching? I love so many things about coaching. The realization on an athletes face when they’ve achieved something they thought was impossible, both in the gym and in their day to day lives, and being able to watch athletes grow into incredible people is so special. What is your favorite apparatus? Hoop or clubs for sure! What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? I love being a member of NorGlen because it is truly a family, the support and love the people in this club give is phenomenal. I genuinely do not know what I would do without them. Also getting to travel the world and share the joy of sport with them is pretty cool too. Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: My family and I are originally from England, we moved here in 2007 and have never looked back. Along with coaching I work for Rhythmic Gymnastics Alberta and at a restaurant downtown so I keep myself pretty busy. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling and dancing up a storm at any concert I can. |
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Rhonda Helmeczi (she/her)
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NCCP training and certification level: Level 2
How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? I became involved in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 5 years old with Bohemka Rhythmic Gymnastics Club based in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. I became a coach when I was 14 and have been coaching ever since. When I moved to Calgary, I started coaching with Chinook Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. In 2004, I joined NorGlen Rhythmic Gymnastics Club as a gymnast and a coach. I’ve coached all levels from preschool to adult. I have the privilege of attending 6 Canadian Gymnaestradas and 5 World Gymnaestradas as a gymnast, coach and team manager. I have also completed my Level 4 Alixa Flexibility in my continued love of learning and helping gymnasts extend their health and longevity in the sport. How long have you been a coach? 22 Years+ What is your favorite aspect of coaching? I love the look on a gymnasts face when they finally master a skill that they’ve been working on and the pride the team has when they step on and off the performance floor. What is your favorite apparatus? Ribbon What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? I love being a member of Norglen RG because it has become a family. We have watched each other grow through various stages of life and supported each other along the way. Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: I am a wife and mom of two gorgeous girls who keep me on my toes. I work remotely and typically travel frequently for my role. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends creating memories along the way. |
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Janey Parks (she/her)
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NCCP training and certification level: RG Level 2, Trampoline Level 2, Active start, Foundations learning Facilitator
How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? I started with Norglen in 1992, and have since made so many lasting friendships and connections. I have coached all ages from preschool to 70+. I have loved performing over the years and have participated in 6 Canadian Gymnaestradas and 5 World Gymnaestradas. How long have you been a coach? 25 years What is your favorite aspect of coaching? I love seeing the growth of my gymnasts - whether it's attaining a new skill or seeing them develop as people through the years. What is your favorite apparatus? I can't choose - I love the challenge of mastering new skills! What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? The connections and community - Norglen is a true gymnastics family with many long time members and I love that all ages and abilities are welcome. Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: I have 2 kids (age 3 and 5) and in addition to coaching I work with gymnasts as an RMT. I am also an FIG judge for Trampoline and Tumbling and am fortunate to travel internationally to competitions with our Canadian athletes. I love to get out to the mountains with family and friends to explore on bikes or skis! |
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Nicole Caines (she/her)
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NCCP training and certification level: Level 1 Certified, Level 2 trained (RG)
How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? My mom put me in RG when I was 9 because my cousin was a coach. I moved through pre-competitive and competitive levels over the years, and retired from competing when I was 17 to focus on dance. When I retired from dancing in 2013, I decided to get back into RG and that is how I found NorGlen. How long have you been a coach? 25 years! I have coached many levels from recreational beginners to competitive athletes. I also have experience teaching several forms of dance. What is your favorite aspect of coaching? I love watching my gymnasts grow up, both as gymnasts and as people. The bond between a coach and an athlete is a special one that I cherish. I also love seeing gymnasts excited about learning new choreography. What is your favorite apparatus? Anything except ribbon! What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? The community and family atmosphere. We are a tight knit group and support each other inside and outside the gym. Having come from a competitive background, I also like that the environment is less intense and more focused on fun and that you can continue performing throughout life. Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: I am a wife and fur-mom. I am a Registered Psychologist and own my own practice. In the future, in my role as a Psychologist, I hope to work with sports organizations to support the development of emotionally safe and supportive sporting environments. |
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Sierra Jenkins (she/her)
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NCCP training and certification level: Level 1 Certified
How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? My mom registered me for RG when I was around 4 years old with NorGlen as she had been part of the club for many years. I have been doing RG with NorGlen ever since and am currently on the Senior Performing Team! With the club, I have been able to attend 2 Canadian Gymastreadas and will be attending my first World Gymastrada in 2023 in Amsterdam. How long have you been a coach? This will be my 2nd year coaching on my own and I junior coached for around 4 years before that. What is your favorite aspect of coaching? I love watching the gymnasts improve through trial and error as it shows how determined they are. On top of that, watching the gymnasts perform at the Spring and Winter shows makes me very proud of all of them. What is your favorite apparatus? Definitely ball or club! What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? NorGlen is my second family! Being part of different sport groups, no one has the bond and acceptance of NorGlen. I have made friendships in the club that have proceeded to grow outside of the club, that I will forever be grateful for! Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: On top of Rhythmic Gymnastics, I also participate in swimming through the Glenmore Seals Swim Club. My favorite thing to do in my spare time is bake whether that be some cookies or decorating a cake. I also spend my summers at my cabin in Gull Lake with family and friends! |
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Keira Gibson (she/her)
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NCCP training and certification level: Level 1 Trained
How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? I have been doing rhythmic gymnastics with NorGlen for 10 years. Before I joined the club my mom put me in ballet at the age of 3. When I joined NorGlen I took a break before returning to ballet when I was in grade 3 along with rhythmic gymnastics. How long have you been a coach? I have been a trained RG coach for almost two years. I have coached the beginner class for one semester, this spring semester will be my second. I have helped out coaches who need someone to cover and coached at Sport Calgary’s All Sport One Day Event this summer! What is your favorite aspect of coaching? I love teaching them new skills and seeing the look on their face when they finally get it! I love to see them improve as each week goes by, and watching their big smiles as they perform to their parents. What is your favorite apparatus? Hoop or ribbon are my favorite! What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? I love being a part of the amazing community. I love to come to the gym and see everyone and grow together as a team! I am so thankful I can be part of such an amazing team! Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: When I'm not doing rhythmic gymnastics I like to spend time with my friends and family. I love to go to the mountains and ski and skate and just be outside! |
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