Mike Rizzuto - President, Girl's Team Coach
nittanygym@toast.net

Mike started coaching in the fall of 1973 at the Lancaster Gymnastics School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was also the assistant coach at Franklin & Marshall College. He coached at both places until graduating from F&M in the spring of 1977, and coached his first elite gymnast in 1976. He became assistant coach at Dartmouth College in 1978 and took over the head coach position in 1979. Was head coach for three years, and hosted the Ivy League Championships in 1981. In 1982 he became the head coach at Karon's Gymnastics Center in Fairfax, Virginia, and coached his next elite gymnasts at Karon's, along with 15 scholarship athletes. In 1985 he moved to Durham, North Carolina to become the owner and head coach of Triangle Twisters Gymnastics center. In 1986 he became a National Safety Certification Instructor for USA Gymnastics and has presented courses all across the country. He coached Junior Olympic National gymnasts and 8 scholarship athletes at Triangle before moving to State College in 1989 to become the owner and head coach of Nittany Gymnastics Academy, Inc. He has coached three Junior Olympic National Championship participants at Nittany, and has coached 12 gymnasts who continued on to participate at the collegiate level.

Mike attended the University of North Carolina and received his teaching certificate in Secondary Social Studies. He also received a LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center, a J.D. from Vermont Law School and a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College. He is an active member of USA Gymnastics and is a National Instructor for the USA Gymnastics University. He even assisted in publishing the Safety and Risk Management Text for USA Gymnastics. In 1985, Mike attended a gymnastics coaching seminar in Moscow, U.S.S.R. and has based his coaching system in large part based on what he learned.

Athletics has been a passion of Mike's all his life, as a participant and a coach. As an elite level athlete in Team Handball, Mike was selected as player and coach for the the US Olympic Committee National Olympic Festivals. He also was selected to attend the National (Olympic Team) tryouts and was a staff member of the LA Olympic Organizing Committee Team Handball Venue.

He played 4 years of varsity football at Franklin & Marshall College and was a member of three conference championship teams including an undefeated team in 1976. Was selected the most improved player in the conference at Maine Endwell High School on their undefeated team which finished 7th in NY State for large schools in 1972.

In addition to gymnastics, Mike has coached youth football for 9 years, youth baseball (T-Ball - Babe Ruth Teener League) for 11 years. Founded Centre BulldogsYouth Football Organization and was Vice President for 11 years. He was a member of the Board of Director and the Executive Committee of the United States Team Handball Federation (the governing body which was a member of the US Olympic Committee) and was the national chairman of Organization & Competition. Was selected to the second class of Leadership Centre County-Leadership Training program in 1993.

His wife Jeannette is co-owner of the gym, and his daughter Miranda is a PA State Trooper and mother of a wonderful grandson, Dominic. Mike's son's, Michael & Marshall, are students at State College High School and play football and baseball for the school. He loves the outdoors when there is time to enjoy it.

Jeannette Rizzuto, Owner

Bio coming soon!

Amy Adamek  -  Manager and USAG Girls Team Head Coach
amy@nittanygym.com

Amy began gymnastics at Olympia Gymnastics in Pittsburgh at the age of 5.  She continued her competitive gymnastics career throughout the Pittsburgh area and finally ended up at Westmoreland Highlanders Gymnastics until the age of 16 when injury forced her out of competition.  Although unable to compete, Amy began teaching classes and eventually started working with the team.  While Amy was a student at Penn State University, she began working at Nittany In 2001, focusing on the recreational classes and the recreational team.  In 2003, after graduating from Penn State University, Amy took a full time position as the head coach of the girl’s competitive program.  Amy has been the head coach now for 8 years and has helped the program grow.  She started our Hot Shot program, the first level of our non-competitive groups which lead into our nationally competitive team.  Amy wants to share her passion of the sport with the young ladies that come into our program, as well as the community at large.  She knows that the sport of gymnastics has taught her many life skills and wants to make sure that the gymnasts she coaches gain the same skills from this wonderful sport.

Amy received her B.A. in Communications from Penn State University in 2003.  She is USAG Safety Certified, CPR & First Aid Certified, and attended USAG National Congress the past 7 years for education and training in the sport of competitive gymnastics.  She also attended the High Performance Clinic in 2011 for coaches who have had level 10 national competitors.

Lesley Heebner - Gymstar Director
lesley@nittanygym.com

Lesley had been a competitive gymnast for Dynamats in Williamsport for 5 years a Dancer for 14 years and a Cheerleader for 7 years. She is Nittany's GymStar Director since 2010, managing the class programs operations, staffing and gymnasts progressions. Prior to joining Nittany, Lesley was the Program Director and instructor at The Little Gym of Hunt Valley MD for 2 years. Upon returning to central PA, she resumed her role as Varsity Cheerleading coach with S. Williamsport School District. Over the years she has instructed private home cheerleading and dance camps.

Graduating Cum Laude with national Dean's List her Junior and Senior years, Lesley received her B.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal justice in NYC. She is an active member of USAG and is CPR and First Aid certified. Her spare time is consumed with fundraising for charities, contributing to the U.S.O., Breast Cancer Awareness and A.S.P. C.A.

Lesley moved back to this area in 2010, married her husband John Heebner, a native of Boalsburg and live in Boalsburg with their dog Casey. She enjoys spending her time with family and friends.

Carole Dudukovich - MegaTot Director
carole@nittanygym.com

Carole has been with Nittany Gymnastics since 2000. She manages and directs the MegaTot program at Nittany and has taught classes for infant, toddler, pre-K, kindergarten, special needs and home-schooled children. Prior to joining Nittany, Carole taught at the Harrisburg Gymnastic Academy for 5 years. She was a preschool teacher at Saint Catherine Laboure for 4 years and an elementary school teacher with Derry Township School district for a year.

Carole holds a B.S degree in Education from University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown , is certified in CPR and First Aid, Kidnastic certified, CPI trained, USA Kinder Accreditation for Teachers, USAG Certified and ESL trained.

The time Carole spends giving back to her community equals her time developing children's physical skills through gymnastics. She is actively involved with the Keystone State Reading Association as Membership director, Assistant Track Coach at Our Lady of Victory School, Substitute teacher at Our Lady of Victory and State College School District, Religious Education Teacher and Special Olympics Volunteer. Think Pink & Red Alert fundraisers with Saint Francis Univ. Field Hockey team and Saint Jude Cartwheel a-thons.

Carole enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, Dave and 2 college age children, Tia and Nik. She loves to read, run and spending time with family.

Mark Davis  -  USAG Boys Team Head Coach

Mark has 40 years of gymnastics coaching experience with both men and women's gymnastics and at all ages. He started his career in the sport as a gymnast earning a full scholarship to southern Illinois University. In 1973 he studied men's gymnastics in Japan on an exchange program. He has coached at numerous gyms across the country including; California State University, Northridge 1973-78; Asst. Coach under Dan Connelley. SCATS Gymnastics 1980-88, where he assisted coach Don Peters an Olympic coach. At SCATS he helped coach Olympians Mitch Gaylord and Charles Lakes. Mark also coached for Kelli Hill, Hill's Gym 2007-08. Mark studied and became man's national judge 1972-74.

Mark's career as a gymnast is as diverse as his coaching career. Numerous accolades emboss his CV, including:

• 2nd Place High Bar AAU Nationals
• 1st person in the world to compete a Triple Fly-away High Bar
• 3rd person in the world to compete Quad Fly-Away off swinging rings
• 2 time runner up division 2 nationals in Men's Gymnastics as Asst. Coach California State Univ.
• Men's National Judge.

In addition to participating and coaching gymnastics, Mark has been a staff writer for International Gymnast Magazine with numerous articles published.

When Mark isn’t coaching the boy’s team at Nittany, or teaching classes he enjoys his time with his wife Karen Schuckman, former PSU gymnast and 1st National All-Around Champion.  His family extends to 2 daughters; Coral a physician in internal medicine at Duke Medical and Chelsea, 2nd year Washington University graduate school.  Chelsea has been recognized as Big ten Scholar-Athlete of the year and 3 Meter nation Champion in swimming.

Benjamin Brickner, USAG Boys Team Asst. Coach and Class Instructor

Ben teaches Boy's GymStar classes and is the USAG Boys Team Asst. Coach. Prior to joining Nittany Gymnastics, Ben was the Pre-Team Boys Coach for World Class Gymnastics in VA for 2 years. Ben competed as a level 10 gymnast while attending high school. His well versed knowledge of basic techniques in boy's gymnastics is the foundation of his coaching at Nittany with the boy's team. He is attending Penn State University with expected graduation 2013 with a B.S degree in Economics.

Mariel Echemendia, USAG Girls Team Asst. Coach

Mariel has been coaching the girls levels 3-6 for the past year and a half, prior to that she worked for NGA as a birthday party and class instructor for five years. Gymnastics has been a part of her life for over 11 years, competing for Nittany for 10 years. In her 10 years of competing, she qualified for states at every level.

A State College native and graduating from State College High School in 2010, Mariel is currently studying Public Relations and Spanish, with a minor in Business. She likes to travel and compete for Penn State Club Gymnastics, when she has time.

Kelsey Glunt, Girls USAG Team Asst. Coach

Kelsey joined NGA summer 2011 to work with the girls levels 4-6. She was a competitive gymnast for 10 years at Nittany. Coaching for the past eight years, Kelsey has coached levels preschool through optional. Prior to joining Nittany, she coached at Gemini Gymnastics School in Altoona and Bellefonte YMCA.

She has numerous gymnastics accreditations including; Gymnastics Judge, Safety and Risk Management Certification, USAG Professional Member, USAG Fundamentals of Gymnastics Certification as well as attending coaching and spotting clinics.

Outside of coaching, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys watching gymnastics meets and wrestling matches, especially Cornell. Her and her boyfriend of six years share their love for their cat Henry.

Finda Reichert, USAG Girl's Coach Level 4-6

Finda has been involved in gymnastics since she was 2 years old. She comes to Nittany after 15 years coaching levels 1-6 at The Victors Gymnastics in Rochester, NY. While there, her teams achieved 3rd and `1st place standings in the New York State Team Cup. Early in her career, she taught sixth grade at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Rochester, NY. and worked with beginner levels at Central New York Gymnastics Center, East Syracuse, NR. She competed up to level 8 and was the New York State Level 4 Floor Champion.

Finda holds a B.S. in Psychology, from LeMoyne College, certified in NY State in elementary education and a USAIGC Safety Certification—Professional Member.

In her spare time, Finda volunteers at Edgerten Rec. Sports club and VBS Unity Kitchen. Mother of 4 and actively involved; especially trips to Disney with her family. Avid sports fan reader and Zumba participant.

Jennifer Klindt, USAIGC Girl's Team Head Coach & Birthday Part Director

Joining Nittany Gymnastics in 2009, Jennifer has been an active member of USGF from 1987-95. She trained through level 8 as a UAGF gymnast and continued as a competitive dancer through age 18. In her 3rd season as an IGC coach, Jen has been coaching for 7 years. Prior to joining Nittany, she coached at Northern Elite, Flanders NJ for 2 years and Twisters Gymnastics, West Bury, NY for 3 years. Jen has taught Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics at The Ballet Barne in Newton, NJ.

Jen holds a B.S. in Education, Physical Education is USAG Safety Certified and an ACE Personal Trainer. In June 2011 Jen took the first year IGC team to nationals in California.

In her spare time, Jen likes to skydive and play rugby.

Kristin Szymanski, USAG Girls Team Asst. Coach

We welcome Kristin back at Nittany after her hiatus for the past six years where she coached for Harrisburg Gymnastics and Paramount Gymnastics. For the past 8 years Kristin has coached levels 4-8. She is currently working with Nittany's girls team levels 4-6. Kristin has been doing gymnastics or been around the sport since age 4. She is passing on the legacy of her love for the sport to her daughter, Abigail, 6 months, having her in the gym whenever she can while she coaches. Kristin earned her B.S in Nursing from Penn State University.

Jill Doverspike

Jill teaches MegaTot classes. Jill has participated in cheerleading including all-stars and college for 14 years. She has taught cheer tumbling and coached as well. Each summer for the past four years, Jill has coached cheerleading for Explorer Girls, Inc. Attending Penn State University, Jill expects to graduate in 2012 with a B.A. in English & Fashion Editing.

Jeffery Forshey

Jeffery teaches girl's and boy's GymStar classes. Jeffery participated in the Lock Haven YMCA Gymnastics program, Central Mountain Cheer and Cheer Stars Invasion from 2008 to2010. He is a student at Penn State University studying International Politics, National Security and Terrorism. His minors are Global Security, Middle Eastern Studies, Arabic and Spanish. He volunteers his time with the Penn State Eclipse Winter Guard as Team Director. His interests lie in international travel, foreign languages, color guard, drum corps international, dance and cheerleading.

Michelle Jocks

Michelle teaches Tumble classes at Nittany. Michelle's athletic background encompasses gymnastics to level 7, Penn State club cheer and Nittany All Stars cheer. She has been an instructor for Nittany Gymnastics since 2010 and has instructed programs for Kenwal Day Camp. She volunteers her time with Vips, and as a tutor at State College High School. Michelle has also been an assistant teacher for New Beginnings pre-school. Michelle is USAG Safety Certified. She will graduate in August 2013 from Penn State University with a B.A. Degree in elementary Education. When Michelle is not in school or working, she loves to spend time with her puppy.

Kyra Levi

Kyra is currently a level 10 gymnast and has coached at the compulsory level for Nittany Gymnastics. She is currently a sophomore at State College Area High School. In her gymnastics career, Kyra has achieved Level 9 Regional qualifier and level 10 State qualifier. In her spare time she is a Special Olympics Volunteer. The youngest of four siblings, all previously involved in gymnastics, Kyra lives in State College with her family. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and hiking

Kerry Lewis

Kerry has been with Nittany Gymnastics since Sept. 2004. She has been an instructor of numerous Megatot and Gymstar classes. Her gymnastics career began at age 2 at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA. Later she attended Northwest Gymnastics academy until 18. She was a competitive team member for 3 years and a cheerleader for Indiana University of Pennsylvania for 3 years.

Kerry is a Penn State University graduate, with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a B.S. in Nutrition. She also has USA Gymnastics Safety Certification. When Kerry is not teaching children gymnastics she is enjoying mountain biking, snowboarding, ice skating, an avid spectator of Penn State gymnastics, football and ice hockey. Kerry also finds Spikes games enjoyable. Coming from Wilkes-Barre and a big family of 3 brothers and 3 sisters, she currently lives in Bellefonte.

Chelsea Reilly

Chelsea teaches GymStar and MegaTot classes. Competing in USAG gymnastics and high school varsity and middle school gymnastics, Chelsea gained over 5 years experience and earned co-captain title for 1 year. Aside from her instructor position with Nittany Gymnastics, she works with Bright Horizons as an assistant teacher a cashier at the Bryce Jordon Center and a writing tutor with Penn State Learning. Chelsea is a junior at Penn State majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Special Education. Chelsea has made the Dean's List Spring 2009 and 2011 and received the Varsity Athletic Award in 2008. Very active in the community with Kiddie Academy, SB Recreation, Chosen Children Village, Live Link PSU, and the Easter Seals. In addition to instructing gymnastics at Nittany, she is a teaching assistant at PSU along with a writing tutor. Chelsea has 2 sisters and a brother and is originally from South Brunswick, NJ. She enjoys working with children, writing and jet skiing.

Heather Riffe

Heather teaches GymStar, Megatot and Tumble classes. Heather joined Nittany Gymnastics this year with 10 years of competitive gymnastics. Over the years she has achieved numerous gymnastics awards. Her coaching career started at Greenville School of Gymnastics as a volunteer class coach. She is First Aid and CPR/AED certified. A senior at Penn State University with a major in Athletic Training.

Amber Smith

Amber teaches GymStar, Megatot and Tumble classes. Amber competed Level 9 in gymnastics after 12 years in the sport, achieving 3rd Place State Champion. She also coached 5-7 advanced beginner classes at Prestige Gymnastics for 2 years. Currently she instructs gymnastics classes for Nittany and works for Armstrong World industries. A student at Penn State University pursuing a degree in Accounting and labor Employment Relations. Her service to the community involves work at the local food bank and helpin with the children Christmas Pagent at her church. From Lancaster, PA with one sister. Amber loves to be outside and going to the beach.

Danielle Peskin

Danielle has 16 years cheerleading experience and 3 years swim instruction experience.  She attained the Bronze Champion at World Championship All Star CheerLeading in 2010.  She teaches the GymStar classes at NGA.

Danielle is a Senior at Penn State University studying Civil Engineering.

Chris Deyo, USAIGC Girls Team Asst. Coach

Chris joined Nittany in the Fall of 2011. He began coaching gymnastics at Dynamats Gymnastics Center in Williamsport, PA in 1996 where he coached Girls Levels 5-8. In 2000, Chris began a mobile gymnastics program, and for the past 12 years, he has taught gymnastics to the children in the State College area.

Chris lives with his wife, Terra, and two children, both of whom are young Nittany Gymnasts! Tanner is a Level 5 on the Boys Team, and Micah is just getting started as a Hot Shot in the Girls program.

Aside from gymnastics, Chris enjoys trail running, rock climbing, and backpacking. 

Liz Guth

Bio coming soon.

Pa'Trese Clark

Bio coming soon.