MGC Meet Our Team - Studio Dance Arts

Meet our Team at Marquette Gymnastics & Cheer

Ashley Tremblay Studio + Gym Director, Coach

Ashley Tremblay, Director of Studio Dance Arts and Marquette Gymnastics and Cheer, is a highly accomplished dancer and dance instructor with a strong passion for the art form. Born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, Ashley has dedicated her life to honing her skills and mastering various dance disciplines. Having trained extensively in Ontario, Ashley has successfully completed all levels of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) certification, solidifying her technical foundation and expertise. She stands proudly as a testament to the rigorous training and discipline demanded by the RAD program.

Beyond her local training, Ashley has ventured onto the international stage, competing in dance competitions across the globe. Her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have earned her recognition and respect from peers and industry professionals alike. Furthermore, Ashley holds the distinguished honor of being accepted into both the Quinta and Interlochen Fine Arts Programs. These prestigious institutions have provided her with invaluable experiences, exposing her to diverse artistic perspectives and strengthening her artistic versatility.

With an impressive teaching career spanning 22 years, Ashley has nurtured the next generation of dancers across all disciplines. Her students benefit from her wealth of knowledge, guidance, and genuine passion for dance. Along with her background in dance Ashley also hold the following certifications: USAG certified, CPR, First Aid, AED, head concussion, and is also a Safe Sport certified instructor, she ensures the safety and well-being of her students, prioritizing their growth and development in a nurturing environment.

In addition to her teaching endeavors, Ashley has established and successfully managed a dance studio for the past decade. As well as expanding in offering gymnastics to the community thru Marquette Gymnastics and Cheer. And most recently expanded to offering Dance and Gymnastics in Munising. This venture has allowed her to create a welcoming space for dancers and Gymnasts of all backgrounds to thrive and explore their potential. Under her leadership, the studios and gym has become a hub for artistic expression and a driving force within the local dance and gymnastics community.

Ashley continues to make significant contributions to the world of dance and gymnastics, inspiring countless individuals with her remarkable talent, unwavering dedication, and infectious enthusiasm. Her journey as a dancer, instructor, studio and gym director exemplifies the transformative power of dance and gymnastics. And serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers and gymnasts worldwide.

Maya Reyst Recreational, Preschool + Team Coach, Xcel Team Coordinator

Maya has been a gymnastics coach for 8 years, with experience coaching USAG competitive levels 1-8, recreational, preschool, and ninja classes. She is CPR, first aid, AED, concussion and SafeSport certified. She also holds all USA Gymnastics competitive coach certifications, along with an additional youth mental health certification. Maya is the Safety Champion for Marquette Gymnastics & Cheer, she is responsible for assuring the gym and all athletes and coaches are following safety guidelines. She did competitive gymnastics growing up, traveling anywhere from Chicago, to Las Vegas for competitions, along with varsity diving in high school. She has placed in 4 State Championships in gymnastics, and 3 State and Regional championships in diving. Furthermore, she is currently studying at Northern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in English in 2024. Maya believes that coaches are lifelong learners. Her philosophy is driven by a commitment to continuous education and self-improvement. She believes in nurturing athletes as individuals, aiming to build their physical skills, mental strength, and personal character. Safety is Maya's non-negotiable foundation, ensuring proper technique, equipment maintenance, and injury prevention. Maya coaches through positive reinforcement, uplifting and empowering her gymnasts with constructive feedback and praise. She encourages teamwork and respect, promoting a supportive, inclusive team environment. Maya's overarching philosophy is to instill a deep love and passion for gymnastics in each athlete, ensuring they become not only skilled gymnasts but also confident, disciplined, and resilient individuals.

Elsa Leopold Preschool + Recreational Coordinator, Xcel Team Coach

Elsa has been coaching gymnastics for 5+ years. She has coached preschool, recreational, boys, Special Olympics, and competitive levels. Being USAG and SafeSport certified, Elsa’s coaching philosophy involves teaching safe and fun gymnastics. She pushes her students to be the best they can be in both the gym and their lives. Elsa has also gone through training to be a beginner aerial silks instructor. Born and raised in Minnesota, Elsa competed in Junior Olympic gymnastics up to level 8 and for her high school’s varsity gymnastics team for a total of 10 years of competing in the sport. She has many accomplishments, including a two time state champion in uneven bars and a two time MSHSL state meet qualifier. Now teaching at MGC, Elsa continues to further her education in the sport as well as sharing her knowledge with her students.

Lani Johnson Preschool + Recreational Coordinator, Xcel Team Coach

Lani was born and raised on the island of Kaua’i Hawai’i. She has been a gymnastics coach for over 15 years. She has coached preschool, recreational, ninja, cheer tumbling, and USA Gymnastics competitive levels 1-10. Her coaching motto is Success for every child. She believes in cultivating happy and healthy athletes through positive reinforcement, and will always find a way to help her athletes achieve their goals. She started gymnastics at the age of 4 at Kaua’i Gymnastics Academy, where she was coached and mentored by Jack Leonard of Hill’s Gymnastics. Jack was assistant coach to Dominique Dawes through her 3 Olympic Games, and a gymnastics safety expert. He instilled in her a strong work ethic, and a positive coaching environment. She competed level 8, and continued gymnastics well into her adult years. Lani was Team head coach, recreation program director, choreographer, and administrator from 2020-2022 at KGA before relocating to the upper peninsula. She is Safesport, CPR/AED, and USAG safety certified.

Kiki Seekie Preschool + Recreational Coach

Kiki is a junior at MSHS and has been coaching gymnastics and cheer for over 2 years. She has an expansive background in both gymnastics and cheer, as she has taken part in her high school cheer team and later the gymnastics team as well. She has assisted in coaching the Bothwell Middle School cheer team, multiple gymnastics and cheer camps, and coached with Community Education in Negaunee. Kiki has fallen in love with what she does and is seeking medical degrees in the MATMC middle college program. Kiki is CPR and first aid certified and was an ambassador for an anti-bullying, core character development, and suicide prevention charity. Kiki continues to love coaching and all the amazing people she meets and connects with through the studio.

Karianna Virta Preschool + Recreational Coach

Karianna is a junior at Munising High School, and a current Xcel gold competitive gymnast on our team. She has been doing gymnastics since she was 4 years old, competing levels 1-6, and now gold, traveling across the Midwest for gymnastics. Karianna has also attended the University of Michigan Gymnastics Camp. Karianna hopes to attend Northern Michigan University, and become a surgical technician. Karianna's goal as a coach is to share her love of gymnastics with others and continue to expand her knowledge of gymnastics coaching techniques.

Galina Taylor Coach

Galya has a unique blend of gymnastics expertise and mental wellness knowledge. She has over 4 years of coaching experience and is a licensed mental health therapist. Galya integrates physical and mental skill development to foster a holistic approach to athlete development. Her gymnastics career started at age 6 where she competed until age 18 and then transitioned to coaching. She has an in-depth coaching history as she has coached athletes ranging from preschool to Elite. Galya had the unique opportunity to move out of state to coach with an Olympic coach. This opportunity provided her with the experience of working alongside an Olympic-level mentor. In addition to being a head coach, program director and choreographer, she became certified through USAG to host competitive gymnastics meets.

She is passionate about creating a supportive environment where athletes can grow, learn and thrive. She’s excited to join this team and help shape the next generation of gymnasts!