|
Our Board of Directors
The Nanaimo Gymnastics School Board is made up of volunteers who are committed to delivering our club mission. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, the Board is elected at each Annual General Meeting and oversees the club's strategic plan, so that staff can execute the day to day operations. The Nanaimo Gymnastics School Management Team comprised of the Operations Manager, Communications Manager & Office Manager reports to the Board of Directors. All operational queries should be addressed through the office of the Nanaimo Gymnastics School. |
|
2022-2023 NGS Board of Directors
Leslie DeSchutter - President
My husband, Thomas, and I are the proud parents of twin girls. I previously served as the NGS board secretary. My daughter, Tatum is in her 6th year in the competitive program and some of her athletic highlights include competing at BC Winter Games 2020 and being awarded the Christy Fraser Memorial Award for Sportsmanship 2022. I work in film and television as an actor, director, and producer. Additionally, I coach and mentor actors working professionally on Netflix, Epix, Hulu, and other films, television, and commercial productions. I am not only excited to see NGS thrive today, but for future generations to come.
"I am delighted to serve the NGS Board and give back to the organization that has helped grow my daughter into a confident and dedicated athlete.”
"I am delighted to serve the NGS Board and give back to the organization that has helped grow my daughter into a confident and dedicated athlete.”
Natalie Berkheimer - Vice-President
Natalie grew up on the mainland, and was a competitive figure skater until her late teens. After leaving the competitive scene, she worked as an on and off-ice skating instructor for many years, as well as in Parks & Recreation for multiple municipalities. She took up skating again during the pandemic, and also enjoy running, hiking and biking with her husband and two daughters.
Natalie relocated, with her family, to Vancouver Island in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since! She currently works as a Regional Enablement Coach for a large Financial Institution, and enjoys volunteering in the community. Her daughters both love gymnastics and her youngest is now part of the NGS competitive program. Natalie is excited to see her daughters grow with the sport, and also looks forward to supporting all the athletes, coaches and NGS family.
Natalie relocated, with her family, to Vancouver Island in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since! She currently works as a Regional Enablement Coach for a large Financial Institution, and enjoys volunteering in the community. Her daughters both love gymnastics and her youngest is now part of the NGS competitive program. Natalie is excited to see her daughters grow with the sport, and also looks forward to supporting all the athletes, coaches and NGS family.
Darya Fisher - Treasurer
Paula Shoemaker - Secretary
Paula was lucky to grow up here on Vancouver Island but pursued her education at UBC and the University of Alberta achieving a Master’s degree in Science (exercise physiology) and a Master's in Physical Therapy. She has practiced as a Physiotherapist in the private sector for the past 15 years, taught as a sessional instructor at UBC, and has also mentored many students.
As an avid believer in health, sport and physical fitness Paula has competed in a number of marathons, adventure races, and triathlons including Ironman Canada. Paula continues to stay healthy and promote the sport with her family through running, mountain and road biking, skiing, and surfing.
Paula has a 7yr old daughter at NGS in her second year in the competitive program and is really looking forward to serving the gym, the coaches, and the athletes as Secretary on the Board of Directors.
As an avid believer in health, sport and physical fitness Paula has competed in a number of marathons, adventure races, and triathlons including Ironman Canada. Paula continues to stay healthy and promote the sport with her family through running, mountain and road biking, skiing, and surfing.
Paula has a 7yr old daughter at NGS in her second year in the competitive program and is really looking forward to serving the gym, the coaches, and the athletes as Secretary on the Board of Directors.
Elizabeth Szopa - Member at Large
Elizabeth has 3 daughters. Her eldest is 10 and in her 6th year in the Competitive program. Her middle daughter is 7 and has been involved in the Intro Competitive program at NGS, but has now moved into an Intensive Dance Program. Her youngest is 3 and would like to try a Preschool Class this year. All of Elizabeth’s girls are very active and have enjoyed starting gymnastics training almost as soon as they could walk.
Elizabeth is in her third year on the Board of Directors as a Member at Large. Prior to taking on this position, she has volunteered her time on the Fundraising Committee, and is now the Fundraising Coordinator for NGS.
Elizabeth’s background is in Special Education, Home Economics Education, and Gender and Sexuality Studies. She is a Learning Support Teacher with the Qualicum School District. Elizabeth works hard to understand each child’s uniqueness and their own individual abilities. Elizabeth grew up as a competitive swimmer and avid long distance runner, then became a Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard in high school and university. Elizabeth values physical activity and currently enjoys cycling/spinning and lifting weights. Elizabeth also is extremely passionate about healthy eating and works hard to nourish her family with healthy nutrient rich foods.
Elizabeth is in her third year on the Board of Directors as a Member at Large. Prior to taking on this position, she has volunteered her time on the Fundraising Committee, and is now the Fundraising Coordinator for NGS.
Elizabeth’s background is in Special Education, Home Economics Education, and Gender and Sexuality Studies. She is a Learning Support Teacher with the Qualicum School District. Elizabeth works hard to understand each child’s uniqueness and their own individual abilities. Elizabeth grew up as a competitive swimmer and avid long distance runner, then became a Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard in high school and university. Elizabeth values physical activity and currently enjoys cycling/spinning and lifting weights. Elizabeth also is extremely passionate about healthy eating and works hard to nourish her family with healthy nutrient rich foods.
Lisa Cunnian - Member at Large
My daughter has been at the Nanaimo Gymnastics School since she was two years old and we consider the gym part of our family. I am a full-time high school teacher and love getting involved in extra-curricular activities involving kids. I run our school's Student Council, I coach volleyball and I am on the grad planning committee.
In my free time, I love getting outside with my kids and my dog to explore our beautiful island.
In my free time, I love getting outside with my kids and my dog to explore our beautiful island.
Gillian Box- Member at Large
Gillian was born and raised in Nanaimo and was a competitive gymnast for six years and a coach for several years after that. She completed a Bachelor’s of Commerce at UVic in 2004 and after marrying her husband Joe, moved back to Nanaimo to raise their family. They have two daughters in the competitive program. When not at the gym, you’ll find the Boxes skiing, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, or on self-guided multi-day rafting trips around BC and the US. The only thing their kids love more than gymnastics is rafting.
Gillian has worked for 15+ years as a Business Analyst, first with the provincial government and for the last 9 years in the private sector. She has a passion for all sport but especially competitive gymnastics, which she wholeheartedly believes builds a great foundation for future success in sport and life.
Gillian has worked for 15+ years as a Business Analyst, first with the provincial government and for the last 9 years in the private sector. She has a passion for all sport but especially competitive gymnastics, which she wholeheartedly believes builds a great foundation for future success in sport and life.