Coaching Staff

 

Sing
Xin
Xinhong (Sing) J.: Head Coach & Mentor
With over 30 years of coaching experience, Sing is a highly respected figure in Canadian rhythmic gymnastics. Her impressive background includes:

  • Competitive rhythmic gymnast and group gold-medal winner at national university games
  • 6 years teaching physical education at a Chinese university, with roles as national judge and head coach
  • Modern dance background, coached by her mother, a prominent physical education professor
  • Master of Arts in Psychology (Carleton University, Canada) and Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education (China)

Certifications & Achievements:

  • NCCP Level III certified coach
  • Brevet judge
  • Mentor for the CAO Coach 2 Coach Female Mentorship Program
  • Former NCCP course conductor for Gymnastics Ontario
  • Winner of the 2006 National Wild Rose Domestic Development Coaching Award
  • 2014 Female Volunteer of the Year for Special Olympics Ontario-Ottawa

Coaching Successes:

  • Guided gymnasts to numerous championships at regional, provincial, national, and international levels
  • Coached five Special Olympic athletes to attend the World Games, helping many achieve their best

Kristin

Kristin P.: Coach & Educator Kristin has been an integral part of our club since the age of 4, competing competitively for 14 years and achieving remarkable success:

  • Individual Championship winner (2013)
  • Multiple Group Championship titles

Following her competitive career, Kristin transitioned to coaching with our club in 2013, sharing her expertise and passion with the next generation of gymnasts.

Education & Career:

  • Graduate of the University of Ottawa with a degree in Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education
  • Currently, a dedicated school teacher, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning

Kristin’s extensive experience as a competitive gymnast, combined with her educational background and teaching expertise, make her an exceptional coach and role model. Her passion for teaching and helping others grow shines through in everything she does.

Elizabel

Elizabel M.: Renowned Dancer & Educator
Elizabel is a distinguished dance professional with a rich background in classical ballet. Her illustrious career includes performances with:

  • National Ballet of Cuba
  • Vienna Opera Ballet
  • Regional Company of Madrid

Trained by the legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta Alicia Alonso, Elizabel applies her expertise and knowledge to inspire future generations.

Teaching Experience:

  • Private academies in Spain
  • Professional Dance Conservatories in Madrid, including the prestigious Royal Professional Dance Conservatory
  • The School of Dance and Ottawa Dance Centre School in Ottawa

Leadership Roles:

  • Assistant Director, Spanish branch of Dance Open America, an international contest providing career opportunities for exceptional young dancers

Elizabel’s extensive experience as a dancer and educator makes her a valuable asset to our Club nurturing talent and fostering excellence in her students.

Hannah

Hannah L.: Coach & Music editor
Hannah’s rhythmic gymnastics journey began at age 4 in ORGC’s recreational program, blossoming into a successful competitive career spanning over a decade:

  • Progressed from interclub to provincial and national levels
  • Led the ORGC Senior Development Group to gold at the 2022 Canadian Championships
  • Contributed to multiple Ontario championship-winning teams
  • Earned numerous individual provincial medals

Now, Hannah is dedicated to sharing her expertise and passion with the next generation:

  • Rhythmic Gymnastics Foundations Trained Coach
  • Actively pursuing NCCP Level 2 certification
  • Completing her Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance at the University of Ottawa

As an accomplished gymnast and aspiring coach, Hannah embodies the perfect blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and passion for the sport. She is poised to inspire and guide young gymnasts to reach their full potential.

Melanie (Mimi)

Melanie (Mimi)

Melanie (Mimi) L.: Coach, judge & Choreographer
Mimi’s illustrious rhythmic gymnastics career began at age 3, spanning over a decade of provincial & national competition and garnering numerous gold medals. Her achievements include:

  • 2018 RG Provincial Champion (Level 6C)
  • Gold medalist with her team in the National Senior FIG group of 5 category at Elite Canada (2018)
  • Ottawa Mayor Sports Award for Rhythmic Gymnastics (2018)

Mimi’s expertise extends beyond competition:

  • Certified judge for Gymnastics Ontario and Special Olympics
  • Coach and choreographer for gymnasts across recreational, provincial, and national levels
  • Represented Canada as a judge at the IV International Tournament Grand Premium 2024 (Spain)

Beyond gymnastics, Mimi is a:

  • Medical student at the University of Toronto
  • Professional musician with the Kingston Symphony
  • Contemporary dance enthusiast, taking classes in Toronto

Mimi’s unique blend of musicality, technical expertise, and artistic expression makes her a sought-after judge, coach, and choreographer. Her passion for rhythmic gymnastics and the arts continues to inspire and elevate the sport.

Olena

Olena S.: Choreographer, Teacher, Dancer, and Performing Artist
Olena is a highly skilled Ukrainian artist with a decade of experience in China’s performing arts industry. With a lifelong passion for dance, she continues to educate herself through workshops with renowned dancers and choreographers like Chris Martin, Keone & Mari, and Shaun Evaristo.Work Experience: Performer, Minshan Theatre (Chengdu City, 2014-2016)

  • Performed as a leading artist
  • Contributed ideas and concepts for shows

Teacher & Dancer, CMD Studio (Chengdu City, 2016-2020)

  • Team member of “Iamdifferent” crew
  • Participated in competitions, battles, and performances
  • Taught kids and adults

Artist, Zelin Agency (China, 2020-2022)

  • Performed in commercial events, musicals, and theatre productions
  • Assisted in choreography for musicals and theatre performances

Education:

  • Gaditsk School of Culture and Arts, Bachelor of Performing Art & Choreographing
  • Poltava University of Economics & Trade, Bachelor of Business Management (2010-2013, 2005-2009)

Olena’s extensive experience, diverse skill set, and commitment to quality make her an invaluable asset to the club seeking excellence in performance and education.

Chloe

Chloe B.: Coach & Health Science  Student

Chloe’s rhythmic gymnastics journey began in New Brunswick in 2015, where she achieved remarkable success:
  • Won numerous gold medals with her group at prestigious competitions, including Atlantics and the 2018 Eastern Canadian  Championship

In 2018, Chloe joined ORGC and progressed from interclub to provincial levels, competing until 2022. She then transitioned to coaching, sharing her expertise and passion with the next generation of gymnasts.

Coaching Experience:

  • Coached provincial, Inter-Club rhythmic gymnastics and at the recreational level with the City of Ottawa, introducing the sport to newcomers and fostering a love for the discipline

Education:

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science at the University of Ottawa Chloe’s competitive background, coaching experience, and academic pursuits make her a well-rounded and dedicated coach. Her passion for rhythmic gymnastics and health science will undoubtedly inspire and motivate her athletes.

 

Gabriella

Gabriella S.: Coach

Gabriella’s rhythmic gymnastics journey began at age 5, evolving from recreational to competitive excellence. Her 7-year tenure with ORGC encompassed:
  • Provincial individual competitor
  • National senior group member
  • National senior gymnast (culminating at age 17)

Now, Gabriella is devoted to nurturing the next generation as a coach, sharing her:

  • Profound love for the sport
  • Technical expertise
  • Passion for mentorship

With a strong competitive background and a heart for guidance, Gabriella is poised to inspire and shape young gymnasts, fostering their growth and success in rhythmic gymnastics.

Katelyn

Katelyn S.: Coach & Music editor
Debuting at age 3 in artistic gymnastics, Katelyn Stead discovered her true calling in rhythmic gymnastics at 7, joining the Ottawa Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and provincial team. Her illustrious career unfolded:

  • 2017: National group member and individual competitor (level 3C)
  • 2018: Novice group national champion
  • 2019: Provincial championships – 3rd overall (individual) while balancing junior national group training
  • 2020-2021: International online competitions – gold medalist (individual)
  • 2024: Elite Canada Championships competitor (individual) and retirement from competition

Gymnastics instilled valuable skills: time management, sportsmanship, perseverance, and confidence. Katelyn transitioned to coaching in 2021, guiding recreational, pre-competitive, provincial, and Special Olympic gymnasts. Now, she aims to share her expertise and passion with younger generations while pursuing her Earth Sciences degree at Carleton University.

Sarah

Sarah_1

Sarah C.: NCCP I

Sarah likes to bend herself in improbable ways. Still ridiculously flexible, she participates in most of her classes and definitely believes learning should be fun. (Since she coaches in her spare time, we’re pretty sure she thinks coaching is fun too!) A dancer and a gymnast from the age of 4 or 5, Sarah competed in rhythmic gymnastics for about 11 years and is a former Provincial Champion. She was also part of ORGC’s first National Duo and is a graduate of Canterbury High School’s Dance Program. She started coaching young and is going to hit the 10 years mark very shortly! Sarah continues to love dance and is now part of a performance Salsa and Charleston group.
Kateleen

Kateleen J.: NCCP I

Kateleen has been a gymnast since the age of 7. Throughout her 10 years of competing, she has won many titles at the provincial and national levels. Kateleen was on Team Ontario for 2 years as a Senior level national gymnast. During this time, she was the 2018 Eastern Regional Champion in the Individual Clubs event, and won the 2018 Canadian National Championships in the Senior Group event. Kateleen also won the 2017 Ottawa Sports Award for Rhythmic Gymnastics. While being a rhythmic gymnast, Kateleen has participated in ballet, jazz, and traditional Chinese dances. Kateleen is currently studying Biology with a specialization in Physiology, and a minor in Psychology at McMaster University.

Outside of rhythmic gymnastics, Kateleen continues to pursue her passion for movement and artistry by participating in the recreational Dance team at McMaster University.

New Coaches

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New Coaches

Former Coaches: Thank you for all the time and effort that you have put into coaching ORGC team these years.