MEGA Staff

Kim Tanskanen - Hi, I am Kim Tanskanen. I am one of the co-owners of Michigan Elite Gymnastics Academy. I have a wonderful

husband, Juha, and a daughter Kaia (who you will see spending a lot of time with mom at the gym). My goal is for everyone to have

a pleasant experience at M.E.G.A., and to take home memories that will last a lifetime. You will see me on the floor coaching

the competitive team. I love to watch young children learn and grow into young, healthy, responsible adults. I am grateful

to the parents who support our programs, and to the staff who are committed to making M.E.G.A. a great experience

for our students.

Juha Tanskanen - My gymnastics experience stretches for over a quarter of a century during which time I have competed, coached, or judged all over the world. I have coached European medallists and a World Champion, but the biggest enjoyment is to coach young children and see them overcome their obstacles and the sincere joy it brings to them. Besides all the happy memories from around the world, this sport has given me a priceless trophy-my family. My wife, Kim, and daughter, Kaia, spend all their time at the gym as well, so you will be seeing a lot of us. I want to welcome every boy and girl to the MEGA family to experience the fun challenges of gymnastics regardless of your skill level, age or future goals.

Amy Fringer - Hi! My name is Miss Amy. You can “spot” me with the preschool or class program children or in the Office. I am married and have 2 daughters, Madison (14) and Chloe’ (11). I love to watch your children develop into strong, healthy young adults through physical fitness and the sport of gymnastics. I also enjoy developing relationships with all the parents of these wonderful children. If you ever need anything, you can reach me in the office or at ajfringer@yahoo.com

Anne Marie Walko - Hello, my name is Anne Marie. I am very excited to be a part of the Michigan Elite Gymnastics Academy coaching staff. I have been coaching gymnastics for 12 years, and I love every minute of it! I attended Western Michigan University where I got my degree in elementary education. I taught first grade for a while, but realized my true passion is coaching. I also have a strong interest in the TOPs program, because I believe it helps to make children strong and confident competitors. I am currently a State TOPs Manager. I have been fortunate to coach many state and regional champions throughout the years and I look forward to continue doing so here at MEGA. I believe that gymnastics helps young people to learn discipline, focus, and builds physical strength as well as strength of character. I truly enjoy being a person that helps develop these traits.

Michelle Wimberly - My name is Coach Michelle. I have been involved with gymnastics for fifteen years. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Physical Education and Health degree. I coach in the preschool and class programs. I am also a Team Coach. You can reach me at the gym or at mwimberly@emich.edu.

Neal Blocher - Hi, I am Neal Blocher. I am one of the competitive Boys Team Coaches. I have been coaching boy’s competitive

gymnastics since 1997. I was a competitive gymnast in Junior and Senior High School in Ohio, and for 4 years at

Eastern Michigan University. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion with the younger athletes so they can

grow to the best of their potential.

Bill Fringer - Hi! My name is Coach Bill. I have a wife, Amy, and two beautiful daughters, Madison (13) and Chloe’ (10)…all of who are at MEGA. I have been involved in the sport of gymnastics for approximately ten years. I have a definite love of children and a desire to see all children achieve their own personal successes and goals. I look forward to coaching your child at Michigan Elite Gymnastics Academy.

Melanie Hein - Hi! I am Coach Mel. I have a degree from Eastern Michigan University with a major in Physical

Education and minor in Health. I have participated in the sport of gymnastics for 14 years. I am one of the girls team coaches, but I also teach classes in our class program. I enjoy coaching and I have been a team coach for years. I can be contacted at the gym or at melbel478@hotmail.com.

Diane Cannon - Hi! My name is Coach Diane. I love to coach your children to be the best athlete and child they can be through physical fitness and the sport of gymnastics.

Monique Dawood- Hi! My name is Monique Dawood. I was a gymnast for nine years and I absolutely love the sport. I have been coaching class gymnastics for three years and it has been a great experience. You can find me coaching in the preschool and class programs. If you would like to contact me, you can reach me at 248-535-4222 or moniquerda@yahoo.com

Andrew Karsen - My name is Andrew Karsen. I have been a cheerleader for ten years now, three years in high school and five years in college at the University of Detroit Mercy and Michigan State University where I competed at U.C.A Nationals. I am in my second season on the Detroit Pistons stunt and tumble team, the Work Force. I also have a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and have been coaching tumbling and stunting to cheerleaders for four years.

Paul (PJ) Starosciak - Hi! I am Coach PJ. I have been in gymnastics for 9 years. I currently coach gymnastics, cheerleading and trampoline and tumbling. I am currently a student at Oak Community College. I hope to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering and Business. I never really think of working here as a “job” because I love coaching so much. There is such joy watching students get better and stronger and having the chance to be a part of that.

Joshua Marlette - My name is Joshua Marlette. I have coached recreational gymnastics for over five years. I currently coach

Mega Boys II and III and substitute when I am needed. I really enjoy working with children and providing them a

positive outlet to develop as a person and an athlete. I look forward to working with your child.