THE FLEX STORY
Flex Gymnastics was created by three families with a love for gymnastics and community. We strive to have a positive impact on each child’s life by providing a safe space for kids whether that is in the afterschool program or all levels of gymnastics and ninja. We want to promote the best chances of success for each child’s goals and personal achievements.
Learn more about your Flex family:
Tamee Tindal - Head Team Coach
Tamee has over 3 decades of gymnastics coaching experience, and a lifetime around the sport. Tamee takes pride in maximizing the potential in all of her athletes at every level. While many of her students have gone on to collegiate careers, helping others to more modest achievements is just as rewarding and important to Tamee. Beyond her coaching prowess, Tamee has a proven track record implementing and managing thriving After School and Camp programs.
Tamee's most valuable attribute is the ability to gain the trust of her athletes through developing a genuine, individual relationship reaching beyond gymnastic results. Once the athlete feels loved and appreciated as a person, they can then be coached beyond their comfort zone, enabling full potential to be reached.
Favorite Skill: Giants
Guilty Pleasure: Taking a Nap
Krista Schmidt - Team Coach
Krista has gymnastics in her blood. Her dad coached and owned gyms, her mom was a gymnast and a gymnastics judge, so of course she was a high level competitive gymnast her whole childhood. Krista spent the last 10 years as a nurse helping the community in labor and delivery and at home IV infusions.
Once her daughter got into gymnastics it reignited her love and passion for the sport and she started coaching at the compulsory level. Giving back to the kids and families in her community is very important to her and she feels so blessed to be able to do it through gymnastics. She strives to encourage, build confidence, and self esteem in young kids that they can use throughout their lives.
Favorite Skill: Press Handstand
Guilty Pleasure: Snacking
Jaelyn Skinner - Head Coach of Silver and Gold Teams
Jae grew up as a gymnast, eventually progressing to success at Optional levels. Using lessons learned as a young gymnast, Jaelyn transitioned into a competitive golfer, eventually earning the Beth Daniel Junior Girls Player of the Year in South Carolina, and a full scholarship to a Division I program.
Upon graduation, Jae returned to the gym and now has over 12 years of coaching experience at all levels. Her exposure to each level of the sport revealed a love for coaching beginner gymnastics, enabling her to help young athletes gain confidence, develop skills, and fall in love with the sport. Jae sees the potential in her students, and helps them see it in themselves, through an attitude of relentless perseverance.
Favorite Skill: Full
Guilty Pleasure: Chewing Gum
Teagan Aulick
Recreational Gymnastics and Tumbling Lead
Teagan has seen every side of gymnastics, from child prodigy to overcoming an injury and now sharing her knowledge with the students here at Flex. She coaches with a quiet confidence that exudes a calmness to which draws in young athletes. Teagan has been where her students are now and shares the path to consistent improvement through her coaching.
Gracie Boyd
Recreational Lead
Gracie has excelled in her roll as a Rec Gymnast coach at Flex, maintaining a safe and fun environment for her students. Her vast knowledge, patience, and kind nature help her students have the best chance at being the best they can be.
Ashton Recino
Ninja Assistant
Ashton exhibits the traits expected from a young man with his pedigree for Ninja skills. As Javon's brother, Ashton has amazing talent, great enthusiasm, and a unique ability to bring energy to Flex Ninja classes.
Favorite Skill: 720 Hook Kick
Guilty Pleasure: Green
Lydia Young
Recreational Lead
Lydia has transferred her skills as a competitive gymnast into becoming a great leader and coach at Flex. The knowledge and experience gained from years of training translate seamlessly into helping young athletes reach their potential.
Katie Odell
Director of Recreational Gymnastics and Tumbling
Katie comes to Flex with 35+ years of gymnastics coaching experience, having been pulled off the floor as a competitor to become a coach at an early age. Katie exhibits tremendous enthusiasm and it's easy to see she loves teaching athletes at every level. In addition to her duties at Flex, Katie is a certified Judge for Competitive Gymnastics in SC and serves as a great resource of knowledge for our entire staff.
Favorite Skill: Handstand
Guilty Pleasure: Peanut M&Ms and Mountain Dew
Claire Hatton
Preschool Assistant
Claire has been an asset to Flex from her first day. Having learned gymnastics from Coach Tamee, Claire is good in every role asked of her, from Summer Camps to Rec classes, and demonstrates both gymnastic lessons and life lessons learned in the gym.
Favorite Skill: to teach- Back-walkover
Guilty Pleasure: Shopping
Emily Cox
Director of Special Events
Emily came to Flex from the Golf Industry where she was employed as an Assistant Professional most recently at Rock Hill Country Club. Emily's decorated junior golf career led to Division I Southern Miss where she graduated in Sport Management. As Director of Special Events, Emily manages many of the fun activities at Flex, with a warm and caring disposition that typifies the culture at Flex. You will also find Emily at the Front Desk with the same smile we have all grown to love.
Favorite Skill: Front layout
Guilty Pleasure: Reading
Coach Javon
Director of Ninja
Coach Javon came to Flex as a trickster and ninja enthusiast. He has taken to teaching this sport to the young ones and helping each child grow in confidence, strength, and skill. He excels with the lil ninjas, getting them comfortable in the gym, and learning they can do big things! Coach Javon continues to train his own skills and is an Adult Ninja Champion in the Blue Division at the 2024 NinjaCon.
Favorite Skill - Scoop to Back Full
Guilty Pleasure - Pistachio Ice Cream
Julianna Speelman
Team Coach
Julianna started gymnastics at the age of three and was competitive for 8 years. She had many successes as a gymnast including making the regional team at the optional level. Her passion for the sport has transformed her into a wonderful coach.
Julianna works with the entry level team developing strong basics and a love for competitive gymnastics.
Favorite Skill: Double Back
Guilty Pleasure: Shopping
Coach Lulu
Team Coach - Optionals
Coach Lulu has 20 years of coaching experience in multiple states and countries where she has developed state, regional, and national champs. Here are her words on why she loves to coach : "Gymnastics has been a profound passion of mine for as long as I can recall. From childhood, it offered both an invigorating challenge and a deeply fulfilling outlet. I’m deeply passionate about helping young gymnasts build confidence as they master new skills and overcome the challenges the sport presents. Above all, my mission is to guide young girls in understanding that their value isn't defined by their skills, but by their inherent worth. I am thrilled to be a part of the FLEX family and eagerly anticipate contributing to and growing alongside such a remarkable community."
Sarah
Director of Enrollments
Sarah is a local product of the community having grown up in the area and attending Clover High School. She came to Flex after gaining work experience in the Lake Wylie area. She does a fantastic job at managing enrollments, waitlists, tuition, and fees. Along with helping our clients in person each day, Sarah is in charge of many tasks and details behind the scenes that help the business run efficiently. Favorite Skill: Front Layout Guilty Pleasure: Strawberry Monster
Staci Brown
Director of Preschool
Staci Brown taught Kindergarten for 18 years and did gymnastics from age 4 to 17. Staci could not be any better with the kids and getting them engaged with the lesson plan. She is very supportive and gets so excited when the kids learn something new whether it's something little or big. Favorite Skill: Flyaway Guilty Pleasure: Milk Chocolate