Coach Sparkles

Chief Operating Officer

Hello! My name is Leigh but the kiddos know me as Coach Sparkles! I am the Chief Operating Officer of Gym Station. I started my journey with Gym Station in 2016 and have had the privilege of holding many titles within the company. I started off as a lead dance coach in DFW, then became the Assistant Director, Dance Director, then Director of Operations and now Chief Operating Officer! My passion for teaching children started in highschool when I taught competitive dance teams. I went on to receive a BFA in dance from The University of North Texas and moved to Chicago to teach Hubbard Street's Youth Dance Program. Once I moved back to DFW and started working for Gym Station, I quickly found that my passion for teaching children had grown in so many ways! Getting to teach not only dance but gymnastics, sports and fitness to children has been an absolute joy! I get to share the importance of living a healthy active lifestyle with hundreds of children each week and that makes my job awesome!

Coach Sunny

Director of Operations

Hi friends! My name is Melissa, but the kiddos know me as Coach Sunny because I love sunshine, sunflowers, and the color yellow! I have been a dancer since the age of three, practicing ballet, jazz, modern, and lyrical, as well as other forms of performance art including aerial silks and color guard. I graduated from the University of North Texas with my bachelor’s in Child Development and taught public school for two years. During that time, I had the opportunity to coach the middle school cheerleading squad. I decided I needed a change of pace, and that’s when I found The Gym Station! Now I get to combine my passion for dance and fitness with my love for littles and nurturing their growth and development. I truly cannot wait to meet your children and be a bright and sunny part of their day!

Coach Goofy

Hi! My name is Au’Moni but the little ones know me as Coach Goofy. I am a Texas, born and raised, athlete who’s been playing sports my whole life and love it! I have played almost every major sport but track and basketball were my strong suits. I’ve been working with kids ever since 2018 and have enjoyed every second of it. I joined Gym Station to share my knowledge of sports & fitness through the best way possible: fun! I look forward to teaching your kiddos!

Coach Bubbles

Hi! My name is Ashlynn, but the kids know me as Coach Bubbles. I have lived in Texas my whole life and have been dancing since the age of three. After having practiced ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance throughout my childhood, I went on to receive a Bachelors in Dance studies from Texas Woman’s University. I have always loved children and throughout my college career I discovered my passion for working with children and teaching them dance. I am excited to get to know your kids and share my passion with them.

Coach Smiley

Hello! My name is Terrance but the kiddos know me as Coach Smiley (because I love to smile). I was born and raised in Texas and have been playing sports since I could walk. I started coaching sports on a middle school level in 2015 and that’s when I knew my calling was with the kiddos. I never looked back! One of the reasons why I joined the Gym Station was because I wanted to coach and teach at the earliest child level. When your kiddos grow up they will be 100% be ready because Coach Smiley taught them everything they know - all while having FUN, FUN, FUN at the same time. Remember, don’t forget to smile!!

Coach Caterpillar

Hi Everyone! My name is Lawuan, also known as “Coach Caterpillar". I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and am currently a dance coach and personal trainer. I have been dancing all my life but have coached professionally for over 5 years teaching competition dance ages 2 and up. I am a Bryan University Alumni and have my personal training undergraduate certificate, an Associates Degree in Applied Fitness, and a Bachelors in Professional fitness and Exercise science. I have also served 6 years in the Air National Guard. I came to The Gym Station Team because I knew I was going to love my job. I want to teach kids my passion which is dance and share my knowledge of fitness while having an amazing time. I’m super excited to show the kiddos that learning can be fun.

Coach Giggles

Hi! My name is Chavonne but the kids call me Coach Giggles! I have worked with kids for 10 years and I have loved every minute of it. I learned to play basketball at the age of 4 from my dad and grandfather who both retired as referees. I majored in early childhood development at the University of Texas at Arlington and gained my childcare directors license from the state of Texas in 2017. Being a part of the Gym Station team has allowed me to combine my love for sports and fitness with my love for children!

Coach Panda

Hi everyone! My name is Shanda but the kids know me as Coach Panda! I chose my coach name because my family nickname for me when I was growing up was "Shanda Panda Bear". I have been working with kids since 2018, beginning with my first club soccer coaching job while I was playing soccer in college. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2021 and taught a year of public school Physical Education before coming to Gym Station. I am looking forward to sharing my passion for sports and fitness with the next generation!