Operations Manager - Chere Hoffman
"Coaching gymnastics was a natural transition after competition. And internationally representing my country has kept me driven for over thirty years to give back to athletes what I have learned and experienced."
Co-owner of Lone Star Gymnastics in Ft. Worth, TX and Gold Star Gymnastics in Vancouver, WA. Has one daughter, Naomi-Marie who also is a competitor.
Travelled and studied extensively in the USSR, Switzerland, West Germany, obtaining a degree in nursing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
Reading, studying biomechanics, going to movies and traveling are favorite time takers.
Office Manager - Shelly Rabitoy
"Having had a daughter in gymnastics and watching her train and compete was a pure joy. Her dedication and determination was inspirational".
As a long-time resident of Vancouver, everyone who comes into the gym know a Rabitoy or two. Married for 22 years to Tony, they enjoy the beach and outdoors with their three children, Jessica, Erica and Jared.
With Jessica a graduate of WSU, Erica in her second year of college and Jared a Junior at Prairie, going back to school herself has given her new life. As a cancer survivor, nothing seems to stand in the way or slow her down.
Crocheting, going to movies, playing cards and bowling are favorite past times.
Coach - Meagen Hansen
"I truly enjoy teaching kids my favorite sport. Teaching children motor movement gives me great insight into my own learning abilities".
As a mother to Haley, a 2 year old, Meagen comes to Gold Star with great experience in guiding students. With a cheerleading background, she lends her expertise to not only our pre-schoolers, but our cheer classes as well.
Enjoys social exchanges with her friends, outside activities and interacting with people.
Director - Kambri Hoffman
"For me, the second time I participated in the sport of gymnastics was the most exciting...the saying, "If I only knew then what I know now..." is so true. To be a coach in this sport, to have an impact on children's lives...it is so rewarding".
Returning to the competitive arena at age 19 and making the elite ranks is not easy. Dedication, determination, drive is what it takes. Married to Army Staff Sergeant, Ryan Hoffman, together they relocated to Vancouver from Oklahoma/Texas area. Being able to 'make a difference' is important in the coaching ranks, and she certainly does.
Is the director of Jump-N-Learn Fitness Nursery School, T.O.P.S, and girls team.
Loves shopping, swimming, boating and, of course, animals.
Coach - Tiffany Hirshberger
"To be able to work with children...to help their self-esteem...to help motivate them to keep physically active is a challenge in today's world, but I am very thankful to have the opportunity to make a difference".
As an energy-filled coach, the students at Gold Star experience the vitality and the spark that is displayed each and every day. With the versatility and ability to teach anyone anything in tumbling, she carries this energy into all areas of Gold Star.
Favorite past times include hiking, camping, learning and being with her dog. Also enjoys shopping and creating.
Coach - Keith Bukowski
Enjoys spending time with close friends, reading, making the most out of life."As a new mother, the sport of gymnastics gave me discipline, increased my drive to succeed and a 'go-for-it attitude. Meeting my husband, Jason is a highlight in my life along with raising Kayla and Emily".
As the new Director of Jump-N-Learn, our fitness-based nursery school, she is ready to go for the Fall 2007 term.
She has worked with Gold Star for many years, returning to us from a maternity leave.
Favorites include visiting with friends, playing with daughters and reading
Substitute Coach - Tracy Mason
"As a former Oregon competitor, I realized very early on, what I wanted to do with my life...work with children and make a difference. And I knew that I wanted to use the gymnastics medium at Gold Star to teach in".
Tracy's warm and bubbly personality gives the edge in her teaching and instructing students. Tracy and husband, David, will become parents in early August. While on an extended maternity leave, Tracy will continue to pop in and say, "hi".
Coach - Amber Mathisen
"Internal motivation is a driving force in successful gymnastics. No matter what level the athlete is, the learning curve is highest when motivation is high. Our job as coaches and role models is to help them achieve this motivation".
As a former Gold Star gymnast, Amber returns to us with an energy and drive to teach and pass on what she learned as an athlete of gymnastics.
Reading, shopping and spending time with friends is a favorite past time.
Coach - Elise Christ
"Gymnastics has opened doors with wonderful opportunities than most kids my age. I hlove working with children...they are so fun!. Giving back to the sport of gymnastics is easy when you love the sport".
As a former Gold Star competitor and soon to be Senior, Elise shows a maturity that is rare in today's work force. She is invaluable as an instructor and is showing great promise as a beginning coach.
Favorites include shopping for just about anything, driving and reading.
Coach - Amanda Wheeler
"Gymnastics has given me time to be me,...to be a real athlete. I just love competing and training in this sport".
As a young gymnast, Amanda found herself wanting more to her sport and just competing. She wanted to work with children and make a difference in their lives. Upon working for Gold Star for a few months, we found her to be a valuable asset to our special events where she shines!
Favorites include shopping for just about anything, driving and reading.
Assistant - Naomi Hoffman
"Gymnastics has given me more opportunities than most ordinary teenagers can dream of. I have travelled internationally and to twenty-two states in the USA. Training has been a part of my life since I remember and gives me discipline in other areas of life"
Daughter to owner, Chere, Naomi-Marie is an accomplished athlete and friend to the younger athletes. As a positive role model, the example set by her is one to be emulated by all. As an assistant to the head coaches, her experience is invaluable.
Favorites include shopping for purses, baby sitting friends children and traveling with her team mates.
Assistant - Fiona Stefanik
"Being in gymnastics is so rewarding for me. I used to dance professionally and it has helped me with presentation and confidence in this great sport. Each and every day that I can give to the younger kids what I learn is a happy day for me".
As a Gold Star competitor, the areas needed to be a great coach are found in this young lady. She is timely, patient, kind, and shows an aptitude towards a good educator. Using young assistants, gives the little ones a greater ability to relate to their experience in the sport.
Enjoys reading, talking on the phone, sharing stories and dancing.
Consultant - Heather Funderberg
"As a mother of two very active daughters and a wonderful husband, Adam, I have it all. Working with children has been a big part of my life and I enjoy it thoroughly. Being able to give children confidence and self worth is a labor of love...I would not change".
Being involved in many sports such as white water rafting, gives her a unique perspective on overcoming fear, overcoming challenges that seem mountainous. Combined with the ability to give these life lessons back to children is a rate gift and she does it well.
Enjoys the outdoors, her family and friends and giving to others.