Flip | Chief Tumbling Officer

A number of years ago, in magical woods near Flipville, a bouncing golden bear was born.
Immediately, his appearance gained the attention of everyone around him. His fur was as
golden as an Olympic medal, his eyes twinkled so brightly that they danced in the sunlight, and
his paws seemed to be embedded with springs because he could jump and leap higher than
any of the other baby bears. One day, he was told about a gym called Barron Gymnastics!
Since the golden bear loved flipping and swinging, he knew that he had to visit. When he was
old enough, the golden bear traveled all the way to St. Louis to meet the Barron Gymnastics
family. After meeting them, he was inspired by their high energy, confidence, and kindness.
Even though they had never met a flipping bear before, everyone at Barron liked him so much
that they invited him to be a part of the family…as their mascot! He knew that he had finally
found his home. They proudly named him FLIP because of his unbelievable tumbling talent!

Melissa B. | General Manager

Melissa has been passionate about gymnastics for as long as she can remember. Flipping at an early age, she dedicated her childhood to the sport, competing in Texas and Illinois and advancing to Level 9. While she loved all the events, floor was always her favorite. After stepping away from training, she immediately transitioned to coaching and has never looked back. Coaching has been her dream job, and she’s proud to have spent her career helping young gymnasts grow and thrive.

One of her greatest accomplishments is being a mom to her daughter, Ruby Rose. Melissa has always known that if she weren’t coaching, she’d be doing something crafty and creative, but coaching in the gym is where her heart truly lies. She loves children for their joy, innocence, and boundless imagination, believing that nothing beats the smile or hug of a happy child.

Outside the gym, Melissa enjoys an active lifestyle, from hiking, family bike rides, and park hopping to playing pickleball and taking long walks. She loves working out, doing bootcamps, yoga, and trying new sports, even if she’s not the best at them. You can often find her cooking in the kitchen or hanging out on patios, soaking up time with family and friends. Always up for adventure, Melissa and her family are constantly seeking out new activities and fun places to explore.

Malinda K. | Assistant GM

Malinda began her gymnastics journey as soon as she started walking, growing up in a gym environment with her mother, who was both a gymnast and a coach. She competed up to Level 6 and was an active cheerleader throughout high school. Her passion for cheerleading continued into college, where she cheered at both SLU and Lindenwood.
Above all, Malinda considers her greatest accomplishment to be her role as a mother. She has a 21-year-old stepdaughter and a 14-year-old son, and her children mean everything to her. She cherishes every moment spent with them.
Currently, Malinda serves as the Assistant General Manager at Barron Gymnastics, where she also oversees the Special Activities and Back Handspring Program. She finds joy in witnessing her students’ faces light up when they achieve their goals, no matter how big or small. Helping to build their confidence and self-esteem is a rewarding experience she looks forward to every day.
In her free time, Malinda enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and exploring new trails, cooking, and immersing herself in music and concerts. She shares her home with a super cute Brittany Spaniel named Spiro, who adds even more joy to her life.

Melissa P. | Assistant GM

Melissa was a competitive gymnast at Barron Gymnastics until she retired as a Level 7. Following her gymnastics career, she became a varsity cheerleader at Oakville High School, where she also participated in the competition squad.
Melissa says one of her proudest moments was scoring Taylor Swift tickets for herself and Miss Malinda! Currently, Melissa serves as the Assistant General Manager at Barron Gymnastics, where she also coaches the competitive team, directs The Barron Showcase, and leads the Junior Gymnastics Program.
Outside of work, Melissa loves embarking on adventures with her Australian Shepherd pup, Louie, and her husband, Alex. She enjoys reading and working out, both of which are among her favorite hobbies. A self-proclaimed pizza lover, she could happily eat pizza every day for the rest of her life! With a degree in Education, Melissa previously worked as a Middle School Math and Science teacher before fully dedicating herself to Barron Gymnastics.

Tyler S. | Property Director

Tyler began his athletic journey in gymnastics, competing for Team Central Gymnastics. After the program was discontinued, he explored various sports throughout high school, including football, volleyball, cross country, and even cheerleading. Despite this, gymnastics remains his favorite sport.
One of Tyler’s greatest accomplishments is successfully providing for his family of five while coaching gymnastics and serving as the property manager for all Barron locations. He looks forward to growing in this role as the company continues to expand.
For fun, Tyler loves spending time with his wife and three kids, whether they’re playing Mario Kart at home, enjoying the outdoors at a park, or racing through the grocery store. He enjoys lifting weights and exercising outside, and he has a soft spot for chocolate turtles and Nerd Gummy Clusters. Impressively, he can still do a backflip and shares a friendly competition with Coach Oliver, who insists he’s taller than Tyler!

Señyel T. | Girls Dept Leader

Señyel began her gymnastics journey at a young age, competing until she was 8 years old and reaching Level 5. She then discovered her passion for competitive cheerleading, cheering for The California Allstars from ages 9 to 13, and later becoming a varsity cheerleader in high school. One of her proudest accomplishments is stepping into a leadership role where she can inspire and guide both the children she works with and her fellow staff members. Currently, Senyel serves as the Department Lead of the Girls Program and is the head coach of the Pre-Team and Xcel programs.
Señyel has a genuine love for working with children, appreciating their humor, liveliness, and honesty. Their candidness allows her to embrace her silly side and relive the joys of childhood. Outside of coaching, Senyel enjoys watching movies with her husband and their two Jack Russell Terriers, Stitch and Ripley. She also loves to sing, act, and spend quality time with her family, cherishing every moment they share together.

Lizzie D. | Safety Dept Leader

Lizzie began her gymnastics journey at just 18 months, dedicating herself to the sport and reaching Level 8 before retiring at 13. Following her gymnastics career, she embraced high school cheerleading, which deepened her love for performance and teamwork. Despite this, her passion for gymnastics has always drawn her back, and for the past 18 years, she has been coaching.

Lizzie finds immense joy in mentoring young gymnasts, helping them develop their skills and confidence while fostering a supportive environment that nurtures their love for the sport. One of her proudest accomplishments is being a mother to two beautiful and healthy girls.

At Barron Gymnastics, Lizzie serves as the Competitive Team Secretary and the Department Leader of Safety. In addition to these roles, she coaches the competitive team program and teaches school-age and junior gymnastics. She cherishes the innocence and curiosity of children, which bring so much joy to life, and she finds nurturing them and forming bonds with them incredibly fulfilling.

When she’s not in the gym, you can find Lizzie at home or engaging in adventurous activities with her family. They love playing outside and exploring new places around the St. Louis area together.

Oliver S. | Boys Ninja Dept Leader

Oliver has enjoyed a diverse athletic journey, playing basketball, baseball, football, gymnastics, and pole vaulting. He spent eight years in competitive gymnastics at SLGC, reaching Level 9, and made it to State in pole vaulting and football, creating lasting memories with his teammates.

Unsure of his career path growing up, Oliver embraced life one step at a time and found his passion in teaching and coaching a sport he loves. He relishes working with kids, as each day brings something new, and he finds joy in celebrating their small achievements.

Outside of sports, Oliver loves spending time with friends and family, whether at family dinners or attending his niece’s and nephew’s games. He stays active by lifting weights and enjoys sour candy and super spicy foods. He can still perform the flips and tricks he teaches and thrives on challenges, often engaging in friendly competition with Coach Tyler, who refuses to admit Oliver is taller than him!

Delayna D. | Office Director

Delayna has been working in customer service at Barron Gymnastics since 2012, starting when her daughter began classes here. Over the years, she has progressed from a part-time role to the Office Department Leader, previously serving as the Ribbon and Stars Department Leader and Assistant Office Department Leader.

Her experience at Barron has allowed her to interact closely with families and children, helping parents navigate programs while ensuring children feel comfortable and excited about their activities. This has enhanced her communication and problem-solving skills, enabling her to provide exceptional service tailored to both parents and kids.

Outside of work, Delayna has a daughter in high school and a son in middle school. She and her husband Tony, enjoy spending quality time with their kids and their dog, Bob. A former gymnastics mom for six years, she now proudly supports her children in cheer, football, and basketball, finding it rewarding to be involved in their passions

Jess L. | Assistant Office Director

Jess has been dedicated to customer service for over 15 years, with 12 of those years focused on working with families and children. She joined Barron Gymnastics part-time in 2019 and was soon promoted to Assistant Office Department Leader in 2020. While studying elementary education, Jess was offered a full-time role at Barron, and her educational background has proven invaluable. Her understanding of child development, communication, and creating a positive, supportive environment for young learners has enhanced her ability to connect with families, understand children’s needs, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Jess also coordinates Barron’s Ribbon & Star Evaluation program, a role she loves, as it allows her to create a fun and positive environment where students can celebrate their achievements during class. At Barron, she takes great pride in supporting students throughout their gymnastics journey, while making sure families have an easy and efficient experience from start to finish.

Outside of work, Jess is a proud mom to a daughter in elementary school, who began her gymnastics journey in Barron’s Parent & Tot program and now plays softball. In her free time, Jess enjoys spending time with friends and family, cheering on her daughter, and reading books. She loves family movie nights, walking in the park, and watching baseball games.

Carrie C. | Lead Customer Service

Carrie began her journey in customer service during high school, working at the front desk of her local recreation center. Her experience with children and families also started around that time when she volunteered in her church’s children’s programs, providing care for infants through PreK-aged kids. She has also served as a camp counselor for elementary-aged students through church. Additionally, Carrie gained valuable customer service and administrative experience working as an Administrative Coordinator in the I.T. and publishing industries.

With over 20 years of experience in both customer service and working with children, whether professionally or as a volunteer, Carrie truly enjoys engaging with people and creating positive experiences. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends. Carrie and her family enjoy going to the movies, attending live performances at The Muny and Fox theaters, visiting Six Flags, and exploring walking trails in local parks. Carrie  joined Barron in August 2018 and has been enjoying the journey ever since.

Chloe B. | Lead Cust. Service/Teacher

Chloe began her journey at Barron Gymnastics as a teacher in 2020, bringing her passion for the sport and years of experience as a gymnast. Floor has always been her favorite event, and she enjoys teaching floor skills to her students. The excitement her kids show when they walk through the door to learn is priceless to her.

In addition to her teaching role, Chloe started her customer service journey at Barron in 2024. She has extensive experience with children, serving as the guardian of her 7-year-old sister, who also shares a love for gymnastics. Chloe has taught a range of classes from Parent and Tot to Advanced Girls.

Currently, she is a student at Lindenwood University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance with plans to attend graduate school for her master’s degree and eventually earn her CPA. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading and hiking with her family. She has two cats at home, one of whom enjoys joining her on walks, running errands, and gardening

Hannah U. | Lead Teacher

Hannah was a super athletic kid who started with dance and quickly fell in love with gymnastics. She began in Julie Barron’s class, eventually moving to the training team and competing as a level 4 gymnast. While she loved the floor, she later shifted her focus to other sports, ultimately dedicating herself to softball in high school, where she made varsity all four years as a centerfield outfielder.

Academically, she made the honor roll, lettered in softball, and served as vice president of her senior class. One of her proudest accomplishments was saving a classmate’s life with the Heimlich Maneuver in the third grade, which earned her an award and recognition.

Hannah aspires to be a teacher and coach, with hopes of becoming a principal or starting her own business. She loves working with kids, especially when they share their stories or nail a challenging skill.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys decorating, hosting family and friends, and engaging in her hobbies, including dancing while cleaning and singing in her car.

Emilie L. | Lead Teacher

Emilie brings her creativity and passion for the arts into everything she does, including her four years of experience teaching gymnastics. With six years of dance training—three of them competitive—Emilie developed a strong foundation in movement and performance, which she now uses to help students discover their potential and build confidence. She loves fostering a positive environment where kids feel empowered to push their limits and achieve their goals.

Working with children allows Emilie to tap into her imagination and embrace their unique viewpoints, constantly inspiring her to think outside the box. She plans to return to school to pursue a degree in music education and music technology, combining her love for teaching with her passion for music. Emilie has a talent for singing, having performed in musicals, won competitions, and entertained at local events.

In her free time, Emilie enjoys creating art, especially watercolor paintings inspired by her two pet bunnies. Her creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the Barron Gymnastics team.

Michelle C. | Customer Service

Michelle brings a wealth of experience to her role as a preschool teacher, having spent over a decade in customer service before transitioning to education. With two years of teaching preschool under her belt and a background from Wichita State University, she is passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a fun learning environment.

Outside of the classroom, Michelle enjoys watching her son, Maximus play soccer and cheering on her daughter,Saylor, as she competes at Barron. She also loves seeing her husband, Dan, make music. At home, she shares her life with two dogs, Arlo and Charlie, and a gerbil named Cinnamon. Michelle joined the Barron team in May 2023 and looks forward to making a positive impact on the families who walk into the gym.

Kristy H. | Customer Service

Kristy has been a part of the Barron Gym Family since 2023. Over the past 13 years, Kristy she’s held a variety of customer service roles, including five years specifically working with families at the Humane Society and the public library. Kristy feels that working in customer service is essential to who she is. She enjoys feeling fulfilled at work, by being around people and helping where she can. She especially enjoys working with kids and their families, as she is currently in the season of raising small children herself. The connections Kristy has made with customers and patrons made her work even more enjoyable. She loves building relationships and making friends! 

At home, Kristy has four pets—two dogs and two cats—so that everyone has a buddy!

Adina M. | Teacher

Adina began her gymnastics journey at the age of three, progressing through every level class until she reached Advanced Girls gymnastics, her last level before retiring. Her favorite event has always been bars, which she considers her strongest skill. After retiring from gymnastics, Adina channeled her passion into competitive cheerleading, where she contributed by creating routines and assisting fellow teammates with their stunting and tumbling. A highlight of her cheerleading career was winning major competitions against 20 other teams in her division, ultimately retiring as a Level 4 competitive cheerleader. 

Adina is currently pursuing her Associate of Arts degree.  She says working with children is a passion of hers; she loves witnessing their growth and excitement as they learn new skills at Barron Gymnastics. Celebrating their achievements brings her immense joy.

In her free time, Adina enjoys spending summers at the Lake of the Ozarks with her family, where she loves jet skiing, tubing, and fishing with her dad. She has been playing the violin for nearly 11 years and enjoys hanging out with friends.

Bri C. | Teacher

Bri is a dedicated gymnast at Barron, where she has been competing for four years and is currently at the Xcel Platinum level. One of her proudest achievements includes winning the all-around title at the Missouri State Gymnastics Meet for two consecutive years, showcasing her talent and hard work.

While she’s still exploring her career goals, Bri has a strong interest in studying science. She loves being around children because they bring so much joy and fun to life. In addition to gymnastics, Bri is also involved in speech and debate, where she hones her communication skills and expresses her passion for various topics.

Chelsea O. | Teacher

Chelsea began her gymnastics journey at the age of four and quickly developed a deep love for the sport. She competed as a Level 9 gymnast for both her club team and her high school gymnastics team. In addition to gymnastics, Chelsea was also a dedicated soccer player, participating in both club and high school teams.

One of her greatest accomplishments is graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in health sciences and starting a family. She now works for a home health software company, blending her passion for health with her professional endeavors.

Chelsea loves children because they bring happiness and laughter to her life daily. Their ability to love unconditionally and express their emotions openly fills her with joy and inspires her every day. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys spending quality time with her family—husband Ty and their two daughters, Liv and Scarlett. The family loves going to the lake and engaging in various water sports. They are also big college football fans and relish cheering on the Mizzou Tigers together.

Daly F. | Teacher

Daly’s love for gymnastics started at an early age.  She was a gymnast for 8 years and was also in competitive gymnastics.  With 4 years of coaching experience, she brings her passion and energy to every class, always striving to create a fun and positive atmosphere by making others laugh.  

She’s excited about the future and plans to major in either Marketing or Sales, with a minor in Psychology.  Daly finds joy in watching children grow in confidence and personality, and she enjoys staying active by working out, practicing yoga, volunteering, and being involved in various school clubs.

Gracie W. | Teacher

Gracie spent four years doing gymnastics at Barron, competing for two years on the pre-team before retiring as an Xcel Silver gymnast. Her favorite event was floor, and one of her proudest achievements was scoring a 9.7 on beam.

Gracie has a passion for teaching gymnastics. She loves seeing children light up with excitement when they improve or master a new skill, finding it incredibly rewarding to help them grow in a sport they love.

In her free time, Gracie enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, as well as hanging out with friends and family. She has taught gymnastics for about a year before joining Barron and continues to cherish the smiles and joy of her students.

Hannah C. | Teacher

Hannah was a competitive gymnast for seven years at Barron, retiring as a Level 7. In high school, she also participated in tennis, diving, and pole vault, but gymnastics remained her true passion. Her favorite event was the floor, although she excelled at the vault, achieving 1st place at regionals in her final season.

One of Hannah’s greatest accomplishments is graduating college with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, along with a minor in Disability, Employment, and Rehabilitation Services. During her time in college, she served as president of the Students of Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, demonstrating her leadership skills and commitment to her field.

Currently, Hannah is pursuing her Master’s of Occupational Therapy at Maryville University, aspiring to work as a pediatric occupational therapist. She values the knowledge and experience she has gained while teaching at Barron and looks forward to applying it in her future career.  Hannah loves working with children for their enthusiasm and joy, enjoying the opportunity to watch them learn, grow, and develop new skills both in the gym and in life. She finds that children bring fresh perspectives and positivity to any environment, and seeing them thrive gives her a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys outdoor activities like walking and playing tennis, as well as spending quality time with her friends, family, and her two beloved cats.

Izzy D. | Teacher

Izzy started her gymnastics journey at a very young age, which laid the foundation for her passion for the sport. In middle school, she transitioned to acrobatic gymnastics, where she excelled and competed at the national level three times! One of her greatest accomplishments is achieving an impressive 6th place at nationals, a testament to her dedication and skill.

Currently, Izzy is pursuing her goal of becoming a pediatric dental hygienist, where she hopes to make a positive impact on children’s dental health. Izzy loves children for their creativity and their ability to bring nostalgia and fun to every environment they enter. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and indulging in shopping adventures.

Jenna B. | Teacher

Jenna’s journey in gymnastics began as a Level 4 competitor until her gym closed down. She then found her way to Barron Gymnastics, where she took classes and later transitioned into cheerleading at Oakville alongside some familiar faces from Barron. Her passion for cheerleading continued into college, where she cheered at Saint Louis University, giving her incredible opportunities and experiences.

Academically, Jenna achieved her Master’s Degree with a double major in psychology and a minor in professional education. She was honored with a Capstone Award at SLU for her poster presentation on the Health Information Gap between Home and School.

As an Occupational Therapist, Jenna loves being around children as they explore and develop their personalities. Their energy, joy, and enthusiasm for life are infectious, and witnessing their growth, both in gymnastics and personal development, is incredibly rewarding. Being part of their journey is a privilege that she deeply cherishes.

Jenna also enjoys traveling and scuba diving whenever possible. She has appeared in a McDonald’s commercial, been on the Today Show twice, and even lived in Alaska, experiencing temperatures below -50 degrees! Through her time at Barron, Jenna has built lasting friendships, and she treasures the connections she’s made within the Barron family.

Jessica H. | Teacher

Jess H has always had a love for sports, playing soccer, volleyball, and softball throughout her childhood, with soccer being her main focus through high school and college. A former gymnast at Barron, she was excited to return as a coach in 2008, teaching classes and coaching pre-team before moving to Italy with her husband who is in the military.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Literacy Instruction, Jess spent six years as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher and two years as a literacy coach. Her teaching background, combined with her experience as a mom and coach, has shaped her into a well-rounded instructor who connects with children and families easily.

Jess’s greatest joy is her family. She loves being a wife and mother to her two boys, with each day bringing new adventures and memories. She enjoys spending time outdoors, going for walks, playing games with her boys, and exploring parks and playgrounds. Jess also has a passion for travel and has visited over 18 countries, with Ireland, Scotland, and Croatia being among her favorites.

What Jess loves most about working with children is their creativity and witnessing their excitement when they achieve new goals. Seeing their personalities and talents shine makes her job incredibly rewarding.

Kaylee K. | Teacher

Kaylee is a former gymnast who dedicated 14 years to the sport and also wrestled for four years. Throughout her gymnastics journey, she made countless friends and cherished memories, winning Nationals twice and earning second place once. At 14, she began coaching at her gymnastics gym, where she discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring young athletes.

One of Kaylee’s biggest accomplishments is moving out of her hometown, marking a significant step in her personal growth. She aspires to become a physical therapist, driven by her love for helping others.

Kaylee adores working with children, finding joy in their humor and excitement when they achieve new skills. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, weightlifting, reading, and traveling. She’s excited to take her little cat on hikes with her soon!

Kayleigh S. | Teacher

Kayleigh started sports at the age of 3, beginning with dance, which she participated in until she was 10. During those years, she also engaged in basketball, softball, and volleyball, exploring a variety of sports from ages 3 to 11. At 11 years old, Kayleigh discovered cheerleading, and has been passionate about it ever since!

Before joining Barron, Kayleigh worked as a preschool gymnastics instructor at AGA for about six months, where she developed a love for teaching and working with young children. Her future plans include becoming a kindergarten teacher, as she is incredibly passionate about early childhood education. Additionally, she hopes to coach a high school cheerleading team and one day fulfill her dream of becoming an author, as reading and writing are two of her favorite pastimes.

Lani S. | Teacher

Lani competed in gymnastics for seven years at Barron Gymnastics, starting as a beginner before being selected for the training team. She advanced to the competitive team and retired as a Level 7 gymnast, competing across the country and earning numerous trophies and medals. One of her proudest achievements in gymnastics is becoming the vault regional champion.

Beyond gymnastics, Lani successfully balances her college studies, work, and social life, which she considers one of her greatest accomplishments. She aspires to pursue a career in radiology, aiming to become a radiologic technician specializing in X-rays or MRI.

Lani has a special love for children, as they have an incredible ability to bring joy and laughter, no matter how tough a day may be. In her free time, she enjoys long car rides with her dog, going for walks and hikes, spending time with friends, family, and her boyfriend, and indulging in shopping adventures.

Maja K. | Teacher

Maja has participated in both gymnastics and soccer, gaining valuable experience at Barron Gymnastics. She dreams of pursuing a career in real estate and running her own agency one day. Her current role working with children and coaching has strengthened her leadership skills and taught her the importance of building relationships, which she believes will serve her well in the real estate field.

As the eldest sibling, Maja loves being a role model and creating happy memories for children. She aims to inspire kids and be someone they can look up to. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Mariah P. | Teacher

Mariah began her gymnastics journey at the age of seven, enjoying the sport until she was twelve, when she transitioned to focus on other school activities. Despite her time in gymnastics, she found fulfillment in her academic pursuits, graduating with honors and gaining admission to a direct entry program for occupational therapy.

With aspirations of becoming an occupational therapist specializing in neurological injuries and disabilities, Mariah is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her future patients. She loves working with kids for many reasons, but the most significant is the excitement that each day brings; no two days are ever the same. The silly things kids say never fail to make her laugh and brighten her day!

In her free time, Mariah enjoys exploring campus with friends, often participating in activities like hiking, visiting the zoo, and thrilling trips to Six Flags.

Payge D. | Teacher

Payge was a competitive gymnast at Barron for three years, with a particular fondness for the bars. After gymnastics, she transitioned to cheerleading in high school, where she excelled as a tumbler. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being a mom to her four-year-old daughter, Camellia.

Currently, Payge is pursuing her goal of becoming a physician’s assistant, with about two more years of schooling ahead. She hopes to specialize in pediatrics, inspired by the boundless imagination and energy of children and their excitement for learning.

In her free time, Payge loves going on adventures with her daughter, Camellia, enjoying activities like camping and exploring the outdoors. As a Christmas enthusiast, she also delights in seeing Christmas lights and creating special holiday memories with her family.

Summer G. | Teacher

Summer has spent most of her life in gymnastics, reaching Level 9 before retiring. Throughout her gymnastics career, she trained at various gyms and worked with many different coaches, gaining a wealth of experience. Her favorite event was always floor exercise, and one of her proudest achievements was winning 1st place in event finals for floor, where she earned the highest score across all age groups.

Outside of gymnastics, Summer is passionate about meteorology and hopes to pursue a career in the field. She loves working with children, finding them endlessly entertaining and full of surprises.

In her free time, Summer enjoys being outdoors whenever possible. She also loves to paint and create, embracing her artistic side.  Summer also loves Halloween!

Sydney A. | Teacher

Sydney was a gymnast at Barron for close to ten years before focusing on tumbling for another two! In high school, she shifted gears and played lacrosse until the Covid-19 pandemic unfortunately ended her senior season early. She is currently studying Psychology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, with hopes of becoming a counselor or forensic psychologist.

Sydney’s best friend is her dog! His name is Sawyer, and he is a rescue. When Sydney is not in the gym or at school, she can usually be found with him. They love to go for walks, watch movies, or ride in the car. He’s a silly guy, and Sydney says he might actually be a human—he’s yet to speak English, though!

Tanya H. | Teacher

Tanya’s love for gymnastics began in Kindergarten at Windsor Gymnastics, where she trained under Diane Barron’s instructional program. Her passion for the sport grew quickly, and she went on to compete up to Level 7 before retiring. Bars was always Tanya’s favorite event, as it made her feel powerful and free. After retiring, she immediately transitioned into coaching under Diane’s guidance, helping inspire young gymnasts the same way she was inspired.

Tanya played a pivotal role in the early foundation of Barron Gymnastics, assisting in building the strong, lasting legacy the gym has today. Watching Barron grow and evolve over the years has been incredibly rewarding for her, knowing how many lives have been positively impacted by the program.

For Tanya, kids are the lifeline to our existence, making the world a better place in countless ways. She loves having the opportunity to be a positive presence in their lives, supporting their growth both in gymnastics and beyond.

Outside of the gym, Tanya’s greatest joy is spending time with her grandkids and watching them succeed in their own sports. She continues to cherish the memories and the journey she’s shared with Barron Gymnastics over the years.

Una H. | Teacher

Una began her gymnastics journey at Barron at the age of five and continued until she was nine. After her time in gymnastics, she transitioned to soccer and is currently playing for Ajax STL, where her passion for the sport continues to thrive.

One of Una’s greatest accomplishments is maintaining a strong GPA throughout her academic career, showcasing her dedication and hard work. As she looks to the future, she’s considering two potential career paths: studying criminology or becoming an OBGYN nurse.

Una has a special love for working with children, finding them endlessly fascinating. She believes that children are like sponges, eager to absorb knowledge, and she is committed to making their experiences memorable and positive.

In her free time, Una enjoys practicing soccer and spending time with her friends, balancing her athletic pursuits with her social life.