MEET OUR TEAM
OUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY
At American Flips, we believe gymnastics is more than learning skills — it is about discovering strength, building confidence, developing discipline, and believing in what is possible.
Our coaching team brings together years of experience in competitive gymnastics, international competition, high-level athlete development, tumbling, choreography, recreational instruction, Pre-Team preparation, and competitive team coaching. Under the direction of our Head Coach and Director of Gymnastics, our coaches work together to provide a consistent training system from the earliest recreational levels through Pre-Team, Xcel, and competitive gymnastics.
Every child begins with a different ability, personality, pace, and dream. From a young age, our coaches carefully observe each gymnast’s strengths, progress, confidence, and potential so we can guide them on the path that is right for them.
Some gymnasts may dream of joining Pre-Team and competing. Others may simply want to learn new skills, stay active, build confidence, and enjoy the sport. Every journey matters.
Our goal is simple: meet every gymnast where they are, and help them discover how far they can go — in gymnastics and beyond.
"My name is Eranda Gunasekara (Coach E) and my passion and dedication to Gymnastics started since I was a child. I was a Part of Sri Lanka national team from 1997-2007 and Competed in many World championships including Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in Ghent Belgium (2001), in Anaheim -USA (2003), World youth Olympics in Moscow-Russia (1998), Common wealth games in Melbourne-Australia (2006) & got selected to individual all round finals. I was the Gymnastics coach of multiple junior national champions in Sri Lanka.
American Flips has been a dream come true, as this is a place where I can integrate both my passion for Gymnastics and fulfill my dream to take kids to higher levels in Gymnastics. As the Head Coach, I oversee all recreational programs, Pre-Teams, Xcel, and competitive programs. I lead and evaluate our coaching staff, develop training programs, set coaching standards, evaluate athlete placement and progress, and guide the overall direction of our gymnastics program.
I am very grateful and honored to be a part of every Gymnast who walks through the door of American Flips."
"My name is Samindi Rodrigo and I am the Co-owner/ President of American Flips Kids Gymnastics. I'm a nurse by profession. In 2019, having the opportunity to be by Coach Eranda’s side and support him in opening our first family business, American Flips was a dream come true. 4 years later, we opened our second gym in 2023 with bigger space and more equipment. Each day, in partnership with my husband and our 5 kids, by the grace of God, I have the gift of nurturing little gymnasts, their life style and personalities through Gymnastics and I could not ask for much more than that. I am filled with gratitude for how American Flips impacts my life and our family daily."
"Hi my name is Jolanta Jemiola and I’m from a beautiful country Poland.
For 13 years I was doing gymnastics in my country reaching out to senior elite. My favorite event which I won many national championships was beam and floor…which I love to this day. After graduation and finishing my gymnastics journey I was working as an acrobat in circus performing in many arenas around the world, Europe, China, Mongolia Siberia etc
I’m working in the USA from 2000 for 25 years now as an optional coach, choreographer and trampoline and tumbling coach as well. There’s potential in every child and we the coaches parents and teachers must do everything to help them to achieve this potential and this’s my goal.
Thank you Coach Eranda and his wife Samindi for welcoming me into the family of American Flips Kids Gymnastics."
“I am Sierra Lambrose. I have been teaching at American Flips since last 6 years. I did gymnastics for ten years growing up and competed up to level 8, then I cheered in high school. I’ve always loved working with kids so I’m excited that I get to use my gymnastics experience to coach and help these kids become great gymnasts.
At American Flips, I currently assist with our Xcel, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Competitive Teams. As an assistant competitive coach, I work alongside our team coaches to help athletes with corrections, skill development, conditioning, routines, and competition preparation. I enjoy helping gymnasts improve their confidence and consistency while encouraging them to keep working through challenges. My goal is to support each athlete’s development and help our competitive teams continue growing stronger together.”
“My background is in competitive cheerleading, gymnastics, and tumbling. Growing up in competitive athletics gave me the opportunity to train with different coaches, travel for competitions, and understand what it takes to work toward a team goal.
At American Flips, I currently coach our Level 2 and Level 3 Competitive Teams.
As a coach, I love helping athletes improve their tumbling, strength, confidence, technique, and overall gymnastics skills.
I want my athletes to feel comfortable asking questions, learning from corrections, working through challenges, and pushing themselves to improve. My goal is to create a positive but hardworking team environment where gymnasts support one another and feel proud of their progress.”
"I grew up as a competitive gymnast and spent nine years in the sport, progressing through the Development Program and later competing Xcel Diamond. Because I have been on the athlete side of gymnastics, I understand the hard days, the mental challenges, the excitement of learning new skills, and the feeling of reaching a goal you have worked so hard for.
At American Flips, I currently coach our Xcel Team, Pre-Team, and Level 2 Competitive Team.
As a coach, I want my athletes to feel supported while also being challenged to become better every day. I focus on helping gymnasts build strong technique, confidence, consistency, and a positive competitive mindset. One of my favorite parts of coaching is watching an athlete finally accomplish something they once thought was impossible.”
“Hi my name is Alyssa, growing up I competed in elite dance teams and took part in many tumbling classes for 10 years. In high school I competed at high level competitions such as UDA and USA, my senior year my team ended with 7th in the nation for our jazz performance. I am now attending Long Beach State and on the dance team.
I have always had a passion for coaching, helping people grow and achieve their goals. I have been coaching acro and tumbling for 2 years in my hometown. I am excited to start this new opportunity coaching here and looking forward to seeing the students grow into incredible gymnasts.”
“I am Katelyn Kay! I was a competitive gymnast for 8 years and competed up till level 8. Growing up I was trained by Olympic gymnast Vanessa Atler, I had also traveled to speciality gyms, one being Woodward and got tips and tricks from other Olympians throughout my gymnastics career. Striking gold at my meets all around, my two favorite events were always beam and floor.
At American Flips, I currently work with our Pre-Team athletes and recreational programs, helping prepare gymnasts for the transition from recreational gymnastics into competitive training. I decided to bring my knowledge as a former gymnast to American Flips and contribute what I have learned into my coaching. "
“Hi, my name is Amelia. I love working with kids, and I’m really excited to get to know them this year. I enjoy baking and tumbling, and I also did dance when I was younger. My tumbling and dance experience has taught me patience, practice, and creativity, which I hope to share with the kids to help them learn new skills and build confidence. I love kids’ energy and creativity, and I’m looking forward to teaching them, working with them, and making this a fun and positive experience for everyone!”
"Hi, I’m Ireland! I grew up as a competitive dancer and spent four years in gymnastics, where I also trained in power tumbling. Tumbling has remained one of my biggest passions, and I still love practicing it today!
I’m currently a college athlete at California State University, Long Beach, where I play flag football. Alongside my athletic career, I’ve been coaching gymnastics for nearly three years and truly enjoy helping athletes build confidence, strength, and skills in a positive environment.
I’m so excited to be joining America Flips Gymnastics and can’t wait to work with and inspire young athletes!"
Hi my name is Halia! I had tried out cheer at a very young age which led me to try out for gymnastics as well as a dance and many other sports. I am passionate about helping young gymnasts build up their confidence, strength, and new skills while also making sure they feel supported throughout the entire way. My goal is to make sure every one of my students becomes their very best both inside and out.
"Hi! My name is Gracelynn Davila! I have been involved in gymnastics since I was a young girl, and had the opportunity to cheer competitively for a Division 1 team! Through cheer and gymnastics, I was able to compete with my team and travel to Florida! Being involved in both sports has taught me the importance of discipline, confidence, and resilience! I am so excited to continue growing as a coach and help athletes learn, improve, and develop a passion for anything they set their minds too!"
“Hi, I’m Miriam! I have been a gymnast for over 9 years. Great coaches made my experience as a gymnast enjoyable and memorable, and now I want to give the same to young gymnasts. My goal is to motivate and guide kids to improve and reach their goals throughout their gymnastics and tumbling experience. I am excited to share my passion for gymnastics with others!"
"Hi! My name is Andrea. I am one of the front desk operators, and I have over 20 years of customer service experience. I am excited about being apart of this gym, and seeing how much the kids grow their talent."
"Hello! My name is Kalina Joy Rivas. I grew up in Sacramento, where I trained in competitive gymnastics for about seven years, reaching Level 6. After finishing gymnastics, I transitioned into volleyball, which I am still actively involved in today. I truly enjoy working with kids and love being able to teach them skills I learned during my time as a gymnast. I am excited to continue growing, gaining experience, and working with the girls and the company!"