MEET THE TEAM

Meet the dream team behind the flips!

Our coaches create a high-energy, supportive space where kids learn skills, grow in confidence, and have fun every step of the way. Our coaches are more than instructors — they're mentors, cheerleaders, and role models.

Eranda Gunasekara

Owner/ Head Coach/ Program director

"My name is Eranda Gunasekara 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 our kids to higher levels in Gymnastics.

I am very grateful and honored to be a part of every Gymnast who walks through the door of American Flips."

Samindi Rodrigo

Owner/ Administrator

"My name is Samindi Rodrigo and I am the Co-owner/ President of American Flips Kids Gymnastics. Im 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 4 kids, 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."

Sierra Lambrose

Team Coach

“I am Sierra Lambrose. I have been teaching at American Flips since last 3 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.”

Jolanta Jemiola

Coach

"Hi, My name is Jolanta Jemiola and I’m from the beautiful country, Poland.
For 13 years I was doing gymnastics in my country reaching out to senior elite. My favorite event where I won many national championships was beam and floor…which I love to this day 😊
After graduation and finishing my gymnastics journey I was starting 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.”

Alexa Bradus

Team Coach

My name is Alexa Bradus and I have been coaching girl’s gymnastics for a little over two years. Prior to coaching I did competitive gymnastics and dance for 14 years, reaching level 6 and dancing on an elite competition team in my hometown of Sacramento, California. I’m passionate about all things gymnastics and I can’t wait to share the love of the sport while mentoring and training confident, young athletes!

Athena Wong

Coach

“Hello, my name is Athena! I grew up doing gymnastics for about 8 years and competed through the compulsory levels. I also danced throughout high school but gymnastics has always remained one of my first passions. As a coach, I look forward to bringing a new perspective and I’m excited to motivate, inspire, and uplift the new generation of gymnasts as they develop new skills and discover all the different aspects of the sport.”

Alyssa Diephouse

Coach

“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.”

Katherine Atilano

Coach

“Hello! My name is Katherine Atilano (Coach Kat). I was a competitive team gymnast for over five years, trained in dance for three years, and was also part of my high school’s varsity cheer team. As a coach, my goal is to inspire and support a love for gymnastics. I’m passionate about the sport and enjoy working with kids, and I look forward to helping each of them grow both mentally and physically."

Julia Piper

Coach

"Hi my name is Julia Piper! As a child I got to experience lots of tumbling and gymnastics classes which trained me to be the cheerleader I am today. I cheered on an Allstar team for many years getting to travel across the U.S and successfully winning many of my own titles. I now switched over to Highschool cheerleading getting to see a new perspective. I have had the opportunity to be trained by so many different coaching styles and I am now so excited to have my own. I can’t wait to grow with these kids and help train and guide them as athletes and individuals.

Miriam Assad

Coach

“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!"

Nailea Gonzales

Coach

"Hello!! My name is Nailea Gonzalez (Coach Lea). Growing up I did gymnastic with amazing coaches that taught me so much and played such a huge part in the person I am today. I’ve cheered all four years of highschool and currently hold two back to back state championship titles as I go into my fourth year. I hope to leave a positive effect on the students here just as my coaches did for me."

Audrey Hartmeister

Coach

"My name is Audrey! I did gymnastics for 4 years. After that I started cheering I have been cheering for 7 years and now i am currently in high school cheer with two championship national wins. I love teaching kids and watching there try new thing and succeed at them! I hope to leave a good effect on every gymnast I coach!"

Ava Ibarra

Front Desk Operator

“Hi my name is Ava! I am one of the front desk operators! I love interacting with people and putting a smile on peoples faces. I am also a dancer and have been dancing for many years now! My goal is to always make everyone who walks through our doors feel welcomed!”

Jazlyn Salas

Coach

“Hi, my name is Jazlyn Salas! I’ve been an athlete my whole life, and I’ve always loved working with kids and helping them grow their skills. As a coach, my goal is to make every gymnast feel supported, motivated, and proud of what they accomplish — all while having fun and building confidence!”

Samantha Pryor

Coach / Front Desk Operator

"Hi my name is Samantha Pryor, Growing up i did gymnastics for a few years and i really enjoyed it. Now i enjoy coaching the kids and i'm excited to be teaching them new skills. I cannot wait to be apart of this team and to watch them grow their skills and to make it a fun experience."

Makalya Dizon

Front desk operator

“Hi my name is Makayla! I am one of the front desk operators! I love the team and their dedication and hard work I wanted to be a part of it! I’ve been in the customer service industry for about 6 years. I am very excited about meeting new people and love seeing the kids learning new skills and seeing how much they can achieve.”

Amelia Dinh

Coach

“Hi, my name is Amelia, and I’m a sophomore in high school. 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!”