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Coaches and Staff
Peoria Elite Crew

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Jenna Parks

Girls' Team Head Coach

Jenna first discovered her love for gymnastics at the age of two. She competed gymnastics for 10 years at I-Power School of Gymnastics in Champaign, Illinois.  During that time, Jenna earned two Level 8 State Titles, was a four time Regional Qualifier, and competed as a Level 10 gymnast.

After graduating high school, Jenna went on to attend Illinois State University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Secondary Mathematics Education. While attending ISU, Jenna coached at I-Power for four years. She coached Levels 3-10 producing many state titles and regional qualifiers.

Jenna then began her co-head coaching career at River City Gymnastics with Fred.  During this time, Fred and Jenna produced 10 state titles in two years. Along with coaching at River City, Jenna teaches mathematics full time at Washington Community High School.

Jenna has a passion for coaching polished and high quality gymnastics. Her goal as a coach is to help gymnasts reach their own goals and potential in the sport. She truly enjoys sharing her passion and love for gymnastics with the girls she coaches. Jenna has a detailed orientated and hands-on coaching style in the gym.

On a personal note, Jenna was a member of the Gamma Phi Circus at ISU for three years. She performed in tumbling, wall trampoline, Russian Swing, and Teeterboard. Each year the Gamma Phi Circus puts on an annual show in Redbird Arena bringing in tens of thousands of people from all over Illinois to watch.

Jenna is a USAG Professional Member, USAG Safety Certified, SAFESPORT Certified, and CPR Certified.

Alyson Mackesy

Boy's Team Coach

I started gymnastics at the age of 4. I also have a background in ballet and tap dance. I competed at Roseville Area High School Gymnastics for 4 years. My first year I won the JV state Championship title. After moving to the Varsity team, I earned the All State and All American title 3 years in a row.

I started my coaching career in 2001 instructing both boys and girls competitive teams at Flyaway’s Gymnastics Center in Minnesota. The competitive girls team garnered several Regional Champions in my tenure, several level 10 gymnasts and a Training Elite Gymnast. I have also instructed pre-school and rec classes since 2001. I currently coach pre-school, rec classes and Boys Competitive Team.

I retired from the Army as a full-time civilian employee in Jan 2020 and the Army Reserves in 2021. I have a lot of first aid knowledge as part of my Army background. I have 3 children and coach at PEGA with my husband Chris. Our youngest child, Conner is a competitive gymnast and trains at PEGA.

Alyson is a USAG Professional Member in Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. Safe Sport Trained and Safety and Risk Management trained.

Alaina G

Program Director

Alaina is a former coach at PEGA who returned to us in an expanded role as Program Director.  We are excited to have her on the team!

Cole N.

Team Coach

I have worked at Peoria Elite since 2017. I have taught tumbling and trampoline classes, ninja classes and am part of the Special Events Team and lead Birthday Parties, Kids Night Out and Open Gym.   I love being a part of the Peoria Elite family!

Cole has taken on additional responsibility as a compulsary girls coach in 2023.

Josiah S.

Team Coach

Josiah has been with Peoria Elite for many years, coaching anywhere from recreational classes to all levels of the JO Girls Team. He currently coaches the Level 4 Girls at PEGA.

Livi R.

Xcel coach

A current Bradley student and former gymnast, Livi has joined our staff as an Xcel coach.

Chris M.

Recreational Instructor

Chris was introduced to the world of gymnastics in 2002 when he met his future wife Alyson who was coaching gymnastics at the time.

He has always respected male gymnasts as the top athletes in the world for their strength, flexibility and discipline even though he is an avid fan of football and soccer.

Chris retired from the US Army in 2014 after serving 23 years.

All three of his children have been involved with gymnastics since an early age.  His youngest son has been a competitive gymnast since the age of six.

With an admiration, passion and enthusiasm for the sport he became a USAG professional member in 2017 with the intent of becoming a coach.

Chris began coaching in 2018 as an assistant boy’s team coach and maintains USAG professional certification in men’s and women’s disciplines and is USAG Safety Certified and SAFESPORT Certified.

Liam M.

Recreational Instructor

Liam used to train with the boy’s team now run by Alyson for a few years, learning all about gymnastics along the way. Now he is back into gymnastics, this time around as a coach!

Lily K.

Recreational Instructor

Lily started at PEGA as special events staff and has advanced into coaching.  Like most of our staff she has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading.

Meaghan C.

Recreational Instructor

A former competitive gymnast who has returned to the sport as a coach to share her knowledge and passion.

Grace F.

Recreational Instructor

You guessed it, Grace is a former competitive gymnast at PEGA.  Grace is helping instruct the next generation of gymnast with her experience in the sport.

Grace P.

Recreational Instructor

A former optional level gymnast at PEGA who has “retired” from the sport.  We love seeing Grace share her experience and passion for the sport with our current students.

Jamie L.

Administrative Staff

Jamie is the welcoming face you see when you enter our facility.  She is the mom of one of our optional competitive girls and we are so happy to have her on the team!

Mackenzie F.

Special Events Staff, Recreational Instructor

A “retired” gymnast, Mackenzie’s experience is a great asset that she shares with our current students.

Ava O.

Assistant Instructor

Ava helps coach the pre-team girls and is growing in her coaching role at PEGA.

Courtney C.

Assistant Instructor

Previously a competitive gymnast and currently a cheerleader.  Sharing her passion for the sport.

Dawn P.

Administrative Staff

Dawn is the mom of one of our competitive gymnasts.  She was spending so much time in the gym we mutually decided to put her to work.  We are very happy to have her!

Kaleigh G.

Recreational Instructor

Yet another former gymnast who returned to the sport as a coach.  We loved having Kaleigh as a student and are proud of her accomplishments as a coach.

Connor B.

Recreational Instructor

Connor is currently a level 10 gymnast who transferred to us from Texas.  In his free time (which is not much) he coaches some of our classes.  We are lucky to have him!

Kalin M.

Recreational Instructor

Kalin’s gymnastics accomplishments are apparent by some of her pictures on our wall of champions!  Her love of the sport has brought her back home to PEGA as a coach.

Lizzy W.

Special Events Staff

Lizzy is the friendly energetic girl you will see assisting with our special events.  She has a brother and sister who compete on our PEGA teams.

Tobie C.

Special Events Staff

Tobie is an optional level gymnast on our team who competed at Nationals in 2023!

Kyla J.

Special Events Staff

Kyla is a former Peoria Elite gymnast who has returned as a staff member! Catch her helping out at Birthday Parties and Open Gyms as well as assisting with Rec Classes.

Chloe S.

Special Events Staff

Chloe competed on our Xcel team and was the 2022 Xcel Gold State Champion on Bars. She now works at PEGA during Birthday Parties and Open Gyms.

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