THE GYMNASTICS ACADEMY - Key Persons
Adrian specialises in business research and management accounting in his role as principal lecturer at Wintec's centre of Business & entrepreneurship and understands sport on a research level, writing research papers and presenting at conferences as well as an international competitor in 18ft skiff sailing. His academic interest is in sport participation and seeing children participate and develop in their chosen sport. Adrian also has a teaching diploma and you will see him at before school gymnastic academy classes where he enjoys helping out before work, coaching and getting his daughter Emily 9 involved.
Marie France, Director and Coach established the Gymnastics Academy in 2011. A proud level 10 competitor and 5x medalist for the Bay of Plenty at the New Zealand Gym Sport Championships.
As a gymnast Marie also represented South West England over a 10 year career, helping teams to win many national titles at British competition and taking individual placing's.
As a coach on completion of a B.A degree in sport management & GB senior coach certification developed young gymnasts through the high performance program and became the conditioning coach to young divers through Sport England program before moving to New Zealand taking on a coaching position with top Auckland based gymnastic centre.
Starting out in NZ Marie was coach to North Harbor & Bay of Plenty teams before establishing the gymnastics academy. With advanced sport coaching, and a Masters in health, sport & human performance. Marie's extensive knowledge & experience in sport inspires many students to follow their dreams and shine. " I would like to see more children improving their fundamental motor skills, increasing their confidence and participating in gymnastics from an early age."
Shanae is a perfectionist! In her second year of a conjoint degree in Law and social sciences studying at Waikato University. Shanae likes to take time out of her studies to continue her passion of working with children in gymnastics. Shanae was an experienced recreational gymnast herself and has run past gymnastic programs in Bay of Plenty region where she is from. Shanae is also a committed surf life saver and still participates at a National level. Her weekly program is action packed and keeps this attitude when coaching, getting the most out of the children and helping them reach their potential. You will see Shanae supporting Marie during coaching sessions in the Waikato region.