Leah Lerma, Team Coach -- I was destined to be a gymnast from the day I was born. Being a premature baby (3 lbs), my mom wanted to strengthen me. I was put into tiny tots at two years old and never stopped. I was a competitive gymnast for sixteen years (Level 10) and also one year at UCSB on a gymnastics scholarship. I began coaching at the age of sixteen on weekends when I wasn’t training and have continued to expand my skills by attending clinics and becoming a Level 5 and 6 judge.

I love every aspect of the sport. Being able to pass on my knowledge and experience brings me great joy and satisfaction. I enjoy working with children and love sharing my trade secrets of a sport I love so much. It’s also rewarding knowing that the lessons I teach will help to positively influence the future for all my students.

Theresa Ysiano, Team Coach -- I got my start in gymnastics by doing cartwheels on the playground in grade school. After a lot of begging and pleading, my mom let me take classes. I started working out when I was nine years old. I took a year off before I started high school where I did four more years. I started coaching at the age of 15. I then coached at the YMCA of Palm Desert before coming to Action Gymnastics. I also run a mobile gym.

I love gymnastics and I love working with kids. I love to see them grow not only in the sport, but also in life. I love sharing what I know about gymnastics in hopes that they will develop a love for it as well. I try not only to instruct my students, but also create a great experience that will keep them coming back for more.

Charo Raygada, Academy Coach -- My name is Rosario Raygada. I was born in Sullana, a city located north of Lima, Peru. I have been very fond of sports since I was a kid. I liked gymnastics and volleyball the best. I represented my school in both of them with good results. I also was part of the team for the Piura’s Grau Club.

I studied gymnastics and aerobics courses at the Peruvian Sports Institute in Peru specializing as a children instructor. Then I taught gymnastics during the mornings in several schools and taught aerobics to adults in the evenings. I also worked as a private teacher for several customers. I have been working at Action Gymnastics since 2001. I have learned new techniques as well as how to interact and communicate with the children.

Frances Sandoval, PreTeam Coach - I have been coaching gymnastics for over two years now. I was a former competitive gymnast with Action Gymnastics for two years before that, but I have been involved in the sport since I was 8 years old. I enjoy working with the gymnasts and watching them grow and learn while they improve their skills. I am happy to be able to give back to the sport that did so much for me. Even though my college schedule keeps me busy, I always look forward to coming in the gym to coach the groups at Action Gymnastics.