With the new USAG Level System about to take place next week, many of you may continue to have some concerns and questions regarding all the changes. Below are some articles that explain the exact changes taking place and what to look forward to in the future.
If you have any questions, you may email sales@nullasigymnastics.com or visit the front desk. They will be happy to help and answer any of your questions.
Q: My daughter did not get an evaluation. Anything I can do?
A: Yes! You can request an evaluation at any time.
Q: My daughter did receive an evaluation. However, I disagree. Can I have another evaluation?
A: Yes! You can request an evaluation at any time.
Q: We are not happy about being “demoted.”
A: I understand. Please keep in mind it is not a demotion. It is just a number. The girls will actually be working on harder skills, more advanced skills. That is what is new about this year. Actually, that is what is going to make your summer workouts so much fun!
Q: My child is moving from Level 4 to Level 3. Will they do placement only at the meets.
A: No, we will do achievement as well.
Title: Coach Classes: Tiny Tots, Kidz Gym, Girls Gymnastics. I also work Parties, Open Gym, Camp, and Parents’ Night Out.
Q: Why did you decide to apply for a job at ASI?
A: Gymnastics has played a huge role in my life. I did club gymnastics for about 12 years. I competed as a level nine gymnast and went to Western Nationals in 2004. I applied at ASI because I appreciate what gymnastics can do in a child’s life.
Q: What do you love about working at ASI?
A: Probably the feet smell. 🙂 Kidding. I love the people I work with, the positive energy, the laughter, and that every day is different.
Q: How do you think gymnastics helps kids?
A: I like that gymnastics is difficult. I know that sounds weird, but gymnastics taught me discipline, determination, and attributed to my work ethic. In gymnastics, you will get to a point where it is no longer easy. Sometimes it takes months and months to learn certain skills. People know how physically difficult gymnastics is, but often only gymnasts know how challenging it is mentally. Gymnastics teaches you to have a strong mind and body.
Q: Why do you enjoy coaching?
A: I love telling the kids how awesome they are and seeing them improve every week!
Q: What’s one of the proudest moments you’ve had as a coach?
A: I had a girl in a Kidz Gym class that had trouble listening. We had been working really hard for a few months at being a good listener, and one day we had three new students in class. That day I saw her take a leadership role, she helped the other kids follow the circuit and was a great example for the new students. I was so proud of her! I’m still pretty new to coaching, so for me I see success in the little things. When a kid learns a new skill and their eyes light up with excitement! I see their confidence growing and it warms my heart.
Getting To Know You:
Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m a Texas girl. Born and raised.
Q: Are you currently in school (college/high school) and where?
A: In 2010 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from The University of North Texas. I would like to return to school in the future for a Master’s degree so I can teach dance in a college setting.
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A: I’m a dancer! I perform with a number of local companies. I mostly do modern dance, but I also do ballet, jazz, and hip hop.
Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of working at ASI?
A: I love being active and creative! I do yoga, run, ride my bike, draw, paint, and read. I also love trying new food, sleeping, and going to museums.
Q: What sports and activities did you participate in while growing up?
A: Besides gymnastics and dance, I also loved singing. I was in the varsity show choir in high school.
Q: Have you ever coached or taught children before?
A: I’ve also taught dance! I’ve taught ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and creative movement.
Q: What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
A: I want to see the world and experience its beauty. I’d also like to see outer space, but I think I’ll just admire it from telescopes.
Fun Facts:
Favorite Color: Yellow! Favorite Animal: In the real world, giraffes. Otherwise, I would say a phoenix. Favorite Sport: Gymnastics! Favorite Food: Pizza! I could live off pizza the rest of my life! Favorite Super Hero: Batman. Definitely Batman.
Q: Why did you decide to apply for a job at ASI?
A: I decided to apply for a job at ASI after working for a lot of gyms with different values and beliefs. I believe that every kid should have a chance to be successful in the sport of gymnastics, and at ASI, that is possible!
Q: What do you love about working at ASI?
A: I love working at ASI, because I have never been around so many people that truly love what they do. It is so refreshing to come to work every day and love every minute of it.
Q: How do you think gymnastics helps kids?
A: I like that gymnastics increases total body strength, awareness, and coordination. I feel that even if a child does not choose to make a career of gymnastics, it is a great starter sport for every other sport out there, and it is FUN!
Q: Why do you enjoy coaching?
A: I enjoy watching kids grow and become better people thanks to the sport of gymnastics. I love teaching discipline, hard work, and keeping kids active all while having fun.
Q: What’s one of the proudest moments you’ve had as a coach?
A: One of my fondest memories is seeing one of my special needs students finally able to participate in a class all by herself. Seeing the progress students make both mentally and physically while working with them, makes my job worth while.
Getting To Know You:
Q: Where are you from?
A: Valencia, California
Q: Are you currently in school (college/high school) and where?
A: I went to San Diego State University, majored in Biology, minored in International Security and Conflict Resolution.
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A: I went to school to be a Zoologist. When the University asked me what major I wanted, I defaulted back to what I wanted to be when I grew up; a Zookeeper!
Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of working at ASI?
A: I just moved from California, where I LOVED being at the beach; surfing, kayaking etc. Now, anything outdoors is fun! Playing with my dogs takes up most of my time.
Q: What sports and activities did you participate in while growing up?
A: Recreational Gymnastics has been a part of my life since I was 3 years old. I was on a competitive dance team until I was in high school and switched to cheer, both high school and all-star cheer teams. I also competed with a collegiate all-star team.
Q: Have you ever coached or taught children before?
A: I have been coaching gymnastics for 11 years, from recreational levels to pre-team and competitive teams, both boys and girls.
Q: Do you hold any certifications related to children or gymnastics?
A: USAG Professional Member and USAG Safety Certified
Q: What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
A: To visit all of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World
Fun Facts:
Favorite Color: Navy Blue Favorite Animal: Dogs Favorite Sport: Gymnastics and baseball Favorite Food: My Grandpa’s Spaghetti and Meatballs Favorite Super Hero: Captain Planet!
Every year, ASI Gymnastics, participates in the Stroll for Epilepsy benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation. Each ASI gym location forms a team to raise money for the foundation and participate in the Stroll together. This year, Team ASI Arlington has decided to join forces with another team, Red Hot Bello, as this team touches the heart of one very special ASI staff member, Faviola Garcia. Faviola works at ASI Arlington as a Sales Rep. When she found out ASI was participating in the Stroll again this year, this instantly warmed her heart. About five years ago, Faviola had her first awareness of epilepsy when her close high school friend, Aurelio, died in his sleep from a seizure. Faviola has been working hard with her teammates at ASI Arlington to bring these two teams together for one very special cause.
Here is Faviola’s story:
I first met Aurelio our Freshman year in high school through a mutual friend. We just started getting to know each other little by little. It wasn’t even a week that we had started talking and he was already asking for a birthday present. Boy o boy! Did he have such a great sense of humor! I loved it! One thing I do remember is that he LOVED talking about his family. We found out we had a good amount of mutual friends, two of whom are my closest friends as well.
I considered him one of my best friends. He just always knew what to say or he would give some insight into a situation. He was always there no matter what. I know I trusted him from the start. Our conversations always made me laugh! One minute we would talk about family, the next minute we would talk about music or trips. He loved to play his guitar. Later on, he started playing the drums. While in high school, he and a group of friends played together. Aurelio’s favorite bands were the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tupac. He definitely touched everyone he came across and was so helpful. He was just so full of knowledge and life.
On July 8, 2009 I woke up early in the morning to go to Eastfield and get my schedule ready for the Fall semester. He kept popping up in mind that morning, but I kept putting off sending him a text. Later on that night, I receive a phone call from a number I did not recognize; it was our friend, Josh. He gave me the news of Aurelio passing in his sleep from a seizure. Of course, I didn’t believe it at all. When I told my family about this, they asked me if he was epileptic, and honestly, I had never heard of that word until then. After that, I began researching to understand what exactly this condition was.
When I saw his family was doing a benefit concert last year to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation, I immediately jumped to make it. The concert raised a little over $1000!! From there on out, I tried to keep up with the events they planned to raise funds and awareness.
Message about Aurelio’s family:
The family was shocked at the loss of their young and vibrant Bello. All the more shocking was the fact that Bello died from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) since he was not diagnosed with suffering from epilepsy or seizures. The family began researching seizure symptoms and realized that Bello had indeed been showing signs of seizures.
Bello’s family and close friends felt they had to share his story and educate others about seizures. They created SAFE (Spreading Awareness For Epilepsy) in 2012. The group of young professionals hosts a concert “Music Rocks Your Body: Don’t Let Seizures Do The Same,” to honor Bello’s love of life and music. There, SAFE educates concert goers on seizure symptoms and first aid. The money raised at the concert is donated to forward epilepsy research.
This year’s concert will be held: Friday, May 31, 2013
Green Elephant
5627 Dyer St Dallas, TX 75206
8pm – 12am
SAFE is focused on advocating seizure first aid and education particularly in the Spanish speaking community where the stigma and myths of epilepsy are prevalent. Through SAFE, the Sanchez family hopes to honor Bello’s memory because like his namesake – he was beautiful.
When I started at ASI Gymnastics, I was hired for Gymnastics After School. My co-counselor at my current job told me he was leaving and going to ASI and that I should come as well. So I did! After I got settled into our afterschool program I fell in love with our fun products. I started working Parties, Camps, Brain Gyms, PNOs, and Open Gyms as much as I could.
After graduating from college and coming back home, I got my first big girl job but wasn’t happy. So I decided to come back to ASI because it is a fun and loving environment. It’s such a great job where we get to be involved with our youth and really impact someone’s life. I have changed gyms a few times throughout my time at ASI. My home gym is Lake Highlands, but I am currently in Allen and Plano West. I have also had the privilege to work in Firewheel. I love that I am able to travel to different gyms in my current position as a Sales Representative. ASI is a huge family and I love it!
Working the front desk, I get to see the excitement on a child’s face when they accomplish something good or learn a new skill, which makes my job all worthwhile. As a former coach, I am reminded that I make a big difference. One instance happened a few years back. I was out shopping and ran into a former student of mine. When she saw me out of the corner of her eye, she came running and gave me the biggest hug ever. The craziest thing was I hadn’t seen her in years and she remembered so much about me. I didn’t know that when I was her coach she was going through so much at home and I was helping her cope without even knowing it. It’s moments like these that you realize why we work at ASI. It’s not just about teaching them a sport or skill, but it’s about making a difference in a child’s life.
At ASI I get to be a big kid at heart. Everyday I am reminded how precious life really is. Just to see the smiles, hear the giggles, and witness the excitement, makes everyday a blessing. Not many people can say that they go to work in a good mood and leave work in an even better one.
Getting to know Kristen:
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
A: Dolphin! There are so many reasons why I love dolphins. They are always smiling, being playful, and they are extremely smart. And last but not least, I love the WATER!
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A: I can captain a sailboat by myself.
Q: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
A: Dedicated, confident (in my own skin), outgoing
Q: If you could be anyone in the world (living or dead) who would you be and why?
A: Celion Dion because she is an amazing singer! I always wanted to be a rock star but I’m missing one really important thing…the musical talent.
Q: What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
A: I want to see the Nutcracker on Broadway.
