Empowering Kids Through Movement – My Journey with Melbourne Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy
When I first opened the doors to Melbourne Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy (MAGA), my goal was simple, to create a space where children could thrive through movement. I’ve always believed that gymnastics is about far more than flips and handstands. It’s about building confidence, resilience, and a love of movement that lasts a lifetime.
My coaching journey began when I was just 14 years old at my local gymnastics club in Queensland. What started as an after-school hobby quickly became a lifelong passion. I feel in love with Gymnastics from a young age, and sharing that passion through coaching is what I’m most passionate about in life.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve coached across multiple disciplines including Acrobatic and Artistic Gymnastics, worked in administration and management roles, completed advanced coaching and judging qualifications, and studied performing arts and personal training. Each step has shaped how I see child development, as a whole-body, whole-mind experience.
When I founded MAGA, I wanted to bring that philosophy to life. Today, our club has grown into a thriving, inclusive community offering programs for every age and ability, from babies in KinderGYM, to teens competing at the national level. We also run recreational, development, and school-based programs, along with our signature Fusion Fit program, which blends gymnastics, fitness, and brain development.
Creating a positive and empowering environment has always been my number one priority. Every child who walks through our doors should feel seen, supported, and proud of their progress, whether they’re taking their first forward roll or performing on the competition floor. I’m equally proud of our coaching team, who share this vision wholeheartedly.
I believe in leading with empathy and empowerment. Many of our coaches started as gymnasts themselves, and watching them grow into confident, capable mentors has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I’m passionate about developing future female leaders in sport, creating opportunities for young women to step into positions of influence and lead with confidence.
Our impact reaches beyond the gym, we work closely with local schools, families, and allied health professionals to make movement accessible for every child. Seeing the confidence gymnastics builds in kids who may have struggled in other environments is what keeps our purpose strong.
Like most small business owners, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, from facility moves and growth pressures to navigating COVID-19 and rising costs. But every challenge has taught me something valuable about leadership, resilience, and staying true to your purpose.
Running MAGA isn’t just about coaching gymnastics, it’s about building people. It’s about nurturing a community that values effort, celebrates progress, and believes in possibility.
As a woman in business and a mum, finding balance can sometimes feel like an Olympic event of its own. But I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from being perfect, it comes from being passionate, consistent, and willing to keep learning.
Through MAGA, I hope to keep empowering kids, and their families, to move with joy, grow with confidence, and thrive for life.
