Meet the Staff

Alisa Vance, Owner

Alisa Vance is the owner of For the Kidz Gymnastics & Trampoline Center. She is a graduate of Cornerstone University with a major in physical education and a minor in early childhood development. Alisa has taught gymnastics for over ten years, is safety-certified, and is a USAG instructor member. Additional certifications include KAT, CPR, First Aid, & Gym Cert Levels 1-3. While Alisa oversees all the programs at For the Kidz, her specialty is preschool, and she teaches classes both in the gym and on the Kidz Tumble Express.

• Chris DeHaan - Chris is an office worker. A graduate of Calvin College, Chris works on keeping the computer systems running and does light maintenance around the gym.

• Alex Douma - Alex is in her second season with us, teaching trampoline and tumbling as well as rec and assisting at open gyms. A competitive trampolinist for 8 years, Alex is a senior at South Christian planning on further education in the area of psychology and early childhood development.

• Lori Gesink - Lori works in the office at For the Kidz. in her sixth season with us, as well as open gyms, birthday parties, and events on the Kidz Tumble Express. She resides in Dorr with her husband and four children. Working with children is a favorite activity, as well as attending various sporting events around the area.

• Liz Hilton - Liz attends Cornerstone University, working towards a social work degree with an emphasis on child development, and is in her third season with For the Kidz. Liz was a gymnast for 7years, competing through Level 6, and teaches preschool and recreational classes here as well as assisting with team. Summertime activities are a favorite.

• Kari Hop - Kari has a gymnastics background and is going on her fifth year of teaching gymnastics, covering rec classes as well as assisting the team. She is a Calvin College graduate and is pursuing her Master's Degree.

• Katie Julich - Katie comes to us from Orlando, Florida, where she taught gymnastics and trampoline for over 5 years, and is going on her fourth year with us. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Katie holds a degree in Psychology, and also student teaches. Katie will head up our trampoline and tumbling team for levels 7 and under.

• Sarah Pierman - Sarah is in her third year with us teaching preschool gymnastics and assisting at open gyms. A Grand Valley senior, Sarah is majoring in Psychology and Special Ed. Favorite activities include gymnastics, dance, track, and volleyball.

• Rachel Reynolds - Rachel has a gymnastics background, and teaches preschool and recreational classes here. She is also a Junior Achievement Mentor. Rachel plans on being an occupational therapist with a Master's Degree in Psychology and Counseling.

• Alex Richards - Alex, too, has a gymnastics background, and teaches recreational classes here as well as assisting with team, going on her fifth season. She is a junior at Grand Vally University and is working towards a physical therapy degree.

• Suzy Sanger - Suzy is in her third year at For the Kidz, teaching preschool classes and covering office duties. Suzy has many years of experience working with children, and has 4 children of her own. You'll also see Suzy helping out with the Kidz Tumble Express.

• Marie Simmons - Marie is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she majored in English. Marie covers some weekend office duties and helps out where needed.

• Dr Josh Vance - Josh is our trampoline & tumbling coordinator and head coach of our USAG T&T team. He has been a USAG National Team member and placed 9th at the World Championships in the Netherlands in 2005 on double mini, and was a part of the silver medal earning double mini team at the 2007 World Championships. Josh got his start training at ArtSports in Colorado Springs and Gleason's Gymnastics in Eagan, Minnesota, and is employed in Ionia specializing in emergency room medicine.

• Courtney Wright - Courtney has competed in trampoline and tumbling for over 10 years, and is in her third year with us teaching preschool gymnastics and assisting at open gyms. A student at Jenison High School, Courtney is undecided about her future plans.

• Carrie Zeilstra - Carrie is in her sixth year teaching with us, but has taught gymnastics for over 11 years. Carrie heads up our Artistic Team. She was a competitive gymnast through Level 7, and has taught Special Olympics Gymnastics. Western Michigan University is her alma mater where she graduated with honors with a major in physical education and a minor in health education.