Lisa Havelind

Executive Director

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Lisa and her family have been part of the OGA community for over 8 years. Each of her three children have been enrolled in classes at OGA  Her son Josh is currently an Optional Athlete on the Boy’s Team. Lisa has a bachelor’s degree in English. Prior to working for OGA, she was a Public Relations consultant working with both small and large corporations specializing in Corporate Philanthropy. Even before joining the staff at OGA Lisa was an active volunteer with the organization. She volunteered her time and energy on everything, from work parties to the role of President of the Boy’s Booster club. Away from work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, boating, gardening and travelling. “OGA is a wonderful place full of exceptional people. Our athletes, coaches, staff, and parents inspire me everyday! I am very fortunate to work for an organization that is committed to making a difference in the lives of every child in our program.”

Leonard Spivey

Assistant Director

Boys Team Optional Coach

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Leonard began advancing his body awareness in grade school, thanks to a scholarship from the Ford Foundation to study ballet. Four years of ballet transitioned to journey in gymnastics, beginning in a grade school class. His skills developed in Jr. High thanks to a P.E. teacher who incorporated gymnastics into the curriculum. Leonard competed in gymnastics in high school, lettering all three years. After graduating, he took a year off competition, and instead, taught recreational gymnastics in at Seattle Pacific University. He then transferred to the University of Washington, competing on the last UW sponsored team (UW lost the program due to title 9). Leonard has been teaching gymnastics for 24 years: 4 years at universities, 4 years at the Salem family YMCA, and 16 years at OGA. “I enjoy seeing a student get a new skill and seeing the joy they feel . . . I like winning . . . and I love being part of the development of young people.” – Leonard Spivey. Away from the gym, Leonard continues to think about gymnastics, however, he also enjoys playing golf, hiking, movies, and spending time with friends.

Samantha Logan

Director of Recreational Programs

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Growing up, Sam played softball – among other sports - for 12 years, competing her way into college. Prior to OGA, Sam coached middle school softball, and throughout high school and college, she gained teaching experience as an academic tutor. Sam joined the OGA staff in May of 2007, however she was already known to the staff due to her frequent attendance in adult open gym. “I love contributing my thoughts and ideas to OGA’s development as a whole. Through my position as Director of Recreational Programs, I will have a guiding hand in helping five different programs develop to their fullest potential while carrying out the OGA Mission. The possibilities are exciting, and I am very happy to be a part of making them happen.” Sam has a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in English. Away from OGA, Sam loves to stay active, whether it’s playing dodge ball or hiking. Having just received a First Degree Black Belt in a mixed curriculum that includes Tae Kwon Do, Jui Jitsu, Escrima, and Muay Thai, Sam is a true athlete.

Maria Cheadle

Accounting Manager

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A dancer throughout high school, Maria became team captain and led her teammates to an OSAA All State Team. She then spent two years teaching USA Dance/Drill in the NW. Maria has a bachelors in Marketing and Management from UO. She has been with OGA since 2001; and when she’s away, Maria enjoys the outdoors and time with her family.

Jennifer Brooks

Office Manager

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From ages 4 to 12, Jenn progressed from recreational to competitive dance and gymnastics. She has worked in several day cares and schools with children ranging from babies to 5 year olds, as well as at OHSU in the Child Life Department and at YWCA with the homeless shelter for women and children. Jenn is also experienced in managing customer service departments. She has a B.S. in Child and Family Studies from PSU. In October 2001, Jenn started at OGA. “I like the fact that [OGA] is family oriented and that the employees and parents really care about the gym and the children.” Away from the gym, Jenn likes to work out, hike, camp, and spend time with her family.

Brad Bridgewater

Boys Team Manager

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Started in recreational gymnastics at a young age, then, moved on to compete in rhythmic gymnastics in Canada. Nadine has a wealth of experience in rhythmic gymnastics. Her coaching experience encompasses the following: owned a gym in Canada that produced numerous national competitors; coached the USA National Team; coached the USA Junior Olympic Team; was a FIG expert judge – Brevet II; judged on the World Circuit, including Grand Prix, Pan Am Games, Pacific Rim, World Cup, World Cup Finals, and three World Championships. Nadine has been a gym manager at large gymnastics facilities and was the executive director at a gymnastics organization in the mid west. She has also volunteered as the Chair of the USA Gymnastics Rhythmic Program Committee, as a USA Gymnastics Judge’s Representative, and as a member of USA Gymnastics JO Technical Committee. Nadine came to OGA in August 2009. “I enjoy working with athletes. I strive to be a positive role model and help individuals set and achieve personal goals.” Nadine likes to spend her few spare moments walking and playing with her dog.

Nancy Kam

Girl's Team Program Manager

ogacoachkam@yahoo.com

•    Experience coaching gymnastics: 23 years

•    Experience coaching at OGA: 11 years

•    Certifications: First Aid, CPR, USAG Pro Member
•    Hobbies/Interests: surfing, rock climbing, traveling
•    “Gymnastics has shaped my life, and it humbles me to know that it is shaping the lives of all the young athletes that I work with. I hope that the life lessons, strong friendships, and magic this sport can bring to one’s life, is shared by everyone who comes to OGA!”

Jessi Smith

Cheer and Dance Program Manager

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Jessi joined the OGA staff in late 2008 with 10 years of experience coaching cheer, dance, and tumbling. She competed in artistic gymnastics until age 11, then switched to competing in individual and team Cheerleading and dance for the Allstar programs until age 22. After high school, she opened her own competitive cheer program in Florida, managing it for four years. Jessi has choreographed cheer and dance routines for competitive teams across the nation. She explains, “Teaching is a passion of mine. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life.” Away from the gym, Jessi enjoys hot yoga, singing, writing, and reading. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science/Engineering at PSU, with plans for medical school.

Libbi Houghton

Kinderstar and Futurestar Manager

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An artistic gymnast for 6 years and a martial artist for 10, Libbi joined OGA as a coach in 2006. Libbi has her black belt in Tang Soo Do, and is now, working on her Tae Kwon Do black belt. She also works with Pendulum Aerial arts as a company member and tumbling expert. Libbi has 4 years of experience coaching gymnastics. She also has worked with kids at theater camps and currently coaches a group of 4-5 year old circus tumblers at Pendulum. “I love watching the kids have fun and develop into young adults. It’s very rewarding to see girls from my Ministars class getting ready to compete on team. I believe gymnastics provides a foundation for future success in school, sports, and life, and I’m very happy that I can be a part of helping kids achieve their goals.” Libbi has a bachelors degree in Business/Marketing and Theatre from Pacific University. If she had free time, Libbi would practice more martial arts, read, and explore Portland.

Karissa Johnson

Allstar Program Manager

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Competed in artistic gymnastics until age 11. This strong athletic foundation made for an easy transition to other sports (e.g. cross country & track). Karissa has been teaching gymnastics for 8 years, including preschool, developmental, and competitive, and has worked with kids who have autism for more than 6 years. She has been managing the All-Star program for the last 1½ years, calling it her new found passion. Karissa has been an ABA therapist since spring 2008, familiar with many teaching techniques used to help children with ASD (e.g. Sonrise approach & ABA therapy). She has a cumulative 3 years working at OGA. “OGA has an excellent facility, allowing me to be very creative and utilize state of the art equipment to give my students the best advantage possible. Teaching is a gift, and I want to influence as many lives as possible.” In her sparse free time, Karissa enjoys many outdoor recreational activities.

Michael Galen

Marketing and Development Manager

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Michael’s parents enrolled him at OGA as a baby, doing Mommy & Me classes. He eventually tried out and was accepted to the boys team, competing until the age of 17. In high school, Michael joined the break dance club, applying his gymnastics training to music; however, it wasn’t until his sophomore year at UO that he found an experienced crew and began focused training. Since then, Michael has entered a handful of battles and performed countless times. Michael earned a Bachelors of Science in Economics from the University of Oregon, with a minor in music. In high school, he spent one spring coaching rec gymnastics at the Cedar Hills Rec Center. Michael has been involved with OGA for about 20 years. “I believe in OGA’s mission, because I myself grew up in the program, and am just now becoming aware of how influential it was in shaping my personality, interests, and abilities.” Away from OGA, Michael plays music, dances, and explores the outdoors.