WELCOME TO ABC'S GYMNASTICS STARS

Helen has been coaching at ABC's since March 2004. She started gymnastics at the age of 4 and was the ECC All-Around Champion for NFA for 2 years. She finished 9th in Senior Nationals for vaulting. She is an assistant coach for NFA. She has been coaching gymnastics for 8 years. Helen is 21 and her birthday is October 19. She also works as a CNA and is going to school to be an RN at Three Rivers Community College. When not at school or gymnastics, she can be found dancing, sleeping, or water-skiing. She has a cat named Cloudie. Helen is CPR and First Aid certified.

Coach Ryan

Boys Team Coordinator

Ryan Spanich competed for 13 years between a few gyms, ending his career at World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) in Plano, TX. During his time as an athlete he won competitions across the United States, namely in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. He ended his career as a member of the 2002 Texas State High School Gymnastics Team and finished 8th in the Nation on his specialty the pommel horse. After recently graduating from Colby College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a Creative Writing concentration he now plans to focus his time on coaching any athlete that is willing to work hard.
After having spent a summer learning cutting edge techniques from coaches such as Evgeny Marchenko, 2004 Olympic Champion Carly Patterson's coach, and Valeri Liukin, current World Champion Nastia Liukin's coach, Ryan believes he is equipped to provide elite level coaching to all of the athletes at ABC Gymnastics. Ryan is safety certified by USA Gymnastics as well as being a certified coach by the United States All-Star Federation (USASF) for Cheer and Dance teams. He is excited about coaching at ABCs and welcomes any questions from parents or athletes. At school in Maine he has coached at various gymnastics clubs and produced many state and regionally ranked gymnasts, both male and female.

Coach Linda "Tardiff" Briggs

Gymnastics Clinician, Consultant and Coach

She is a CT State All Around High School Gymnastics Champion.At the end of my Freshman Year she began her Elite Gymnastics Training with three time Olympian Muriel Grossfeld in Milford, CT. Muriel is presently a leading National Olympic Staff Official. After Competing at the USA National Elite Level of Gymnastics, she received a Full Gymnastic Scholarship at The Pennsylvania State University and Graduated from in 1984. Linda owned and Operated Flip City

Gymnastics for eighteen years. Competed at the Gymnastic National Elite Level I competed at the World Game Trials, trained for the boycotted 1980 Olympics, she represented the United States against other Countries such as the Peoples Republic of China, West Germany, England, & Japan. Linda coached many gymnasts to become State, Regional and National Champions.

She is USA Gymnastics Certified, Level 4/5/6 through Brevet Judging Official and Certified High School Judging Official, USA Gymnastics Professional Member, CIAC Membership, NAWGJ National Association of Woman's Gymnastic Judges, USA Gymnastics National Safety Certification and Skill Evaluator, USA Mentor to Annia Hatch, Olympic Silver Medallist.

2007 Recipient of the Connecticut AAU Gymnastics Lifetime Achievement Award and The Connecticut AAU Governors Award in recognition of outstanding dedication to the Connecticut AAU Association's Goals and Principals.

Coach Lauren

Lauren has been coaching at ABC's Gymnastics Stars for 2 years. She has an extensive background in dance, cheerleading and gymnastics. She has worked with students of all ages as she choreographs recitals, assists gymnast levels 3 – 7, and teaches dance class. Lauren performed at the 2004 Orange Bowl and 2005 Pro Bowl. She is currently attending Eastern Connecticut State University with a major in Political Science and a minor is Pre-Law, she is also CPR and First Aid certified.

Coach Jason Ross

Class and Team Coordinator

Jason has been doing gymnastics for over 14 years, including coaching and competing. Growing up as a competitive gymnast and becoming a member of the Springfield men's gymnastics team, he has received numerous awards and honors including: 2001/2002 All American on Parallel Bars, ECAC 2000 Most Improved Gymnast, Springfield College Rookie of the year, 1999 World Cup Challenge Floor Champion, as well as qualifying for the 1999 Junior Olympics. Jason's knowledge of gymnastics has gone on to allow him to coach many successful gymnasts, including leading Ram High School to an undefeated season, as well as state ranked team.

Jason grew up in Maine, and went on to graduate from Springfield College in 2004 with a Bachelor of exercise physiology. He is CPR and first aid certified, as well as safety certified by USA Gymnastics. Jason is also a member of the Connecticut Coaches Association. In his spare time Jason is personal trainer, as well as working toward the American College of Sports Medicine Certification to be a health fitness instructor.

Coach Maggie Henderson

Maggie has been teaching gymnastics at ABC's since 2006. She was a competitive and recreational gymnast for over 14 years and previously taught gymnastics throughout her college years. Maggie was a Designer and Merchandiser in NYC for several years before taking time off to have children. Now that her son and daughter are school-age, she is back teaching the sport that she loves. Maggie enjoys working with children of all ages. Children and Parents love Maggie's teaching techniques. Maggie is a highly trained and accomplished coach. She is both CPR and First Aid certified.

Coach Eve

Eve really loves teaching gymnast. Eve is great with the kids and is always top on the list of most wanted coach. Eve is a recreational gymnast and Cheerleader herself. She attends Avery Point and looks forward to coming to the gym in the evenings and on weekends. Eve is USA Safety Certified, CPR and First Aid Certified.

Coach Courtney Detuzzi

Courtney has just recently joined us as a Coach. Courtney has been doing birthday parties for kids the past couple years and has had a strong desire and ability to teach them gymnastics. Courtney recently received her coaching certificate. Courtney is a Level 8 gymnast and a Level 4 All Star Cheerleader. Courtney's Cheer Team receive first place in a National Competition last year. As a gymnast she has received first place in many competitions through out the state. Courtney's love and passion for teaching has made her a very popular coach.

Coach Mackenzie Burdick

Mackenzie has taught dance for the past couple years, her passion for teaching has lead her to teaching gymnastics as well. Mackenzie has received first place in National Competitions though out the US and just last year went to world with her dance team. Mackenzie recently received her coaching certificate and is USA Gymnastics Certified.

Coach Jacquelyn Mcleod

Jacquelyn competed in gymnastics for 10 years, reaching Level 9. She participated in both USA Gymnastics and “Y” competitions representing her club in State and Regional competitions in “All Around” events. Throughout the years, Jacquelyn has coached both Cheerleading and Gymnastics. Jacquelyn was a USA Gymnastics Judge for Levels 4-6 for 4 years. Jacquelyn loves gymnastics, loves to teach, and looks forward to working with each child to reach his/her full potential. Please welcome Jacquelyn to or team we are more than happy to have another addition to our qualified staff.

Coach Russ Detuzzi

Russ has been coaching at ABC's since 2001. He loves to teach kids of all ages some say he has the patients of a Saint. He started his teaching career in college as a ski instructor at Stratton Mountain where he taught skiing for 10 years. His psychology major has helped him understand the needs of today's children. Russ is USA Safety Certified and both CPR and First Aid certified.