Meet Our Team
Ebony Matenga
Head Competitive Coach
Coaching Qualifications: WAG FIG Coaching Academy, moveMprove Lead Coach, moveMprove Support Coach, WAG Junior Coach, WAG Senior Coach, Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hi I'm Ebony also know as Eb. I have been coaching since I was 15 and have been a coach here at Impact since we first opened in 2012. I did move to Perth for a couple of years where I continued to coach and hone my coaching skills.
I myself was a competitive gymnast until the age of 18. I love coaching and watcing each gymnast florish, I enjoy coaching them to believe in their abilities and strife to bring out the best in themselves by setting and achieving goals. I love how the sport of gymnastics not only teachs you new and amazing skills but it also encourages you to push and achieve outside your comfort zone.
Jordan Biggs
Senior Competitive Coach Step 3,4 & 5
Coaching Qualifications: XTND Graduate, MAG Elementary Coach, Elementary Coach Principles, MAG Junior Coach, WAG Junior Coach, Advanced Coach Principles, Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hey guys! I’m Jordan and I’m originally from whakatane. I started coaching gfa when I was 14 as a volunteer at my old club.
I carried in my coaching journey and got my first competitive group when I was 16 and have carried on coaching since.
I moved to Impact part time in 2019 and then then became full time in 2021.
In my day job I am the operations manager for Whai Basketball. Coaching has provided me with so many rewarding achievements and seeing the kids grow over the years is by far the best part of it all!--
Simone Francis
Senior Competitive Coach Steps 3 & 4
Coaching Qualifications: XTND Graduate, WAG Elementary Coach, Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hi I'm Simone. Ive been coaching at Impact for around 7 years now and am currently coaching step 3 & 4 competitive.
I was a gymnast myself until the age of 17 and have been passing on my learning since. During the
day I work as an early childhood teacher and have graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (primary).
Gymnastics will always have my heart and is my biggest passion in life.
Eleanor Barnes
Recreational Gymnastics Programme Manager
Coaching Qualificaitons: Foundation Coach, Elementary Coach Principles, Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hi I'm Coach Ella and I am passionate about the sport of gymnastics and the positive impact it can have
on the lives of those who participate. My passion for gymnastics began as a young athlete myself and over
the years I have developed a deep understanding of the sport and the challenges it can present.
I feel privileged to be able to share my knowledge and experience with the athletes I coach,
and to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential as gymnasts and as individuals.
Mikayla Smith
Recreational Coach
Coaching Qualifications: Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hi, I’m Miakyla, I joined impact when I was 5 years old and I loved my time as a competitive gymnast. After a back injury last year I’ve had to give up competitive gymnastics and I’ve now joined the coaching team. This has allowed me to continue being a part of the gym environment and I can carry on with my passion for gymnastics in a different way. I currently coach GFA and Development.
Nellie Burns
Recreational Coach
Coaching Qualifications: Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hi! I’m Nellie. I have been coaching at Impact for a year, coaching GFA. I also do gymnastics myself, training 16 hours a week! I have been at impact for 10 years. During the day I go to school at mount maunganui college, as a year 10 student.
Georgia Mudgway
Recreational Coach
Coaching Qualifcatons: Safeguarding - Youth Coach
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
Hi, I'm Georgia. I've been a coach here at Impact since 2022. Before then I trained competitivley up until last year.
I coach Recreational Gymnastics during the week. During the daytime I am a year 11 student at Papamoa College
Sam Watherston
Child Safeguarding Officer
Police Vetting: YES (all staff are police vetted)
"OUR ORGANISATION IS COMMITTED TO KEEPING CHILDREN
HEALTHY AND SAFE. WE MAY SHARE INFORMATION WITH
APPROPRIATE AGENCIES (SUCH AS HEALTH AND EDUCATION
PROVIDERS OR OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILD'S
LIFE) IF SHARING THAT INFORMATION WILL PROTECT OR IMPROVE
THE SAFETY, HEALTH OR WELL-BEING OF A CHILD.
email: childsafeguarding@impactgymsport.co.nz
