At
IGM we strive to employ the best coaches available in the industry. We provide on-going training to all of our staff to ensure they are
equipped with the latest and greatest training techniques in the
country. All IGM coaches are required to attend in-house safety and educational clinics each year. They also attend USAG sanctioned
training offered throughout the United States. IGM staff strives to achieve safety, fun, and a unique experience for our students during every class or event. Our world-renowned
rhythmic program is coached by former Kazakhstan national team coach,
Natasha Rogozhina-Perlman. We are proud to have trained two United
States National Team members; Michelle Milstein and Sarah
Kudishevich.
Irina Kim
International Gymnastics Training
Center, formally located in Woodbury, MN has been Irina’s
dedication from the time she moved to the United States from
Kazakhstan in 1997. She began her journey in U.S. as an Artistic Team
coach and founded the Rhythmic program at the IGM Training Center.
Soon thereafter Irina established and expended the new IGM Gymnastics
in its current Burnsville location. Her broad knowledge of the sport
and many years of experience have given her the opportunity to
organize a variety of programs that IGM currently offers. Her
Artistic gymnastics experience includes training at the Future
Olympic Academy in Minsk, Belarus from age 9 to 18. Later she
transitioned into Rhythmic gymnastics and finished her athletic
career as a synchronized swimmer on the Belarus National Team. Irina
coached gymnastics in Belgium prior to moving to the United States
and later became the sole owner of IGM Gymnastics. Her sister, a five
time Olympic medalist, Nellie Kim, acts as Irina’s adviser on many
gymnastics related topics.
Natasha Rogozhina-Perlman
Natasha has an extensive career as the head Rhythmic Gymnastics coach, from coaching the Kazakhstan’s National Team to our own IGM Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. Her achievements as a coach include coaching world renowned gymnasts such as Aliya Yussupova who placed high at the Athens and Bejiing Olympics and our very own previous National Team members, Michelle Milstein and Sarah Kudishevich. Natasha has been with IGM since 1997 and truly enjoys teaching her students challenging skills, developing exciting and original choreography, and encourages commitment, discipline and safety.
Cree Larson
Cree began taking gymnastics classes when she was only four years old and continued practicing for three years. She started coaching (volleyball) at age 14 and has been coaching sports ever since then. Cree loves her multi-hat role at IGM as a coach, birthday party instructor, as well as the office manager. She loves to coach and host special events because it is incredibly fulfilling, she really enjoys the versatility of gymnastics and what she can share with the kids. Additionally, Cree truly appreciates meeting many wonderful families and getting to know so many great children! When she is not working, Cree loves to read, write, and be with friends.
Mara Paterson
Mara’s gymnastics career began when
she received a leotard and one month of classes as gifts for her 3rd
birthday. One month of gymnastics turned into a lifetime while
practicing together with her sister, Brittany, all the way to Level
9. She started coaching in 2004 and currently coaches IGM Artistic
Girls’ Team as well as recreational classes. Mara loves coaching
gymnastics and being able to share her passion and talents with her
students. She loves to work with children of all ages and observe
them get excited as they progress through the sport. Her goals as a
coach are to help gymnasts build strength both mentally and
physically, develop confidence that will not only help them in
gymnastics but also outside of the gym, and help them build lasting
relationships with their teammates and coach. When she is not in the
gym, Mara enjoys working out and spending time with family and
friends.
Brittany Paterson
Brittany began gymnastics when she was only two years old and by the time she was six, she was already on a competitive team. She trained together with her sister, Mara, until they both reached Level 9. She began coaching when she was only 13 and has loved it ever since! Currently, Brittany coaches IGM Artistic Girls Team, recreational classes, and instructs birthday parties. Brittany loves to coach because she enjoys working with kids. Her goals as a coach include teaching her students fundamental gymnastics skills, advance each student at their own pace, and encourage team spirit. Her main priority is safety. Outside of the gym, Brittany likes spending time with family and friends.
Brooke Stately
After being invited to a gymnastics birthday party at the age of 8, Brooke started taking recreational gymnastics classes at a local gym. She started competing in Level 5 and continued with the sport through Level 9. She also competed with a trampoline & tumbling team. While attending Burnsville High School, Brooke was a part of the competition cheer team and also cheered for soccer and wrestling. Brooke joined IGM in early 2009 and now coaches recreational classes and our boys competitive and non-competitive teams. Brooke spends her personal time with her family, shopping and watching the Twins or Vikings.
Heather Van Bellinger
Heather has been a coach since 1992. Throughout her coaching career she has trained gymnasts that have qualified for State competitions, continued on to College gymnastics and/or became gymnastics coaches themselves. Heather loves working with kids and seeing their passion for gymnastics. As a coach, she sees value in the challenges of the sport and loves seeing excitement when gymnasts are finally able to perform hard earned skills. Heather’s goals as a coach include creating a fun environment while keeping each practice challenging, to teach new and successful drills and to continue to inspire gymnasts to be the best they can be. Heather holds a Masters in Art Education with a Coaching Minor; she also holds ISSA Personal Trainer certification. Heather is married and has 4 kids; one daughter and triplets! Her interests are playing with her kids, painting, drawing, gardening, water skiing and working out. One of her biggest accomplishments has been publishing a children’s book about her sister who lives with a learning disability.
Tinen Healy
Tinen Healy started gymnastics when she was two years old and had the opportunity to be part of a team, now she enjoys coaching and still keeps up on some of her own skills. Tinen loves coaching because she believes gymnastics is a great sport that gives kids confidence and develops their athletic abilities. Tinen Healy has been coaching recreational gymnastics classes at IGM since March 2011. On her personal time, Tinen enjoys rock climbing, biking, skiing and science.
Travis Doig
Travis joined IGM in August of 2011 after his move to Minnesota from Texas. His mission is to develop superior character in athletes through challenge and competition in a safe and positive environment. He currently coaches recreational classes and assists with the Artistic Teams at IGM. Travis has 17 years of experience which includes competing at the Men’s Junior Olympics for San Angelo Central High as an All-State Gymnast, 2006 THSGCA State Pommel Horse champion, and member of the 2006 Texas NHSGCA National Championship Team. Travis is USAG safety certified and certified as a men’s gymnastics judge. Travis began coaching in 2003 for SAISD Gymnastics and later joined The Cheer Connection and Concho Valley Gymnastics of Texas. When not at the gym, Travis spends his time volunteering with the Impact Youth Group in Bloomington and is a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His hobbies include playing the guitar, song writing, writing poetry, and the Texas Rangers among many other interests.
Sebastian Alexander
Sebastian has 14 years of extensive training by master teachers from all over the world in a multitude of dance styles. He is a winner of numerous regional and national titles and awards as well as scholarships to Broadway Dance Center, Showbiz, Beak, and The Floor. He brings all of his experiences to his classroom where he teaches students proper technique while developing their strength, style, and performance skills. Sebastian has been dancing, singing, and acting professionally since the age of 6, appearing in many commercials and professional theatre productions. He is a member of the international thespian society and has performed principle roles in numerous ballets, musicals and plays. Sebastian's choreography credits include award winning solos, duets, groups, production numbers and two musicals for the Mounds Park Academy Theatre Department. Sebastian has been working with IGM’s Rhythmic Team since 2011 and is thrilled to further develop their ballet technique.
Andera Dowzak
Andrea has been involved in gymnastics for 25 years. She began competing for Lakeville High School in 1995 and helped her team win five consecutive State Championship Titles. She has been coaching recreational gymnastics in Lakeville since 1997 and in 2011 Andrea joined IGM to coach recreational classes, artistic pre-team and team gymnastics programs. Her favorite part about coaching gymnastics is seeing the smiles on the gymnasts’ faces when they learn something new. When she is not at the gym, Andrea enjoys spending time with her family, running and gardening.
Carrie Eberhardt
Carrie’s gymnastics experience ranges from her own participation in the sport to supporting her two daughters in their gymnastics careers. To start, Carrie competed for the Southwest High School in Minneapolis, placing 1st in State on the Uneven Bars. Later on Carrie began coaching in 1995 at the same gymnastics club which her daughters were part of; Crystal reached Level 10 and Cheryl a Level 9. Carrie joined the IGM team in October of 2011 and since then she has been coaching a variety of recreational classes and also hosts super exciting birthday parties! She coaches because she absolutely enjoys teaching children. On her personal time, Carrie enjoys horseback riding and camping with family and friends.
