Who's Who ?

 

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     Who's Who at Bright Raven Gymnastics

Kathy King (Program Director) has been coaching gymnastics for 29 years, 23 of those years with Bright Raven. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport, and is a former USAG judge. Kathy started in gymnastics in Elmira where she participated in USAG Jr. Olympic competition and continued competing through college. She is USAG Safety Certified and is also certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR. When she is not in the gym (which isn’t often) she enjoys traveling with her husband Les and daughter Carly.

Linda Bowser started working at Bright Raven in 1975 as the dance instructor. She was a co-owner of the gym from 1976 through 1988 when her daughter was born. Linda now works in many capacities at the gym. She is the business manager and coaches all levels from pre-school to team. Linda holds a Bachelors Degree in Dance from SUNY Brockport and is permanently certified to teach elementary education. Linda is a long time member of the National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Officials and still enjoys judging gymnastics occasionally. She is USAG Safety Certified as is trained in Red Cross First Aid and CPR.

Chris Apeland is a graduate of Butler University where she majored in Education and minored in Dance. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Nazareth College and is currently teaching at the Churchville-Chili Middle School.  A long time resident of the Rochester area, Chris taught aerobics for 5 years before joining the Bright Raven staff. Chris is certified in CPR by the American Red Cross. She has two children (Tracy and Kerry) that are Bright Raven Team members. She is also a foster mom and a travel agent. In addition to doing aerobics to keep in shape, Chris enjoys running and track.

Randi Bisbano is in her second year at Cornell University where she continues her gymnastics career.  In her first year at Cornell, Randi set numerous records and was named the ECAC Rookie of the year!   As a Bright Raven Level 10 competitor, Randi qualified for and competed at the Junior Olympic National Championships every year from 1998 until her graduation from High School in 2003.  She was the floor exercise champion at USAG Regionals in 2002 and was the Level 9 Regional champion in 1996.  Randi enjoys coaching and is certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR

Jackie Bowser is a former USAG competitor and has been coaching at Bright Raven for the past 4 years.  She is currently attending SUNY Fredonia majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Communication. Her special interests include music, photography and hanging with friends

Stacy Chiaramonte is a Physical Education teacher in the Hilton School District. Stacey has worked at Bright Raven for about 6 years. During past summers, Stacy has been employed as a coach and counselor at the International Gymnastics Camp in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. When Stacy goes back to Buffalo she teaches gymnastics through the Community Education Programs. Stacy is a graduate of SUNY Brockport where she was a member of both the gymnastics and diving teams.  She holds a USAG Safety Certification and is Red Cross certified in First Aid, CPR and as a lifeguard.  In addition to gymnastics, Stacy loves football and, in particular, the Buffalo Bills - she has season tickets!

Jody Clewell is in her sixth year of coaching at Bright Raven. Before Bright Raven, Jody was the head team coach at Gymnastics International of Buffalo. She is a former high school, USAG and college gymnast. She is USAG Safety Certified and certified by the Red Cross in First Aid and CPR. Jody holds a Bachelors degree in Environmental Design with a minor in Architecture from the University of Buffalo and is currently employed as an Assistant Architect for the City of Rochester.

Bill "Cos" Costner has been at Bright Raven for 16 years. Cos became involved in gymnastics in Utica where he competed for about four years reaching the Class 2 level. He competed in State Meets and Regional Championships and even qualified to AAU Nationals. Cos worked at Valley Gymnastics in Utica for seven years before coming to Rochester. He is USAG Safety Certified and holds certifications in Red Cross First Aid and CPR. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from SUNY Tech at Utica-Rome. Cos is married with three children, all of which are also budding young gymnasts!

Jeanne DeKeyserling is one of Bright Raven’s newer staff members but has been involved in gymnastics for many years!  Originally from the Buffalo area, Jeanne trained and competed for Hamburg Gymnastics from 1957 to 1970.  Jeanne went on to use her gymnastic skills performing with Ringling Bros & Barnum and Baily Circus as an aerialist/showgirl from 1973 – 1976.  She holds an associates Degree from Sheridan College, Canada in Graphic Design and a Bachelor’s in government Science from Medialle College.  She coached part-time at the former Eastside Gymnastics for 6 years and is currently employed by the Housing Council as a Landlord/Tenant Counselor.  Jeanne is a professional member of USA Gymnastics and is a rated USAG official.

Kara (Crosby) Frisa has been a coach at Bright Raven for the past six years. Before Bright Raven, Kara coached and directed the Jr. Eagles Program at SUNY Brockport (1996-1999). She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a BS Degree in Arts for Children and Elementary Education and has earned her Masters Degree while teaching fourth grade in the Spencerport School District. Kara is certified in First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross. Her involvement in gymnastics started at the age of 5 and has never stopped. She is a former USA gymnast.  When Kara is not coaching or teaching she enjoys running, biking and spending time with her family.  Kara is married and the mother of two little boys.

Kristen DiGiacomo started with Bright Raven at the age of 7 and has graduated through the ranks to becoming a coach. She started USAG competition when she was 9 years old and went all the way to Level 9 where she qualified for USAG Regionals. She has been working at Bright Raven for 10 years.  Kristen is a graduate from Elmira College, with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing and is currently working for Roberts Communications - an advertising agency in downtown Rochester.

Natalia Filip is a former Bright Raven USAG competitor and Gates Chili Varsity gymnastNatalia is in her second year at SUNY Brockport.  She is certified in First Aid and CPR.  In addition to coaching gymnastics, Natalia’s interests include soccer, playing the piano and hangin out with friends.

Lori Garbacz is that smiling face you see most often behind the Bright Raven office desk!  Lori holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Development from Medaille College in Buffalo.  She has been a member of the Bright Raven staff for 5 years. Her daughter, Holly is a competitive member of the Bright Raven Team.

Anne Gores is a junior at SUNY College at Brockport majoring in Physical Education with Teacher Certification.  She is a former USAG competitor but now enjoys competing in pole vaulting at SUNY Brockport.   This is Anne’s first year at coaching at Bright Raven.  Anne is also certified in First Aid.

Janet Johnsen is a recent graduate of St. John Fisher College with a degree in Nursing and is currently employed at Unity Health System as an RN.  Janet has been working part time at Bright Raven for approximately 5 years.  Janet has been involved in gymnastics nearly her entire life.    She started gymnastics at the age of 3 and actively competed as a USAG gymnast for about 12 years.  Her accomplishments include earning the title of Level 9 Vaulting Champion of Northern California .  She is the mother of two children – Ariel, age 12 and Alex, age 5.  Before moving to Rochester, Janet taught gymnastics for 5 years at Tri-Valley Gymnastics in Livermore

Shaun Johnson is a former USAG competitor and has been coaching at Bright Raven for the past three years.  Shaun graduated from MCC and is currently attending SUNY Brockport majoring in Information Technology.  He served four years in the Army Reserves and spent 8 months of the that time in Africa (Djibouti).    Shaun is a rated Men’s USAG Gymnastics Official.

Karen Lucchi holds a Bachelors Degree in Dance from SUNY Brockport.  Karen started her gymnastics career on Long Island where she trained, competed and coached at Farmingdale Gymnastics Center.   She continued gymnastics at SUNY Brockport competing in NCA Nationals and was the captain of the SUNY Brockport Cheerleading Team for 2 years.  Karen holds a USAG Safety Certification, and is certified by the Red Cross in First Aid and CPR.  She loves going on walks with Hunter, her dog.

Justine Picciano is attending Ithaca College majoring in Physical Therapy with a double minor of Deaf Studies and Communication Disorders.  Justine was a member of the Bright Raven competitive team from 1998 – 2007 where was a qualifier for the USAG Level 9 Eastern Championships.   Justine has continued her gymnastic career at Ithaca competing for her college team making it to Division III Nationals on balance beam last season.   In her spare time, she plays in an ultimate Frisbee league and likes to read, relax and spend time with family and friends.

Colleen Merchant-Scherbyn has been with Bright Raven since 1978. She started as a gymnast… became one of Bright Raven’s finest competitors…went away to college… came home and has been coaching for us since 1993.  In her early years in gymnastics, Colleen won numerous awards and went all the way to USAG Regionals. After college, she continued in the sport competing in the Empire State Games.  She holds a Bachelors Degree from West Virginia University where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in English and Psychology.  She is currently employed at Roberts Communications - an advertising and marketing company. Colleen is USAG Safety Certified, Red Cross certified in First Aid and CPR.  Colleen also volunteered for her local ambulance from 1999-2003.    Her special interest is in fostering abused and abandoned animals.  Colleen was married in 1992 and gave birth to a son on February 14th of 2004.  Baby Jake can be found frequently in the gym hanging out with all the girls, helping mommy coach.

Stephanie Plucknette is another former Bright Raven team gymnast that is now on our coaching staff.  She started gymnastics at the age of 5 and progressed up to USAG Level 8.  Stephanie holds a masters degree from SUNY Brockport and is certified to teach Physical Education.  She is also the Modified Gymnastics Coach for Churchville-Chili. Stephanie USAG Safety Certified and is certified by the Red Cross in First Aid and CPR.  Stephanie enjoys hiking and spending time with her friends and family.

Jackie VanDeWater started gymnastics at Bright Raven at the age of 9.  She competed in USAG competition until she graduated from high school winning numerous honors including being named the 2002 Level 8 State Vaulting Champion! Jackie also competed for her high school varsity team where she earned the opportunity to represent Section V at the State Championships.  Jackie is currently in her sophomore year at Nazareth College where she is majoring in Spanish with Education Certification. She is certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR.  Jackie enjoys both water and snow skiing, diving and boating with her family.

Yuliya "Julia" Zubareva is in her third year at Bright Raven after spending four years at GTC of Rochester.  Julia has done gymnastics since she was 3 years old and was a member or the Russian junior national team at the age of 8.  More recently, Julia has put her competitive ambition to work by figure skating with Thomas Creek Ice Arena winning numerous awards in free-style competition.  She is a graduate of Penfield High School and Monroe Community College and is now attending SUNY College at Brockport.  Julia has a USAG Safety Certification and is certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR.

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