Aimee German

Lead Instructor, Founder & Owner

Aimee German has taught Gymnastics and Circus to over 10,000 children for over 20 years.  She performs as a physical comedienne and clown at many NYC venues.  She studied dance and movement at the American Academy of Dance & Stanley Holden's in Los Angeles, then moved to London to complete her graduate degree in classical theatre. 
She performed the award-winning Bouffon version of Tennessee Williams’ "The Glass Menagerie" in the US and internationally.  After co-writing Canarsie Suite, she wrote and created The Keebles with her mother (Brenda, aka Grandma!) and toured the show in  New Orleans, Prague and England!

Ekaterina Sknarina

Lead Instructor, Instructor Trainer, Circus Specialist

Ekaterina Sknarina was born in Pyatigorsk in the Southern Federal District of Russia. She trained as a rhythmic gymnast and became a member of the Russian national team, competing successfully in numerous international championships.
After retiring from competition, she moved to Washington, DC to teach rhythmic gymnastics at the "Rhythmic World" Club. Later she joined the New York-based troupe Anti-Gravity. In addition to her repertoire she has starred in the off Broadway show Maximum Risk, in which the performers sought to break a world record in each performance. Ekaterina's recent projects include obtaining an MA in Art from prestigious Central St. Martins College (London) and appearance in ongoing Matthew Barney's new project 'Guardian of the Veil'.

Nedra Ward

Lead Instructor, Competition Team Leader, Dance Specialist

Nedra Ward is an extraordinary performing artist, visual artist, and teacher. She trained in ballet, jazz, modern, dancehall and hip-hop. Nedra just recently moved back to New York in 2015 and works with Gymstars Brooklyn. 
Nedra studied dance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has trained and participated in numerous programs, studios, and workshops such as Hyde Park School of Dance, Endure Productions, Gallery 37 Joffrey Ballet, Rush studio of dance, Fiyah Fit and more. Nedra has performed in multiple Chicago NBA Bulls halftime performances,  for the Mayor of Chicago, The Today's Show NBC, New York Fashion Week and many more!

Ngozi Cox

Lead Instructor, Advanced Gymnastics, and Competition Coach 

Ngozi competed competitive gymnastics for 14 years, winning 4 regionals and competing at nationals for region 6. Soon after, she began coaching gymnastics at Chelsea piers, with the addition of trampoline and rock climbing. She is a experienced instructor and coach, having worked with children in a variety of settings ranging from after school programs to competitive gymnastics teams.

Neara Carter

Instructor, Gymnastics

Neara is a fun, loving and youthful gymnastics coach with a whole lot of spark & spunk!️ She has an all-around knack for helping kids of all ages feel welcome and experience the love of tumbling. .  She loves all things pink, sparkly & glamorous!  Neara is a stellar role model and leader who surpasses any challenges or obstacles in teaching and in life!   Leading by example, she expects the same from her Gymstars students!  She knows they can accomplish ANYTHING!

Elizabeth Wellman

Lead Instructor, Gymnastics and Movement Specialist

Elizabeth Wellman is a dancer, choreographer and dance educator with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Wright State University. She has 6 years experience in dance education in New York, specializing in early childhood. Beyond learning skills her teaching focus is in artistic and emotional expression through movement. She is thrilled to be part of the Gymstars team!

Jessica Silva

Lead Instructor, Dance and Ballroom Specialist

JESSICA JANETTE SILVA began ballet and tap training at age 3, at the Brooklyn Dance Center in NY. By age 6, she had years of experience performing on stage. As one of David A. Body Junior High School’s first Dance Magnet students, under the direction of Ms. Jan Ford, she was introduced to African and modern dance, along with being taught exclusively by the New York City Ballet as part of the Magnet’s “Ballet Bridges” program. Her passion for dance continued to grow as she gained the skills and techniques essential for refinement in dance and movement throughout the years. In late March of 2016, Jessica joined Balmir’s dance team under the instruction of Anya Katsevman. In 2017, she competed in a Pro-Am Bachata Heats division, with Theo Pippins, at the World Salsa Summit, assisting him win 1st place. Currently, Jessica is a USA Gymnastics Member & Instructor, teaches dance, and continues to train, choreograph, and perform for events nationally and internationally.

Kyle Jack

Lead Instructor, Gymnastics Specialist, and Cheerleading Specialist

Kyle is not only an expert teacher who has taught with us for over 5 years but also a neuro-scientist, college cheerleader and touring actor! He also teaches singing and musical theatre!   More info coming soon!

Ella Wasserman

Lead Instructor and Gymnastics Specialist

Ella Wasserman-Smith is a dancer, choreographer, arts administrator, and instructor based in Brooklyn. She graduated from the New School, Eugene Lang College with a major in Dance and a minor in Philosophy. Her life long love of movement was sparked by her early experience with competitive gymnastics. She competed through Level 5 at Classic City Gymnastics Academy in Athens, Georgia (Go Gymdogs!). She has taught at Little Gym of Brooklyn Heights and Chelsea Piers Field House. She is excited to be on the GymStars team!

Yaqarah Huggins

Lead Instructor, Advanced Gymnastics

Yaqarah Huggins is a professional dancer currently located in NYC. She recently graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College in 2019. Yaqarah has been dancing since she was in the first grade and has trained in modern, hip-hop, dancehall, street Jazz and African dance. She has performed on numerous stages including Hot 97’s 2021 Reggae Tip Concert. Yaqarah enjoys educating children, being a team player and helping to make sure that everything runs smoothly within Gym Stars. 

Raymond Silo

Instructor, Gymnastics and Acrobatics

Raymond has been involved with gymnastics and acrobatics for 20 years. He used these skills in
his performing artist career which has allowed him to tour and perform around the world. Notable
companies he has performed with include Cirque du Soleil, Disney, Universal Studios and Celebrity
Cruises. He began teaching these skills to others and loved how it made others feel about
themselves. Mr. Silos has experience teaching with all age ranges of children through adults and
seniors. He also has experience teaching those with special needs. No matter the age, Mr. Silos
takes great care to listen and learn what each student needs to give a personal approach to
learning and having fun.

Akua R. Kenny

Instructor Dance, Choreographer, Competition Coach, and Cheerleader Specialist

Akua was always involved in performing/creative arts. She wishes to spread her knowledge and training amongst the youth. Her journey began with praise dancing at the late great Grammy winning Timothy Wright’s Grace Tabernacle Church at the age of 8. She attended April’s Dance N’ Feet shortly after and studied tap, ballet, hip hop and contemporary until the age of 14. Following Aprils school, she attended Gramercy Performing Arts HS and advanced her dance career and studied various forms of techniques, which included Horton, Alvin Ailey and Graham. While attending Gramercy she took an intensive at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance over the winter of 2013. In the year 2015 she worked for the after school program called Urban Arts as a cheerleading coach/captain where she gained her cheer and fitness training experience. From 2015 til now, she’s continuing her dance career perfecting her craft by training at various studios, performing for various artists and entertainment companies  such as HOT97, Teemanay and Amber Lee.

Augustine Alexander

Dance Specialist and Cheerleading Coach

Augustine's love for dance began when she was just four years old, taking introductory ballet and jazz courses. She soon expanded her repertoire to include contemporary and hip-hop styles, as well as cheerleading. After completing her education at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, she dove headfirst into her career as a professional performer in commercials, theatre, and print. Today, she expertly juggles her professional career with her role as a coach at Gymstars.

Zlata Grek

Instructor Gymnastics and Fitness Instructor

Zlata Grek has been doing gymnastics for 10 years and owns the title of Master of sports of Ukraine in rhythmic gymnastics.
Her past 10 years of experience as a gymnastics coach and fitness instructor in Ukraine, Poland, Spain, France and USA, helped her develop her interpersonal skills in very multicultural environments, with students of all ages and backgrounds!

Ana Brooks

Instructor Dance

Ana is a professional dancer and instructor from Utah. She received her BFA in Dance from Brigham Young
University and has had the pleasure of studying and performing many dance styles with companies from
coast to coast. She has been an instructor for six years, teaching ages 2- 75, and particularly loves helping
young students discover their own abilities and passion for movement. She strives to create a safe
environment where students are free to try new challenges and find their voice!

Kelsey Cheaney

Instructor Dance

Kelsey Cheaney is a versatile professional with a passion for movement and teaching. As a skilled dancer trained in
ballet, jazz, and tap, Kelsey brings years of experience to the stage and the classroom. She is also a certified personal
trainer, blending her knowledge of fitness with her love for dance to inspire others. In addition to her work as a dancer,
Kelsey is a dedicated preschool teacher, nurturing young minds while incorporating creativity and movement into her
lessons. With a flair for aerial work on hoops, Kelsey continues to push the boundaries of her artistic expression.