Our Staff

Meet the dedicated team behind New Bern Gymnastics

Our staff is the heart of New Bern Gymnastics. Every coach and team member is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality instruction in a positive, encouraging environment. We are proud to have some of the most experienced and passionate gymnastics professionals in the region.

Thomas White

Thomas White

Team Director

Thomas brings over 35 years to coaching experience to NBG. Coach Thomas is the Team Director and teaches all levels of gymnastics and tumbling; from preschool to our highest level optionals. Coach Thomas received the Xcel Gold Club of the Year award for 2017.

Tammy Starnes

Tammy Starnes

Recreational Class Director

Tammy has been with NBG since 2014 as the Recreational Class Director and is a team coach. She was a gymnast for 8 years, and she enjoys coaching all gymnasts; no matter their level. She encourages the gymnasts to cheer one another on as they develop new skills.

Stephanie Bruno

Stephanie Bruno

Owner

Stephanie is the owner of NBG. She has been coaching for 22 years, and she specializes in competitive gymnastics, as she was a competitive gymnast at NC State where she received a full athletic scholarship. She received the Xcel Platinum Coach of the Year award in 2015 as well as Xcel Gold Club of the Year award for 2017. Coach Stephanie has the practical experience and knowledge to help shape young gymnasts to reach their potential.

Tricia Brien

Tricia Brien

Coach

Tricia Brien has been with NBG since 2013. She was a level 7 gymnast, and has coached both gymnastics and cheer for many years. Coach Tricia loves seeing her students gain confidence through a healthy sport.

Amy Popejoy

Amy Popejoy

Events Manager

Amy manages all of our special events at NBG including camps, Parents' Night Out, and birthday parties. Miss Amy also helps keep the gym running smoothly at the front desk.

Breann Popejoy

Breann Popejoy

Coach

Breann is a current level 9 gymnast at NBG. She is amazing with kids, and she loves teaching and playing. Coach Bre works with preschool and girls' gymnastics.

Mikayla Dupre

Mikayla Dupre

Coach

Mikayla has been with NBG since 2016. She loves children and especially likes working with kids at our summer camps!

Hayden Heath

Hayden Heath

Coach

Hayden is a great help in the Go Ninja classes, and still participates in Advanced Go Ninja himself. Hayden is great with the kids and enjoys watching the beginners gain skills.

Nadia Matteson

Nadia Matteson

Coach

Nadia comes to us as a parent of a competitive gymnast here at NBG. She has been a fitness instructor and now teaches preschool and beginner girls' classes.

Karmen Pendleton

Karmen Pendleton

Coach

Karmen loves working at NBG because of the positive Christian-based atmosphere. She enjoys teaching preschool classes, and she has several children in various programs at NBG.

Lillie Pledger

Lillie Pledger

Assistant Coach

Lillie is an assistant coach at NBG. She is also a competitive gymnast at NBG and has been in gymnastics since age 5. She enjoys the process of breaking down skills so that even the youngest children can learn.

Angel Yllanes

Angel Yllanes

Coach

Angel is one of our great Go Ninja and girls' gymnastics coaches. Coach Angel is a natural with children of all ages and skill levels. He also works birthdays and camps in the summer. He was a gymnast for 4 years before becoming a coach.

Christopher Purifoy

Christopher Purifoy

Coach

Christopher is a master at flipping and tricking. He says he loves what he does here at NBG!