Meet the GymLab Team: Expert Gymnastics Coaches in East London
At GymLab, our team is the heart of everything we do. Across our East London locations — including Stoke Newington, Stratford, and Islington — our qualified gymnastics coaches bring energy, kindness, and expertise to every session. Whether your child is taking their first tumble or mastering advanced techniques, they’re in capable, compassionate hands.
From safeguarding to skill-building, every member of our coaching team shares a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space where children can grow in confidence through movement.
Meet Francesca – Founder and Owner of GymLab
I’m a certified UKCC Level 2 Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach with a passion for movement, child development and beautifully organised chaos (also known as running Gymlab).
Qualifications:
UKCC Level 2 Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach
Level 3 Safeguarding & Protecting Children
Paediatric First Aid Level 2
Enhanced DBS clearance
AMI Montessori 0–3 Assistants Course
Common Core Skills and Knowledge
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
I also serve as Gymlab’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), having completed specialist DSL training for sports organisations.
My journey in rhythmic gymnastics began when I was four. I competed nationally and internationally, representing Italy at the 2005 European Championships in Moscow—an experience that shaped my lifelong love for the sport.
My coaching style is inspired by the Montessori approach: child-led, respectful and confidence-building. I believe every child should feel seen, supported and capable—whether they’re attempting their very first balance or preparing to fly into a cartwheel.
These days, you’ll find me coaching, safeguarding, writing risk assessments, colour-coding spreadsheets, and occasionally sprinting across a sports hall because someone misplaced a hair tie. Gymnastics is my joy, children are my passion, and helping them grow—physically, emotionally and socially—is my absolute purpose.
Let’s run, jump and flip toward a brighter, healthier future… preferably with snacks and good humour along the way!
Meet Massimo – Director and Chief Problem Solver
Hi, I’m Massimo — the person usually seen carrying mats, checking doors, adjusting equipment, or figuring out why something that worked yesterday suddenly doesn’t today.
Key Roles & Credentials:
DBS checked
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Certified Fire Warden
Paediatric First Aider
I look after safety, logistics, set-ups and parent support — all the behind-the-scenes things that keep the day flowing calmly (or at least looking like it is!).
Previously, I worked in media production, filming and photography, which helps with capturing great moments and managing our digital content. I’m a black belt in karate, passionate about pedagogy and social sciences, and yes, I talk about food a lot.
If something needs organising, lifting, fixing, or gently convincing to work… I’ll be there.
Meet Silvia – Supervisor, Dance and Gymnastics Coach
I’ve been coaching at GymLab since 2022, combining dance and gymnastics with a love for teaching.
Credentials & Experience:
DBS checked
Safeguarding for Children Certificate
DDI Teaching Qualifications in Ballet and Modern
Diploma in Theatre Performance, Centre Performing Arts College
First Class Honours in Arts Management, Goldsmiths University
I began my dance training in Cesena, Italy, and worked as a freelance performer in UK productions like:
Chrysalis London’s Lilith, Savage and Candy
Hinged Dance Company’s Flowers in December
Snow Patrol’s Don’t Give In music video
Becky Namgauds’ Rodadoras tour
Teaching experience includes Liz Dentong School of Dance, Arte & Movimento (Italy), Kinema Danza, and Sportilia Summer Intensive.
I’m on a mission to teach gymnastics to little ones, because who said tiny tumbles couldn’t lead to big leaps?
Meet Miah – Level 1 Gymnastics Coach
I’m a Level 1 gymnastics coach with experience since 2022.
Qualifications:
British Gymnastics Level 1 Coach
ERCA High-Ropes Certified
First Aid Trained
DBS Checked
My background as a competitive gymnast and ongoing training in tumbling and weightlifting helps me support children’s strength, mobility and confidence.
I also study Law, bringing communication and problem-solving skills into my coaching. My goal? To make every child feel welcomed and excited to learn.
When not coaching, I’m travelling, reading or practising flips — sometimes all at once.
Meet Stefania – Level 1 Gymnastics Coach
Qualifications & Background:
UKCC Level 1 General Gymnastics
FIEFS Certified
Children's Fitness Instructor
DBS Checked
Safeguarding and Protecting Children certified
Law Degree and practising lawyer
I began high-level artistic gymnastics at age 3 and competed in Italy until I was 10. I’ve also worked as a P.E. teacher with children aged 5–10.
My love for sport keeps me constantly on the move!
Meet Megan – Level 1 Gymnastics Coach
Qualifications:
British Gymnastics Level 1 Women’s Artistic
Level 1 Gymnastics Judge
DBS Checked
I trained as a high-level artistic gymnast for 11 years, competing regionally and nationally. I transitioned into coaching and judging at 15 and haven’t looked back since.
I love seeing my students grow in confidence. As a coach, I create a supportive environment where each child can thrive and find joy in movement.
Meet Khairah – Level 1 Gymnastics Coach
Qualifications:
UKCC Level 1 General Gymnastics
Level 1 Gymnastics Judge
DBS Checked
Safeguarding Trained with British Gymnastics
I trained as a gymnast and was involved in coaching and judging from a young age, spending up to six days a week in the gym. Watching children grow over time and being part of their journey is incredibly rewarding.
Meet Lucy – Level 1 Gymnastics Coach
I competed in gymnastics from ages 7 to 16, then moved into coaching.
Qualifications:
UKCC Level 1 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics
DBS Checked
After coaching at my local club, I moved to London for university. I love watching children grow in confidence and find joy in gymnastics, just as I did.
Meet Taqiyah – Assistant Gymnastics Coach
While studying, I bring my cheerleading and gymnastics background into my role at GymLab.
Experience:
6 years of gymnastics
3 years as a competitive cheerleader
DBS Checked
I love seeing children develop confidence and skills through movement. Coaching is where I get to share what I love most about sport.
Meet Barbara Barros – Gymnastics Coach
Barbara began gymnastics at age 3 and went on to compete nationally in rhythmic gymnastics in Spain.
Experience & Training:
Multi-discipline coach: rhythmic, tumbling, artistic
Safeguarding, early childhood care, Pilates
Spanish Sign Language
Bilingual in Spanish and English
Barbara has taught dance, led 1:1 coaching, and performed as an acrobat in Disney-themed productions. She now coaches ages 3–12, school programmes, holiday camps, and more at GymLab — always with warmth and creativity.
Why Choose Our Gymnastics Coaches in East London?
Families trust GymLab for:
DBS-checked and qualified instructors
Experience with children aged 3–12
Inclusive, Montessori-inspired teaching methods
SEND-aware, child-centred coaching
Structured progress without performance pressure
Trusted venues across Stoke Newington, Stratford, and Islington
Explore our values and philosophy on Our Vision page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Many of our coaches are trained in SEND, and our inclusive approach supports children of all abilities in a kind, supportive way. Learn more about our inclusive classes.
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Our coaches lead classes in Stoke Newington, Stratford, and Islington. We assign instructors based on class type, age group, and scheduling needs.
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All GymLab coaches are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding and paediatric first aid. You can explore our Safeguarding Policy and Health and Safety Policy for more details.
Book With Confidence
Our team is what makes GymLab a trusted name in gymnastics coaching in East London. Whether you're exploring GymPlay for ages 3–4, Mastering Skills for 5–7s, or Intermediate Gymnastics for 8–12s, your child is in safe, expert hands.