About Us
Straddles Gymnastics provides a fun environment for kids aged 18 months to 18 years old to experience the sports of gymnastics.
We offer weekly recreational classes and open gyms, run a competitive program, and host birthday parties and summer camps.
Founded in 1990 by Carmela Picciano, Straddles has taught over 3,000 students, and we are excited to welcome you and your child through our doors!
VISIT US
Located right by Croton-Harmon station, we are easily accessible from Croton, Ossining, Briarcliff, Montrose, Buchanan and Verplank. Our 3,500 square foot facility features a multitude of training equipment and a party room, and has ample parking.
OUR TEAM
MISS CARMELA
Miss Carmela opened Straddles in 1994, fulfilling her life-long dream of owning a gymnastics school. We dare say she has succeeded in her goal of sharing her love of gymnastics, having welcomed 3,000+ kids through Straddles doors! Her kindness and dedication to the kids continue to guide everything we do at Straddles.
Fun fact:
Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla.
Coach Dawne
Coach Dawne brings 30+ years of gymnastics experience and a degree in Exercise Science and Coaching. With years of coaching across all levels (from JO Levels 2–10 and Xcel Bronze through Platinum), she’s well-equipped to guide gymnasts at every stage of their journey.
Fun Fact: Coder, Coach Dawne’s loyal dog, is never too far away and is always ready to provide moral puppy support to our gymnasts!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate.
COACH ANABELLE
Coach Anabelle started gymnastics when she was 8 years old and started competing the year after. She has been working at Straddles Gymnastics since 2023 and really enjoys coaching her students.
Fun fact: Coach Anabelle can effortlessly touch the floor with the palm of her hand without bending her knees.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla
COACH SAIRY
Coach Sairy is a Straddle Gymnastics lifer, having started at the gym at 3 years old. He is full of energy and leads the best warm-ups before class.
Fun fact: We call him Mr. Mister in the gym, because he is the man!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate
COACH MAYA
Coach Maya has 11 years of gymnastics experience under her belt, and she has been teaching at Straddles since 2023. She was a great addition to our summer camp team in 2024, keeping our little boys and girls busy with gymnastics classes, board games, and arts and crafts!
Fun fact: She has a black belt in karate, and has been doing martial arts for 10 years.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
COACH SKY
Coach Sky has been in gymnastics and cheer for 9 years, having been most recently a member of the Ossining High School cheer leading team.
Fun fact: She wants to be an astrophysicist in the future.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
COACH NIA
Coach Nia has 11 years of gymnastics experience under… and she started her gymnastics journey at Straddles! When she is back from college, she joins our summer camp team keeping our little boys and girls busy with gymnastics classes, board games, and arts and crafts!
COACH NATALIA
Coach Natalia has been in and around gymnastics since age 7. She works with our Talent and Pre-team Flippers, drawing on her own experience as a competitive gymnast.
Fun fact: Coach Natalia loves Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks (just don’t ask her to pick a favorite!).
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
COACH HUNTER
Coach Hunter has quickly blossomed into a favorite among both students and parents alike since joining us in 2024.
You’ll see him mostly on Saturdays and at our birthday parties, where his energy and creativity make every class and celebration unforgettable. He certainly brought all of that and more during our Summer Camp!
Coach Hunter grew up in Westchester County, where he competed in cross country and track & field throughout high school. After finishing college with a major in Animation & Illustration and a minor in Dance, he discovered a newfound love for the art of gymnastics — and now he’s excited to help our young athletes discover that same passion.
Fun fact: Hunter’s zodiac sign contains a Scorpio rising, with a sun, moon, and Venus in Leo — that’s a lot of fire sign energy!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey
Coach Navy
Coach Navy has done cheer 9 years with a couple years of gymnastics experience as well. She is part of the Ossining Varsity Cheerleading Team.
Fun fact: Coach Navy loves meeting new people, and learning new things about them.
Favorite ice cream flavor: cookie dough
Coach Sharon
Coach Sharon is a longtime Croton resident who is no stranger to inspiring kids. After a many-year career as a teacher for children with special needs, Sharon is coming out of retirement to bring her heart, patience, and experience to our Monday and Tuesday classes.
Sharon’s love of gymnastics runs deep… all four of her children grew up in the sport as both athletes and instructors. Now, she’s excited to share that same passion with the next generation of athletes at Straddles.
Fun fact: Sharon isn’t a fan of ice cream, but she loves chocolate chip cookies (and we can’t argue with that choice!).
Mariella
Customer Service Manager
Mariella is a friendly and adventurous soul from the Philippines, sharing her home with three beloved cats. She enjoys travelling and embraces every opportunity to experience new culture and adventures.
Fun Fact: She is juggling her role at Straddles with her course load as a law student.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and cream
Coach Eddie
Coach Eddie grew up in Westchester County and is currently a senior in high school, with plans to study pharmaceutical sciences in college. After starting his own fitness journey earlier this year, he was inspired to help others stay active, healthy, and confident. Coaching at Straddles is the perfect way for him to grow while supporting young gymnasts in building strength and healthy habits.
Fun Fact: Eddie can bench press his body weight!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
Coach Jessica
Coach Jessica brings her vibrant energy and wealth of experience to our team. She is a certified yoga teacher and joins us after three years at My Gym, where she was one of their lead teachers. Her background in movement and child development makes her a perfect fit for helping our athletes grow stronger, more flexible, and more confident.
Fun Fact: Jessica was a cheerleader — and she even placed 2nd at Nationals!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Pineapple mango
