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MISS RHYTHMICS COACHING TEAM

At Miss Rhythmics we believe that coaching is a calling. A vocation. A way of being.

Our coaches are the heart and soul of our program, dedicated to both the sport and their students. They inspire athletes to reach their full potential with deep caring, warmth, positive regard, respect, and compassion.

Empowering Athletes: Our coaches are passionate about empowering children to build confidence, learn new skills, pursue their dreams, forge friendships, and have a blast while doing it. They believe in the power of sports to transform lives and are dedicated to helping each athlete achieve their personal best.

Passion for Safety and Fun: Our coaches prioritize safety while ensuring that every training session is enjoyable. They are committed to athlete development, creating a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment for gymnasts of all ages.

Lead by Example: Our coaches lead by example, maintaining active and healthy lifestyles. Many of our coaches pursue interests such as dance performing and continue to learn and gain new qualifications, including becoming Pilates instructors. Their commitment to personal growth and fitness inspires our athletes to adopt similar values.

Award-Winning Team: We are proud to share that Miss Rhythmics has been nominated as the NSW Levels Coaching Team of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and the International Coaching Team of the Year in 2024. These nominations reflect our commitment to excellence and the positive impact our coaches have on their athletes.

Join us and experience the difference our coaches make in fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere where every gymnast can thrive!

Meet Our Coaches

KATERYNA MATIASHEVSKA (MISS KATYA)
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH

Ranked as one of the top Ukrainian Junior gymnasts, Katya was a member of Junior Ukrainian National RG Team for 6 years from 1989-1995, under supervision of Albina Derugina.

She was recognised with a Master of Sport award at the age of 14, being one of the youngest Senior International Rhythmic Gymnasts to achieve this honour.

Before founding her own club, Miss Katya was the Head Coach of Rhythmic Gymnastics program at Ravenswood School for Girls. Katya also has held Senior Coaching roles at Pymble Ladies College and Presbyterian Ladies College, Croydon.

Miss Katya’s 20+ years coaching experience has been recognised through the success and achievements of her Rhythmic gymnasts in Ukraine and Australia, who are consistently taking top placings at NSW State, Australian National Championships and National Clubs Carnival.

With an exceptional skill set in Rhythmic gymnastics and dance, Miss Katya personally designs and oversees all Rhythmic gymnastics programs, from recreational to high performance.

Katya’s genuine devotion and energy for Rhythmic gymnastics is visible through her interaction with gymnasts.

Even though she is certified to coach the highest level National and International levels gymnasts, Miss Katya strives to share her knowledge and experience with as many students as possible – from the youngest Level 1 gymnasts up to Level 10 and Elite Squad gymnasts.

Katya is also an experienced dance teacher, highly-proficient in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Funk, Bellydance, Latino-American and Musical Theatre styles which she professionally performed in Ukraine, Turkey, Japan and Australia.

Born in Ukraine in 1981, Katya started her gymnastics career aged 4, training in elite Rhythmic Gymnastics and classical Ballet for 15 years and competing within Ukraine and internationally in Finland, France, and Israel.

After retiring from competitive Rhythmic Gymnastics, Katya completed studies in Olympic Sport and Physical Education at Zaporozhye National University, Ukraine, graduating with honours and a Business in Sport Masters Degree in 2004.

Anabel Barriel

Miss Anabel is a highly skilled and experienced Rhythmic Gymnastics coach, bringing over twenty years of dedication to the sport. She holds a degree in Sports and Physical Activity Sciences and is a certified Advanced Silver Rhythmic Gymnastics coach, having trained at INEFC Lleida in Valencia, Spain.

Anabel’s coaching career includes significant roles such as Senior Coach at Espiral Club in Barcelona and Xtreme RhythmiX in Auckland, New Zealand. At Xtreme RhythmiX, she worked with gymnasts at all levels, from initiation to high performance, and choreographed over 30 routines per season. She also played a crucial role in preparing athletes for international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and Aeon Cup.

Her competitive achievements are equally impressive. Anabel has competed in fifteen Spanish Championships, earning titles such as Champion of Spain in ball individual (2010) and ribbon individual (2017). She has also represented Catalonia in various national and international competitions, securing numerous top positions.

Anabel’s extensive experience extends to her role as a Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge (Level I-II) and her leadership as Head Coach at Almacelles Munigim’s Club, where she managed over 100 gymnasts and coordinated multiple coaches. Her ability to mentor and inspire is further demonstrated by her involvement in organizing competitions and masterclasses with international gymnasts.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Anabel is known for her creativity, communication skills, and resilience. Her comprehensive background in rhythmic gymnastics, combined with her passion for the sport, makes her an invaluable asset to our club. She is dedicated to fostering discipline, respect, and a love for gymnastics in all her students.

Poppy Elzerman

Miss Poppy brings a wealth of experience and passion to our Rhythmic Gymnastics club. Her journey began at the tender age of 3 in England, where she trained in RAD classical ballet, modern, tap, and national character dance at the Sylvia Bebb School of Dance. Poppy’s dedication and talent shone through early, leading her to win first place at the All England Dance Finals at Sadler’s Wells.

In 2004, Poppy moved to Australia and attended the prestigious McDonald College of Performing Arts. Over six years, she embraced numerous opportunities, including performing at the Sydney Opera House and representing Australia in international festivals. Her roles in productions like ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and her participation in international tours and summer schools broadened her dance expertise to include jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre.

Despite an injury altering her career path, Poppy remained deeply connected to the dance world. She completed her HSC Dance and mentored students while pursuing an accounting degree. Today, she channels her passion into teaching ballet and preschool dance through her business, ‘Poise by Poppy Elzerman,’ and as a primary school dance teacher with RedED.

Poppy’s extensive background in dance, combined with her accreditation as a Beginner Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge and ongoing completion of her Fundamental Gymnastic Coaching Course with Gymnastics Australia, uniquely positions her to inspire and guide our young gymnasts. Her rich experience in various dance styles and her commitment to nurturing the next generation make her an invaluable asset to our club

Diana Smirnov

Diana brings a rich background in both gymnastics and dance, making her an exceptional mentor for our athletes. She is an Intermediate Coach qualified with Gymnastics Australia and a Beginner Judge, having joined Miss Rhythmics in February 2023. As the Lead Coach of the Level 1 competition group, she also works with Levels 2-5 competitive gymnasts and Multiples groups.

Her impressive achievements in Rhythmic Gymnastics include a 7th place finish in the FIG senior individual category and a bronze medal for hoop at the Singapore Open Gymnastics Championships in 2017. She was the NSW state champion in 2016 and has consistently performed at the Australian National Championships, earning a bronze medal in the senior open group in 2015 and being part of the champion team in 2017.

In addition to her gymnastics prowess, she holds a Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) from Brent Street, where she focused on dancing, acting, and singing, and was awarded the Academic Achievement Award. With over 15 years of training in various dance styles, including Broadway jazz, commercial jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary, she has performed in numerous stage and musical theatre productions, as well as on television.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Sciences at the Australian Catholic University, she combines her extensive training and performance history with a deep understanding of sports science and nutrition. This unique blend of skills and experience makes her an invaluable asset to our Rhythmic Gymnastics club, where she is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.

EMMA VOGEL

Levels 1-6 and recreational groups coach

Emma is a caring, compassionate, and fully dedicated rhythmic gymnastics coach who is adored by her students. As a current competitive top National level 10 gymnast, Miss Emma exemplifies work ethic, dedication, and perseverance. She not only demonstrates even the most challenging skills but also inspires her students to strive for excellence. Emma’s approach to coaching is holistic, focusing on both the physical and mental well-being of her students. Her ability to connect with each student individually fosters a supportive and motivating environment. Emma’s passion for rhythmic gymnastics and her commitment to her students’ success make her an invaluable asset to our team.

NAOMI NORRIS

Miss Naomi is a versatile ballet and dance teacher, performing ballerina, and choreographer with extensive experience in both performance and teaching. Naomi’s dance education includes training at the International College of Musical Theatre in London, Hillsong International College in Sydney, and the Ajkun Ballet Theatre Company in New York. She holds a Diploma of Dance, Certificate 4 in Dance, and Certificate 3 in Dance. Additionally, Naomi is a certified Barre Instructor and holds a Certificate 3 in Personal Training and Certificate 2 in Gym Instructing.

Naomi is a dedicated dance educator and choreographer. She has served as the Head of Ballet at Studio 23 Performing Arts and has taught at renowned institutions like the London Russian Ballet School and L’Ecole de Ballet Classique. Her teaching experience includes private lessons, adult group classes, and vocational contemporary dance training.

In addition to her teaching career, Naomi is a professional performer. She has been a ballerina body double for the film “Dance with Me” (2024) and a performer in various prestigious venues such as the Dominion Theatre, OVO Arena Wembley, and The London Palladium. Naomi has also showcased her talent in numerous productions, including the opening of Raffles London at the OWA and the MOVE IT performance at ExCell London.

Naomi works with our competitive gymnasts Levels 3-10 and High Performance, teaching them excellent ballet and dance techniques. We are thrilled to have her on our staff team.

EMPLOYMENT WITH MISS RHYTHMICS

We’re always on the lookout for talented gymnastics coaches and dance teachers.

If you are looking for part-time employment in coaching, please contact us and we would be happy to chat to you about any suitable opportunities.

Please email your resume and cover letter to info@missrhythmics.com

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