REFRESH Speakers & Sessions

Check out this amazing & inspiring line up speakers for the Refresh Rec Retreat 2020 happening on May 22-24, 2020 at Camp Couchiching in Orillia, Ontario, Canada.

Ali Stoffels is the founder of Rec Gym Pros and the Rec Director at Milton Springers. Holding degrees from Lakehead University in Education and Outdoor Recreation (Leadership focus), Ali is passionate about rec coach development, the power of play and she has spent the better part of her coaching career filling her back pocket with games and kid-approved activities.  Most of all, she loves bringing together people who are passionate about the work they do and want to make a difference — and that’s what the Refresh Retreat is all about!

Presenting Topics at Refresh:

• Never Search For Staff Again!
• Spice Up Your Summer Camp Programs

Alicia Hutson was inspired by one of her own coaches as a young athlete to follow the path to becoming a coach and hopes to provide the same opportunities for other young athletes and coaches, through her role as a Learning Facilitator with Gymnastics Ontario. She has developed adaptive gymnastics programs at two clubs, and works to provide an inclusive environment for all athletes  at all levels of gymnastics. Alicia’s heart comes first and foremost for the children in recreational programs. She acknowledges the incredible feats achieved by higher level athletes but is more touched by athletes conquering the smaller skills. She is a rec coach inside and out, and enjoys teaching the basic & intermediate levels of gymnastics.

Ashley Lebeau was the Director of Preschool Gymnastics when the Champaign Gymnastics Academy (Champaign, IL, USA) opened its doors in 2012 with 122 recreational gymnasts.    In 2017 she became the Recreational Director overseeing all recreational programming, including preschool, which now includes over 700 students.  Most recently CGA expanded, adding on a 2500 square foot preschool gym this past fall.  CGA’s motto to “Be Awesome Always” encourages their gymnasts to be their best selves both as gymnasts and individuals outside the gym.  She continues to develop CGA’s program and inspire her staff to embody the spirit that gymnastics is truly a sport for everyone regardless of age, body type, and athletic ability.

Presenting Topics at Refresh:

• Coming soon!

Beth Orbine began her gymnastics coaching journey in 1978.  She is a graduate of York University with a degree in Physical Education and Advanced Coaching Certificate.  In 2008 she became a Gymnastics Foundations Learning Facilitator for Active Start, Artistic and Rhythmic and has taught over 1000 aspiring gymnastics coaches.  She is devoted to the development of Ontario’s young coaches as a Master Coach Evaluator.

Presenting Topics at Refresh:

• Small Risks Can Lead to Big Success
• Communication Tips for Front Line Leaders Working with Parent & Tot
• Physical Literacy – for the Front-Line Coach

Dawn Izzard has worked for over 25 years at Burlington Gymnastics Club and is currently their Rec Manager. Her passion is grassroots gymnastics as she oversees a large coaching staff team at two locations teaching rec programs. She has a love of learning and sharing her knowledge. Dawn is very active in the gymnastics community and in a member of various Gymnastics Ontario committees and is currently the Chair of the GO Gymnastics for All Committee.

Presenting Topics at Refresh:

• Coming soon!

Doug Voss is the president & CEO of Louisville Gymnastics, Inc. and is the overseer of ideas, innovations & strategies. He has seen Louisville Gymnastics grow from 125 to 1400 students with revenues of over 1.5 million dollars (and 20% profit) annually. His gym has the highest average social media reviews of any gymnastics school in the area.  Doug has worked hard not only to be a market leader in customer service, but also to create a warm, caring & aducation atmosphere for children to enjoy recreational gymnastics, tumbling & ninja.  The atmosphere is great for his staff too, who routinely comment that work is “fullfilling”, “rewarding” and “pays really good”.  Doug likes to race cars and is an avid cyclist. He loves old school hip hop & studies behavioural economics for fun!

Presenting Topics at Refresh:

• Coming soon!

Jen Nedgial started out as a young gymnast at the club her father ran.  After college, she returned to the gym when her daughter got involved in the sport. Jen worked hard to move up the ranks coaching rec, interclub and provincial level gymnasts, she became a judge and head coach of a competitive program.  In 2008,  she followed her passion to open her very own gym, Giant Gymnastics! Starting with just 3 coaches and 50 kids, Giant Gymnastics has continued to grow year after year, now with over 1000 kids and 40+ on her staff team. In 2014, Giant Gymnastics was named Canada’s Club of the Year and a big part of that is Jen’s constant commitment to her gym being a place “Where Kids Come First”. You can see this in action every day at Giant Gymnastics, where all kids have fun & safe place to shine, no matter their ability!

Presenting Topics at Refresh:

• Coming soon!

What are you waiting for?
Register today!

Our Generous Sponsors & Supporters

Without the generous help of our sponsors, this event wouldn’t be possible. We are so grateful for the support of these wonderful organizations for helping us make Refresh a reality!