gymnastics coach

Meet Our Staff

Leadership Staff

tracy vogel owner of the childrens gym

Traci Vogel

Founding Owner

Traci founded The Children’s Gym out of her passion for teaching children in a positive, supportive environment. She wanted to create a welcoming place where students of all backgrounds could learn gymnastics non-competitively while building confidence, strength, and joy through movement.

Under Traci’s leadership, The Children’s Gym grew from a small preschool gymnastics program into a thriving facility serving more than 1,000 students. Traci has since retired from daily operations and passed the leadership of the gym on to her daughter, Andrea, while her vision and values continue to guide TCG today.

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Andrea Lawrence

Chief Operating Officer

Andrea grew up surrounded by the heart, care, and community spirit that have always made TCG feel like home. Today, she is proud to help lead the company with that same commitment to creating a positive and welcoming environment for every child, parent, and staff member who walks through TCG’s doors. She focuses on big-picture business development and future growth while staying closely connected to TCG’s mission, vision, and culture. To Andrea, The Children’s Gym has always felt like family, and she works to ensure that families experience that same sense of belonging, support, and joy.

Andrea and her family recently moved to Gilbert, Arizona, so she now manages much of the company remotely. She travels back to Portland often to connect with staff and families in person. Outside of work, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and their six-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Abigail. She also enjoys exploring her new city, traveling both nearby and abroad, and reading.

tami fitzgerald

Tami Fitzgerald

TCG Squad Leader & Training Coordinator

Tami has been involved in gymnastics since the age of 5, both as a competitive gymnast and recreational athlete. At TCG, she enjoys coaching students of all ages and levels and leads TCG Squad, the final level within our recreational gymnastics program. She brings a deep love of the sport, years of experience, and a warm, encouraging coaching style to every class she teaches.

Tami has been part of The Children’s Gym for multiple decades and brings a unique perspective, steady leadership, and genuine care to our team. As TCG’s Squad Leader and Training Coordinator, she helps oversee new coach training and supports staff as they learn TCG’s positive, child-centered approach. Outside the gym, Tami enjoys spending time with family, fishing, hiking, rafting, hunting, camping, gardening, and almost anything outdoors.

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Megan Tramp

Operations Lead

Megan helps lead the day-to-day operations and management of The Children’s Gym, supporting both the business side of TCG and the gymnastics program as a whole. She oversees programming for preschool and school-aged classes and works closely with staff to help create a positive, organized, and welcoming experience for students and families. With a background as a competitive cheerleader and experience coaching both high school and All-Star competitive cheer, Megan brings energy, strong leadership, and a thoughtful understanding of movement, coaching, and child development to her role.

Megan loves helping students grow through gymnastics, whether they are building strength, developing confidence, learning resilience, or simply discovering the joy of movement. She values the important life lessons that happen naturally in class, from perseverance and teamwork to independence and self-belief. Outside of the gym, Megan is also an avid musician who toured nationally for several years. In her free time, she enjoys making music, creating art, and finding new ways to express her creativity.

Hospitality Staff

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Cassidy Balder

Hospitality Team Lead

Hi! My name is Cassidy, and I recently moved from Texas to Oregon. I love meeting new people and uplifting those around me, which I think comes from being on the dance/drill team all throughout high school. I graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bacherlor's Degree in Studio Art. In my free time, I love to dance, read, and be outdoors.

Coaching Staff

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Anna Vila    She/Her

Gymnastics Coach

Hi, my name is Anna! I started gymnastics when I was just four years old and competed as an acrobatic gymnast for 10 years. I coached at my previous gym and have five years of experience. I am deeply passionate about gymnastics and love working with kids. One day, I hope to pursue a career in education. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends!

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Annika Schwartz    

Gymnastics Coach

Hi my name is Annika! I have been a gymnast at TCG for 12 years and have been doing aerial dance for three years. I love working with children and I want share the same fun experiences I've had at TCG. I'm currently a high school student, and in my free time I like to hang out with family and friends. I also love to crochet animals and flowers.

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Peyton Syrnyk  They/She

Gymnastics Coach    

Hi! My name is Peyton, and I love bringing creativity and positivity to everything I do. I’ve had the chance to work with kids in a variety of roles and love cheering them on as they build confidence and try new things. I recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology at the University of Oregon, where I cultivated a passion for building welcoming, supportive communities. When I’m not at the gym, you can usually find me making zines, rollerblading, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors.

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Isabel Rosa  She/Her

Gymnastics Coach    

Isabel was a recreational gymnast for a few years growing up in West Virginia. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at Reed College. She is passionate about working with and supporting children. In her free time, she enjoys singing and hiking with friends.

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Maria Contreras  She/Her

Gymnastics Coach    

Hi, I'm Maria! I grew up participating in sports like cheerleading, dance, and softball. I enjoyed every moment of it, and I know the positive impact it's made on my life. I enjoy working with children and helping them reach new levels of confidence in a fun and supportive environment. I received my associate's degree from Portland Community College and look forward to continuing my learning! In my free time, I enjoy running, swimming, and skateboarding!

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Hatie Bender  She/Her

Gymnastics Coach    

Hey, my name is Hatie! I was a recreational gymnast as a child in the Bay Area (California) and
now live here in Portland while pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Portland State
University. I am deeply passionate about working with kids and have almost a decade of
experience doing so, as well as coaching other youth sports. In my free time, I love to read, bake,
volunteer in the community, and spend time outside.

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Zoë A Galle  She/Her

Gymnastics Coach    

I come from a background in dance, somatics, and movement rather than traditional gymnastics, with decades of training in ballet, contemporary dance, improvisation, and yoga, and I’ve taught art and movement to children in schools, camps, and community settings. I studied Community Studies and Fine Art at UC Santa Cruz and have continued my education in yoga, meditation, somatics, embodiment, and trauma-conscious mindfulness. I work at The Children’s Gym because I believe deeply in supporting children’s social-emotional development through embodiment—helping kids build confidence, self-awareness, emotional literacy, and trust in their bodies through play and movement. Outside of TCG, I’m usually dancing, printmaking, or spending as much time as possible in the river or forest.

The Children's Gym

1625 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232

503-249-5867
Email Us

Tax ID Number: 93-1138293

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