Michaela grew up in Norfolk, NE and received a Biology degree with a minor in coaching from UW-River Falls. She was hired at Mini Hops in 1999 and is currently the Executive Director and Adaptive Program Director. She enjoys gardening, biking, and hiking. Michaela coaches because she wants to make a lasting impact.

Ellie is the Marketing Director, who started at Mini Hops in 2020. She has degree in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas. Ellie is a former colligate track athlete and she was a professional mascot for over 6 years.

James grew up in Grand Forks, ND and has a B.A. in biology from Metro State University. He is currently the Facility Manager and coach, he started coaching in 1996, but came to MHG in 2002. He has a daughter and two sons, all who are gymnasts at Mini Hops.

Stefny is currently Lead Recreational Director and HR Generalist. She has been at Mini Hops since 2009 and coaching since 1991. She speaks Russian and has two amazing kids (both were MHG gymnasts). Stefny says that teaching is her calling. Serving others and sharing what she knows to enhance others’ lives is her mission.

Keyla is our current Xcel Team Director, who has been coaching at Mini Hops since 2007. Fun fact: Keyla was a competitive JO gymnast with MHG. When she is not coaching, Keyla enjoys spending time at the cabin, traveling, and solving puzzles. Her favorite part of coaching is sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport with her gymnasts.

Kris is our Academic Preschool Director, but is trained to work in many other departments. Kris has been at Mini Hops since 2018, but has been coaching since 2010.. Kris enjoys getting to teach the next generation as well as introducing them to the world of gymnastics early on.

Raye is our current Camp and Special Events Director, Rhythmic Program Director, and a dance, acro, and mini gym coach. Raye does it all! Raye has been with Mini Hops since 2018 and has been coaching since 2010.

Coach Dani is from Waterloo, Iowa and received a degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services at the University of Northern Iowa. She is the oldest of five siblings and grew up playing lots of sports. She works in almost every program at Mini-Hops, but she mostly loves working as the Adaptive Coordinator, promoting inclusive gymnastics to all individuals with differing abilities. Her favorite food is grilled cheese.

Konstantin “Kostya” Kolesnikov began gymnastics at the age of 7, earned the title of All-Around Champion at the Russian Cup, was a member of the USSR/Russian National Team, and has a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis on Physical Education as a Gymnastics Coach. He has coached all levels of gymnastics, including several Olympians. He was the University of Minnesota Men’s Gymnastics Teams Assistant coach and in 2021 he was recognized as a USA Senior Coach of the Year by USA Gymnastics.

Esther has been at Mini-Hops since 2018 and is currently coaching in the performing arts program. She coaches because she loves spending time with kids and sharing her love of theater. In her free time, Esther enjoys acting, writing, and playing the piano.

Laura has grown up right here in Plymouth and was even a gymnast at MIni-Hops way back when we were at the old location. About three years ago, she found her way back to Mini-Hops and began coaching in the Mini-Hoppers and Camp programs. Outside of coaching gymnastics, Laura enjoys playing basketball and spending time outdoors.