Meet The Team
Marissa
Owner/Manager
Marissa is a mom of two little ones, and has a big passion for helping families grow and thrive through their children’s developmental milestones, and joy of movement.
Marissa has an extensive competitive dance, theatre, and AllStar cheerleading background. And though she never did competitive level gymnastics, she worked several years teaching at The Little Gym, where she fell in love with the foundational programs and the families; and knew one day she wanted to own a space like that. Marissa worked for Rory and Sara at Kerrigan/Leapfrog for almost 5 years helping develop, teach, and manage their programs, and then took a break for 5 years to start a family and pursue a career managing a charity; Balding for Dollars at BC Children’s Hospital.
Marissa is excited for the potential and future of Haven and thanks you for being a part of the family! If she could, Marissa would love to have the super power of healing others! She’d love to travel to Indonesia & Greece one day, and her favourite thing in the centre is seeing the smiles & giggles from all the kids.
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Linley
Assistant Manager
Hi, my name is Linley! I’m the Assistant Manager at Haven Movement Centre and a mom to two awesome kiddos. I grew up loving dance and gymnastics. I spent 10 years competing in All Star cheer and later coached Mini and Youth cheer. For the past few years I've been in leadership roles in safety and operations within the construction industry.
I’m so excited to be back in a gym environment, I love working with kids and getting to see those “I get it!” moments when a new skill finally clicks.
I was born in Australia and travel home whenever I can. I also have a long list of places I’d love to visit someday! If I could have a superpower (besides being a supermom), it would be flying… or maybe making things appear out of thin air!
Michelle
Move Play Learn Program Director, Teaches Classes, & Customer Service Team
I love to meet new people, learn new skills and support my community. I value my time with my family and friends. I appreciate good food, great company, creative ideas and open minds. I love working with kids because I believe they bring out the best in humanity and they remind us of how fun life can be.
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Leah
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi there! My name is Coach Leah, and I have been teaching at this gym for the past 3 amazing years! I have been coaching gymnastics in general since 2020, and it has been such a great passion in my life ever since :) I grew up doing competitive trampoline and have always loved working with younger students and creating a safe space for them—as a coach, I always try my best to make my students laugh while also giving them the emotional support they need during classes! I am currently a student at UBC studying psychology, with a minor in health and society, and I am also passionate about language (I can speak English, French, and Korean!) In the future, I hope to go into teaching in elementary schools or counselling for children. In my free time, you might catch me on a hike, lounging by Buntzen Lake, or playing in a park with my poodle, Teddy!
Koby
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi I’m Koby! I’m currently studying psychology at SFU. I have many years of dedication in competitive artistic gymnastics. I’m honored to share my love for the sport with others. In the gym, I strive to create positive connections and believe in recognizing progress at every stage, encouraging everyone to be proud of each step forward. Outside of gymnastics, I enjoy hiking, fitness, and spending time with animals. I have a pet dog and rabbit, and I also love being with those closest to me.
Greta
Teaches Classes & Events (Substitute)
Hi I’m coach Greta! I am currently studying cosmetology at Blanche Macdonald. I have a background in artistic gymnastics and a passion for teaching gymnastics while helping everyone reach their goals! In the future, I plan to travel and open my own business as an esthetician!
Rhi
Teaches Classes & Events (Substitute)
My passion is working with kids of varying abilities! I graduated post secondary school in 2022 majoring in disability studies, and minoring in behavioural sciences. I’ve worked a variety of jobs surrounded by kiddos varying from the school system to coaching a ton of sporting activities! My favourite hobbies include dancing, knitting, thrifting, and spending time with my dog. I’m passionate about working for Haven, as they are an inclusive and welcoming business!
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Vianca
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi I am Coach V! I love to dance, paint, and spend time with my friends and family. I grew up doing competitive dance and playing piano. In the future I plan on travelling the world and going to university. If I could have any superpower it would most definitely be teleportation!
Julia
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi, I'm Julia! I have been a dancer since I was 4 and love to spend time with my friends and family. I am really passionate about working with kids and helping them grow as individuals. I love seeing them build their confidence, learn new skills, and express themselves through movement! In the future, I want to become an elementary school teacher!
Jill
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi I’m Jill! I am currently studying elementary eduction at Simon Fraser University! I grew up in a dance studio and began teaching when I was 16 years old. I fell in love with teaching children of all ages how to dance as well as empower themselves through movement. I love being able to help kids learn new ideas and watch them improve, it is very exciting! I am very passionate about working with children and being able to create positive teacher-student connections. A few other passions I have include travelling, hiking, and spending time with my family and friends!
Denisa
Teaches Classes & Events
Hey! I'm Denisa. I'm a former professional dancer, dancing in all genres from the age of 2-17. I won 4th place senior tap dance at the dance world cup in 2017. I love working with kids and inspiring them to follow their dreams! I'm currently studying acting, I love British accents, and I have 2 kitty cats.
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Sarah
Teaches Classes & Events (Substitute)
Hey, I'm Sarah. I am excited to restart my coaching journey at Haven. I have been coaching since I was 15. I love working with kids as they are just so energetic and excited to explore everything in front of them. In my spare time, I walk doggies and pet sit. I love reading, and hanging out with animals.
Isabel
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi, I’m Isabel! My family is from Mexico, I have 2 sisters, and a dog! I love to play sports like gymnastics, volleyball and soccer. I really enjoy teaching children and sharing with them what I love to do. In my free time I enjoy baking, traveling, camping, and spending time with my family and friends!
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Emily
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi! My name is Emily. :) I am currently working towards my teaching degree at Simon Fraser University. I grew up dancing for many years and absolutely loved it. I love working with kids and helping them grow into strong, confident people! I love to travel, spend time with my friends/family, and try out gluten free bakeries! A fun fact about me is that I have a twin brother.
Bahar
Teaches Classes & Events (Substitute)
Hello, my name is Bahar. I am graduating with a master's degree in business (MBA). I plan to get my ECE certificate. I want to be a very good mother in the future. In the gym, I like to see the children laugh or they hug me with happiness. I’d love to go to Hawaii and Bali. If I had powers, I would like to be able to make all the people laugh and give them peace. I love to dance and go to nature. I always like to try new foods, places, and clothes.
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Kayla
Teaches Dance, Musical Theatre, & Customer Service Team
I’m Kayla! I’ve been teaching dance and theatre for over 20 years! The arts changed my life as a young person and I am very passionate about instilling a love of the arts in the next generation of storytellers. I also graduated from the acting program at Studio 58 in 2012 and I’ve been working as a freelance director, choreographer, and actor ever since. Companies I’ve worked for include: Savage Society, Urban Ink, CTYP, ArtsClub, Bard on the Beach, Chemainus Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, City Opera, The Elbow, Itsazoo, ZeeZee Theatre, Axis Theatre, TUTS, Gateway, etc. I am committed to using my privilege to be of service to my community. I’m also a mama to an amazing toddler and wifey to a wonderful hubby!
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Thea
Teaches Classes & Events
Hi, I’m Thea! I grew up doing gymnastics and love the opportunity it offers to build confidence and grow a new skill set in a fun and supportive environment. Teaching kids allows me to share that passion! I’m currently studying psychology at Simon Fraser University, and am planning on focusing on child development. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, and playing board games with friends. I love working with kids and seeing them grow both as athletes and individuals.
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Ophelia
Teaches Classes & Events & Customer Service Team
Hi, my name is Coach Ophelia! I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years and I have been coaching a variety of ages and levels since 2020. One of my favourite parts of being a coach is building strong connections with each student and watching them grow both as individuals and in their skills. I am currently studying psychology at Douglas College and I hope to be a youth counsellor one day. When I am not cartwheeling around, I love to travel and see new places. I have been to London, Paris, Scotland and Wales, and I hope to visit Australia and Greece too. A fun fact about me is that I have an associates degree in creative writing and I hope to publish a book one day. I am so excited to be a part of the Haven and I look forward to coaching you!
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Hannah
Teaches Classes & Events & Customer Service Team
Hi, my name is Coach Hannah! I did competitive gymnastics for 10 years and now coach a variety of different levels, including competitive. One of my favourite parts of coaching is helping children build confidence and seeing their excitement when they learn something new. I love creating a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged and has fun while growing their skills. I am currently a student at Simon Fraser University, where I’m studying Education in hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher. Alongside coaching, I enjoy working with children in different settings and building meaningful connections with the children I work with. When I’m not in the gym, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my three dogs and travelling. I’m always up for new adventures and love exploring new places whenever I can. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Haven and cannot wait to see everyone in the gym!
Join the Team
Thinking about joining our Haven family as a part of the team?
This fun and exciting work environment helps shape our future generations!
Though we may not be explicitly hiring, we are always looking for great folks to join our growing team.
What we look for in our team members: Someone energetic, who’s great with kids, good with customer service and talking to parents. Skill-set to include the ability to teach recreational gymnastics fundamentals to young kids (0 up to age 11), as well as gymnastics and other active-based events. Ability to teach recreational beginner dance is an asset as well!
Role might include: Weekly classes (gymnastics/dance/other), day camps, kids night out events, field trips, open gym, private lessons, and birthday parties may all be part of your schedule. Cleaning duties will also apply. Typically this is a part-time opposition, great for a student, parent, or someone just looking to supplement their income. This role has potential to build towards a full time position, with added responsibilities such as marketing, customer service duties, or supervisor/management for the right candidate.
Hours vary, but all team members MUST be available at least 1 weekend day. No super early mornings or late nights at this job- huge bonus compared to most service industry jobs.
Requirements:
● Previous experience as a gymnast, dancer, cheerleader, tumbler, and/or gymnastics/dance instructor is a must
● Knowledge of gymnastics techniques, skills, spotting, and safety guidelines
● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
● Ability to work well with children and provide positive reinforcement
● Strong organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively
● CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
● Clear criminal record check provided (or consent to obtain)
● Must Love Children!
You can inquire about opportunities anytime by emailing hello@havenmovementcentre.ca