Meet Our Team
Spotlight Gymnastics was founded in 1986 by Ute and Edward Finn to provide gymnastics training for children of all ages and abilities. Throughout the years, Spotlight has remained a integral part of the community while maintaining a family atmosphere.
Our fully equipped gym is located in Lower Westchester in Pelham Manor, NY. We offer classes from September through June divided into FALL, WINTER, and SPRING Sessions. We also offer TUMBLING CLASSES, JUNE CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS.
Our philosophy is to teach gymnastics skills and fitness in a fun, SAFE, nurturing, positive, non-competitive learning environment to children ages 2 to 18. As well as gymnastic skills such as cartwheels, handsprings and flips, Spotlight’s step-by-step approach helps to develop many valuable attributes including self-confidence, self-esteem, balance, muscle strength, healthy bones, flexibility, co-ordination and motor skills. Our curriculum helps young children improve social interactive skills such as respecting oneself and others, taking turns and listening to directions. We recognize that all children are individuals and learn at different speeds and in different ways. Therefore, our teachers individualize the instruction to give each student a chance to develop to his/her greatest potential.
Our Staff
Eric Finn, Co-Owner
Eric has been involved as a student, teacher, and coach of gymnastics for the last 40 years. He has taught at private gym clubs in Hawaii and Westchester County as well as having coached freestyle skiing and aerials in Europe. In addition to Spotlight Gymnastics, Eric is a professional skydiver and B.A.S.E. jumper. He spends most of his summers teaching aerials to B.A.S.E. jumpers in Europe and Malaysia.
Andrew Finn, Co-Owner
Involved with Spotlight for 25 years, former world class tennis coach and director / owner of ski and tennis camps abroad, Andrew brings his vast knowledge of business and sports management to Spotlight. His main focus has been to provide the leadership necessary to ensure that Spotlight maintains the most well rounded and trained staff in the area, the most up-to-date equipment available, and an environment that is always both safe and conducive to learning.
Leanna Stokes, General Manager
Leanna started gymnastics at the age of 4 and never looked back. She went from competing to coaching before graduating with her master’s degree and starting a career in Finance. This former competitive gymnast turned coach, took some time off to start a family and is now back doing what she loves at Spotlight. Although she loves all events, her favorite is floor. She is First Aid and CPR certified.
Sean Jones
Sean, a former gymnastic competitor, has been a delight to our students and parents for the past 28 years. Sean is especially famous for his “zany” warm-up games, creative skill development and fun personality. Sean is the Director of our summer Gymnastics Program. Sean holds USA Gymnastics Safety, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers, School Age Training, CPR & First Aid Certifications.
Rumen Iliev
Rumen’s training in gymnastics began at an early age at National Training Centers in his native Bulgaria. After performing in Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, he began his long and amazing career of teaching gymnastics in the USA, joining Spotlight in 1986 with its original founders. With over 30 years of teaching and coaching gymnastics, Rumen has helped to set our standards and to create many of the drills and skill progressions that are so vital to our students’ learning and improved skill level. Rumen is CPR, First Aid and Safety Certified by USA Gymnastics.
Valbona Smajlaj
Valbona holds a degree in Physical Education specializing in gymnastics from Durst Academy in Albania where she taught high school physical education for 9 years. Valbona competed nationally and internationally for 14 years winning many championships including the Albanian National All Around title. Valbona’s experience and caring personality make her a winning part to our staff. Val holds certifications in CPR, First Aid, Safety for Gymnastics and School age training from USA Gymnastics.
Jorge Suarez
Jorge, a former all-around gymnastics competitor, started his training at the age of 16 in high school and has been teaching gymnastics and tumbling for 8 years. Jorge’s love for art is what drives him to continue teaching because he believes that every child has the ability to create their own style of tumbling and charisma on the floor. Jorge is CPR, First Aid and USAG Safety Certified.
Bilal Gidron
Bilal is a former gymnast himself and has consistently been in training since his high school days. By the age of 25 he had already successfully coached gymnastics and tumbling skills and routines to numerous cheerleading teams in the NY area. In his free time he still volunteers at Roberto Clemente State Park teaching gymnastics to children ranging from ages 5-18. Bilal is First Aid Pro and CPR Certified.
Kevin Cortez
Kevin has been involved with gymnastics for 10 years. He previously had competed in the Public School Athletic League during his high school years and has been teaching and training ever since. Kevin is a volunteer instructor at Roberto Clemente State Park and is a participant at the Big Apple Games Program. In his spare time Kevin enjoys spending time on the art of photography and videography. He is First Aid and CPR certified.
Ziggy Scipio
Ziggy has been involved with Spotlight for over 10 years and brings years of teaching and coaching experience with him. Ziggy recently finished his Masters in Physical Therapy and soon he will be working on his Doctorate. Well done Ziggy!!!!
Nadine Iliev
Nadine trained as a classical ballet dancer at the School of American Ballet. She performed, choreographed and taught at the Bronx Dance Theater and even performed at the White House!!! Nadine has taught gymnastics for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our gym. Nadine is CPR, First Aid and USA Gymnastics safety certified.
Nesha Sellers