Coach Shannon

Owner, Head Coach, and Competitive Team Coach

Shannon brings a lifetime of gymnastics expertise and passion to Evolution Gymnastics. A competitive gymnast since age 7, Shannon competed through college, including on the University of Delaware's intramural club team. She is a 2011 all around state champion and has competed at the national level multiple times. Shannon began coaching at 13 as a junior coach and has been leading competitive teams since she turned 18.

Shannon's background in education, including a Master's Degree in Special Education and five years of elementary teaching experience, shapes her coaching philosophy. She focuses on tailoring her approach to meet the individual needs of her athletes, ensuring they progress at a pace that builds confidence and mastery. Her expertise in teaching proper progressions and foundational skills helps athletes advance safely and effectively, setting them up for long-term success in the sport.

Outside of coaching, Shannon enjoys reading fantasy novels (especially anything by Sarah J. Maas), doing paint-by-numbers, and playing D&D and board games. Her dedication to both gymnastics and her athletes makes her the heart and soul of Evolution Gymnastics.

Coach Ciera

Competitive Team Coach and Girls Recreational Coach

Ciera has dedicated her life to mastering and sharing her passion for gymnastics and athletics. With five years of competitive gymnastics, five years of softball, and her current role on a Level 6 Allstar cheer team, Ciera exemplifies commitment and teamwork in everything she does. She thrives on the excitement of competing with a team and cherishes the camaraderie that comes from working together to achieve a shared goal. 

Ciera's love for gymnastics started the moment she stepped into the gym and she's been hooked ever since. Volunteering as a coach during her years of competition fueled her passion for helping others excel. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for the sport with young athletes, many of whom discover their own love of gymnastics under her guidance.

"I want kids to do their best and learn how to control their bodies in this beautiful and intricate way, making it look graceful," Ciera shares. Her goal is to inspire athletes to reach their full potential while enjoying every step of the journey.

Outside of the gym, Ciera continues to pursue her athletic passions through cheerleading and enjoys motivating her teammates as much as her athletes. Her energetic and supportive style makes her a perfect fit for Evolution Gymnastics's mission to promote, growth, teamwork, and a lifelong love for gymnastics.

Coach Marissa

Girls Recreational Coach and Tumbling Coach

Marissa grew up immersed in gymnastics and Allstar cheerleading, competing from the age of 4 to 16. While her cheerleading journey ended earlier than she had hoped due to a few concussions, her love for the sport never wavered. At 16, she transitioned into coaching, eager to share her passion for gymnastics and tumbling with others. 

Marissa's coaching philosophy is centered on creating a reliable outlet for her athletes - whether they're kids looking for fun after a long day of school or adults discovering gymnastics for the first time. "You're never too old to start," Marissa says. She emphasizes the importance of both skill development and understanding the mechanics of the sport. She frequently engages her athletes in conversations about their techniques, encouraging them to know the "why" behind their skills to make progression easier and more rewarding. 

Beyond coaching, Marissa enjoys weightlifting, baking, and spending cozy days at home with her dog. Her approachable, knowledge-driven style makes her a standout at Evolution Gymnastics, where she inspires athletes of all ages to grow, learn, and fall in love with gymnastics.

Coach Aliyah

Preschool and Girls Recreational Coach

Aliyah has been an athlete her entire life, participating in a variety of sports including track, swimming, dance, cheer, gymnastics, and soccer. Her passion for gymnastics began at age 7 when she joined competitive gymnastics, advancing to Level 7 before transitioning to Allstar cheer. This diverse background gives her a unique perspective that enriches her coaching approach.

As a gymnastics coach, Aliyah focuses on developing well-rounded athletes - both physically and mentally. She emphasizes building a strong foundation of technical skills, body awareness, flexibility, and strength, while fostering a growth mindset that encourages resilience, persistence, and positivity. "I want kids to feel safe to challenge themselves and make mistakes because failure is part of the process," she shares.

Aliyah's coaching philosophy extends beyond physical skills. She teaches her athletes that success isn't about winning or mastering a skill immediately, but about continuous improvement, effort, and enjoying the journey. Building confidence, teamwork, and respect for themselves and others are at the heart of her coaching.

Outside of the gym, Aliyah is a full-time college students at the University of Delaware. She is deeply involved on campus, serving as president of the Lambda Gamma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and participating in several organizations. She also loves traveling, finding freedom and relaxation in exploring new places.

Aliyah's energy, leadership, and dedication make her a valuable part of the Evolution Gymnastics team, inspiring young athletes to grow both on and off the mat.

Coach Rachael

Girls Recreational Coach

Rachael combines her passion for fitness, education, and empowering others to create a fun and confidence-building experience for her athletes. With a background in volleyball, tennis, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and Krav Maga (where she holds and orange level 2 belt and has served as an assistant teacher), Rachael brings a well-rounded and disciplined perspective to gymnastics coaching.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, which gives her expertise in de-escalation, crisis management, and psychology. Rachael's experience working with individuals with severe disabilities has instilled in her the value of patience and tailoring her approach to meet each athlete's unique needs.

Her coaching philosophy emphasizes building confidence: "I want my athletes to believe in themselves, not just in the gym, but throughout their lives. Gymnastics should be fun, and the lessons learned here - confidence, discipline, and resilience - will carry them far."

Outside of coaching, Rachael enjoys Krav Maga, video games (especially fantasy/RPGs), reading and writing fiction, and expressing her creativity through art. Her dynamic energy and dedication to personal growth make her an inspiring mentor for young gymnasts at Evolution Gymnastics.

Coach Darren

Health and Wellness Expert, Boys' Power and Agility Instructor

Darren brings a wealth of experience in athletics and fitness to the Evolution Gymnastics team. With a background in wrestling, football, lacrosse, and bodybuilding, Darren has been passionate about sports and fitness from a young age. On his 18th birthday, he became a certified personal trainer, working at The Village Gym (now Steel City Gym) for five years. Darren also holds an Associate's Degree in Exercise Science and multiple certifications from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) including: 
          * Strength and Conditioning Specialist
          * Personal Trainer Levels 1 &2
          * Certified Dietitian

Darren's coaching philosophy centers on the belief that "Your body is a machine, and the most important machine that you have. What you put in it and what you do to it is what you'll get out of it." He inspires athletes to make fitness enjoyable rather than a chore, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Outside the gym, Darren enjoys strength training, drumming, playing video games, and diving into new topics to learn about. His enthusiasm and well-rounded approach make him an invaluable part of Evolution Gymnastics's mission to promote holistic health and fitness.

Mr. Bob

Executive Assistant

Bob brings decades of experience in advertising, public relations, and project management to Evolution Gymnastics. A retired transplant from New Jersey, Bob joined the team in September 2024 with the goal of helping Evolution become an active and integral part of the MOT community.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and skills in public speaking and project management, Bob is a natural communicator and organizer. His friendly demeanor and dedication to connections make him a vital part of the team. 

Outside of work, Bob is an automobile enthusiast with a passion for photography and music appreciation. He enjoys sharing his interests and building relationships with the families and athletes at Evolution Gymnastics.