Coaches

Our squads and recreational gymnasts are coached by a talented and successful team of coaches and teachers.

The outstanding results our squad gymnasts have attained over many years are a direct result of our dedicated and highly qualified team of loyal coaches who work in a spirit of mutual support and respect.

Mitcham’s current coaches mentor beginner/intermediate coaches working within the recreational stream.

All coaches are required to be accredited members of both Gymnastics South Australia (GSA) and Gymnastics Australia (GA). All coaches are required to stay up to date with codes and regulations, update their accreditations annually and attend GSA and GA professional development coaching clinics.

Ishana Somers

Head Coach

Ishana has been a coach with Mitcham Rhythmic Gymnastic Club since 2016. She currently holds an Intermediate coaching accreditation and teaches squad and recreational stream gymnasts. Ishana is a dedicated and hardworking coach who always strives for her gymnasts to feel confident and enjoy what they are doing.

Chelsea White

Senior Coach and Choreographer

Chelsea is a life member of our club, having competed as a gymnast for 10 years, including as a South Australian State team member. She has also served as Head Coach and Committee President. Chelsea now holds the position of Senior Coach, providing expert guidance and serving as the club’s choreographer. She has guided multiple national medalists and state champions, and now works primarily with our Senior and Development Squad gymnasts. She is a valued mentor for all our squad and recreational coaches. Known for her dedication, attention to detail, and methodical approach to breaking down skills, she is committed to teaching strong fundamentals and developing highly capable rhythmic gymnasts who share her passion for the sport.

Chelsea holds an Advanced Silver Coaching accreditation and an Advanced Silver Judging accreditation.

Valentina Pavlova

Ballet/bodywork Expert, Squad Ballet Teacher

Our Ballet/Bodywork specialist Valentina Pavlova studied at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and is a former Prima Ballerina from Moscow. Valentina has been extremely dedicated and loyal to Mitcham for over 10 years. Valentina has worked with predominantly Mitcham’s Senior gymnasts in the past but is now also working with Mitcham’s Junior squad. Valentina’s teaching contract with Mitcham concentrates on ballet and bodywork specifically for Rhythmic Gymnastics and has a focus on alignment, technique and improving the overall way in which the gymnasts execute their routines. Mitcham is extremely lucky to have Valentina continually supporting the club and girls.

Louisa Giameos

Mini, Development and Senior Squad Coach

Louisa has done rhythmic gymnastics for 10 years, and the friendships and memories she has made along the way are ones she will cherish forever.

Helping the girls achieve their dreams and having a supportive coach is very important to her, and a job she takes with great pride. Louisa’s specialties include apparatus handling and masteries, with her favourite apparatus being hoop and clubs.

Saskia van Malland

Development Squad Coach

Saskia is an intermediate coach who also holds an intermediate judging accreditation. She currently coaches the development squad gymnasts (level 4) and loves guiding gymnasts towards their goals!

As a physiotherapy student, Saskia applies her knowledge to gymnastics to help gymnasts with strength and conditioning training.

Lotte van Malland

Recreational Stream Coach

Lotte is an intermediate coach who also holds an intermediate judging accreditation. After having trained at the club for over 10 years, she has now turned her focus to coaching young gymnasts (particularly recreational stream gymnasts) to develop foundational skills required to progress to higher levels.

Lotte enjoys regularly judging for the club at events, and uses her judging knowledge to improve gymnast technique.

Emi

Recreational Stream Coach

Emi is a level 8 gymnast and has been involved with rhythmic gymnastics for 10 years. She is currently a beginner coach and looks forward to pursuing her coaching aspirations. Emi is a passionate gymnast and enjoys sharing her love for the sport with everyone.