Meet the Staff at All-American!

"We bring out the champion in your child and make learning fun"

Patti's All-American

(219) 865-2274

(219) 865-2389 24-Hr. Fax

1530 Joliet Street

Dyer, IN 46311

Staff

The staff at All-American is specially trained by Patti Komara. Members are CPR and First Aid certified as well as USAG Safety Certified. Some members are USAG PDP, and Preschool Fundamentals certified. The staff loves children and realizes that FUN has to play a part in every lesson so the children will want to return.

Patti’s All-American is very fortunate to have such a large, qualified staff. The staff will try to maintain the same schedule throughout the year. However, your child may occasionally have a different teacher. All the staff utilizes the same lesson plans and curriculum sheets, but every instructor has their own style of teaching. Please help your child adjust to a new teacher if this occurs. Our enthusiastic staff is well trained through Patti Komara’s own teacher–training program and mentoring system. Many of the staff members are USAG Safety Certified, American Red Cross First Aid, and CPR Certified. All of the teachers are involved with year round in–service training as well as continuous video training. Our office staff is always here to help you. Our business hours during the school year are Monday thru Wednesday 8:30am - 9:00pm, Thursday 8:30am - 8:00pm, Friday 8:30am - 9:00pm, Saturday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00-4:00 pm

	Patti Komara (President) In 1969, Patti Komara founded Patti's All-American gymnastics in Dyer, Indiana and it has since become one of the most successful gyms with gymnastics, dance, swimming, and a fitness based nursery school called Gym-N-Learn. Patti began speaking at national seminars in 1981 on preschool and school-age gymnastics and the business of owning a gymnastics school. Patti has spoken for Purdue University and national seminars for AAHPERD, AAETC, TMCA, USAIGC, IDEA, and USAG. She began her national seminars in 1986 and began putting her speeches on videotape and DVDs and then founded Patti Komara's Tumblebear Connection. Patti has since produced more than 60 instructional videotapes for instructors and owners. Presently she has written and sells books on yearly lesson plans for The internationally know Tumblebear Gym Program, School-age Gymnastics, Dancing Gym Bears, Yoga Bears, CheerBears, Gym-N-Learn, and her newest book on her very successful swim program. Patti has written over 50 articles on the gymnastics business. In 1995 Patti was selected by USA Gymnastics to be a member f the committee that created the KAT preschool gymnastics certification program and co-authored the KAT workbook. In 2003 she was named USAG Business Leader of the Year. In 2005 Patti was selected as Client of the Year by Action International and in 2006 was given the National Service Award by USAG at their annual business conference.
	Rachael Tripp (Vice President of Sales, School-Age Manager, and Training Manager), started teaching gymnastics at Patti’s in 1995. She is a former varsity cheerleader at Lake Central High School. Rachael has been involved in gymnastics for many years and competed as an optional level gymnast. She is a former Purdue Calumet cheerleader and was asked to be on the UCA cheering staff. Rachael has been certified by USA Gymnastics PDP Level I, Preschool Fundamentals, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers, and is certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. Rachael is also USA Gymnastic Safety Certified. She graduated from Purdue University Calumet in May 2002 with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. Rachael attended the National Gymnastics Congress five times where she took classes to further her education and two National Brain Trust Conferences.
	Diane Spevacek (General Manager, Facility Manager, and Special Events Manager), has been teaching at All-American since 1989. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and love of her job and is a former gymnastic student of Patti’s Gymnastics. Diane has been certified by USA Gymnastics, Preschool Fundamentals, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers and is Safety Certified. She is also certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. Diane and her husband, Scott, reside in St. John. Her daughter, Nicole, was a teacher here and now lives in Chicago. Diane attended numerous classes during the 2005 USA National Gymnastics Congress in Indianapolis as well as attending a national preschool workshop in Chicago, and Region V congress in Columbus, Ohio.
	Ali Pienta (Assistant School-age Manager, Gymnastics and Swim Teacher, and Staff Birthday Party Manager) has taught at Patti’s All-American since 2001. Ali attended the National Gymnastics Congress in St. Paul, Minnesota August of 2006 and in San Jose, California of 2007 this past summer. She studied one year at ISU with an athletic scholarship playing softball. While attending Indiana State University, she became certified in American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR and is certified as a Water Safety Instructor. Ali is also certified by USA Gymnastics, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers which is the highest level for teaching preschool gymnastics. She is also safety certified by USA Gymnastics. She is currently enrolled at Purdue University Calumet majoring in Chemistry and Biology in the Pre-Medical program. She lives in Dyer with her Mom and Dad, sister Valerie, Grandma Edna and her cock-a-too, Holiday!
	Adrian Sickles (Back Handspring Manager and Gymnastics Teacher), graduated from Lake Central High School in May 2002, where she was a varsity cheerleader. She attends Purdue University Calumet and is pursuing a career in Fitness Management. Adrian is certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR. She is is also safety certified by USA Gymnastics. Adrian was a power tumbler and competed for ten years. She has won many competitions including a national title. She teaches many of our advanced classes at All-American. Adrian attended numerous classes during the 2005 USA National Gymnastics Congress in Indianapolis.
	Amy Pataky (Gym-N-Learn Director), took gymnastic lessons at Shirley’s in Crown Point for eight years and here at Patti’s for six years. She was hired originally in 1990 and was employed for eight years during her high school and college years. After receiving a degree in education from Purdue University Calumet and teaching second and fourth grades for five years she decided to return as a gymnastics teacher, she then created the Gym-N-Learn Program the only fitness based nursery school in NW Indiana. Amy is certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR and has been Gym-N-Learn Director since 2003. She is also has been certified by USA Gymnastics in Preschool Fundamentals, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers, and is Safety Certified. Amy is married and resides in Schererville with her husband Michael.
	Chris Walker (Boys Gymnastics Manager and Gymnastics Teacher), joined our staff in December of 2001. He was a Jesse White Tumbler in Chicago. Chris taught gymnastics with the Jesse White Tumbling Team and at the Chicago Park District for 10 years. He won first place at State and first place at many other U.S.A.G meets. He is First Aid, CPR, and Safety Certified along with being a Pro Member of USA Gymnastics. Chris is also safety certified by USA Gymnastics, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers which is the highest level for teaching preschool gymnastics. He currently resides in Griffith, and has a daughter named Kayla. Chris attended numerous classes during the 2005 USA National Gymnastics Congress in Indianapolis.
	Nicole Gainer ( Pool Manager, Kids Night Out Manager, Gymnastics and Swim Teacher), Nicole has worked here at All-American for twelve years as a swim instructor and is our pool manager. She has coached swimming for twenty-one years. She has been heralded as one of the most fantastic instructors working with children in the water. She was assistant coach at Munster and Lake Central swim club. Nicole has been the head coach and assistant coach for East Chicago High School and Bishop Noll Institute. Nicole has been an aquatic director at various YMCA's and country clubs in Northwest Indiana and Illinois. She is a gymnastics instructor here at All-American and has previously taught gymnastics for Tumblebear Gym on Wheels. She also is American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR certified as well as a Water Safety Instructor. Nicole is also safety certified by USA Gymnastics, Preschool Fundamentals, and Kinder Accreditation for Teachers which is the highest level for teaching preschool gymnastics. Nicole assists with our Gym-N-Learn Program and Runs our Kids Night Out program.
	Kelli Devine (Gymnastics Teacher, and Assistant Preschool Manager) graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She has two children, Taylor and David, and a wonderful husband who also happens to be her best friend. She has been a fitness instructor and a personal trainer for the past 24 years-- the last seven at Omni. Kelli is also certified by USA Gymnastics, Kinder Accreditation for Teachers which is the highest level for teaching preschool gymnastics. Kelli also is USA Gymnastics safety certified and Preschool Fundamentals certified. She was a competitive swimmer, tri-athlete and a body builder. Kelli is First Aid and CPR certified, AFAA and Ace certified for group fitness and personal training. She’s is also a member of I.D.E.A. – International Dance and Exercise Association.
	Natasha Wojciechowski (Gymnastics Teacher) has been with All-American since 2005. Natasha took gymnastics at Patti’s All-American for four years. She enjoys working with children, teaching gymnastics and doing gymnastics. Natasha is American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR certified Natasha lives in Dyer with her mother, sister Ashley and five foster children, Amber, Harmony, Tyler, Kylee, and Katrina.
	Brittany Ricciardi (Gymnastics Teacher) has been with All-American since 2004. She took six years of gymnastics and four years of dance classes from All-American. She played basketball for Lake Central High School where she was also a cheerleader. Brittany went to Purdue Lafayette for one year then transferred to Purdue Calumet to be closer to her family. She is American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR certified. She is majoring in biology and is in the Pre-Med program. She has three sisters and lives in Schererville with her Mom and Dad.
	Chrissy Wilk (Gymnastics Teacher) has been with All-American since 2004 and is excited to teach children gymnastics. Chrissy graduated in 2005 from T. F. South High School and worked here at All-American until she left for the University of Illinois. She now attends Purdue Calumet where she is majoring in Biology. She took gymnastics lesson for two years and tumbling lessons for six years, three of them being taught by Miss Rachael and Miss Adrian. Chrissy is American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR certified. Chrissy lives with her Mom and Dad is Lansing, Illinois.
	Rhonda Zaluckyj (Gymnastics Teacher) joined our All-American staff in 2006.. Rhonda took tumbling classes in Griffith and at Patti’s All-American for four years. She loves being around children and loves to play her guitar. Rhonda is American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR certified. She lives in Cedar Lake with her husband, Stevie and her two children, Seth and Faith.
	Tara Leonard (Special Events Instructor) has joined the All-American staff this year. Tara took gymnastics lessons for six years and dance lessons for three years here at Patti’s. Tara competed on the Patti’s All-American Team during the 80’s. She is currently attends classes at Purdue Calumet working on a degree in Criminal Justice. Tara is Paula our evening Customer Service Manager oldest daughter. Tara lives in Dyer with her son Antonio.
	Alyssa Chandler (Gymnastics Teacher and Special Events Instructor) has joined the All-American staff this year. Alyssa took gymnastics and tumbling lessons since the age of four. Alyssa is very athletic and loves all kinds of sports. She has ran track and played volleyball as well as a variety of other sports. She also took two years of dance instruction. Alyssa is USGA certified in Preschool Fundamentals. Alyssa loves working with children and can’t wait to share her knowledge in teaching gymnastics. Alyssa lives in Dyer with her parents, her brother Will, two dogs, and one cat.
	Meridith Gjeldum (Gymnastics Teacher and Special Events Instructor) has joined the All-American staff this year. Meridith started in gymnastics here at All-American. She has five years of gymnastics experience and one year of dance instruction. She has been on the Lake Central Varsity cheerleading squad and was part of the Advanced Tumbling and Trampoline Team. Meridith is also a certified lifeguard. She loves to run and go fishing. She lives in St. John with her Mom, Dad, two sisters - Mia and Meg, her brother, Marc and her dog named Zena.
	Amber Pfiel (Gymnastics Teacher) joined the All-American staff this year. Amber took tumbling classes for seven years. She has competed on an All-Star Cheerleading Squad, Cheer Command Rockets in Mokena, Illinois for eight years. She competed in the three World championships during her cheer career. Amber is attending Purdue North Central in the fall majoring in business and finance. Amber lives at home in Dyer, with her mom, her dog, Bailey and puppy named Remmi.
	Annie Loudermilk (Gymnastics Teacher) joined the All-American staff this year. Annie took gymnastics classes since she was two years old as well as five years of dance classes in when she was younger. During her high school years, Annie took additional Tumbling and Trampoline classes and dance classes (Jazz, Leaps & Turns, and Ballet) for three years. Annie was a member of the Andrean High School dance team (Ninerettes) for four years. She is attending Purdue Calumet University majoring in History and plans on attending Law School in the future. Annie lives at home with her mom, dad, brother named Mikey, and Dog named Tyson.
	Erin Zlotkowski (Gymnastics Teacher) joined the All-American staff this year. Erin took tumbling classes for since she was two years old. She also took one year of dance classes at a young age. She competed in Tumbling and Trampoline for twelve years. She also was on the Lake Central gymnastics team for two years. Erin lives at home with her mom, dad, brother Matt and her dog named Rico.
	Katie Bomba (Gymnastics Teacher) joined the All-American staff this year. Katie took gymnastics classes for five years here at Patti's All-American. She was on the Lake Central gymnastics team and a Tri-Town Raiders Cheerleader for four years. Katie is attending a Purdue Calumet University majoring in biology. She currently lives in Dyer with her mom, dad, and younger sisters.
	Jill Hansen (Gymnastics Teacher) joined the All-American staff this year. Jill took six years of gymnastics and four years of tumbling classes here at Patti's All-American. She was on the Junior Varsity Lake Central Cheerleading squad for two years. She also competed on the JV Lake Central cheerleading squad earning a fifth place in the State of Indiana. Jill loves to tumble and can't wait to share her knowledge and talents with her students. Jill lives at home with mom, dad, brother, Josh and her dog named Sammie.
Dance Staff
	Robin Arvanitis (Dance Manager) began dancing at the age of three. She took locally until she was eight years old, and then continued training at Birmingham Southern College, Chicago City Ballet, Masi Ballet, Ruth Page, Ellis DuBoulay, and Lou Contes. She was accepted at Joffrey Ballet of New York City in 1989, but she decided to begin a teaching career instead. Robin had her own studio until the spring of 1998 when she joined the staff at Patti’s All-American. Robin has staged eighteen recitals, three professional Nutcrackers, four musicals, dance engagements from 1998-2004 at Great America, and numerous parades. Many of her students have gone on to dance at the University of Iowa, Butler, Northern Illinois, Barat College, the Joffery Ballet of New York, and Chicago Ballet. Some of her students have performed in Showboat, the Arie Crown Nutcracker, and the Great America Review. Robin is certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR. She also runs the Tri-Town Pop Warner Dance & Cheer which has won four National Dance Titles. Robin resides in Schererville, with her husband, Tim, and their two children, Riley and Renn.
	Jeana DeKruiff (Dance Teacher and Assistant Dance Manager) has been dancing since the age of nine. She has studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Pointe under the teaching of Robin Arvanitis. She attended the Tremaine Dance Convention in 2001 and 2003 and performed with Dance Connection at Great America. Jeana is certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR. In the summer of 2003 she taught dance at the Highland Park District. She is also the choreographer for the Marian Catholic High School fashion shows. Jeana graduated college at Columbia in Chicago with a Bachelors Degree in Art Entertainment and Media Management. She began teaching here at All-American in 2000.
	Valarie Studer (Assistant Dance Teacher) has been trained via video instruction as well as on-the-job training. She has been a huge help during dance recital time with costume alterations. Val is American Red Cross First Aid, Adult, Child and Infant CPR certified. Val lives in Schererville with her husband, James, and their four children, Amber, Victoria, Hannah, and Colin, Victoria and Hannah are all students here at All-American.
Office Staff
	Paula (Office Administrator) has been at All-American Gymnastics since 1989. Prior to that, she was a manager of a beauty shop for 10 years. She is certified in American Red Cross First Aid and Adult, Child and Infant CPR. Paula, along with her husband, Chuck, resides in Sauk Village with her daughter, Lisa.
	Claudia Pienta (General Office Manager and Tech Manager) She has been here since 1998. Prior to that time, she was a realtor for nine years. She is a vocalist, pianist, and a Music Director at the 11:00 Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church. She loves working on computers and gardening. Claudia attended the National Gymnastics Congress in August 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio, the USA National Gymnastics Congress in 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana and attended the National Gymnastics Congress at St. Paul, Minnesota in August of 2006, and San Jose, California of 2007 this past summer. She is certified in American Red Cross First Aid and Adult, Child and Infant CPR. Claudia has lived in Dyer since 1984 with her husband, Andy, and their daughters, Valerie and Ali. Ali presently teaches both gymnastics and swim.
	Tina Okerstrom (Bookkeeper and Human Resource Manager) joined Patti’s in March 1996. She is currently doing our bookkeeping and payroll. Prior to that time, she worked as a legal secretary in a Chicago law firm. Tina also is a licensed esthetician and works for a doctor’s office in Orland Park, Illinois. She resides in Crown Point with her husband, Mike and children, Eric and Michelle. Michelle is a current student here in Advanced Tumbling.
	Tracy Velez (Vice President, Marketing Director, Pro Shop Manager, Swim Manager, and Office Director) graduated in May 2002 from Purdue University Calumet with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Tracy took gymnastics lessons here at Patti's and has taught gymnastics for eight years. Tracy is USA Gymnastics Safety certified as well as certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR. She has attended USA Gymnastics National Congress. Tracy has been with Patti's All-American staff since 1997.
	Nicole Garza (Office Administrator, School-age Manager, Gymnastics and Dance Teacher) is currently finishing her college at Columbia College for Vocal Performance and Music Business. She has released her debut album – all original music - entitled “Nicki G Versatility.” She has been with us since 2001. Nicole is First Aid and CPR certified. She teaches both preschool and school age gymnastics and various dance classes including Hip Hop. In 2001, she was the captain of the Lake Central Cheerleading squad and an All-State nominee. She also danced for 7 years, won National Dance Championship in Jazz and Pom in 2000, and choreographs for different teams and stage productions around Chicagoland area. She lives in Schererville with her mom, dad, sister, and three puppies.
	Pat Botma (Customer Service Representative and Gym-N-Learn Teachers Assistant ) has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 16 years. Pat has been married for 25 years and has two children, Kate 16 and Colleen 14. Her children have been coming to gymnastics since they were in preschool at Patti’s All-American Gymnastics. Pat loves children. She definitely is a people person. She looks forward to meeting and greeting everyone at the door and helping customers in any way possible.
	Bernadette Sheely (Office Administrator, and Patti's Administrative Assistant) Bernadette loves working with and around children. She has been a Girl Scout Co-Leader and is currently a sixth grade Faith Formation instructor. She is CPR and First Aid certified. Bernadette is an avid reader of non-fiction and loves to garden and landscape as her hobby. She lives in Lowell with her husband, Dan and her daughter, Sondra, who attends gymnastics here at Pattis.
	Brynn O’Keefe (Office Administrator) joined All-American this year. Brynn took gymnastics for seven years and also took dance for approximately three years. She was a cheerleader at Lowell High School. Brynn recently transferred from Purdue University in West Lafayette to Purdue University Calumet. She is majoring in Psychology. Brynn is currently living in Lowell with her parents and her brother, Kyle (17 yrs.).
	Heather (Office Administrator) is part of our office staff. Heather has been a stay at home Mom for the past nine months. She graduated in 1999 with a Masters in Business Administration and received her Bachelors in Applied Mathematics in 1995. Heather enjoys working with computers, flower and vegetable gardening, scuba diving, hiking, and just being outdoors. She is also certified in First Aid and Child/Infant Choking & CPR. Heather lives in St. John with her husband, Mike, her daughter, Corinne, and is currently waiting for baby number two due in September.
1530 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 865-2274 24-Hour Fax (219)865-2389 email: customerservice@pattisallamerican.com