Our Staff

Sara Hernandez Kemp

Hello! I am the founder and co-owner of Gemstone Gymnastics, along with my husband Chris. I opened Gemstone because I believe that EVERY child benefits from gymnastics.

Gymnastics provides so much more than learning cartwheels-it increases confidence, instills a lifelong love of physical fitness, supports academic achievement, and so much more! I wanted to create an environment where every child, no matter what their abilities or goals in gymnastics are, will find a supportive, encouraging and fun environment to play and grow. At Gemstone we equally value all of our students, from the baby class through the highest competitive level, each child is precious to us!

I began coaching gymnastics in 2005 after many years as a gymnast, cheerleader, and dancer. I have coached all ages and levels of gymnastics from babies through teenagers including competitive teams in the Junior Olympic program. I graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2008 with a major in Communication Studies and a minor in Child Development. I have multiple coaching and safety certifications from the gymnastics National Governing Body, and am a current certified high school and Junior Olympic gymnastics judge. Continuing education in my field is a passion of mine, because I believe in learning from the best to be the best for YOU!

Learn about why I opened Gemstone Gymnastics here: It’s Nice To Meet You

Chris Kemp

Hi I am Chris, co-owner with my wife Sara, and CFO of Gemstone. My background is in business and finance, which means I am a behind the scenes guy at Gemstone.

I don’t teach any classes, but I work to keep the business running smoothly in the office. Sara has taught me everything I know about gymnastics – including how to do a cartwheel! Although, I’m not sure you’d want to see that, it isn’t very pretty!

Learn more about why we opened Gemstone Gymnastics: It’s Nice To Meet You!

Mister Miles

Mister Miles is a graduate of Grossmont College where he studied dance and illustrative art. Miles started gymnastics as a child and continued on to perform in the circus for 6 years. While in college, Mister Miles continued his training as a dancer and as an illustrator, as well as keeping up his gymnastics skills.

His favorite Disney Character is Stitch, and his favorite food is curry. When asked what he loved about coaching, he said: “ I love everything, especially seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they get a new trick!”.

Mister Andy

Mr. Andy has a B.A. in History and Political Science from California State University, Sacramento. He has coached gymnastics to children of all ages and levels for many years.

His favorite character is Wall-E, and his favorite animal is a tiger! He loves tacos, and when asked why he loves coaching, he said: “I love being able to make a positive impact and see children build confidence.”

Mister Jake

Teacher Jake is a San Diego native and graduated from Mira Mesa High School. Jake participated in Mixed Martial Arts for ten years, and got his black belt at 15 years old. Teacher Jake also performed at events doing traditional martial arts and also performed group routines with team members. He also worked in a preschool as an assistant teacher for almost two years.

Teacher Jake’s favorite Disney character is Tinkerbell and loves to eat poke, or sushi. When asked about the best part of coaching, he said: “My favorite part is getting to see the students grow and progress”.

Mister Thiago

Mr. Thiago graduated from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA with a degree in Psychology and Guitar Performance. He has been working with music – performing, teaching, writing and recording since 2006; and has been teaching everything from vocal music to drumset and stringed instruments in middle schools, elementary schools, preschools, and daycare centers, since 2014. With preschool-age students, Mr.Thiago has been teaching multilingual music and movement, specializing in using music to help learn language and achieve developmental milestones.

Mister Thiago’s favorite Disney character is the Genie from Aladdin, and his favorite food is Malai Kofta. When asked what he loves about coaching, he said: “Getting to be a consistent positive influence in a child’s development.”

Miss Alexandra

Miss Alexandra is currently studying to get her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology Pre-Physical Therapy and a minor in Gerontology from San Diego State University. Miss Alexandra was also a gymnast for 10 years!

Her favorite Disney character is Princess Tiana and her favorite food is sushi. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “ I love getting to meet new kids and see them all have fun while at gymnastics! It is also rewarding to be a positive role model for kids and see them build confidence and leadership skills in the gym”.

Miss Camille

Miss Camille has a B.A. in French from San Francisco State University and has many years of experience in early childhood education. She previously worked as a teacher at a French immersion preschool. She is a former gymnast and coaches classes in addition to working in our front office.

Miss Camille’s favorite character is Princess Belle, and her favorite animal is a lion! She loves thai food, and when asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love getting to build relationships with kids and teach them awesome skills!”.

Miss Kristen

Miss Kristen is currently working towards a degree in business at Miramar College. She has experience as a gymnast, dancer, and cheerleader and has been coaching since 2011. Miss Kristen has experience coaching all ages and levels, including many successful competitive teams. She was previously nominated as NorCal’s Compulsory Coach of the Year. Miss Kristen holds a USA Gymnastics competition judging certification. Her favorite Disney character is Mulan. She says, “I love the message that her character sends. No task is too challenging for a woman!”

Her favorite food is sushi, and when asked what she loves about coaching, Miss Kristen answered ” I discovered my love for the sport of gymnastics at a very young age. I knew I wanted to continue to be involved after I was done competing, so I decided to take the leap and start coaching at the age of 17. It was almost instant that I discovered my passion for coaching gymnastics. Helping young athletes realize their potential, developing their confidence, and guiding them towards their goals are unmatched feelings of reward! I love that I have the ability to positively impact each athlete. I have the privilege of coaching and mentoring.”

Miss Mimi

Miss Mimi graduated from San Diego State University with her degree in Computer Engineering and a minor in American Indian Studies. She currently works for one of America’s largest industrial automation companies and enjoys playing with robots and coaching gymnastics! She is a former gymnast and has experience coaching gymnastics to kids of all ages.

Her favorite character is Moana, and her favorite animal is a Dolphin! She loves tacos, and when asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “Seeing kids smiles and reactions to learning something new brings me so much joy! I have fun with the kids and they make me so happy. I’m very lucky to make a difference in our community!”

Miss Kayla

Miss Kayla has a BA in Nutrition & Food Science from CSU Chico, and also has an AA in Elementary Education. She spent many years as a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. She coaches classes in addition to working in our front office.

Miss Kayla’s favorite character is The Little Mermaid, her favorite food is tacos, and when asked what she loves about coaching, she said, “Being able to have a positive impact on a child’s life and listening to all the funny things kids say!”.

Miss Mia

Miss Mia is currently a student at Patrick Henry High School, where she is a member of the cheerleading team and is working towards attending college after graduation. Miss Mia has experience as a competitive cheerleader and has worked with children of all ages.

Her favorite character is Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, and her favorite foods are sushi and pad thai. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love seeing the kids’ growth and progression over time.”.

Miss Emma

Miss Emma is currently a student at San Diego State University working towards her Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition. Emma was a competitive gymnast, starting in toddler classes and competed through Level 8! She also has coaching experience in her hometown of Portland, Oregon where she coached all ages, boys, and girls until she moved to San Diego.

Her favorite Disney character is Dug, the dog from Up! Her favorite food is chocolate chip cookies. When asked about what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love being able to not only watch my students’ gymnastics progress but also see their confidence grow, along with the joy and feeling of achievement”.

Miss Gwen

Miss Gwen is currently a student at Patrick Henry High School, where she is a member of the cheerleading team. Miss Gwen was a competitive gymnast for 10 years and loves sharing her passion with the students and Gemstone!

Her favorite character is Olaf from Frozen, and her favorite foods are mashed potatoes and Mac n cheese. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “ I love to see a child improve over time and hard work.”.

Miss Ivy 

Miss Ivy has a Bachelors of Arts in Child Development from Point Loma Nazarene University and has many years of experience working with early childhood education.

Ivy’s favorite character is Duchess from The Aristocats and her favorite food is sushi. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “ I love seeing how much the kids love gymnastics. Their smiles and hearing them talk about their favorite part of class make the job so much fun!”

Miss Jenny 

Miss Jenny is a student at San Diego State University working towards a Major in Interior Architecture and a Minor in Sustainability. She was a competitive gymnast for seven years and competed through level 7.

Miss Jenny was also a cheerleader for two years in high school. She enjoyed both sports and always knew that she wanted to coach. She has been coaching gymnastics for two years and is happy to continue at Gemstone. Miss Jenny’s favorite character is Rapunzel and her favorite food is Chocolate Cheesecake.

When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I enjoy spending time with kids and seeing their smiles. I love seeing students gain confidence and success through their gymnastics. I also love that I am able to positively impact my students!”

Miss Kalena

Miss Kalena currently works at a pediatric/perinatal chiropractic practice along with being a coach at Gemstone. She was a competitive gymnast and cheerleader for a total of 10 years! She also has collegiate cheerleading experience from UNC Charlotte.

Miss Kalena’s favorite Disney character is Lilo from Lilo and Stitch because she expresses who she is and accepts people for who they are. Her favorite food is pad Thai or Pho. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love being able to have a lasting impact on children’s lives. I am thankful to be in a position where I am able to teach them about gymnastics and also lifelong skills.”

Miss Courtney

Miss Courtney graduated from CSU Chico with a Bachelor’s degree in English Education. She has completed several Early Childhood Education classes throughout her schooling and taught preschool for a little over 2 years. Miss Courtney grew up participating in gymnastics for 10 years and then went on to cheer for 4 years.

Miss Courtney’s favorite Disney character is Stitch and her favorite food is sushi. When asked about the best part of coaching, Miss Courtney said: “I love being able to encourage and support students as they learn new things and watch their confidence grow!”

Miss Morgan

Miss Morgan graduated from Troy University in Alabama, where she received a Bachelor’s in Accounting. She has experience as a gymnast and working with children.

Miss Morgan’s favorite Disney character is Rapunzel, and she loves to eat French Fries. When asked why she loves coaching, she said: “ Helping kids realize they can do things they never thought possible, and seeing them get so excited when they can do it on their own!”.

Miss Roxanne

Miss Roxanne is currently a student at Patrick Henry High School where she is soon graduating and will be continuing her studies in college to receive a major in Child Development and Elementary Education.

Her favorite Disney Character is Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh. As a child, Miss Roxanne grew up watching the show. She would always get stuffed animals of Eeyore and take him everywhere she went. Miss Roxanne’s favorite food is anything with chicken in it, “ I love chicken because it’s so versatile and you can make a variety of meals out of it”.

When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love seeing and interacting with the kids. They bring so much joy and light into the gym. No matter what is going on, they always seem to put a smile on my face. They are so full of wonder and curiosity and it amazes me every day how great the kids are”.

Miss Taylor

Miss Taylor graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Psychology. Miss Taylor has experience working with children of all ages and was a cheerleader for many years. She is currently a member of Cheer San Diego Extreme – an adult cheerleading team serving as a non-profit organization to raise funds locally, nationally, and globally.

Her favorite character is Sleeping Beauty. Her favorite food is homemade pasta.

When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “ I love the fun, high energy and the supportive and loving environment we create for the kids and the staff. I love getting to know each one of Gemstone’s amazing students. It is so rewarding to be able to coach kids and watch them accomplish their goals.

Gemstone has been an unimaginable gift and opportunity that I am so glad to be a part of!” .

Miss Olivia

Miss Olivia graduated from Grossmont college in the spring of 2022 with an Associates degree in Criminal Justice and is now working towards her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice at San Diego State University. Miss Olivia started Ballet at a young age and continued in ballet for 16 years. She also has experience teaching ballet in San diego.

Miss Olivia’s favorite Disney character is Merida from Brave as well as Tiana from Princess and the Frog. Her favorite food is Sushi! When asked what she loves about coaching, she said:” I love getting to build connections with students and being part of kids learning experience with skills they will use their entire lives”.

Miss Karen

Miss Karen is currently a student at San Diego State University studying Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Biology. Miss Karen has experience in Cheerleading, and has both coached cheer as well as tutor children in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Miss Karen’s favorite Disney character is Cinderella, and her favorite food is Mediterranean Food . When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “Seeing the progress with kids”.

Miss Jackie

Miss Jackie graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and a minor in Mathematics. She also trained as an EMT. Miss Jackie was a competitive cheerleader for 8 years and a college cheerleader for two years. She then moved on to coach cheer and gymnastics for three years, and was a professional nanny for three years.

Her favorite Disney character is Moana because she is incredibly strong and brave, she has full confidence in her own abilities to learn any skill necessary to get across the sea. Miss Jackie’s favorite food is fried rice, especially when it’s made on a hibachi grill. When asked about the best part of coaching, Miss Jackie said: “I love teaching kids how to listen to their own bodies and have faith in their abilities. Seeing their confidence build is so inspiring!”

Miss Lauren P

Miss Lauren P is currently attending San Diego State University studying Speech Language and Hearing Science. She hopes to use her degree in elementary schools to help kids with speech therapy. Miss Lauren has been a gymnast since she was three years old, and competed in gymnastics throughout High School.

Miss Lauren’s favorite Disney Character is Cinderella and her favorite food is pasta and poke. When asked about the best part of coaching, Miss Lauren said: ” I love being able to build kid’s confidence and make them feel safe and secure trying new skills and improving everyday. I also love the teamwork it takes to build such a successful gym.”

Miss Avery

​Miss Avery is currently studying Microbiology at Mesa College with the goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. She was a competitive gymnast for six years and cheerleader for four years. Miss Avery also has experience working in childcare with children ages 5-7 and children of various ages as a leader in local cheer camps.

Miss Avery’s favorite Disney character is Mulan, because she’s brave and follows her heart. Her favorite food is any kind of soup. When asked what he loves about coaching, she said: “I love to build connections with the parents and the athletes. I also love to watch the athlete’s grow; not only in their skills but in their self-confidence as well.”

Miss Jillian

Miss Jillian is currently attending San Diego State University studying psychology in hopes to become a counselor, or a sports psychologist. She was a gymnast for eight years, a dancer for two years, then went on to cheer in high school. Miss Jillian has always loved working with children as she volunteered in her mother’s classroom and coached gymnastics for three years in her hometown.

Miss Jillian’s favorite Disney character is Moana, and her favorite food is pasta. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love that I get to teach new skills to the students, but most importantly, I love watching them grow and become confident in themselves, and I love working with kids in general, so it is overall such a fun, active job”.

Miss Brooke

Miss Brooke is currently attending Arizona State University online studying physics due to her love of math and science. Miss Brooke was a competitive gymnast for six years, and has worked with children since the age of fifteen.

Miss Brooke’s favorite Disney character is Grogu from Star Wars, and her favorite food is a burrito. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love that we are helping kids stay active, develop lifelong skills, and cultivate a joyful positive environment that will translate to kids feeling empowered to reach their goals”.

Miss Lauren S

Miss Lauren is currently attending Grossmont College studying Elementary education. Miss Lauren has been working with children of various ages for the past three years.

Miss Lauren’s favorite Disney character is Moana, and her favorite food is sushi. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love being able to get to know the kids as well as see them improve in many different ways!”.

Miss Kiley

Miss Kiley graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education. Miss Kiley was a cheerleader for 14 years, which included cheering in college. She has been working in childcare for the past 9 years, and taught cheerleading for four years in Sacramento.

Miss Kiley’s favorite Disney characters are Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel, and her favorite food is Pizza and anything with cheese. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love seeing the excitement on a student’s face when they learn a new skill. It makes me happy knowing that I am helping students develop skills physically and emotionally. I’m excited to continue to teach students new skills that will follow them throughout their lives”.

Miss Devin

Miss Devin has lived in San Diego for the past year and is originally from Mesa, Arizona. She has experience as a swim instructor for children ages 2-17, where she discovered her passion for coaching and working with kids. Inspired by the kids’ determination and progress, Miss Devin is committed to supporting and motivating them to achieve their goals.

Miss Devin’s favorite Disney character is Moana, and her favorite food is Pizza. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love coaching because I love helping kids gain confidence and passion in themselves and in their skills! I love getting to work in such a fun environment surrounded by other amazing coaches”.

Miss Danea

Miss Danea graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She loves music, exercising, and gardening in her free time. Her favorite place to visit is Jamaica to see her family, and her future goal is to travel to as many countries as she can.

Miss Danea’s favorite Disney character isTinkerbell, and her favorite food are Hoagies and anything with cheese. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love coaching students through mastering a new skill, through encouraging them to believe in themselves. Believing that anything is possible when we try our best. The excitement that comes with students performing skills independently”.

Miss Lorien

Miss Lorien graduated from Helix High School and will be going to Mesa College to study neuroscience. Miss Lorien has been working with kids for over 4 years. She grew up participating in gymnastics and her favorite color is purple.

Miss Lorien’s favorite Disney character is Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, and her favorite food is mac n cheese. When asked what she loves about coaching, she said: “I love seeing their face after they get a new skill!”.