About Us - Coaches and Staff

Tanaya Williams - Owner/Operator

Hi! I am Tanaya Williams and I live for gymnastics! I have been in the gymnastics business for my entire life. I participated in gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, and track throughout my school years. I began coaching in my father's gym when I was very young and just never stopped! My father was a competitive gymnast, trampolinist, and circus performer. He was also my coach for most of my childhood. I owe my passion for the sport and for teaching to him!

I am a lifelong learner and have studied three major areas in college that I apply in my work daily – Elementary Education, Health and Human Performance, and Business Management. Besides formal college studies, I have numerous other certifications and course completions. Some of which include -

· USA Gymnastics National Instructor

· American Heart Association CPR/First Aid Instructor

· USAG Safety and Risk Management Certification

· USOC SafeSport Certified

· National Youth Sports Coaching Academy Certified

· Positive Coaching Alliance Double Goal Coach Certified

· Stewards of Children – Recognizing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect

and, the Florida Department of Children and Families 40 hour Child Care Facility Training.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Scott, and we have an amazing daughter, Perisa! You will see both of them in the gym with me almost daily.

Miss Alissa

My name is Alissa Freese, and I am very happy to be a part of Galactic Gymnastics. You will frequently find me behind the desk ready to answer your questions, however my love for this work started with the kids.

I found my passion working with kids when I began working at a summer camp in 2012. This is when I began to work with Tanaya, her love of gymnastics inspired me to learn as much as I could. My experiences working at that facility have given me the drive to learn more about working with kids and grow my experiences. Beyond just working with kids I learned how to run the office behind the scenes and the importance of a good relationships with all of our parents and customers.

I have since expanded my experiences both working with children and helping run the business behind the desk and I am very excited to bring all of this experience to Galactic Gymnastics.

I have a Bachelors of Science degree. I have completed the Leadership Gainesville training program. I have completed the Department of Children and Families 40 hour Child Care training. I am also First Aid and CPR Certified.

In my sparetime, I love crafting! You can find my custom creations at www.saltyseacow.com

Coach Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa Dundis and I have been involved in the sport of gymnastics pretty much my entire life. From competing as a youngster, then teaching classes, coaching team to running a facility.

I work as a mail carrier for the USPS. When I became a full time carrier three years ago I stopped coaching.

Missing the sport I spent my life cultivating I decided it was time to see about getting back into it. As good timing would have it I found Galactic Gymnastics needing a coach.

I am a technician and like to have a good time in my classes through positive reinforcement, proper technique and being innovative. I have taught preschool through Level 9 women's competitive gymnastics. I believe good basics early on equal safe and productive results whether it’s a class or team situation.

I have been a USA Gymnastics compulsory judge, CPR and first aid trained, a USA Gymnastics University Certified Instructor, Meet Director, and have completed the USAG Safety and Risk Management Course.

I look forward to working with Tanaya and Alissa and meeting the growing family here at Galactic Gymnastics. Please don’t be shy about introducing yourself and starting a conversation. I am happy to answer any questions you may have!

Miss Perisa

Hi! I am Perisa Williams. I am Miss Tanaya's daughter. I have done gymnastics since I was a baby! I competed up through Level 7 and now I am doing gymnastics just for fun! I love coaching and am currently working with preschool classes, summer camp, Aerial classes, and our competitive team. My favorite events are beam and floor.

I am going to high school at MIHS and I am dual enrolled at Eastern Florida State College. Besides taking advanced academic courses, I also run track and cross country, and I pole vault. I am training in Early Childhood Education to get my official license in Child Care where I teach young children in a VPK classroom. I also love to practice circus skills like aerial silks, trapeze, and lyra, and play volleyball. I love my job and wouldn't change it for the world!

I can't wait to see all the kiddos in the gym! :)

Miss Jamie

Hello my name is Jamie and just like many other coaches here, I have been involved in gymnastics and cheerleading since I was 3. I moved up to level 7 in my early adolescence and decided to pursue cheerleading full time. Due to my skill level in gymnastics, I was placed on varsity as a freshman in HS where I participated in competitive cheer. I received a full ride scholarship to CMU for cheer where I also studied elementary education. After college I decided to serve my country and joined the military. Once my enlistment was over, I retuned back home and began coaching gymnastics (preschool all the way up through team). While coaching, I went back to college and received a nursing degree (RN) and then ultimately decided I wanted to work in law enforcement where I could serve and protect those in my community from harm.

I have worn many hats in my lifetime but my favorite one was becoming a mommy to my three kids. I have two boys and one girl (16, 8, and 1) who constantly show me purpose and the true meaning of unconditional love.

Miss Shaina

Hi! My name is Shaina, I am a professional aerial artist and coach. I have been coaching aerialists for the past 5 years and there is nothing else I would rather be doing, I absolutely love my job. I am a certified instructor through Aerial Physique and recognized by the American Circus educators. My favorite apparatus is silk but you can catch me hanging out on the sling, lyra, trapeze and aerial cube as well, you can also see me performing with fire from time to time. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Galactic family!

Miss Noelle

Hello! I’m Miss Noelle. I started gymnastics in first grade and am one of the new coaches here. I am currently a senior at Rockledge High School. I am duel enrolled at EFSC and plan to attend FSU to study film and production. I aspire to be a film director as I love to create. You can also find me at Walk On’s in Viera hosting and soon to be serving. I love coming here and seeing all of the kids having fun and learn new skills, as it is a big part of child development. I hope to see you in the gym soon!

Miss Sierra

Hi! My name is Sierra. I started gymnastics when I was about four years old up until I was twelve. I am a new coach at Galactic Gymnastics but I have always enjoyed being here. I love working with all the kids that come in, they are always fun to be around. Currently I am a junior at Merritt Island High School. My favorite subject is science so I'm taking three different science classes including physics, forensics, and anatomy and physiology. At MIHS I am on both the varsity cross country and track and field teams. In track I run the 300 hurdles and 100 hurdles. In my free time I enjoy painting, going to the beach, and being with all my friends.

Miss Lexi

Hey! I am Lexi Schuffert. I started doing gymnastics when I was 4 years old. I have competed up through level 5 and Xcel Gold. I got into coaching gymnastics my sophomore year of high school. I am currently a senior at Merritt Island High School. I am early admitted to EFSC and I will have my associates degree in May of 2021. Through MIHS I participate in JROTC as the Battalion Commander. In the JROTC program I am the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, the highest rank within the program. Outside of school and gym, I also enjoy photography and painting.