NBG prides itself on having a staff who not only have the qualifications to teach but also possess great character traits and values.
Please hover over each picture to learn more about our NBG staff members!
Thomas White
Thomas brings over 35 years to coaching experience to NBG. Coach Thomas is the Team Director and teaches all levels of gymnastics and tumbling; from preschool to our highest level optionals. Coach Thomas received the Xcel Gold Club of the Year award for 2017. He is a huge fan of the Redskins, so his favorite colors are burgundy and gold!
Tammy Starnes
Tammy has been with NBG since 2014 as the Recreational Class Director and is a team coach. She was a gymnast for 8 years, and she enjoys coaching all gymnasts; no matter their level. She encourages the gymnasts to cheer one another on as they develop new skills. Coach Tammy loves to grill out, and her favorite color is blue.
Stephanie Bruno
Stephanie is the owner of NBG. She has been coaching for 22 years, and she specializes in competitive gymnastics, as she was a competitive gymnast at NC State where she received a full athletic scholarship. She received the Xcel Platinum Coach of the Year award in 2015 as well as Xcel Gold Club of the Year award for 2017. Coach Stephanie has the practical experience and knowledge to help shape young gymnasts to reach their potential. Her favorite color is pink and favorite food is Mexican.
Tricia Brien
Tricia Brien has been with NBG since 2013. She was a level 7 gymnast, and has coached both gymnastics and cheer for many years. Coach Tricia loves seeing her students gain confidence through a healthy sport. Her favorite food is pizza and her favorite color is teal.
Amy Popejoy
Amy has been with NBG for almost three years now. She manages all of our special events at NBG including camps, Parents’ Night Out, and birthday parties. Miss Amy also helps keep the gym running smoothly at the front desk. Miss Amy loves Chinese food and her favorite color is purple.
Breann Popejoy
Breann is a current level 9 gymnast at NBG. She is amazing with kids, and she loves teaching and playing. Coach Bre works with preschool and girls’ gymnastics. Coach Bre’s favorite color is green, and she eats everything!
Mikayla Dupre
Mikayla has been with NBG since 2016. She loves children and especially likes working with kids at our summer camps! Mikayla loves all kinds of food and the color mint green.
Hayden Heath
Hayden is new to NBG this year. He is a great help in the Go Ninja classes, and still participates in Advanced Go Ninja himself. Hayden is great with the kids and enjoys watching the beginners gain skills.
Nadia Matteson
Nadia comes to us as a parent of a competitive gymnast here at NBG. She has been a fitness instructor and now teaches preschool and beginner girls’ classes. Coach Nadia loves all things pink and red and her favorite food is pizza.
Karmen Pendleton
Karmen says she loves working at NBG because of the positive Christian-based atmosphere. She enjoys teaching preschool classes, and she has several children in various programs at NBG. Coach Karmen likes all seafood, and her favorite color is yellow.
Lillie Pledger
Lillie is an assistant coach at NBG. She is also a competitive gymnast at NBG and has been in gymnastics since age 5. She enjoys the process of breaking down skills so that even the youngest children can learn. Lillie’s favorite food is ribs and her favorite color is blue.
Angel Yllanes
Angel is one of our great Go Ninja and girls’ gymnastics coaches. Coach Angel is a natural with children of all ages and skill levels. He also works birthdays and camps in the summer. He was a gymnast for 4 years before becoming a coach. Coach Angel’s favorite food is noodles.
Christopher Purifoy
Christopher is a master at flipping and tricking. He says he loves what he does here at NBG! Coach Christopher’s favorite food is BACON and his favorite movie character is Han Solo from Star Wars.
Sue Lynn Yllanes
Sue Lynn is our office manager and the parent of a coach and a competitive gymnast at NBG. She enjoys working with the families of our athletes and helping to make sure that customers are well cared for. Miss Sue Lynn loves any food that she does not have to prepare, and her favorite color is orange.