Fred Turoff
Program Director
Former head coach of men’s gymnastics at Temple University 1976-2017, now assistant coach at Temple; former NGJA and FIG judge; member of US National Team 1969 & 1970; inducted into USAG Hall of Fame in August, 2009.
Walt Kenney
Coach of all levels
Walt graduated from Temple U in 1982. In his senior year he was 2nd all-around in the EIGL. Walt has much experience, having coached at both John Pancott Gymnastics Center and Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics Center prior to joining PBG. He’ll work mainly with levels 4, 6-8.
Tom Elder
Coach of all levels of boys
Tom is a graduate of Univ of PA, earning his Master’s in bioethics. He has been a men’s program director at Woodward Gymnastics Camp 2012-2018. Prior to coming to Philly, he coached at Gymnastics World in Broadview, OH, Flytz gymnastics in Cuyahoga Falls, OH and New Bern Gymnastics in New Bern, NC. Tom works mainly with level 9 and above, but also with other levels.
Nia Allen
Coach of girls and preschool
Nia is a recent graduate of Temple University, where she was a competing member of the Temple co-ed club team. In action prior to college, she was a level 10 gymnast who qualified for our level 10 Nationals. Nia works with our preschool program and our beginner girls.
Corbin Hunter
Coach of levels 1 through 3; strength coach
Corbin was a competitive gymnast on the University of Oklahoma club team and helped them win 3 national championship titles in the NAIGC Championships. He graduated from OU in 2020 with two degrees in Health/Exercise science and nutrition and a minor in Health communications. Corbin works with levels 1 through 3. He’ll also do personal fitness training for the public within our facility.
Lauree Kracht Katz
Coach of girls
Lauree is a former elite gymnast at the Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center. Currently, she is a Physical Therapist and is happy to be back in the sport. Lauree helps coach the level 1 and 2 gymnasts.
Jesse Kitzen-Abelson
Jesse is the head coach of Temple University Men’s Gymnastics Team. He was an NCAA competitor in his college days, and qualified for the NCAA Championships. After graduating, he spent 5 year coaching in South Africa before returning the the US to enter the collegiate coaching ranks. He was assistant coach at Temple U for a year before taking over, while former coach Fred Turoff moved to assistant coach. Jesse also teaches at Circadeum, a circus arts school in Philadelphia.
Kaitlin Chin
Aerial skills coach
Kaitlin is a professional aerialist and has performed extensively in the US. She is eager to share her knowledge of silks and other aerial skills.
Matt Coljohn
Matt is a Junior on the Temple U Men’s Gymnastics Team.
Avianna Tompkins-Beckett
Avianna is a member of the Temple U coed gymnastics club. She is a senior and will graduate this year.
Nicole Lidstrom
Nicole is a freshman at Temple U and competed in the US Junior program.