Spotlight Gymnastics :: Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Camp

We believe our instructional staff is what separates our gymnastics programs from all others in Westchester County. Most of our coaches and instructors have been together for many years and their wealth of experience from coaching and teaching in private clubs, colleges, high schools, and international programs, allows us to offer safe and well-supervised programs in this most exciting sport. Our coaches also hold "USGF" safety and coaching certifications.

In these brief background sketches of our staff, we tell only part of what they have to offer students in the sport of gymnastics. They are mature, capable of sound judgment, and aware of their responsibilities as instructors. Students will respect their knowledge and experience, benefit from their guidance, and enjoy being with them.

Gail Caspare, Director — Gail's gymnastic experience includes more than 30 years as a gymnastic teacher, coach, and international rated gymnastic judge. She holds a degree in Physical Education with honors from Ithica College. She taught physical education in St. Louis, Missouri as well as Nanuet, NY. Gail started and developed the White Plains YWCA gymnastic class and team programs where she worked for ten years. She is the New York State Director for the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges.

Eric Finn
Eric has taught and coached gymnstics most of his life. Eric also coaches freestyle skiing aerialists and is a skydiving instructor for military Special Forces. He helped coach Horace Mann High School to its first ever private school gymnstic championship. Our Spotlight program benefits from his experience as a successful teacher and coach. Eric is the director/owner of Spotlight Gymnastics.

Nadine Iliev
Nadine trained as a classical ballet dancer at the School of American Ballet. She performed, choreographed and taught at the Bronx Dance Theatre. Nadine even performed at the White House. Nadine has taught gymnastics for 8 years and we are very excited to have her starting her third year at Spotlight.

Janine Lioi Fugarino
Janine, with pigtails and enthusiasm, joined Spotlight Gymnastics at the age of 5, and soon competed on our team. After graduating from Manhattan College with a degree in Exercise Physiology, Janine returned to Spotlight as a staff member. She now holds a Master's Degree in Physical Education and teaches at Pleasantville HS. Her love of both gymnastics and children make her a valuable member of our staff. Her Olympic weight lifting training for the Empire State Games contributes to her outstanding ability as a spotter.

Sean Jones
Sean is a former gymnastic competitor. He has worked successfully with children of all ages and abilities and has been a delight to our students and parents for the past 23 years. Sean is especially famous for his "zany" warm-up games and exercises and is also the director of our Summer Gymnastics Program.

Deanna Isolano
During Deanna's 10 years at Spotlight Gymnastics, she has used her knowledge of children to help instill confidence and self-esteem in our students. She is certified in Safety and Kinder Accreditation for Teachers by USA Gymastics. She is also First Aid and CPR accredited. Deanna's nurturing personality works wonders with our students.

Rumen Iliev
Rumen’s training in gymnastics began at an early age at National Training Centers in his native Bulgaria. After performing in Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, Rumen began a career teaching gymnastics in the USA and joined Spotlight in 1986. Rumen is the director of our "Tumbling for Cheerleading" Program.

Valbona Smajlaj
Valbona holds a degree in Physical Education specializing in gymnastics from Durst Academy in Albania where she taught high school physical education for 9 years. Valbona competed nationally and internationally for 14 years winning many championships including the Albanian National All Around title. Valbona's experience and caring personality makes her a winning edition to our staff.

Kamisi Simmons
A former gymnastic competitor, Kamisi began teaching at Spotlight 8 years ago. Kamisi says, "I love teaching because of the challenges it brings in terms of coming up with new ideas to accommodate the student's needs and understanding". Kamisi holds a degree in Electrical Science Computer Engineering from NYIT.

Antonio Urena
Antonio, who began teaching at Spotlight in 1999, holds a degree in physical education from Manhattan College where he earned certification as a gymnastic instructor. Antonio was a competitive diver winning the Westchester County diving championship twice. Antonio teaches our Tumbling for Cheerleading classes as well as regular program classes. His exuberant energy and enthusiasm keep our students smiling and challenged.