GMS Gymnastics

Introducing our 2007-2008 Coaching Staff

Dr. Parviz Youssefi has been in the gymnastics community for over 40 years both as an International Judge as well as a National Champion. Dr. Youssefi has participating in many International competitions. Dr. Youssefi holds a Master's Degree and Ed. D in Special Education and Sensory Motor Integration from George Washington University. He has also taught various graduate courses such as Motor Development and Movement Education, Perceptual Motor Problems and Diagnosis and Treatment at George Washington University. He is an education specialist with more than 30 years experience in re-patterning children with developmental/neurological disorders, hyperactivity and learning disabilities. Currently, Dr. Youssefi is pursuing the field of pediatric Autism diagnosis and treatment. Along with his wife Shirin, Dr. Youssefi is co-owner and President of GMS Institute, Inc. since 1983 and the Director of the Sensory-Motor Integration Program. Dr. Youssefi is currently a member of the interdisciplinary council of learning disorders, headed by distinguished child development experts. He has authored several books on the developmental process and motor perceptual integration. His most current publication can be found in the ICDL guidelines for therapists. His chapter titled: Defines the sensory-motor integration methodology and uniqueness.

Mrs. Shirin Namdar-Youssefi is the Co-founder/owner of GMS Gymnastics Inc. since 1983. Mrs. Youssefi was born into an athletic family of divers and gymnasts. A former gymnast and a competitive diver, Mrs. Youssefi has held many titles throughout her athletic career. She holds a Masters degree in movement education from George Washington University and also pursued a Postmasters as an education specialist at GWU. A former international judge for the Asian Games, Mrs. Youssefi has taught gymnastics for 25 years and is USAG safety certified. Ms. Youssefi has 3 daughters and 4 grandkids and lives in Gainesville with her husband Dr. Youssefi.

Mrs. Feri Namdar has been with GMS Gymnastics Institute since 1995. Ms. Namdar holds a B.A Degree in Physical Education and has been coaching gymnastics since the mid 1980’s. Ms. Namdar is also an accomplished and competitive swimmer and currently coaches swimming to ages 3-18. USAG safety certified, Ms. Feri has been responsible for training GMS’s Alpha students and is an assistant to the J.O.P. trainer team. Ms. Namdar lives with her husband in Gainesville and has two children ages 26 and 24.

Mrs. Sarah Williamson has been with GMS Gymnastics since 2001. Ms. Williamson graduated Penn State University with a degree in Chemistry. Ms. Sarah started her gymnastics coaching career in 2005 and is responsible for GMS’s Pre-school and Alphas classes. Ms. Williamson is not only a coach at GMS but also a parent of a competitive gymnast. She enjoys playing the piano, playing soccer and spending time with kids. Ms. Williamson lives in Gainesville with her husband and her three kids ages 11, 9, 6, 3.

Ms. Ayme Pointer has been a part-time coach with GMS Gymnastics since 2004. A former competitive gymnast, Ms. Pointer enjoys working and coaching gymnastics to young teens. Ms. Ayme has been involved in coaching in the gymnastics community since 1991 and still enjoys doing a handstand from time to time. A full-time employee at the National Security Intelligence-Geospace, Ms. Ayme also has a television program which showcases young leaders in our community. Ms. Pointer stays busy by teaching communication modules in the Technology Department at GMU, has a seat on the Fairfax Cable Corporation Board of Directors and loves portraiture photography. Ms. Ayme lives in Haymarket with her two children.

Mr. Mark Kallal has been with GMS Gymnastics since 2007. A former competitive gymnast and a Division I collegiate cheerleader at Marquette University, Mr. Kallal enjoys coaching tumbling to GMS’s cheerleading groups. Mr. Kallal holds a BA in Political Science, English, and Philosophy from the University of Marquette. Mr. Kallal is still very active in the sport and once in a while, you might catch him doing a very impressive tumbling pass for his students! In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and two kids ages 5 and 2 ½.

Ms. Michelle Bruton has been with GMS Gymnastics since the age of 10. A former GMS competitive gymnast, Ms. Bruton currently attends Brentsville High school where she is a Junior. During her gymnastics career, Ms. Bruton has won many achievements and honors as a competitive gymnast and aspires to become a competitive coach at GMS someday. Ms. Bruton currently is an assistant coach to GMS’s Pre-JOP and JOP teams.

Team Coaches

Azin Youssefi-Manafi has been coaching the team level since 1986. Her coaching career started in 1984 where she has produced many State and Regional Champions. USAG Safety Certified, Azin has also a 12-year background in modern dance and ballet, and was a member of the Center for the Performing Arts Dance Company and Theater of the 1st Amendment at George Mason University. She holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science from George Mason University with a minor in Prelaw. Ms. Youssefi also holds a position on the VA Gymnastics State Board where she serves as an advisory council for VA gymnastics. Azin lives with her husband and two kids in Haymarket.

Grygoriy Buchkovskiy has been coaching competitive gymnastics since 1978. Originally from Donetsk Ukraine, Mr. Buchkovskiy has coached many National Team members and also assisted National, World and Olympic level competitions. During his time in Ukraine, Grygoriy has produced many gymnastics champions including Rustam Sharipov. USAG Safety Certified and a USAG professional member, Mr. Buchkovskiy has been with GMS Gymnastics Institute since May 2007.

Shandiz Youssefi has been coaching for the team level at GMS since 2000. Shandiz was also a former GMS team member, a level 9 National competitor and a level 10 Regional qualifier. Shandiz attends George Mason University working on her undergraduate degree in Speech Therapy and Physical Education. USAG Safety Certified and a USAG professional member, Ms. Youssefi also is the director of the CheerRevolution program at GMS Institute. Shandiz hopes to graduate in 2008 and plans on pursing her Masters in education.

Yevgen Buchkovskiy has been coaching competitive gymnastics since 1994. Originally from Donetsk Ukraine, Mr. Buchkovskiy attended and graduated from Kiev National University of Physical Culture where he earned a degree in Physical Education and was awarded the Master of Sports Award. USAG Safety Certified and a USAG professional member, Yevgen has been with GMS Gymnastics Institute since May 2007.

Lauren Weaver has been coaching the team level since 2004. Prior to that, she had trained, and continues to train, GMS’s Metro-League Team for the past 4 years. USAG Safety Certified and a USAG professional member, Lauren also is an assistant teacher with the Sensory Motor Integration division of GMS Institute. Mrs. Weaver has been with GMS for the past 8 years and now lives with her husband Matt Weaver in Manassas.

Aryan Mazloum has been with GMS Institute for 8 years. Mr. Mazloum started out as a competitive gymnast on the boys team representing GMS Institute. In 2005, Aryan began as an assistant coach for the girl's level 5-7 competitive teams. USAG Safety Certified and a USAG professional member, Aryan also is an assistant teacher with the Sensory Motor Integration division of GMS Institute. Aryan is a senior at Battlefield High school in Haymarket where he plays Varsity football and is also on the Varsity Track & Field team. He hopes to attend college in the fall of 2008.