The Premier Coaching Staff

Ms. Karen is the owner and an instructor at Premier Gym and Cheer. She graduated from Baldwin High School where she was a 3 time MVP, team captain and BHS Hall of Fame inductee for the sport of gymnastics. She continued her gymnastics career at Lock Haven University under an athletic scholarship. After a career ending knee injury, she completed her Elementary Education degree at Point Park College. With 30 years of gymnastics experience, she has what it takes to produce champions.

She fullfilled her childhood dream of coaching right out of highschool by coaching at a Pgh. area dance academy and at Baldwin High School. At the dance academy, she instructed and choreographed routines for children of all ages and ability levels. Her routines earned many National and High Score Titles. "To see the excitement in a child's eyes when they learn a new skill or when they perform to the best of their ability makes every minute of coaching worth it!" At Baldwin, she continues to work with athletes 9th grade- 12th grade. Ms. Karen worked for the dance academy for 9 years and still maintains her coaching status at Baldwin. Ms. Karen has also spent the last 8 years coaching cheerleaders in: backhandsprings, roundoff backhandspring, and multiple twists. "To see an athlete work for and achieve a skill they never thought possible is what coaching is all about." Ms. Karen has worked with cheer squads from T.J., Baldwin, West Mifflin, Keystone Oaks, Brentwood,Bethel Park, St. Elizabeth, South Park, Elizabeth Forward, and other area all-star squads.

Ms. Karen's teams, squads and individuals have earned many regional, state, WPIAL and National Titles. In response to those honors, she was asked to coach the national high school gymnastics team. Some of her students have used their gymnastic / cheerleading skills to earn college scholarships. Ms. Karen has also received many outstanding achievement awards from the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, state senate, South Hills Record and the Post-Gazette for her coaching honors.

Ms. Karen has her act 34 clearance. She is also safety, first aid and CPR certified.

Ms. Karen believes in the fact that, "Every child has it in them to be a champion; it's up to the positive influence of the right coach and the strong determination and will from the athlete to produce that positive outcome."