Adding "Edutainer" to the Resumé

Hello Tribe!!!!  I am so excited to write to you about my ACE adventures!!!  I appreciate you taking this journey with me and I hope you will come visit us at ACE of Gadsden and ACE @ the YMCA!! 

I started my coaching career about 14 years ago and along with my degree in Physical Education from the University of South Alabama, I also trained under Russian Olympic Gold Medalist Vladimir Novikov.  Over the last two years I have trained under and worked closely with former competitive gymnast and owner of ACE, JR Zeringue.  We developed a special curriculum for Preschool age athletes and watched it grow into our very special “jungle” today at the Rainbow City location.

At the beginning of 2014 I was blessed with the opportunity to spearhead the ACE @ the YMCA project.  We offer tumbling and gymnastics classes at the YMCA of the Coosa Valley and a new adaptive program for athletes with special needs.  I want to share a little with you about a couple of my adaptive students.

Connor, age 9, came to ACE about two months ago for our Adaptive Movement class.  He has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.  He is certainly a motivated learner, intrinsically motivated and excited to master new skills.  He loves developing obstacle courses and being entertained. We talk about science, ninjas, and video games while we work out.  I remember hearing a speech by Jeff Lulla and he coined the title “edutainer.”  This is what I am to Connor.  I entertain and educate him and I love it!!  Connor will continue to progress and eventually be able to participate in Parkour for boys, more advanced tumbling classes, and who knows what else.  He is making wonderful progress toward our goals and is a great joy to be around.

Chloe, age 5, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.  She is in Kindergarten at Southside Elementary School.  With physical restraints on one side of her body, Chloe is challenged to participate in a mainstream class, which makes our Adaptive Movement class perfect for her! We are able to customize her curriculum.  Chloe’s parents are ecstatic because she is able to use our mats and manipulate her muscles in ways she never has before. I speak with both Chloe’s mother and teacher at school in order to develop the best plan for her. Words cannot describe the joy I feel when she accomplishes a goal and reaches her hand up for a high five! 

I can’t wait to share more with you as the year goes on about our classes at the YMCA and more about Preschool gymnastics and cheer opportunities.  If you know a child with challenges (I don’t call them disabilities), please tell them about these programs.  It is awesome for the athlete to have a personal and customized experience to face whatever obstacle in their path.  Physical health and exercise is a wonderful tool to enhance quality of life for each of us.  These children and others are no exception to that rule.  Every child is different and the patience and willingness to adapt to their needs is planted deeply in my soul.  I am so grateful that JR , ACE of Gadsden, and the YMCA of Coosa Valley has given me this opportunity!

Have a great week!!!  You can write to me at hollyguinn@acetribe.com or follow me on FB and instagram!

XOXO

Coach Holly Longenecker-Guinn

@Coach_Holly