Aisha Walters
Hello. My name is Aisha Walters. I am a former British Champion at Masterclass Level in Sports Acrobatics and founded Benchmark Gymnastics in 2009.
I have been coaching since 1994 and am qualified as a coach in general gymnastics, pre school, disabilities and acro. I am also a tutor for the national governing body, delivering coaching qualifications for Levels 1, 2 & 3, as well as training for welfare officers, 'Intro to' courses for 11-14 year olds and the Award Scheme Coaches Qualifications. I am also an assessor and IV for British Gymnastics.
I am passionate about people. I love reading, hot countries, spending time with my family and watching coaches and gymnasts grow and reach their potential.
I love how passionate the club is and how everyone's strength is recognised and everyone's weakness is improved.
Fiona Newbury
Hi! My name is Fiona. I am a Level 3 coach and have been coaching at Benchmark Gymnastics since 2016. In addition to coaching I am also one of the club's welfare officers. I also work as part of the admin team.
Before coaching I used to be a dance teacher at Glenlyn Academy. I have now left my school job to become a full time coach.
The thing I love most about coaching at Benchmark is that we really are a big family! I love my job and the people I work with. In Aisha I don't have a boss I have a leader and because of this I have achieved so much in such a short space of time.
Catherine Jarvis-Campbell
Hi there, my name is Catherine.
I joined the Benchmark team in April 2019 and I am an administrator.
I previously worked in an administrative role in a large secondary school and which taught me the importance of efficient administration in any organisation. Benchmark have a large number of students and I am learning the essential aspects of effective record keeping and communication with parents.
When I’m not working for Benchmark I am supporting my son who is educated at home. I have two dogs who need a lot of walking and I also love cooking and entertaining!
Leonie Weeks
Hi, my name is Leonie. I'm a Level 2 General Gymnastics coach and Level 1 Pre-school coach.
I fell in love with gymnastics when I was 7, training locally in Wandsworth before becoming a coach which I adored. My university studies took me away from gymnastics (although I competed in trampolining there), so, after a number of years working in PR teams within large cosmetics brands, I returned to where I felt most comfortable and focused - gymnastics!
I was Programme Director at another local gymnastics company for 5 years before taking my teaching skills into the pool and working for a local baby and pre-school swimming brand.
Now my kids are fully immersed in school life I have the time to get back to gymnastics and am thrilled to be part of Benchmark Gymnastics where I can integrate myself into the friendly, nurturing and fun atmosphere.
When I'm not working for Benchmark I run a small charity with my Mum, delivering floral arrangements to care homes in South West London which is really enjoyable and rewarding.
I'm looking forward to meeting you all!
Shannon Newbury
Hi, my name is Shannon. I'm a Level 2 coach and have been coaching at Benchmark since 2017.
I started coaching as I was a gymnast when I was younger and decided to carry it on through coaching.
The thing I love most about Benchmark is that we're like a little family and we all get along.
Paige Newbury
Hello! My name is Paige. I have been working at Benchmark Gymnastics since September 2016. I am a Level 2 General coach. I was a gymnast for 11 years before I began coaching.
I enjoy coaching at Benchmark because it has helped me become more confident as a person and I love working with kids to help them fulfil their potential.
Stephanie Keenan
Hi my names steph ,
i have been a gymnast for 9 years and have been at benchmark since 2016,
i am currently doing my level 1 gymnastics qualification, i also do and help with other sports like dance classes and i am currently in sixth form studying childcare
Charlotte Ridley
Hi, my name is Charlotte, and I am working towards my Level 1 Coaching qualification which I am hoping to achieve in November 2021. I have been part of Benchmark Gymnastics since 2014, starting off as a gymnast, but I now have decided to turn my focus to coaching!
In addition to gymnastics, I have also participated in ballet classes since the age of 3, which I thoroughly enjoy doing, and I am currently working towards taking my Intermediate Ballet examination.
Rosa Ironmonger
Hello! My name’s Rosa and I’m a level 1 coach at Benchmark. I’ve been with Benchmark as a gymnast since I was 12, and in 2019 I started volunteering as an assistant coach and eventually became level 1 certified in 2021.
I love coaching at Benchmark because I get to spread my passion for gymnastics, and show people how fun it can be in a positive environment. I currently still train as a gymnast and plan to for at least the next few years!
Arianna Gallimore
Hi. I'm Arianna and I have been at Benchmark since I was 11. In 2021 I earned my level 1 coaching qualification. I have been doing gmnastics since I was 11 years old and loved the athleticism and discipline of the sport. I started working on my coaching skills through the young leadership program when I was 14. I enjoy working eith children and helping them to develop their skills. Benchmark has helped me with my social skills, as well as my ability to work within a team. Everyone is so welcoming and kind, and I am grateful to be part of such an amazing team.
Samantha Gilbert
Hi, my name is Sam. I have worked with Benchmark since June 2022. I provide one to one support for individuals with SEN. I am qualified in SEN and achieved my level 3 qualification. I have a child with SEN and through him I found a love of working within SEN. Outside of this I work in Administration full time.
I really enjoy the work within Benchmark and have seen how inclusive they are. The coaches really support the children to achieve the best they can. It is a fun and motivating environment.
Jessica Sydney-Ford
I’m Jess the club Welfare Officer and Benchmark parent since 2017.
I have two energetic and feisty daughters who have developed so much with Benchmark over the years, so naturally I wanted to get on board when the opportunity came up to join the team.
I’ve been working in education for many years and am currently an Early Years teacher. I have an interest in Safeguarding, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and children’s wellbeing.
In my limited free time I enjoy Thai boxing and spending time with my daughters.
Gemma Bird
I am currently a senior community practitioner and have worked as a registered mental health nurse in secondary mental health for 16 years. I have experience working with families and children as well as being involved in safeguarding referrals.
I have two children currently attending Benchmark so I am a ‘gym mum’ too!
I have undertaken the relevant courses to become a Welfare Officer and I am more than happy to be approached or contacted to discuss any safeguarding or welfare worries or concerns you may have
Gina Walas
Hello, my name is Gina.
I am a level 1 coach and have been coaching at Benchmark since 2023, I also assist with Parent and Toddler classes. I trained as a gymnast for 15 years but did not compete. I joined the corporate world and specialised in Payroll and Human Resources for many years, but I always knew at some point I would come back to what I love. Gymnastics has taught me so much about discipline, patience, dedication and hard work but also understanding that this is a sport for all to enjoy.
Sariyah Chambers
Hi. Im sariya and I have been at Benchmark since I was 5. In 2023 I earned my level 1 coaching qualification. I have been doing gmnastics since I was 5 years old and I’ve always had a passion for gymnastics and throughly enjoyed it when I was gymnast so when I was given the opportunity to do my level 1 coaching I took it. I enjoy working with benchmark it’s like have a little family outside my own family