Steve Sassone is the founder of Flying Angels Gymnastics, the innovative preschool gymnastics and movement education program that brings physical education into schools, preschools and daycare centers throughout the Northbay. As the former Manager and Preschool Director for Redwood Empire Gymnastics in Petaluma, he developed one of the most respected programs in the North Bay. Steve has been a professional instructor since 1981 and is Kinder-Accredited and Safety Certified through USA Gymnastics. Steve is also the Director of the Northbay office of Kidpower, the internationally recognized child safety program, empowering children and families with “People Safety” skills. Although he has coached athletes at the regional and national level, his passion lies in laying a strong foundation for children to pursue a lifetime of physical activity. Steve says, “By giving children repeated success experiences at each step of the learning process, children develop the confidence to take on increasingly more complex challenges, physically, mentally and socially.”
Nancy Rush is thrilled to be working once again with Steve Sassone, as he has been her mentor in the world of gymnastics for children. For 7 years Nancy coached gymnastics at Redwood Empire Gymnastics (Petaluma) to children pre-school to 12yrs old. While there she created and developed her Creative Dance class and also taught ballet to all the team level gymnasts, (boys and girls, over 100 kids). Nancy then became the Director of Pre School Gymnastics at Rohnert Park Gymnastics. While there she also created a 9 month bridge program for children in kindergarten to better prepare them for the recreational gymnastic program. Nancy is most proud of the implementation of a gymnastics class for kids with special needs, “Jump to Success”, with the model also being used in a gym in Seattle. Since 2009, Nancy has been the choreographer for 5 Young Rep shows at Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma.Originally from the Chicago area, Nancy has a BA in Dance from United States International University, in San Diego. While in San Diego, Nancy performed/worked at both the Broadway Dinner Theater, and Bellvelle’s Dinner Theater. Nancy was principle dancer, and instructor with the Paul Scardina Dance Company in San Francisco. Nancy lives in Petaluma, is happily married, has two children, and two grandchildren. Nancy finds great joy and happiness helping children build self-esteem, confidence and coordination through the world of gymnastics and movement.
Jenny Martinez, Coach Jen, lives in Petaluma with her husband and four kids. She enjoys hiking, baking and spending time with her family. She was a competitive gymnast when She was younger and has many years of experience working in preschools. Before teaching gymnastics she taught Spanish for many years at several Montessori schools. She also has taught third grade and a bilingual kindergarten class for Petaluma School District. She loves the preschool age and enjoys the opportunity of working with your children!
FLYING ANGELS GYMNASTICS [email protected] (707) 953-2524