Our Staff

• Extensive Kinesiology studies
• 20+ years coaching gymnastics
• 7 years of training with Olympic coach Bela Karolyi
• Coached State & Regional Champions, National Qualifiers, Pre-Elite National Team member, Elite National Team member, and Elite gymnasts to USA Championships 2008 – 2010
• 2008 Texas Coach of the Year

• B.A. in English & Elementary Education from Cornell College
• Over 25 years at Texas East Kids
• Coached State & Regional Champions and National Qualifiers, Pre-Elite and Elite National Team Member, and Elite gymnasts to USA Championships 1993 – present.

Kelly was born in Redlands, California, but was raised everywhere. Kelly is the Office Manager of Texas East Gymnastics and the glue that holds everything together! Kelly has been an important member of the TEG team for over 20 years. Kelly has done everything from coaching pre-school and Academy classes to assembling furniture and handling plumbing emergencies!

I was born and raised in Tyler, TX, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, TJC, and UT Tyler. I began attending Texas East Gymnastics at the age of 7 and was a competitive gymnast on our team for 7 years. When my competitive career came to an end, I began a coaching career here that lasted for 14 years. Before I moved to pursue my teaching career, I not only coached the team and recreational classes of all ages and levels but also helped oversee our former Jacksonville facility and Tyler preschool program. After an 8 year, elementary teaching career, I am thrilled to return to my “home” and first love—Texas East Gymnastics! I love working with children, and watching them grow in their self-confidence and skill, and am excited to be able to do so with you at here Texas East Gymnastics!

Tom was born in Everett, Massachusetts and graduated from Melrose Senior High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Oral Roberts University. Tom began coaching at Tulsa World of Gymnastics in Oklahoma and has been with TEG for 17 years. He enjoys watching movies and playing with his kids. No one knows that his college friends thought Debbie and Tom getting married was a practical joke…they did not believe they were actually getting married. It has been a great match!

Alyssa was born and raised in Paris, Texas. After she graduated from North Lamar High School she attended Paris Junior College. She was a competitive gymnast for 11 years and enjoyed the sport so much, she began coaching once she retired from competing. Alyssa and her husband, Corey have been happily married for 7 years and currently have 3 fur babies. Outside of gymnastics she enjoys, automotive performance, helping with her husband’s business, and spending time with her family. Alyssa is looking forward to inspiring and teaching many generations of gymnasts at TEG.

Korrighan Smith was born in Fort Campbell, Tennessee. He traveled around a lot living in Kentucky, Arkansas, and Georgia before moving to Texas where he spent the majority of his educative years. He is a graduate of Commerce highschool and moved to Tyler to pursue a degree in biology. After graduating from TJC he plans to attend Texas tech university to secure a degree in bio medical engineering. He enjoys running, cheer, dogs and rock climbing. He is fascinated with prosthetic design and engineering. He loves seeing the kids have fun while developing new skills.

Julia was born and raised in Tyler, Texas. She graduated from Bishop T. K. Gorman and attends Tyler Junior College pursuing a Kinesiology degree. Finding a love for gymnastics at a young age, Julia attended preschool classes and competed for Texas East Gymnastics throughout elementary and middle school. She enjoys teaching recreational gymnastics and hopes to continue doing so after college.

I was born and raised in Tyler, TX, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, TJC, and UT Tyler. I began attending Texas East Gymnastics at the age of 7 and was a competitive gymnast on our team for 7 years. When my competitive career came to an end, I began a coaching career here that lasted for 14 years. Before I moved to pursue my teaching career, I not only coached the team and recreational classes of all ages and levels but also helped oversee our former Jacksonville facility and Tyler preschool program. After an 8 year, elementary teaching career, I am thrilled to return to my “home” and first love—Texas East Gymnastics! I love working with children, and watching them grow in their self-confidence and skill, and am excited to be able to do so with you at here Texas East Gymnastics!

Natalia was born in Dallas, Texas and graduated from South Grand Prairie High School. She graduated from TJC with a certification in American Sign Language, gaining experience as a teacher along the way. In her free time she loves to care for animals, paint, and spend time with family and friends.