Meet the Staff

"Great place for little ones to learn. Very patient instructors." - P. Yokum

MGA Staff

Gail Hayes
Owner/Head Coach

When I moved to Elkins in 2016 I fell in love with this area, and I wanted to do something for the kids here. I have a background in gymnastics, and I have a lot of experience with children with special needs. I started MGA to give all kids the chance to overcome their fears, accomplish things they never thought they could, and learn gymnastics in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

Michael Hayes
General Manager

I’m Michael Hayes, but I also answer to “Mike” and “Hey You”. I’m technically retired, but when we opened MGA I couldn’t let Gail have ALL the fun! I run the business side of things so our coaches can focus on coaching. I’ve been married to Gail since 2000, and we have 4 daughters and 2 grandsons. When I’m not doing MGA stuff I enjoy carpentry, golfing, skiing, and flying.

Hannah Hayes
Data Entry Specialist

Hello MGA community! I’m Hannah Hayes. You might know me as Administrative Support Specialist at the gym or coach Gail and Mr. Michael’s daughter, or Lily’s sister. Some of my favorite things to do in addition to gym work include watching Reality TV Shows, hanging out with my dog Bella, and family functions especially Christmas and my birthday! I graduated from Vista Ridge HS in Cedar Park, TX, where I was homecoming queen. I enjoyed Theater Arts class, cheerleading, art and choir, and I’m a strong and confident Cerebral Palsy Warrior!

MGA Professional Coaches

Sydney Collett

I’m a senior in high school and also a full time intern at the hospital. I plan on becoming a flight nurse and eventually a pediatric doctor. I was in dance for 10 years and gymnastics for 2 years. I love working with children and helping them accomplish new skills and gain self-confidence. In my free time I love spending time with family and friends, and watching the sunset!

Rebekah Durham

I’m currently a senior at Davis and Elkins College! I’m majoring in nursing with hopes of becoming a cardiac NP someday. I was a gymnast for 14 years and did acro and tumbling for 3 years. I currently live in South Carolina with my parents, brother, and three dogs. Two poodles and a pug!

Marcy Barker

I was raised on an island in SC where I was a cheerleader in high school, and have lived in Elkins since 2015. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Davis & Elkins College in 2018. I have 2 boys, Chase & Austin, and we love hiking, kayaking, and just being outside. I love working with children, and I love coaching gymnastics and watching them learn new things!

Hannah Isner

Hi! My name is Morgan Hanna & I just started training here at MGA to coach Tiny Tots, Pre-K & Recreational classes. I’ve spent the last few years staying home with my 3 year old son, and I am so excited for this opportunity to join MGA. I have a background in working with children of all ages and it’s nice to be back doing something I love! In my free time I love to sew, travel & go camping.

Nicole Newlon

I started at MGA in September of 2022 as a Recreational, Tiny Tots, and Preschool coach. I've recently trained to be a competitive coach as well. I grew up doing recreational gymnastics, competitive cheer, and competitive dance. I was an assistant recreational and competitive dance teacher for three years. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and a certification in Autism. I have been an elementary school teacher across multiple grade levels since 2015 and have been educating students through different organizations since 2010. In my fourth year of teaching, I was nominated as Teacher of the Year within my school building. My husband and I have one daughter, who is guaranteed to make you smile. My career goals include helping children learn to reach their full potential through a learner-friendly environment. My current personal goals include training for and competing in a Spartan Race. I'm looking forward to another year of coaching our MGA gymnasts!

MaKyna Kancso

My name is MaKyna. I grew up in Virginia Beach and was a nationally ranked gymnast for 12 years. I was the 2009 Regional Gymnastics Champion.

I moved to West Virginia when I was 15 years old and two years later joined the Army where I served for four years.

I have two children who keep me pretty busy away from MGA. Then I come here and coach all these wonderful girls! I love being part of the MGA family. Not many people have the chance to fulfill their dream job, but am fortunate enough to do just that every day.

Audrina Shelton

Hello, my name is Audrina Shelton and I am 16 years old. I am a Sophomore at Elkins High school. I am also a member of the EHS women’s soccer team. I started learning the art of gymnastics at age 4. That means I have 12 years experience in gymnastics! I enjoy working with kids and watching them succeed in the things they love. In my free time I like to spend my time outdoors, kayaking, and hanging out with family and friends.

MGA Volunteer Parent Coaches

Dustin Garner

With over 10 years of teaching experience, I'm dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering confidence in my students. I combine my understanding of gymnastics with modern coaching techniques. My mission is to inspire, challenge, and guide every gymnast to reach their highest potential, both in and out of the gym.

Sam Kirkpatrick

I'm in my second year at MGA as a competitive team coach. I have over 25 years of coaching experience working with children of all ages, including high school wrestling, NICA Mountain Biking and now gymnastics. My daughter KK has competed on the MGA team since 2019. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with his family and friends camping, riding mountain bikes and going on Jeep rides.

Natalie Kniffen

Hey! I'm Natalie! I was born and raised here in Elkins.My full time job is as an RN focusing on trauma/emergency department care. I played soccer and swam competitively through high school, so I've always been active. My daughter, Claire, has been an athlete here at MGA since she was 4 and we wouldn't trade our gym time for anything! Helping to coach has been a great way to expand my knowledge of a sport we've come to love as a family. I also have a son, Preston and a husband, Dustin.

MGA Junior Coaches

Liz Jones

I am a student at Elkins High School. In the future, I plan on being a physical therapist. I am an Xcel Platinum gymnast. I have been doing gymnastics for about 7 years. I also run track for the High School. I love working with kids and helping them meet their goals. In my free time I like to go outside, watch Disney movies, and hang out with friends and family.

McKenzie Phillips

My name is McKenzie Phillips. I'll be a freshman at Philip Barbour High School this coming fall. I started gymnastic when I was 3 years old and have been a competitive gymnast since I was 6. Gymnastics is my passion and my first love. I also cheered for Belington Middle School and plan to cheer for PBHS this coming fall. I also run cross country and track. I'm so honored and excited to coach something that I love and have a passion for to the kids in our community . Watching the kids get excited when they learn a new skill always puts a smile on my face. In my free time I love to go camping, hang out with my friends, learn new skills at the gym, work out, go to the river, travel with my family and swim. I plan to go to D&E and get a degree in sports medicine. I hope to continue to be a part of gymnastics. I'm also hopeful I can be on D&E 's acrobatics team.