Get to know all our amazing staff!


Travis Walczynski
Kari Scott
Owner and Head Coach
Owner and Receptionist
Hometown:  Wauconda, IL

Experience:  8 years of competitive gymnastics then started coaching in 2008.

How did you end up in Southern Illinois?
I came to Carbondale in 2010 to attend SIU. I studied aviation and graduated in 2015 with my Bachelors in Aviation Management and my Associates in Aviation Flight. During my time at SIU I also acquired my Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor Certificates along with an Instrument Rating.

What is your favorite thing about coaching?
I have been lucky enough to explore many rewarding and challenging career paths, other than coaching, in my life. Becoming a pilot is one of my biggest accomplishments and one that I plan to continue using in a professional capacity later in life. With that said, I have never found anything that challenges me more or feels more rewarding than coaching. Everyday with my gymnasts is completely different. Everyday I am learning something new that will help me improve as a coach and help me produce better gymnasts. I will always have the goal of becoming a better coach until the day I retire.
I have always believed that gymnastics is the most difficult sport in the world, not only for its physical requirements but its physiological ones. These kids have to be  fearless, determined, and absolutely committed to their time in the gym which gives me the privilege of finding and working with some truly amazing individuals. I cherish my relationship with these kids and hope everyday they walk out of my gym not only better athletes but more developed, well rounded people.
Hometown:  Carterville, IL

Background: I have a long history in athletics, but some of my favorites are cheer, dance, and pep squad.
 
How did you end up at Saluki ?
My children came here as students. When I found out there would be a job opening, I knew it would be a great fit for me!

Tell us a bit about yourself:
I moved back home to Southern Illinois from Denver, Co. in 2013. My husband and I married in 2017. I am a Mom of four beautiful and talented children. You’ll find 3 on our competitive team and one out on the football field!

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
Always the students, watching them grow and develop new skill is the most rewarding part of what we do here! Furthermore, being part of a program I believe in. I have always been a believer in hard work and dedication. I think that gymnastics builds an unwavering foundation of strength, courage ,discipline, and character that our students will use later in life to succeed in anything they choose to put their minds to.
 
Matt Ruiz
Gwen Rees
Gymnastics and Ninja Coach
Gymnastics and Pre-K Coach
Hometown:  Mt. Prospect, IL

Experience: 4 yrs of competitive gymnastics and 5 yrs of Parkour

How did you end up in Southern Illinois?
I came to study at SIU and I am currently majoring in Kinesiology.
 
What is your favorite thing about coaching?
My favorite thing about coaching at Saluki is the interactions with the kids. Everyday is new and interesting. The gym is inviting and I feel natural here.

Some other interesting facts about you?
I am a first degree black belt in Shotokan karate, a competitive rock climber, and an American Ninja Warrior in training.
Hometown: Springfield, IL

Experience: 11 years as a competitive gymnast

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I came to Southern Illinois to attend SIU for their great psychology and criminal justice program. I was recruited to coach at Saluki Gymnastics from the SIU Gymnastics Club.
 
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
I love working with the kids and helping them learn to love the sport I love so much.
Baylee Lyerla
kaleigh Allen
Gymnastics Coach
Aerial Silk Instructor
 Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Experience: 10 years as a competitive gymnast up to Xcel Diamond. Has been coaching since age 13.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I started attending SIU in 2020. While taking classes, I have also joined the SIU Shakers.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
I love how the gymnastics environment is healthy and fun while also allowing the kids to learn new skills.
Hometown: Austin, TX
Experience: 5 years of dance/aerial dance and 2 years of cheer

How did you end up in Southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I am currently going to SIU and wanted to find a place with aerial dance, which lead me to Saluki Gymnastics which had an aerial hoop (lyra).  Now I get to train on the lyra and aerial silks!

What is your favorite thing about Saluki Gymnastics?
I love seeing my students get excited about learning new tricks. I also love seeing them post what they are learning on social media.

Additional Info:
Besides dance, I love reading and traveling. I have been lucky enough in my    travels to have visited 10 countries so far! I cannot wait to go abroad again and train with different artists all across the globe.
 
Marissa Ivory
Savannah Neef
Open Gym Assistant
Open Gym Assistant
Hometown: Chicago, IL
 
Experience: 7 years cheerleading, 2 years of gymnastics
 
How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics:
My Mom and I moved to Carbondale because my Mother attended SIU. Since graduating from High school, I am attending SIU and studying  Exercise    Science.
 
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite thing about coaching is watching the kids grow overtime and   being there when they succeed!
!Hometown: Murphysboro, IL
 
Experience: 2 years of competitive gymnastics with Saluki Gymnastics and 5 years of cheer
 
How did you end up at Saluki Gymnastics?
I was born and raised here in Southern Illinois. When I was younger I competed for Saluki Gymnastics ,still called Southern Illinois Gymnastics Academy when I was on the team, with Travis as my coach.
 
Additional Info:
I love working with kids so hopefully one day I can continue on to coach here at Saluki Gymnastics!
Leah “Leotard” Walczynski
Mascot and Greeter
How did you end up in Southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
My dad, Coach Travis, adopted me in September of 2019. Since then, if he’s at the gym then I’m at the gym!
 
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite is being able to play catch out in the gym! I have to make sure I am out of the way for classes though, so I love playing in the lobby too. Seeing everyone come in gets me crazy excited and I just can’t wait to say hi!
 
Why won’t you let me pick you up or take your ball sometimes?
Usually when I am at the gym I am wanting to play! When I want to play, I don’t like to be picked up or cuddled. One of my other favorite games is keep away. I’m pretty sure you can’t catch me, but I love seeing you try! If I am in a mood for catch, my trained word to drop the ball is “STOP.” Oh, and make sure to say it like a command, say it like you mean it! My dad hates when I don’t listen, so I’m used to my instructions being very direct, especially when I’m being a pain...