Get to know all our amazing staff!


Baylee Lyerla
Gymnastics Coach
 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.
Jenna Clark
Front Desk Receptionist
 
Hometown: Anna-Jonesboro, IL

Experience: 12 years of Cheerleading.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I grew up in Southern Illinois and from the time I could remember I was in dance/cheer/gymnastics classes. After cheerleading from middle school to college, I finally retired from it. But I knew I wasn't ready to end the chapter of my life. So, I started working at Saluki Gymnastics shortly after!

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
The family environment you feel from the staff and the kiddos. Everyone here builds connections! Also, watching all the kids grow in their skills and love for the sport.
Chloe Peterson
Pre-k and Girls Team Coach
 Hometown: Murphysboro, IL

Experience: Dance/Gymnastics for 6.5 years at Studio 84.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I moved to Carbondale in 2023. I had 3 jobs and had the opportunity to follow my dreams as a coach. I slowly gave up my other jobs and couldn't be any happier.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
I love working with all of the kids. I love seeing them smile when they learn something new. the environment at Saluki is amazing! Everyone is nice and the children are so fun to talk to. I look forward to getting to know the parents and children more as i continue coaching.
Emma Hewing
Girls Team Coach
 Hometown: Teutopolis, IL

Experience: 5 years of competing in Gymnastics and 5 years of Coaching.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I went to John A. Logan.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
I love seeing the progression of the gymnasts physically and emotionally. The gym has always been like a second home for me. I can't imagine myself without the environment. Saluki always is a safe space  to share thoughts and ideas with all of the other coaches.
Kelly Howell
Pre-K Coach
 Hometown: Murphysboro, IL

Experience: 14 years of Gymnastics and 7 years of Cheerleading.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
Me and my seven kids live in Makanda. My oldest started gymnastics here in 2013. All seven of my children currently attend classes.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite things about coaching is building a relationship with the young children and watching their confidence grow.
Kennedy Helderman
Girls Rec Coach
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 Hometown: Terre Haute, IN

Experience: Tumbler for 4 years and coach for 4 years.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I go to school at SIU. I was a gymnastic coach in high school in Indiana, so when I moved to Carbondale for college I wanted to continue coaching.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
I love all the kids and watching them learn new things and grow as people and as gymnasts.
Ty Burten
Boys Rec Coach
 Hometown: Carbondale, IL

Experience:  I started doing gymnastics when I was 3 or 4 then competed from 2016-2019. After taking a break from competing, I started coaching and began competing again last year.

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
This is my hometown Gymnastics Gym.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite thing about coaching at Saluki is the environment and the staff. The people here are nothing short of amazing and the environment is unmatched. On top of that, watching the kids I'm teaching learn and improve is absolutely awesome.
Max Epplin
Ninja Coach
 Hometown: Carbondale, IL

Experience:  10 years of Gymnastics Team

How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
I was born here and my family has been in gymnastics classes here for 10 years.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
Making the kids laugh and creating new ninja courses for them.
Travis Walczynski
Leah “Leotard” Walczynski
Owner and Head Coach
Mascot and Greeter
Hometown:  Wauconda, IL

Experience:  8 years of competitive gymnastics then started coaching in 2006.

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.
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...