Old Town Gymnastics Academy services a variety of individuals in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area. A native of the area, our owner and head coach Dawn Nelson (Tuti), loves working with people in her community. As a well-educated and experienced gymnastics professional, Coach Tuti continues to help each child who walks through her doors, both by working with them personally and by hiring quality, seasoned instructors. Our instructors have over 100 years of combined professional experience and they continue their education to ensure they stay current on techniques and changes or advancements in the industry.
The coaches at OTGA have many years of experience / training / education. Several are college-degreed (including Masters’ in ESS and a retired CSM). Many are safety-certified and some hold multiple certifications in gymnastics and one is a former USAG clinician / speaker for the gymnastics congress. All coaches teach all classes from preschool to competition team, and several are over the age of 55 offering maturity and experience to round out our team.
Our Owners, Coaches & Staff
Owners Alex (Coach Alex) and Dawn (Coach Tuti) Nelson lead our experienced staff of coaches.
Coach Alex Nelson
CSM Alex F. Nelson (retired Army) is OTGA's commander in chief. Coach Alex is the leading business partner, in charge of commercial contracts, advertising and more!
Coach “Tuti” Nelson
Dawn "Tuti" Nelson is OTGA’s program director, staff trainer, and big idea dreamer. Coach Tuti also is our Head Gym Coach, Preschool, Recreational Classes and Team Special Events Coordinator. Plus, in her spare time she's our landscaper and chief painter!
Hallie Nelson
Daughter to the owners, Hallie works the Sunday Morning playgroup and is caretaker of the Koi pond fish. She is involved with all gym activies and loves the Ninja and Archery classes the most. She is the financial officer for the gym. Hallie is a student at Forbush High School, a former gymnastics team athlete and is currently in the JROTC.
Coach Wayne
Coach Wayne is OTGA assistant manager. In addition to those duties (equipment/ building maintenance, etc) he is the Head Gym Coach, working closely with Coach Tuti to plan events, schedules, programs, etc. Coach Wayne also serves as the head team coach and has been a valued asset to our gymnastics program. In addition to gymnastics, Coach Wayne is one of the developers and leads for our American Ninja Warrior Class.
Coach Kathy
Coach Kathy started out with gymnastics then transitioned to competitive cheer. She was All-American in high school then cheered in college. After college she has continued to coach, teach, direct cheer in many ways. She is a Cheer Coach and helps out with the Forsyth Cats Special Abilities Cheer Team.
Coach Donna
Donna Howell coaches the gymnastics team and also coaches some gymnastics classes. Coach Donna has been involved with gymnastics in one way or another for over 19 years. She was a member of the Penn State Women’s Gymnastics team. Having won many National and State level championships, we are blessed to have Coach Donna with us at OTGA.
Coach Jaci
Coach Jaci began coaching around 2019 at OTGA. She coaches parent-tot, preschool, levels 1 & 2 camps and is the developer of the American Girl Doll Camp, and provides a plethora of information pertaining to teaching and child development. She is a wonderful asset to the program!
Coach Wes
Coach Wes has been raised in the world of cheerleading and for several summers worked for CCA at their cheer camps. Coach Wes has been coaching since fall of 2022 at OTGA. He coaches preschool, level 1 & 2 and specializes in bars & vault with our gymnastics team. Along with competing, Coach Wes is very active in his church and also has been on several mission trips. He has been a wonderful asset to our program and is a wonderful role model to our students.
Coach Allison
Coach Allison has been with us for several years and competes on the National Award Winning OTGA Omega cheer team. Along with coaching preschool, levels 1 & 2 and training team, she gives her time to the special abilities team and to go on mission trips with her church. Coach Allison has a passion for cheer and a wonderful role model for our young students.
Coach Marissa
Coach Marissa is definitely following in the footsteps of her mother and developing into an outstanding technique coach. Marissa has been involved in dancing, gymnastics and cheering all of her life! At OTGA, she is on the National Award Winning Cheer Team. She coaches levels 1 & 2, preschool, training team and is a choreographer in the making. Coach Marissa’s speciality is dance technique, routines and floor training.
Coach Kennedy
Coach Kennedy coaches Tumblebears (preschool class), level 1 & 2 gymnastics training with team kids. She is on the Play Group staff, summer camp staff, Birthday parties and Parent’s Night Out director! She is diverse in her coaching abilities! Kennedy has grown up with us and she can organize and take the lead on most any class. We are lucky to have her at OTGA!
Coach Cole
Nicole Calhoun, "Coach Cole", is head coach for Omega Cheer and teaches tumbling classes. She is also the Choreography Coach for the Omega Cheer Team. Coach Cole has been married for 10 years and has 3 beautiful daughters. She has been a coach for over 12 years teaching ages 6-18. She loves helping athletes reach their fullest potential.
Coach Ashten
Coach Ashten is a multi-discipline dancer and cheerleader coach. She is currently a cheerleader at Reagan High School and has trained under the Carolina Panthers Cheerleader Coach. She has performed at both Disney and NASCAR.
Coach Silas
Coach Silas has grown up in the gymnastics and cheer world and is the eldest son of head cheer coach Kathy. Coach Silas has been coaching for several years and coaches preschool, levels 1 & 2 on Saturday mournings. And if you have not noticed, Coach Silas loves drama and theater! Coach Silas has coached at the CCA cheer camps and is very active in his church and has gone on several mission trips.
Coach Jenn
Jennifer Newsome is the Conditioning and Technical Coach for Omega Team Cheer. She is technical advisor for rubric & scoring, spotting and coordinates communications with Mrs. Ellis and Parents.
Coach Elena
Elena Doomy is an Assistant Omega Team cheer coach. She is in charge of music for routines, practice times, hair and make-up, a spotter and lead at competitions. Elena also coordinates overall curriculum for spiritual growth.
Coach Ruth
Coach Ruth will always be one of our most special coaches because she was one of our first team gymnasts here at OTGA! She has a big heart – volunteering her time & talent at our Giving Back events. Along with helping Santa Claus, Coach Ruth helps with preschool, levels 1 & 2 , training team and is a great skill demonstrator.
Coach Bridget
Bridgette Mitchem is an Assistant Omega Team cheer coach. She is our practice clothing organizer and a spotter.
Ms Linda
Linda McBride is one of our Play Group staffers.
Ms Amanda
Ms Amanda is one of our Play Group staffers.
Coach Maddie
Coach Maddie is a senior in high school and has been in gymnastics since she was five. In 2018, she competed Silver and was ranked top 15 in the nation. Her future plans are to become a trauma nurse.
Coach Tracy
Coach Tracy joined OTGA as a Play Group staffer. She has previous experience as a pre-school teacher and loves to be around kids. When she is not at OTGA, she enjoys time with her four children and two dogs.
Coach Emma
Coach Emma is the Head Archery Coach at Old Town Gymnastics. She has been shooting since 2012, competing since 2014, and coaching since 2018. Competing on USA Archery’s Outdoor National stage from 2017-2021 led to many valuable experiences and country-wide travels and netted her a Top 10 National Ranking. She has won numerous State championships and took 2nd for Shooter of the Year on ASA’s Pro/Am circuit in 2022.
Join the Old Town Gymnastics Academy Staff
Do you have a gynmastic or cheer background? Are you a mature adult looking to work with kids in an exciting and growing gymnastics and cheer family-oriented facility. We would love to talk to you about working with us! Please click here to inquire.
Gymnastics Competition Venue
Cheer Competition Venue
Star Developmental Team Program
Discount Offered to Military Families
Charity to Support Veterans
Toys for Tots Year-Round Drop-Off Location
Owned by a Proud Military Family
Veteran Owned & Operated Local Business