Our Team
Tots & Tumblers is fortunate to have some of the best coaching talent in Trinidad & Tobago. Our dedicated staff love their jobs immensely and the kids love that they make gym time fun, safe and exciting.
Annette Telfer
Annette became involved in gymnastics when her daughter Michelle joined the Joan Knowles Gymnastic Club at the age of four. She was invited to run the recreational programme at the Joan Knowles Gymnastic Club, which she did for many years. Annette also headed the boys and girls gymnastic programmes at St. Andrew’s School where she saw the interest for the sport grow tremendously over the 18 years that she spent there. Acknowledging that the sport needed a permanent facility, Annette formed the Tots & Tumblers Gymnastic Club in 1999; this proved to be a “turning point” for gymnastics in Trinidad. Annette has seen gymnastics grow from a recreational sport to a highly competitive one, where a Women’s National Team has taken part in the CAC Games, Commonwealth Games (2002) and Pan American Interclub Championships. Indeed we can boast of two International Medals won by Tots & Tumblers Gymnasts, Ananda Fraser and Thema Williams, at the Pan American Interclub Championships in Florida (2003) and Mexico (2005) respectively.
Michelle Frankland
A graduate of the University of Southampton in the UK where she studied French and Spanish, Michelle returned to Trinidad in 2003 after living and working in England and Europe for nearly a decade. After the birth of her second son, Michelle left the corporate world and joined her Mum, Annette in Tots & Tumblers. Involved in both the administrative and coaching sides of the club, Michelle share's Annette's passion for the sport and is committed to its continued development in Trinidad and Tobago and regionally. Michelle is the current Women's Artistic Gymnastics Chairperson of the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation and the Vice President of the Caribbean Gymnastics League.
Michelle is a certified FIG Level 1 and 2 coach, and as well as an FIG Introductory Judging Certification.
Michelle is a certified FIG Level 1 and 2 coach, and as well as an FIG Introductory Judging Certification.
Clifton McDowell
Clifton has been involved in gymnastics since his school days when he thrilled audiences with tumbling skills as part of the Gym Knights performance troupe. Clifton started coaching with Joan Knowles Gymnastic Club and has grown into one of the most respected and knowledgeable coaches in Trinidad and Tobago. He has served as National Coach on many different occasions, accompanying our gymnasts to World Championships, CAC Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, Pan American Inter-club Championships and countless regional USAG competitions. Clifton’s achievements in this sport are phenomenal and he continues to set his sights on developing gymnasts capable of representing Trinidad & Tobago at an elite, international level, whilst appreciating that each gymnast has their own goals and aspirations. Clifton has a tremendous appreciation for the sport of gymnastics and its role in creating focused, well-rounded young women. The secret to his success can be attributed to his passion for the sport and his versatility as coach. He teaches all our gymnasts - from our toddlers to our Optional-Level Competitors with equal skill and engagement.
Irwin Yan Hip
Irwin is FIG Level 1 certified and is one of our senior coaches. Irwin works with both our recreational and competitive gymnasts and enjoys travelling with our teams when attending meets and training overseas. Irwin is especially wonderful with our little ones and joyful laughter can often be heard coming from his corner of the gym! His specialty is vault and he takes great pride in producing wonderful “vaulters”.
Michelle St. Louis
Michelle is FIG Level 1 certified and has been involved in gymnastics since the 1980s when she began coaching at the Jean Pierre Complex with Joan Knowles and has been part of our team since its inception. Although quiet and un-assuming, Michelle is a central part of our team and can be relied on to have a happy smile and gentle demeanour. Much-loved by everybody, Mich is a joy to have around.
Sarah Ramdwar
FIG Level 1 certified and an ex-Tots & Tumblers' gymnast. Sarah brings calm and focus to all her classes. Often called on to assist with administration and 'shuffling' classes and gymnasts, Sarah has a great eye for spotting upcoming talent and getting the best out of each of the gymnasts in her care. Her encouraging but no-nonsense approach to coaching results in great gymnastics and happy campers!
Deborah Knowles-Garcia
Deborah was introduced to gymnastics by her mother “Joanie” when she was just 4 years old. At this time, she also joined the Bentley Potter School of Dance where she was able to express her love of dance and fulfil her desire to perform. According to Deborah, “My Mum was and still is the rhythm of my heart and the root of my passion.” It soon became evident that Deborah was hooked on performing arts. In 1990 she decided to pursue her passion at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada where she had the privilege of performing and working with some of Toronto’s finest choreographers, while attaining her Diploma in Theatre Arts and Dance, together with her Royal Academy of Dance Teachers Certification. Deb returned to Trinidad in 1994 full of inspiration to share. To date, some of the highlights of her career include the choreography of our club's shows, including Grease, Double Back, Roof Raiser, It's Showtime. Take 2, Back With A Bang and High 5! Deb was appointed as National Gymnastic Coach in 2002 when she accompanied the National Women’s Gymnastic Team to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. Deb also accompanied Thema Williams to the FIG World Championships in Japan 2011.
Deb is FIG Level 1 and 2 certified.
Deb is FIG Level 1 and 2 certified.