Owner + Head Coach

Gymnastics has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. I competed in gymnastics for 10 years at Hill's Gymnastics and continued my passion by joining the college club team at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where I earned a degree in Health Education.

My coaching journey began in 2003, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with many young athletes in North Carolina, California, and now here in Charleston. When I founded Grassroots Gymnastics, my mission was simple: to create a safe, welcoming space where every child feels empowered to learn, grow, and thrive.

Beyond gymnastics, I’m a passionate learner who believes there’s always more to discover and share. When I’m not in the gym, I enjoy cooking, playing golf, traveling, and spending time at the beach and with my dog.

Thank you for being part of the Grassroots Gymnastics family. I can’t wait to see your child grow and succeed in a space built for them to shine!

Owner

Manager

My name is Marina, and I was born and raised in Brazil. I moved to the U.S. in 2003 and spent most of my life in Huntington Beach, California, where I owned a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym for almost seven years. One day, I saw the Angel Oak Tree and Spanish moss, and four months later, I was moving here! It’s a pleasure to work and manage the gym with Katie (my boss, hehe). I love our philosophy of having fun, challenging the kids, and maintaining a healthy environment for our little athletes and staff. I genuinely look forward to coming to work every single day!

Preschool + Rec Director

Hi, I’m Coach Heather (or Ms. Heather)!

I’m from Shelby, NC, and I’m so excited to coach a new community of kids and work with an amazing team at Grassroots Gymnastics!

If I could be any animal, I’d choose to be a dolphin or a whale so I could explore miles and miles of the ocean. 🌊🐬

My favorite event to coach is beam because it incorporates elements of dance, which is my background, and I love working on tumbling skills. I’m eager to learn how to spot more beam skills, and it’s also my favorite event to watch!

A fun fact about me—my chorus teacher always said I have "Musical Tourettes" because I randomly burst into song! 🎶😆

I can't wait to work with the amazing athletes at Grassroots!