Our Staff
All gymnastics & dance coaches and instructors at The Peach Pit are certified in USAG Safe Sport and Risk Management or possess a BFA in Dance. In addition to USAG Safe Sport certification, Our all-star cheerleading coaches have completed their USASF Credentialing in stunts, tosses, and tumbling. Each coach was hired with a range of skillsets to fully encompass what it takes to develop strong athletes.
Owner, Sarah Rhino
Sarah Wharton Rhino, Owner & CEO, is a native Atlantan and past competitive gymnast, collegiate cheerleader, coach and director. She has a Masters degree from Georgia State University in College & Professional Sports Administration with her undergraduate degree in Recreation & Sports Management from Indiana University. Sarah has coached gymnastics and cheerleading at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Georgia Tech, and Pace Academy, The Lovett School and North Springs Charter School for the past 20 years. She was a professional cheerleader for the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers from 2009-2011. Sarah has managed and directed a gymnastics & cheerleading program, and coached for over 20 years in both Atlanta and St. Simons Island, Georgia and Bloomington, Indiana.
Sarah trained gymnastics through USAG Level 8 at GYMSET in Marietta, Georgia until she retired at the age of 18 and has since competed as an adult through AAU in the Platinum Division. She cheered co-ed at the collegiate level at Indiana University, competed all-star cheerleading co-ed Level 5 at Pro Cheer All Stars and cheered 4 years at Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs. She has also sat on the Southeast Regional Advisory Board for USASF and Northside Youth Organization (NYO). She is credentialed through USASF Level 5 stunts, tumbling and tosses and was the Assistant Cheerleading Coach at Georgia Tech from 2014-2015 and 2003-2005 helping take the team to 3rd Place at NCA Nationals in Daytona. Sarah has judged both nationally and internationally for NCA and UCA in varies cities in the U.S. including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and internationally in Costa Rica.
Sarah is a certified yoga instructor and member of Yoga Alliance. She has practiced nationally and internationally at various studios in Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative and Prenatal yoga. She completed her RYT 200 through Highland Yoga in Atlanta. Her teaching style is a powerful all levels Vinyasa class incorporating core work, arm balances, inversions and backbends.
As the Founder and sole Owner of The Peach Pit since 2015, taking an idea and a dream of a better gymnastics space for children in a boutique environment, she grew from the ground up to 4 studios throughout Atlanta and St. Simon’s Island, GA. Sarah joined forces in 2025 with YES Brands out of Denver, Colorado with the goal of stronger resources for coaches and athletes. She hopes to inspire young athletes to reach their personal best physically, mentally and athletically. She believes in the total athlete mentality with the knowledge that each day in the gym is a journey and each coach leaves an impression on your child's life. As a mentor, public speaker and coach, Sarah believes that each child returns to the gym because of how we make them feel and knows that your child will walk away with more than just athletic talent, but a sense of self confidence, perseverance and determination that lasts a lifetime. Welcome to The Peach Pit family!
Regional Manager
& Director of All Star Cheerleading,
Anne Green
Since joining The Peach Pit in 2019, Anne has been instrumental in shaping the program into one of the most respected in the region. With a lifelong passion for athletics, she began her journey in gymnastics before transitioning to cheerleading at age ten. Her competitive drive and commitment to excellence carried her through years of All Star competition and laid the foundation for her coaching career, which began in 2008.
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Under Anne’s leadership, teams from The Peach Pit have achieved remarkable success, including National Championship titles and multiple D2 Summit qualifying and finalist placements. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and confidence—values that inspire athletes both on and off the mat. As a respected leader in the cheer community, Anne is known for her professionalism, strategic vision, and dedication to athlete growth.
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In addition to her athletic expertise, Anne holds a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education, bringing a unique understanding of child development and motivation to her coaching approach. She is the proud mother of two daughters who also cheer and is supported by her husband and their two energetic Australian Shepherds. Anne’s commitment to both her family and her athletes exemplifies her belief that success is built through passion, perseverance, and positivity.
General Manager @ Collier Road,
Sarah Jones
Born and raised in California, Sarah has been involved in gymnastics since the age of six. What began as a recreational passion quickly evolved into a lifelong career in the sport. Seven years ago, she moved to Georgia, where she has continued to grow both personally and professionally within the gymnastics community. By 13, Sarah began coaching at a local college, and at 16, she found her home gym — a place where her love for coaching and leadership truly flourished.
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Over the years, Sarah has had the opportunity to work in nearly every area of gymnastics. She has coached athletes of all levels, from Mommy & Me classes to competitive programs including Xcel and Compulsory. Her favorite events to coach are beam and floor. Sarah loves watching athletes develop confidence, master new skills, and grow into well-rounded, determined individuals. In addition to coaching, she has also held leadership roles such as Events Coordinator, Program Director, and Office Manager, giving her a well-rounded perspective of both the athletic and administrative sides of the sport. Sarah loves watching athletes develop confidence, master new skills, and grow into well-rounded, determined individuals.
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Outside of the gym, Sarah is a proud wife and mother of two daughters, Adelyn and Everly. She cherishes spending weekends with her family, especially when they are out at the lake enjoying time together.
Floor Manager @
Collier,
Caulder Smith
Caulder discovered a love for movement through cheerleading in high school, which sparked a journey across multiple disciplines in acrobatics and dance. While dual-enrolled at Middle Georgia University, they assisted in coaching the school’s first cheerleading team. After earning a degree from MGA, Caulder continued cheering at Georgia Tech before transitioning into coaching gymnastics and aerial silks at a local Atlanta studio.
Taking a deeper interest in the science and artistry of movement, they returned to school at Kennesaw State University to study Exercise Science and Dance—beginning ballet training at 22 and later performing with local programs in Kennesaw and Cartersville. In the fall of 2024, they joined the Peach Pit as a recreational coach for gymnastics, cheerleading, and aerial silks, stepping into the role of Floor Manager in summer 2025.
General Manager @ The Prado,
Latara Northcutt
Latara fell in love with the sport of gymnastics at a very young age. She grew up training at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center, in Lilburn, Georgia, where she acquired many achievements, including qualification to Regionals and Nationals and gaining many state titles along the way. This dedication led her on an athletic scholarship to Rutgers University, where she competed on the gymnastics team as a Division I collegiate athlete.
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At Rutgers, she initially majored in Biology before transitioning to Psychology, gaining a well-rounded understanding of both the sciences and human behavior. Upon graduation, she returned home to Atlanta to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Microbiology with a concentration in Applied Environmental Microbiology from Georgia State University.
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Throughout her graduate studies, she remained deeply connected to the sport by coaching gymnastics. After completing her master’s degree, she decided to continue coaching full-time where she landed at The Peach Pit in 2017, and where she has remained for the last 8 and half years.
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During her time at The Peach Pit, she quickly advanced to become the Director of Competitive Gymnastics . Under her leadership, the program flourished, grew, and expansion was on the horizon. This expansion led to larger facilities at The Prado location in Sandy Springs. As our program continued to expand, she has now taken on the role of General Manager of The Prado location, where she remains dedicated to fostering athletic excellence, teamwork, and personal growth in every athlete who walks through the doors.
Floor Manager @ The Prado,
Carmen Nelms
Carmen was born and raised in the state of Georgia and began her gymnastics journey at the age of three. She trained at the Atlanta School of Gymnastics for fifteen years before finishing her senior year at Georgia Gymnastics Academy. Carmen was a four-time Level 10 National qualifier whose dedication led her to compete as an SEC gymnast at Auburn University from 2007 to 2010.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Carmen returned to Atlanta to begin her coaching career. Her passion for working with children and making a positive impact on their growth and development—both mentally and physically—has driven her as a coach for over thirteen years.
Carmen joined The Peach Pit in 2017, where she began coaching developmental and compulsory teams. During her first three years, she also led the “Parents Morning Out” program, which she truly adored. Teaching children ages three and under, she focused on fine motor skills and early brain development through engaging activities each day.
Now in her ninth year at The Peach Pit, Carmen serves as the Floor Manager at the Prado location. She also oversees the developmental pre-compulsory programs and coaches competitive teams from Level 2 through Level 6. Carmen continues to inspire young athletes through her dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm for the sport of gymnastics.
General Manager @
Brookhaven,
Antonio Coleman
Antonio Coleman, or "Mr. Coach Antonio" as he's known to us, has been a valued member of the Peach Pit team for over nine years. He currently serves as the General Manager of our newest Brookhaven location. Throughout his tenure, Antonio has held a variety of positions, from part-time recreational coach to full-time recreational coach, Head Coach/Director of the Trampoline and Tumbling Program & Competitive Team, Carpool Driver, Weekend Events Manager and Floor Manager. He has also contributed his talents to every location within The Peach Pit organization.
Antonio's gymnastics journey began in the 1980s in Detroit, MI. He was a competitive springboard diver at Martin Luther King HS and taught beginner gymnastics and trampoline at the YMCA. He later joined the Motor City Jaguars tumbling team, competing in power and platform tumbling, double mini trampoline, and men's quad acro. Antonio's journey continued as a diving coach at Cass Tech High School from 1981-84, where he secured multiple high school diving championships. He then went on to develop summer diving camps at Oakland Community College and summer gymnastics programs at Wayne State University.
After more than three decades of dedicated service in the healthcare, medical equipment, music, and entertainment industries, Antonio chose Atlanta as his retirement home to be with his daughters, Taylor and Ava. Since joining Peach Pit, he has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and diligence in developing programs and sharing his extensive knowledge of gymnastics and acrobatics with athletes and coaches across the company and the greater Atlanta area.
Floor Manager @ Brookhaven,
Tom Swayzee
Tom Swayzee has an extensive background in the sport of gymnastics.. As a high school athlete, he competed as a Class 1 gymnast, today’s equivalent to Level 10. Following Indiana University's decision to discontinue its men's gymnastics team, Tom transitioned to becoming a cheerleader for the university. For a decade, he owned and operated Indiana Gymnastics Training School in Bloomington, IN. During his tenure, he successfully coached one gymnast to the Elite level, produced three National Champions, and mentored numerous Regional and State Champions. Tom Swayzee currently holds the titles of USA Gymnastics "National Coach" and "National Judge" in Women's Gymnastics.
In 2006, Tom was hired as a Technical Advisor and appeared in the gymnastics movie “Stick It”. Outside of his professional life, Tom maintains an active lifestyle, frequently engaging in workouts and weight training, which he considers not just a hobby but an integral part of his well-being. His commitment to fitness reflects a disciplined approach that he also applies to his work.
General Manager @
St. Simons Island,
Melissa Bigsby
Coach Melissa brings a world of gymnastics experience to The Peach Pit SSI! She’s coached athletes across the globe, from Bermuda to Australia, and previously served as Head Coach for a competitive team in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Her coaching style blends technical precision with creativity and fun, helping gymnasts build confidence, strength, and a true love for the sport.
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After moving to Saint Simons in August 2024, Melissa is thrilled to launch Season One with The Peach Pit SSI Competitive Gymnastics Team. She’s passionate about creating a positive, encouraging environment where every athlete feels supported and inspired to shine both in and out of the gym.
Director of Competitive Gymnastics @ Collier,
SarahGrace Nguyen
SarahGrace is a Georgia native and has lived in Atlanta for the last three years. She trained through Level 7 as a competitive gymnast for 13 years in Tifton. She began her coaching career at Tift Gymnastics Academy. While coaching at TGA, she graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with her Bachelor's in Psychology. She joined The Peach Pit team in 2021 as a competitive coach and is now the competitive gymnastics director at our Collier location. Outside of her love for coaching gymnastics, Coach SarahGrace loves her two dogs (Luna & Lucy)!
Director of Competitive Gymnastics @ The Prado,
Stephanie Powers
With over 20 years of experience coaching gymnasts from ages 1 to 18, Stephanie has had the privilege of guiding hundreds of athletes through every stage of their journey — from their first forward rolls to State and Regional Champions. She is USAG certified, Safe Sport certified, and CPR certified, and takes pride in creating a safe, structured, and positive environment where young gymnasts can thrive.
Stephanie believe gymnastics isn’t just about building an athlete — it’s about shaping strong, confident humans. While the sport has an expiration date, the discipline, resilience, and life lessons learned on the mat will carry through their entire lives.
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Whether your child is here for fun, fitness, or competitive goals, Stephanie's mission is to support them every step of the way — with patience, encouragement, and a focus on long-term growth.
Assistant Director of All Star Cheerleading,
Makayla Johnson
Makayla is a Competitive Cheer Coach and Assistant Director of Cheer at The Peach Pit. She has been involved in competitive cheer for most of her life, cheering competitively at the high school level with yearly appearances at State in Columbus, and then continuing her cheer career at Georgia Tech. There, she cheered sideline for football and basketball while also competing on their Small Coed team. She has been to NCA College Nationals in Daytona, Florida three times while also earning her degree in Industrial Engineering.
After working in the engineering field for several years, Makayla felt called back to coaching. She has coached on and off since high school and has spent the last two years coaching full time at The Peach Pit, including taking teams to D2 Summit. Makayla is passionate about building strong athletes who understand teamwork, resilience, and the value of pushing through challenges.
Outside the gym, Makayla is recently married and is a pet mom to two dogs and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. She loves giving back to the sport that shaped her and is grateful to continue helping young athletes grow both on and off the mat.
Novice Cheer Program Lead,
Levon Burton
With over two decades of experience in the cheerleading industry, Levon Burton brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and leadership to every role he undertakes. His multifaceted journey—from athlete to coach to judge to national advisor—reflects a deep commitment to growth, education, and athlete development.
Levon currently serves as a USASF Connection Leader, Co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Sensitivity Committee, and a member of the Athlete Wellness Committee. He is also a Varsity All Star Judge and Accuscore Official. In 2025, he transitioned to The Peach Pit, continuing his mission to elevate athletes and programs with integrity and excellence.
His coaching career boasts over 200 National Titles, multiple appearances at The Cheerleading Worlds and The Summit, including four Top 10 finishes. Levon’s athletes have gone on to cheer at elite programs such as the University of Tennessee, University of Louisville, Navarro College, University of Alabama, University of Central Florida, University of North Carolina, and Vanderbilt.
Levon studied Fine Arts at the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Technical Community College. Outside of cheer, he finds joy in painting, music, and reading—and cherishes time spent with family.
Director of Dance,
Ansley Littleton
Ansley Littleton is a true Georgia peach from Atlanta with a lifelong passion for dance. She began dancing at age three at Simply Dancing, training in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary. Her journey took her to Manhattan’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she trained with Broadway greats in Broadway dance, Heels, and Musical Theatre. After earning her degree in Dance Theatre from AMDA Los Angeles, Ansley returned home —bringing 24 years of dance experience and a deep love for inspiring the next generation.