Our Staff

We have the most experienced gymnastics and tumbling staff in Van Buren/Fort Smith and the surrounding area. We care about our customers because we know you have a choice. We study daily on the latest techniques to give  your child the best coaching experience possible. We strive to build character, perseverance and self-confidence while teaching life long fitness habits.


        Mike Didion, is the Owner/Operator of Didion Athletics with over 25 years of gymnastics experience, with twenty  years coaching in  Arkansas and  Alaska.    He is Safety Certified, a member of USA Gymnastics, U.S.  All-Star Federation and Van Buren's Chamber of Commerce.   In 1989-1992  Mike was Arkansas Mens Gymnastics State Champion All Round and in 1997-1999 NCA College National  2 years.
Katie Lyon is our Preschool Director and teaches Mom & Me, Toddler, Kindergym and recreational gymnastics classes.   She trained and competed at Top Flight Gymnastics in Freeman, California.    She has been coaching and directing competitive and recreational gymnastics for the past thirteen years in California, Tennessee, and Arkansas.   She is a great asset and a wonderful coach here at Didion's.
She also manages the office in the mornings from 9:00 to 3:00

          

 George Elden -- Boys Team Head Coach.   He is known for his numerous State Championship and his Trophies and Banners on the wall tell all.  George has been coaching for the past 13 years.   He is "Newly" married to his bride, Laura and has six year old son. He loves working with kids!!


 


     Chris Adams has been with Didion Athletics since June of 2008. He teaches tumbling, boys recreational gymnastics, and girls team bars and vault for levels 4-10. He trained for 7 years in competitive gymnastics. Chris was also an All-American competitive diver for two years.
      Stephanie Janes --- Girls Optional Team Coach.   She earned a scholarship and competed for  Alabama Auburn Tigers.   She has been with Didion Athletics the past couple of years. She is known for chorography and Balance  Beam skills.


     Jo Anna Summers has been with Didion Athletics since November 2008.  She teaches recreational girls gymnastics, tumbling , cheer tech, and pre-team.  Jo Anna started training at Tina's Gymnastics out of Russellville, Arkansas.    She competed for 6 years and qualified for Nationals.    She is a single mom with three kids, Rainy, Shiloh, and Sky, and they are the love of her life.

       



 

Josh Moore "Nick's Dad"  -- Boys Team Assistant Coach.   This will be his second year working with Didion's level 4 boys team.   His son Nick won his age division at the Arkansas State Meet last season.

     Shennia Strong is the awesome evening office manager. She is the glue that holds us all together and keeps us sane. She has two wonderful kids, Charity and Joseph, that she homeschools.  Joseph is a Level 8 gymnast and Charity is studying to be a nurse. She and her family also run a fireworks stand durning the 4th of July season!