Located in Vernon, BC! We are in the brand-new Salt Centre building along Highway 97, across from the Prestige Inn. RISE Gymnastics Academy aims to be the Okanagan’s premier destination for gymnastics training.
At RISE, we are dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals of all ages to discover their potential, embrace challenges, and grow into confident, capable leaders.
Our academy was founded with a vision to foster a lifelong love for gymnastics. We combine world-class coaching, a state of the art facility, with a supportive, nurturing environment where athletes can thrive both in and beyond the gym. Whether your child is just beginning their gymnastics journey or pursuing competitive excellence, we provide personalized training tailored to their unique goals and abilities.
Led by experienced coaches, RISE brings unparalleled expertise to the region. With a strong focus on athlete development, quality instruction, and community engagement, we aim to shape the future of gymnastics in the Okanagan.
Guided by our core values of Respect, Integrity, Strength, and Excellence, we are committed to fostering resilience, joy, and achievement in every athlete we serve.
Join us as we empower gymnasts to rise to new heights—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Together, we’ll build confidence, resilience, and a passion for excellence. Let’s rise together!
Our primary focus is on developing and customizing a training program to meet each individual child’s goals. Whether they aspire to be a top level gymnast or simply enjoy the sport and want to have fun learning new skills at their leisure, they have a place at RISE. We strive to ensure each athlete develops not only physical skills, but also confidence, teamwork and leadership.
We want to build a positive and nurturing environment. A club where families feel at home and feel at ease.
Alice Docksteader
Founder and CEO
At RISE Gymnastics Academy, coaching goes far beyond teaching skills and routines – it’s about inspiring character, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning. Our coaches are mentors, motivators, and role models who help athletes grow not only as gymnasts, but as people.
Our philosophy is guided by the values of Respect, Integrity, Strength, and Excellence, shaping how we teach, lead, and support every athlete who walks through our doors.
Respect means fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive environment built on fairness, honesty, and open communication. We honor the spirit of gymnastics and ensure everyone feels valued and supported.
Integrity is at the heart of everything we do. We model honesty and accountability, encouraging athletes to take responsibility for their actions and always do what’s right – even when no one is watching.
Strength represents both physical ability and inner resilience. We teach athletes to face challenges with courage, persevere through setbacks, and support one another every step of the way.
Excellence is the pursuit of our personal best. It’s reflected in effort, attitude, and growth – not just results. We celebrate progress, dedication, and the joy of continuous improvement.
At RISE, we coach with passion, purpose, and care – developing confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who carry these values far beyond the gym.
The RISE Team
Founder and CEO
Alice Docksteader was born in South Africa and moved to Canada at the age of 8. After spending 16 years in the Lower Mainland and 5 years in Fort St. John, she found her home in Vernon, where she has lived for the past 7 years. Fluent in Afrikaans, Alice is an avid snowboarder, squash player, and Pilates enthusiast, and she’s currently learning aerial hoop skills. Above all, she cherishes time with her husband and three kids, two of whom are actively involved in competitive gymnastics.
Alice studied Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership and has built a successful 18-year career as a mortgage broker. When the chance arose to open a new gymnastics club and build something from the ground up, she jumped at the opportunity. Partnering with an incredible coach and close friend, Alice poured her passion and dedication into creating a space where athletes can thrive and families can feel at home.
Program Director - Cheerleading
Coach Billie brings an incredible wealth of international experience, education, and passion for athlete and coach development to the RISE Gymnastics Academy team. With over two decades of experience in the cheer, education, and performance world, Billie has built her career around excellence, inclusivity, and integrity – values that align perfectly with the RISE philosophy.
Billie holds a Master of Arts in Olympic Studies from Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln in Cologne, Germany, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Morehead State University in Kentucky, USA. She has served as the Director of Education & Communications Liaison for the International Cheer Union (ICU) since 2017, where she leads the design, development, and delivery of global training programs for coaches, judges, and educators around the world.
As both an athlete and coach, Billie’s background is truly exceptional. She was a member of the Morehead State University All-Girl and Coed National Championship Teams, as well as the University of Kentucky Blue Squad. She also performed professionally as a stunt captain and swing for the Broadway and National Tour productions of Bring It On: The Musical.
Her coaching and judging career has taken her across the globe – teaching and mentoring in Colombia, Chile, Germany, Australia, Canada, Norway, China, Malaysia, Japan, and Puerto Rico. She has served as an International Cheer Union Instructor for judges, rules, and coaches’ courses, and as a judge at major international events including the ICU World Cheerleading Championships (2018–2022), Pan American Championships (2019), and Finnish National Championships (2019).
With her vast experience, educational expertise, and inspiring leadership, Billie is passionate about empowering athletes and coaches to reach their highest potential – both on and off the floor.
Business Developement and Operations Manager and Coach
Coach Tara brings a wealth of multi-sport experience, energy, and passion to the RISE Gymnastics Academy team. With over 20 years of experience coaching and playing rugby, Tara’s leadership and dedication to sport shine through in everything she does. Her diverse athletic background also includes coaching and competing in Track & Field (sprints), coaching youth soccer (VU U15 Boys), and playing on multiple co-ed and women’s softball teams — even managing one herself!
A lifelong adventurer, Tara has also worked as a Scuba Diving Instructor and loves exploring both above and below the surface. She first discovered her love for gymnastics while competing in high school, and now enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for movement, teamwork, and fun with the next generation of athletes.
Outside the gym, Tara is a proud mom of three kids, happily married, and loves spending time with her family – including the family dog! She’s also a photography enthusiast who once ran her own in-home studio and, for those who know her best, a self-proclaimed Star Wars geek with a great sense of humor and heart.
Tara’s diverse coaching background, creativity, and love for sport make her an incredible asset to the RISE team – inspiring athletes to work hard, stay positive, and enjoy the journey.
Program Director - Recreational
Dominique Blanchard is a highly experienced educator and gymnastics coach with an impressive 36 years of teaching experience and 32 years of gymnastics coaching expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education, equipping her with a strong foundation in physical education, movement science, and instructional strategies.
Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Dominique has a proven ability to connect with diverse learners and athletes, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. She is a creative and dynamic professional, driven by today’s evolving learning challenges and deeply rewarded by the success of her students and athletes.
With a passion for innovation, Dominique integrates state-of-the-art teaching and coaching techniques into her practice, ensuring her methods are effective, engaging, and tailored to individual needs. Her extensive gymnastics coaching experience has helped countless athletes develop their skills, confidence, and passion for the sport.
Dominique’s dedication to lifelong learning and her ability to inspire growth make her an invaluable asset to any educational or athletic organization.
Lead Competitive Coach
Coach Kayla brings over 15 years of coaching experience and a lifelong love for gymnastics to the RISE Gymnastics Academy team. A competitive athlete since the age of six, Kayla proudly represented Team BC at the Western Canadian Championships, where her dedication, determination, and passion for the sport truly shone.
She is Foundations certified, Comp 1 certified, Comp 2 trained, and Level 2 Trampoline certified, with a strong commitment to safe, effective, and progressive coaching. Kayla’s deep understanding of the sport allows her to meet each athlete where they are — helping them build confidence, develop skill, and fall in love with gymnastics at every level.
As an athlete, her favorite skills included the layout double twist on floor, back tuck on beam, Tsukahara on vault, and giants on bars. Today, she still enjoys challenging herself with skills like the side handstand on beam, cast to handstand and sole circles on bars, and a layout on floor.
Outside the gym, Kayla is a nature lover who enjoys hiking, camping, and any adventure that gets her outdoors. She’s also a bit of an adrenaline enthusiast – always up for skydiving, bungee jumping, or a great roller coaster ride and she loves taking her little hamster on beach adventures!
Above all, Kayla is passionate about teaching, encouraging, and uplifting others. She believes in helping athletes reach their goals, celebrate small wins, and stay strong through challenges, always fostering a culture of positivity, respect, and perseverance.
Coach
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Coach
Coach Jaden is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the RISE Gymnastics Academy team, bringing a genuine love for the sport and a passion for working with young athletes. A lifelong gymnastics enthusiast, Jaden’s journey has come full circle – from growing up in the sport to now inspiring the next generation as a coach.
After graduating high school in 2021, Jaden earned her Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate, combining her background in child development with her love for movement and learning. Her caring and patient approach creates a positive, supportive environment where athletes can build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun along the way.
Outside the gym, Jaden enjoys spending time outdoors – especially during the summer months. You can often find her boating, surfing, or camping with family and friends. When she’s not out adventuring, she loves to curl up with a good book and spend time with her two cats, Olive and Frankie.
Jaden is thrilled to be part of the RISE coaching team and looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm, creativity, and knowledge of gymnastics with every athlete she meets.
Coach
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Coach
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Receptionist and Coach in Training
Jade is a valued member of the RISE Gymnastics Academy team, working both as a coach-in-training and front desk receptionist. With her friendly personality and positive energy, Jade helps create a welcoming atmosphere for athletes and families as soon as they walk through the doors.
Originally from South Africa, Jade moved to Canada at a young age and has learned to embrace new experiences while holding onto the memories and values that shaped her. Her adaptable spirit and open-minded approach make her a wonderful part of the RISE community.
Outside of the gym, Jade loves spending time with friends and soaking up the sun at the beach – always finding joy in connection, laughter, and making the most of every moment.
Coach
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Receptionist
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We welcome anyone and everyone at any level and at any age. If you or your child are interested, we’d love to meet you!
