Rise GYMNASTICS ACADEMY vERNON

About Our Academy

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 Coach Moussa, a globally recognized coach with over 25 years of experience, 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!

At Rise Gymnastics Academy

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

Coach Moussa's Coaching Philosophy

As a coach, my philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child has the potential to grow and thrive, not only as an athlete but also as an individual. My approach to coaching has evolved over time through my experiences and continuous learning, particularly through staying updated with scientific knowledge in the field of sports development.

Central to my coaching philosophy is the holistic development of children. I believe in nurturing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, recognizing that these aspects are interconnected and essential for their overall growth. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, I aim to empower children to discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and realize their full potential.

Furthermore, I prioritize creating a positive and nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected, and motivated to excel. Rather than solely focusing on winning, I believe that true success lies in the comprehensive development of the child. By emphasizing skill-building, teamwork, and personal growth, I instill in children the confidence and determination to achieve their goals both on and off the field.

Ultimately, my coaching philosophy is centered on empowering children to become confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals. By providing them with the necessary guidance, support, and encouragement, I aim to inspire a love for sport, a thirst for knowledge, and a lifelong commitment to personal excellence.

Coach Moussa

Co-Founder and Technical Director/Head Coach

Our Team

Alice Docksteader

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.

Dominique Blanchard

Lead Coach

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.