Dana Pechalk 

Preschool Program Manager

Dana is the Preschool Program Manager. She has been involved in gymnastics since she was in preschool. She graduated from North Allegheny High School and has taken child development classes while attending CCAC. Dana has been working with children since the age of 15. She is married with two children.

Lisa Boben 

Dance Program Manager

Lisa has been with X-cel since 2004. She brings over 22 years of teaching experience to X-Cel. Lisa is a graduate of Florida State University, and has enjoyed teaching gymnastics and dance across the country. Lisa currently teaches pre-school classes and is our Competitive Team gymnastics and dance coach.

Nate Culichia 

Optional Vault Head Coach, Recreational Coach

Nate has been working with X-Cel since 2004, but has been a fan of X-Cel’s gymnastics team for over 15 years since his two sisters were on the team! Nate was a defensive back for the Seneca Valley football team and worked at X-Cel as a bar spotting assistant during high school. After graduation Nate went on to study education at WVU and coached the women's gymnastics team levels 3-10 at the West Virginia Gymnastics Training Center. Nate rejoined the X-Cel coaching staff in 2012 and became the team Xquisite Vault Head Coach in 2013. During his career he has coached multiple state champions from level 3-10, and has qualified athletes for the Elite Compulsory level and onto the TOPs A National Team. Nate also enjoys coaching in our recreational program. In his spare time he loves watching ESPN, playing with his dog Rucca and cheering on his favorite college team-- Ohio State!

Alicia Szumiesz 

Birthday Party Coordinator

Alicia has been doing gymnastics since she was a little girl. She grew up in sunny Florida and graduated from Flagler College. Alicia is our Birthday Party Manager. She loves going to the beach and horseback riding.

Scott Knechtel 

Instructor

Scott has over 30 years of coaching experience and has been with X-Cel since 1993. He teaches recreational and boys’ classes. Scott competed for Ambridge Area High School and Kent State University.

Courtney Harrigton 

Instructor

Courtney grew up dancing and doing gymnastics. After graduating from Western Reserve Academy, she pursued an economics degree at Lehigh University. She coached several years at Parkettes Training Center. Courtney has enjoyed coaching and choreographing all over the country. 

Leah Cairns 

Instructor

Leah was a gymnast up through level 9 compulsory. She graduated from Point Park University. Leah is married and has three children. She currently coaches our preschool and recreational classes as well as D-Team.

Allison Hickenboth 

Instructor

Allison graduated from VA Commonwealth University.  She was a recreational gymnast and competed for her high school team.  Allison is teaching both recreational and preschool classes. Allison home schools her 3 children and enjoys Taekwondo.

Renee’ Lopus 

Instructor

Renee’ was a competitive gymnast up though level 9 and has over 8 years of gymnastics coaching experience. Renee’ has a daughter on our X-Cel’s Competitive Team. She graduated from Slippery Rock University. Renee’ is currently coaching our preschool and recreational classes.

Education & Certifications 

All of our staff is educated and certified

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X-Cel staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. All coaches undergo extensive and ongoing background checks, professional development and safety certification through the United States of America Gymnastics (USAG) association. Above and beyond the national certifications, X-Cel implements internal coaching and spotting development programs designed to improve the safety and effectiveness of coaching techniques.