Gymkhana — Staff

Continuing Gymkhana's reputation of “unparalleled gymnastic instruction” is the goal at each of our locations. We take great pride in all of our programs and our ability to treat and teach our students as individuals, with unique skills and learning abilities. Since 1977, Gymkhana has strived to create the best environment for learning gymnastics. We believe our approach of “having fun through gymnastics” provides students of all abilities the opportunity to progress at their own pace. We would like to thank you in advance for giving your child the opportunity to develop his or her full potential through Gymkhana's programs. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Elliott Sanft, born and raised in Philadelphia is the President and Director of Gymkhana, Inc., responsible for the administrative operations of the gyms. He is
no stranger to teaching however, and on rare occasions he now makes guest appearances in the gym. A real treat!
Elliott came to the "Burg" to attend the University of Pittsburgh on a gymnastics scholarship where he competed for 3 years on the Men’s Gymnastics Team and
served as captain his senior year. His freshman year was spent on the football team. He graduated in 1973 with a degree in economics and following graduation, Elliott served four years as an assistant coach for both the Men’s and the Women’s Gymnastics Teams at Pitt. Elliott is a certified Playful Parenting instructor (now called Gymkhana’s Infant Toddler Gym), a certified member of the USA Gymnastics Safety Association, a professional member of USA Gymnastics
Men’s and Women’s Programs, and is also certified in Community CPR.
Elliott, married for over 30 years to Donna, whom he met at Pitt is also a former gymnast and Pitt Women’s Gymnastics Coach. She is the Executive Associate Athletic Director at The University of Pittsburgh. The Sanfts have two delightful daughters, Liza and Leah and an equally delightful son in-law Trey.

Ed Swerdlow, also a Philadelphia area native, is the Secretary/Treasurer and Program Coordinator of Gymkhana Inc. Ed is visible at all 3 of our locations as he oversees staff training and continuing education as well as developing curriculum
for classes. Ed is a 1974 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he was a
four year varsity gymnast and captain his senior year. He served as an assistant gymnastics coach at Pitt during 1975, 1976 and 1978-79 when the Pitt women’s gymnastics team broke in to the top 10 in the nation. Ed was the girl’s and boy’s gymnastics coach and physical education teacher at Marple Newton High School in
the Philadelphia area during the 1976-1977 school year.
With Ed’s 25+ years of coaching experience he is highly regarded in the gymnastics community. Ed is a certified member of the USA Gymnastics Safety Association, a professional member of USA Gymnastics Women’s Programs, a USA Gymnastics Safety Course Instructor and is certified in community CPR.
Ed’s wife MaryAnn also with an extensive gymnastics background, is the founder
of the Tri-Boro Gymnastics Center, now part of Gymkhana Inc. The Swerdlow’s
have been married for over 25 years and have four fantastic children, Sarah, Lenny,
Lucas, and Sammy.

Adam Mannheimer, is the Co Director of the Bethel Park location. Adam grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from Alderdice High School. He has been involved in gymnastics since 1984 when he participated in Gymkhana's recreational class program. Adam moved up to the competitive team and competed for Gymkhana for 2 years. In 1988, Adam began teaching at Gymkhana. He has taught boys and girls from preschool through the competitive team program, and he has spent time at all three Gymkhana locations. In 1995, Adam became the Co-Director, along with his wife Cher, of the Bethel Park location. He is currently the head coach of the Bethel Park Team Gym program. Adam's friendly personality and exciting teaching style make him a favorite instructor of the students and a mentor to his staff. USA Gymnastics recognizes Adam as a Level 1-4 Skill Evaluator, a certified member of the USA Gymnastics Safety Accrediation, a professional member of USA Gymnastics, and a KAT Accredited instructor. Adam is CPR certified. While working at Gymkhana, Adam met fellow instructor Cher, and they married in 1996. They have two children, Logan and Larissa, who both enjoy the sport of gymnastics.

Cher Mannheimer, is Co Director of Gymkhana's Bethel Park location. A lifelong Pittsburgh resident, Cher graduated from Bethel Park High School and was involved in dance and gymnastics throughout her childhood. Cher always knew she wanted to teach children, and for four years she served as a para professional assisting in all aspects of the classroom. In 1990, Cher began working at Gymkhana teaching everything from preschool gymnastics to competitive team programs. After spending time at all three of Gymkhana's locations, she was named Co Director of Bethel Park in 1995. Cher has a special ability to communicate with children and their parents alike, making both feel welcome and comfortable as they begin their gymnastics careers. Having done everything from developing summer camps to running birthday parties to directing the preschool program, Cher is a vital asset to the Gymkhana family. Cher is a certified member of the USA Gymnastics Safety Accrediation, a professional member of USA Gymnastics, A KAT Accredited instructor and a Team Gym Judge. She is also CPR certified. Gymkhana is more than a place to work for Cher; at Gymkhana she met her husband Adam. They also have two aspiring gymnasts for children, Logan and Larissa.

Casi Leathers,started working at Gymkhana Gymnastics in 1996. She strives to stay up to date with the most current gymnastics training and education. She has attended national conferences in Philadelphia, PA in 1999, Indianapolis, IN in 2002 then in Philadelphia again in 2008 where she had the opportunity to watch the Olympic trials. She is CPR and first aid certified, and has earned several certifications from USA Gymnastics, including Kinder Accreditation of Teachers (KAT), Fun Through Fundamentals, and Hands on Training (HOT). This training combined with countless teaching hours makes Casi an exceptional coach who strives to provide the best learning environment for children of all ages and ability levels. She most recently has started working with Gymkhana’s new USA Team Gym program. Casi looks forward to many more years working with children in this sport because she says “There is nothing better than to make a child more confident in their physical ability. This will carry over to all aspects of their life.”

Tracy Sowinski, is an instructor in the preschool program at Bethel Park. Tracy is a Pittsburgh native, who has been involved with dance and gymnastics, at all levels, throughout her life. Tracy joined the Gymkhana family in 2001. She is a certified member of USA Gymnastics Safety Accrediation, and she is CPR and First Aid certified. To keep up to date on the gymnastics industry Tracy attends workshops and seminars each year. "The rewards are endless when working with children, and I am grateful each day for the opportunity", Tracy says of her career. Tracy is married to her high school sweetheart, Ken and they have two children, Shannon and Eric.

Susan Adams, is the head class instructor @ Monroeville. A graduate of Franklin Regional High School and Seaton Hill University. Susan has a BA in Family Studies with an Elementary/Early Childhood Education Certification. She has been a member of the Gymkhana family since 1996 and has been teaching for more than 15 years. When not teaching at Gymkhana she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and taking a tap class.

Bethany Ruane, is a class instructor and team coach. A graduate of Franklin Regional High School and IUP Bethany has a degree in Child Development and Family Relations. A former Gymkhana gymnast Bethany has been teaching for more than 15 years. She and her husband Mike have 2 children, Reilyn and Mike.