Getting to Know: Coach Deana
What is your role here at Gymtime? Gymnastics Coach.
What is the best part of your job? Sharing something I love: gymnastics. Also, I love working with kids – they keep you young and can bring a smile to your face on the gloomiest of days!
What was your first job? I worked in a donut shop for a few months in high school, but my first real job was teaching movement and gymnastics.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi – outside of New Orleans.
What is your favorite activity to do outside of work? So many! I love playing tennis, play music and sing. I also love to see live theater dance.
What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you? That I am from the United States! People always ask me what country I am from, assuming I am foreign. I’m not sure why, but people are always shocked when I tell them I am from Mississippi. My accent is all mangled from living in several different countries – maybe that’s why . . .
What are three things you never leave the house without (besides your wallet, keys and phone)? Oil! (argan, coconut – I always have oil with me for my skin and nails), toothbrush (seriously, I take it everywhere and brush anywhere) and a scarf.
If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would it be? Edith Piaf!
What is your favorite…
Book? As a child – “Bridge to Terabitihia” by Katherine Paterson. Now – hard to say, but one of my favorite authors is Haruki Murakami. He uses words in such a beautiful way – and that’s even through translation!!
Movie? “Goodfellas,” “The Sound of Music,” “The Bodyguard”
Song? I would NEVER be able to name ONE favorite!
Food? So, so many – I love food. I’m going to go with good ‘ol PIZZA!!
TV Show? I don’t really watch TV.
Hot or cold? Cold
Early bird or night owl? Both – I find it hard to wake sometimes, but I LOVE being out and about in the early, early a.m. But . . . if I miss my go-to-bed window, I am up and alert in the wee hours of the morn/late night.
Coffee or tea? Both!
Sweet or savory? Savory
Country or city? City