Coach Destiny has been coaching for most of her life, with over 15 years of experience in both gymnastics and competitive girls’ soccer. Along with coaching at OCG, she teaches PE at a private Christian school and loves helping young athletes push through challenges to find their “aha” moments. Her goal is to help each child grow in confidence, perseverance, and joy for movement.
 

Outside the gym, Destiny enjoys kickboxing, painting, crocheting, and spending time with her dog. She’s also a proud mom to a daughter attending Appalachian State University.

Caitlin is the oldest sibling in her family and grew up competing in both dance and gymnastics before exploring cheer and softball in 7th grade. She is currently in her final year of the Neurodiagnostic program at Wake Tech. Caitlin returned to gymnastics as a coach because her own experiences in the sport are some of her fondest childhood memories, and she loves bringing fun, laughter, and energy to every class.

Outside the gym, Caitlin enjoys snowboarding in the winter, spending time on the lake in the summer, and hanging out with her three dogs. She also has a soft spot for Dr. Pepper and the color pink!

Lani is from Cameron, NC, and is currently in her second year at UNC, where she’s majoring in Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She plans to become a pediatric speech pathologist and has always had a passion for working with and teaching kids. At OCG, Lani loves helping young gymnasts build confidence, coordination, and a love for movement.

Outside the gym, Lani enjoys reading, exploring new places, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dezyree is a native of the Bull City area and is starting her final year of high school this year. With a background in dance and visual arts, she brings energy, creativity, and play into every class. At Oak City Gymnastics, Dezyree loves helping children build confidence by understanding each child’s strengths and meeting them exactly where they are. She is passionate about working with kids and plans to pursue a degree in Child and Family Development with hopes of becoming a Child Life Specialist. When she’s not at the gym, you can find her enjoying all things dance, traveling, crafting, and shopping!

Damien Slade also known as “Teacher Damien”, “Mr. Damien”, or “Coach Damien” is a native of Durham NC, but born in Washington DC. He has taught Hip-hop dance for over 20 years. His professional background includes: opening and background dancing for National recording artist Wu-Tang, Missy Elliot, and Rakim just to name a few. He has also danced on the infamous Apollo stage in New York City and has won several dance competitions. His energy, enthusiasm, and love for teaching is like no other.

He is passionate about dance and gymnastics and enjoys nurturing children and bringing out their full potential. “Being a teacher has been the biggest joy in my life and what I feel is God’s plan for me.” “My goal is to continue
on this journey and continue to share my gift with others.”

Larriya is originally from Jacksonville, NC and is currently studying psychology at North Carolina Central University. She plans to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist after completing her education. Larriya has been coaching gymnastics for about three years and loves being part of a child’s early journey in the sport. Outside of the gym, she enjoys doing hair, cooking, and spending time reading her Bible.

Ansleigh is originally from Atlanta, GA. She participated in gymnastics for nine years and has been coaching for nearly two years.
Ansleigh is currently attending Durham Tech and plans to transfer to UNC Chapel Hill, where she will study business administration with a minor in sport and exercise science. Her favorite part of coaching is watching a child’s passion turn into confidence and hard work.
Outside of the gym, Ansleigh enjoys reading, traveling, spending time outdoors, and trying new coffee shops.

Originally from Tampa, Florida: Charissa has found ways to include athletics throughout all walks of life. With 9 years of athletic experience between cheerleading & gymnastics—and 2 years of combined experience coaching recreational gymnastics both in Florida and North Carolina—she is always seeking a way to use her experiences to make an impact on the next generation of athletes. 

While currently in the second year of her Master’s program in City & Regional Planning at UNC Chapel Hill, she practices twice a week on the Carolina club gymnastics team. Outside of the classroom she loves hiking, yoga, and cuddling her Siamese cat Timone!

Coach Summer is a UNC Wilmington alumna who participated in both dance and gymnastics recreationally for many years. After moving to the Triangle in late 2024, she rediscovered her love for the sport through coaching. Summer is continuing to develop her coaching skills and enjoys working with athletes across a variety of ages and levels. She also hopes to continue her own gymnastics education as an adult to further connect with the athletes she coaches and to enjoy the sport herself.

Outside of the gym, Summer enjoys caring for animals—especially her cats, Lilo and Stitch. She also loves being involved in the local arts community, along with spending time drawing, reading, staying active, and playing video games.