Coaches & Support
Coaches
Each of our coaches and volunteers are committed to leading our athletes by example to help everyone build pride in our “Firestorm Family”.
Combined between the coaches, Okanagan Firestorm has over three quarters of a century of cheerleading, choreography, tumbling and technical experience.
All of our coaches are highly qualified and knowledgeable in the areas of which they train. They are required to attend regular training sessions, keep their BCCA Coaching credentials up to date, have current criminal record checks, and hold a minimum of a level 1 First Aid and CPR certification, as well as AACCA certifications in concussion identification.
Office Support & Volunteers
We are people passionate about cheerleading, youth and our community
Our office support team is the backbone of the organization to keep seamless flow of information between Athletes, Parents, and the coaching Staff.
Volunteers are an integral part of our family and the success of our teams. From Team Moms to event helpers, our volunteers are a critical role in the collaboration of teams at events and behind the scenes.
Our Management
Nikki Parrotta - Owner/Coach
Nikki Parrotta - Owner/Coach
Nikki Parrotta - Owner/Coach
- Background - 20 years in cheer, 18 years coaching, 7 years BC Cheer Judge. 19 years in Dance.
- Certified teacher with a BA and BEd, focusing in curriculum design.
- Additional training in dance move and therapy.
- BC Cheerleading Scholastic Director. Recognized as the 2012 BC Leading Edge Coach of the Year and Mentor of the Year in 2020
- Certified
- Background - 20 years in cheer, 18 years coaching, 7 years BC Cheer Judge. 19 years in Dance.
- Certified teacher with a BA and BEd, focusing in curriculum design.
- Additional training in dance move and therapy.
- BC Cheerleading Scholastic Director. Recognized as the 2012 BC Leading Edge Coach of the Year and Mentor of the Year in 2020
- Certified level 5 cheer coach.
- Categories - Stunting, Choreography and Dance
- Specialty - Communication and motivation of youth to make cheer accessible to all ability levels.
Pete Parrotta - Owner/Coach
Nikki Parrotta - Owner/Coach
Nikki Parrotta - Owner/Coach
- Background - 27 year in cheer, 24 coaching cheer
- Certified in special education (CEA)
- Coached in Canada, USA, and Barbados.
- BC Cheer Association credentialing examiner. Honoured with the Outstanding Contributions Award in 2020
- Competed as an Athlete in Canada, USA, and Japan. Attended the Worlds with the first team representing BC
- Attended U
- Background - 27 year in cheer, 24 coaching cheer
- Certified in special education (CEA)
- Coached in Canada, USA, and Barbados.
- BC Cheer Association credentialing examiner. Honoured with the Outstanding Contributions Award in 2020
- Competed as an Athlete in Canada, USA, and Japan. Attended the Worlds with the first team representing BC
- Attended University of Hawaii on a Cheerleading scholarship
- Certified level 5 cheer coach, accredited in level 6
- Categories - Tumbling, Upper level and co-ed stunting, and routine cleaning
- Specialty - being a gym wide motivator and advocate for safety in all aspects of our sport.
Jenn Donetz - Office Staff
Nikki Parrotta - Owner/Coach
Jenn Donetz - Office Staff
- Background - 14 Years as a cheer mom, team mom, gym mom.
Our Coaches
Marika Fujisawa - Coach
Ashley Stephenson - Coach
Ashley Stephenson - Coach
- Background - 15 years in Cheer, 12 coaching
- Pursuing a degree in Nursing at UBC Okanagan - Grad class of Spring 2021
- Certified Level 4 cheer coach
- Category - Tumbling, conditioning, and Stunting (up to level 6)
- Specialty - Technique with skills in all categories, and group conditioning.
Ashley Stephenson - Coach
Ashley Stephenson - Coach
Ashley Stephenson - Coach
- Background - 13 years in Cheer, 10 coaching
- Certified teacher with a BA and BEd from UBC Okanagan
- Certified Level 4 stunting and level 3 tumbling cheer coach
- Category - Stunting, Choreo, Indy Choreography
- Specialty - improving stunt technique, flyer strength and dace choreography.
Demi Kouwenhoven - Coach
Ashley Stephenson - Coach
Demi Kouwenhoven - Coach
- Background - 13 years in Cheer, 10 coaching, 10 years teaching Dance
- Certified teacher with Royal Academy of Dance
- Certified Level 3 cheer coach
- Category - Dance, Tumbling, group conditioning
- Specialty - Combining training from Dance into Cheer to utilize techniques for better posture and body alignment.
Ana Donetz - Coach
Tara Domonkos - Coach
Tara Domonkos - Coach
- Background - 14 years in Cheer, 7 coaching
- Holds a diploma in Early Childhood Development for working with 3-5 year old kids
- Certified Level 3 cheer coach
- Category - Tumbling and Stunting
- Specialty - Overall tumbling technique improvement and cleaning routines
Tara Domonkos - Coach
Tara Domonkos - Coach
Tara Domonkos - Coach
- Background - 11 years in Cheer, 8 coaching
- Holds a Bachelor's of Human Kinetics from UBC Okanagan
- Certified Level 2 cheer coach
- Category - Dance and tumbling
- Specialty - Foundational tumbling technique - confidence building in new and younger athletes.
Alicia Anderson - Coach
Alicia Anderson - Coach
Alicia Anderson - Coach
Information Coming Soon
Chelsey Moore - Coach
Alicia Anderson - Coach
Alicia Anderson - Coach
Information Coming Soon
COVID-19 UPDATE
The gym is currently open and running programs for registered athletes only. COVID-19 safety protocols are in place and being monitored as governed by the BC Cheerleading Association, viaSport and local health authorities. Unfortunately there is no viewing open to family or the public at this time.