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

Background - 18 years in cheer, 16 years coaching, 6 years BC Cheer Judge. 17 years in Dance.
Certified teacher BA and BED, with focus in curriculum design.
Additional training in dance move and therapy.
BC Cheerleading Association All Star Director. Received recognition as the 2012 BC Leading Edge Coach of the Year.
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

Background - 25 year in cheer, 22 coaching cheer
Certifies in special education (CEA)
Coached in Canada, USA, and Barbados.
BC Cheer Association credentialling Examiner
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

Background - 12 Years as a cheer mom, team mom, gym mom

Our Coaches

Ashley Stephenson - Coach

Background - 11 years in Cheer, 8 coaching
Pursuing a degree in Education at UBC Okanagan
Certified Level 3 cheer coach
Category - Stunting, Choreo, Indy Choreography
Specialty - improving stunt technique, flyer strength and dace choreography.

Demi Kouwenhoven - Coach

Background - 11 years in Cheer, 8 coaching, 8 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.

Marika Fujisawa - Coach

Background - 13 years in Cheer, 10 coaching
Pursuing a degree in Nursing at UBC Okanagan
Certified Level 3 cheer coach
Category - Tumbling, conditioning, and Stunting (up to level 6)
Specialty - Technique with skills in all categories, and group conditioning.