Meet Our Staff
Developing Exceptional Children.. Developing Great Athletes.
President & Boys Program Director
NEIL PALMER
College: University of Nebraska
Degree: Masters in Business Administration
Certifications: CPR/AED, USAG Safe Sport Certified, AAU Professional Coaching Alliance
Bio: Neil was introduced to tumbling at the age of three under the tutelage of his father, Len Palmer. He began gymnastics in Addison, IL at the age of six. Neil went on to win the Junior Olympic National Horizontal Bar Championship and became a three-time member of the United States Junior National Team, while training at the American Academy of Gymnastics. He competed for Addison Trail High School, gathering three team state championships, the parallel bar title and the National High School All-Around Championship.
Neil earned a full gymnastics scholarship to the University of Nebraska. As a Cornhusker, he became an NCAA All-American and a member of the United States National Team. Some top accomplishments include: Competing in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Trials and winning the A.A. Championship at the 1987 United States Olympic Festival.
Neil has been coaching developmental through team-level boys and girls gymnastics since the age of 15. He has developed Palmer’s boys and girls into medal winning national-level competitors, as a stepping stone to producing collegiate scholarship winners.
He lives in Bloomingdale with his wife Debbie (Palmer’s Co-Owner) and their son, Brady
Vice President & Girls Program Director
DEBBIE PALMER
College: University of Akron (Undergraduate), Baldwin Wallace (Graduate)
Degree: Bachelor Degree in Business Communication, Masters of Arts Degree in Education
Certifications: CPR/AED and First Aid, Certified Elementary Education and Reading Specialist,
USAG Safety and Professional Member, K.A.T certified, Skill Evaluator, Meet Director,
and PDP levels I and II accreditations, USAG Safe Sport Certified, AAU Professional Coaching Alliance
Bio: Debbie moved to Illinois from Medina, Ohio in 1997 to join the Palmer’s coaching staff. Debbie’s coaching background includes coaching developmental gymnasts through level 10 National Team members. At the age of 5, Debbie began gymnastics at Fegley’s Gymnastics School in New Jersey. After her family moved to Ohio, she continued her gymnastics career at Gymnastics World, advancing to the Class I level.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys traveling, skiing, swimming, listening to music and spending time with her husband, Neil, and her son, Brady. Although she loves all sports, her heart belongs to gymnastics.
Gymnastics Instructor
HELEN BOSACKI
College: Marquette University
Degree: Clinical Laboratory Science
Certifications: CPR, AED, USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Helen is a mom of 6 and a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at the Hines VA. In her youth, she was a Palmer’s recreational gymnast and later competed for Glenbard West High School. She went on to become a cheerleader for Marquette University and then the Milwaukee Bucks, “4th Street Flyers” tumbling stunt team. At the same time, Helen still participated in adult gymnastics recreationally.
After her cheerleading career came to an end, she became a cheerleading coach for the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). She is excited to be back at Palmer’s, her old stomping grounds, with her own children now. The sport of gymnastics allows kids to have fun and develop priceless life long skills that will benefit them throughout the years. Helen can’t wait to help all the kids in our community to have fun, keep active and fall in love with the sport of gymnastics just like her!
Gymnastics Instructor
MIKE HARRAST
College: Ohio State University
Degree: Bachelor of Art in Sociology
Certifications: USAG Safe Sport Certified
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Bio: Mike attended Addison Trail High School from 1978 to 1982, where he competed on the Varsity gymnastics team all four years under coach, Fred Dennis. He also attended American Academy and took Len Palmer’s tumbling class with Coach Neil. His high school teams won the state championship competition 3 out of his 4 years. He then attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of two Big Ten Championship Teams. He loves the sport of gymnastics and he is very happy to be coaching at Palmer’s, allowing him to stay connected to this great sport.
He also enjoys running, bicycling, swimming and attending live music venues.
Gymnastics Instructor
EMILY KAEMERER
Certifications: USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Emily was a gymnast at Palmer’s from the age of 4 until 14. During that time, Emily developed a love and passion for the sport of gymnastics. She began coaching at the age of 15 and she has gained valuable experience working with our team gymnasts as well as coaching the tot and recreational classes.
Her favorite part of coaching is helping kids develop a strong work ethic and encouraging them to try their best. Emily is currently a junior at Lake Park High School and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, and listening to music.
Gymnastics Instructor
ANNA LACHUT
College: Malopolsca School of Economics, Poland
Degree: Masters in Accounting & Finance Management
Certificates: USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: ​Anna is a mom to 2 children. Her daughter Scarlett has been taking gymnastics at Palmer's since she was 18 months old. Now Scarlett is on Palmer’s Xcel Gold team.
Anna was born and raised in Poland. After college, she worked at City Hall and a small local accounting company. In the meantime, she met her husband and moved to the USA. Currently, Anna lives in Roselle with her family and Siamese cat, Misia. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, listening to good music, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Anna can't wait to help little children in the Palmer's community. It is a pleasure to coach them to be great gymnasts, to have fun, to learn new gymnastics skills and most important, to fall in love with the amazing sport of gymnastics.
Gymnastics Instructor & Co-Office Manager
MELISSA LIBEL
College: North Central College
Degree: Bachelor of Art in Psychology and Sociology
Certifications: CPR/AED, AAU Professional Coaching Alliance, USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Melissa started her dance career at the age of 5 with Moves Dance Theater. By the age of 10, Melissa was competing nationally with Moves Dance Studio and winning various top scores and scholarships. Also as a child, Melissa performed in various galas and charity events hosted by Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath at Navy Pier. Her T.V. and film credits include Baby’s Day Out, The Untouchables and a True Value Hardware commercial.
Melissa has also performed with many local theater groups. When Melissa was 14 she was chosen to tour with the national production of The Tap Dance Kid. She was CHRP scholarship recipient 3 years in a row and had the opportunity to perform for and tap on stage with legends Savion Glover and Gregory Hines.
Throughout her years in high school, Melissa continued to compete with Perseverance Dance Company. Fresh out of high school Melissa began teaching, choreographing and instructing master classes throughout the Chicagoland area. After teaching ballet for the gymnasts here at Palmers, Melissa was trained to coach tot gymnastics.
Melissa has worked with the tot gymnasts at Palmer’s for over 10 years now, and is also the co-office manager at the front desk. She also enjoys utilizing her extensive dance background to choreograph floor routines for some of the Palmer’s competitive team members. Melissa has a husband, Brian, and two athletic kids, Skyler and Brody, who keep her busy when she’s not at Palmer’s. Melissa is excited to continue to share her love of gymnastics with the families here at Palmer’s.
Gymnastics Instructor
JAKE LUKETIN
College: University of Illinois
Degree: Major in Kinesiology
Certifications: CPR/AED, K-12 Teaching Certification, AAU Professional Coaching Alliance, USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Jake attended Lake Park High School where he competed on the Varsity Boys Gymnastics Team for four years. He attended college at the University of Illinois where he competed for the Flippin’ Illini Club Gymnastics Team.
Since graduating college, Jake has coached gymnastics as the Assistant Boys Team Coach at the Champaign YMCA and the Assistant Girls Gymnastics Coach at Glenbard West High School. Jake currently is the Head Girls Gymnastics Coach at Lake Park High School. When he is not coaching, Jake teaches Health in Addison School District 4. Jake brings with him a true knowledge of gymnastics, as well as a love of the sport.
Gymnastics Instructor
LAURA MCPHERSON
College: University Illinois
Degree: Major in Communications
Certifications: USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Laura is a mom of two, Lola (13) who is a level 8 on the Palmer’s girl's team & Giovanni (9) he is in the boy's program at Palmer’s as well. Laura was a scholarship athlete on the women’s gymnastics team at the University of Illinois. As well as a JO National Team member.
Besides coaching at Palmer’s, Laura is a hairstylist and substitute teacher in Downers Grove.
Laura enjoys playing platform tennis, working out, reading, and always spending time with her family. Laura is part of a gymnastics family, she’s married to Anthony McPherson, son of Don and Patrice McPherson. Who were her coaches at Aerial Gymnastics Club.
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Gymnastics Instructor
JOCELYN REICHERT
College: Northern Illinois University
Degree: Kinesiology and Athletic Training
Certifications: USAG safety certified, AFPA youth nutrition specialist
Bio: Jocelyn grew up a competitive gymnast at Palmer’s gymnastics under the coaching of Yvonne and Len Palmer, where she developed her love for the sport of gymnastics. She went on to college to study Kinesiology and Exercise Science with a focus in Athletic Training/Rehabilitation. Jocelyn has been coaching developmental women’s gymnastics levels 2-10 for the past 25 years. Jocelyn loves breaking down gymnastics skills into their basic components to be able to teach quality technique to young gymnasts. Her passion lies with teaching young gymnasts about the power of self-confidence, discipline and hard work. She is also passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and home cooking. Jocelyn is married with 3 children and enjoys exercise, reading, cooking and taking beach vacations with her family.
Gymnastics Instructor
SARAH OHNESORGE
College: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Degree: Elementary Education
Bio: Sarah was a gymnast at Palmer’s from the age of 5-18 and has gained many memories in the gym as well as traveling for competitions. During her high school years she competed on Conant’s High School Varsity team.
After her gymnastics career she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is currently a 3rd grade teacher. She loves working with elementary aged children to help them learn and grow both in education and gymnastics!
Sarah is a dog mom to her sweet pup named Willow and just got married to her husband Zach in July 2023! In her free time she loves spending time outdoors with Willow, friends, and family.
Office Staff
GINA RYBINSKI
College: Concordia University
Degree: Bachelors in Organizational Management & Masters in Counseling
Certificates: USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Palmer’s is Gina’s first experience working in a gymnastics program. She is a practice manager for an integrative health practice. Gina has 4 kids who play multiple sports. She has been fortunate enough to coach them all throughout the years. Gina’s youngest daughter Tessa was her first to get interested in gymnastics and they love being a part of Palmer’s Gymnastics!
Office Staff
PAM SMITH
College: Lewis University
Degree: Criminal Justice & Sociology
Certifications: Safe Sport
Bio: Being a former gymnast, Pam is proud to now be a part of the Palmer’s Family, with two of her three kids on the Palmers Team. Will competes on the Boys USAG Team and Lila is on Girls Level 6. Her family spends A LOT of time at Palmer’s Gym! When not at Palmer’s, Pam works in high school administration at Leyden High School district.
Office Manager
DEBBIE TERRY
College: St. Joseph’s College
Degree: Major in Mathematics, Minor in Computer Science
Certificates: USAG Safe Sport Certified
Bio: Debbie worked for a small company doing general office work and customer service prior to having her three daughters. Debbie is the fourth oldest out of nine children and has many nephews and nieces. She is originally from South Bend, Indiana, and the only one who lives out of state so there are many road trips to Indiana for her and her family. Debbie is married and currently lives in Carol Stream with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Gymnastics Instructor & Office Staff
JUSTIN TORONYI
College: College of DuPage and Northern Illinois University
Degree: Associate in Arts
Certifications: USAG Safe Sport Certified, AAU Professional Coaching Alliance
Bio: Justin started gymnastics at the age of 5 and has been a part of Palmer’s Gymnastics since the age of 7. He was coached by Neil Palmer for most of his gymnastics career. He worked his way through USA Gymnastics, competing in all state and regional competitions from Class 5 to Class 1 (Level 6-10 in current format). He had ambitions of competing at the collegiate level and beyond.
In April 2001, he qualified for the Junior Olympic National Championships, but a week before the competition, he was involved in a car accident on his way home from practice, which left him paralyzed from the waist down and needing the use of a wheelchair. After a couple of months of tough rehabilitation, Justin continued with school, not missing any time, and graduated with his class in 2002 from Lake Park High School. Determined to stick with the sport he grew up with and loved, Justin changed roles from athlete to coach.
Justin has been coaching at Palmer's since 2002 and has loved every minute! He believes the sport of gymnastics is one of the most demanding, difficult, and rewarding sports there is. Gymnastics can teach kids many life lessons, like never giving up and that if you have a positive mindset and put good effort into something, you can accomplish anything! Gymnastics is a rare sport where the mental challenges are often more challenging than the physical ones, and all the experiences of falling and getting back up and doing a skill even if you might be afraid of it can be applied to many life situations and help you achieve lots of success!
Justin also enjoys music and going to concerts. He has many favorite bands. He is also a huge Chicago sports fan: the Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears & Nebraska Huskers would be his favorite teams. He lives in Roselle with his family and puppy, Bindi.