Hello. My name is Aisha Walters. I am a former British Champion at Masterclass Level in Sports Acrobatics and founded Benchmark Gymnastics in 2009.

I have been coaching since 1994 and am qualified as a coach in general gymnastics, pre school, disabilities and acro. I am also a tutor for the national governing body, delivering coaching qualifications for Levels 1, 2 & 3, as well as training for welfare officers, 'Intro to' courses for 11-14 year olds and the Award Scheme Coaches Qualifications. I am also an assessor and IV for British Gymnastics.

I am passionate about people. I love reading, hot countries, spending time with my family and watching coaches and gymnasts grow and reach their potential.

I love how passionate the club is and how everyone's strength is recognised and everyone's weakness is improved.

In Loving Memory of Fiona, who passed away at the start of 2025.

Fiona was an exceptional Level 3 coach who became an irreplaceable part of the Benchmark Gymnastics family from the moment she joined us in 2016. Over the years, she not only shared her coaching expertise but also took on the vital role of welfare officer and contributed her time and care as part of our admin team.

Before becoming a coach, Fiona brought joy and passion to her work as a dance teacher at Glenlyn Academy. Her love for movement, creativity, and teaching shone through in everything she did. When she made the decision to leave her school job to coach full-time, we were incredibly fortunate to gain even more of her energy, talent, and kindness.

Fiona always described Benchmark as a “big family” — and that’s exactly what she helped create. Her warmth, loyalty, and unwavering support made a lasting impact on every gymnast, coach, and parent who had the privilege of knowing her. She inspired not just through her skills, but through her heart.

Fiona will always be a part of the Benchmark family. Her legacy lives on in the gym she loved, in the people she supported, and in the countless lives she touched.

Hi there, my name is Catherine.

I joined the Benchmark team in April 2019 and I am an administrator.

I previously worked in an administrative role in a large secondary school and which taught me the importance of efficient administration in any organisation. Benchmark have a large number of students and I am learning the essential aspects of effective record keeping and communication with parents.

When I’m not working for Benchmark I am supporting my son who is educated at home. I have two dogs who need a lot of walking and I also love cooking and entertaining!

Hi, my name is Leonie. I'm a Level 2 General Gymnastics coach and Level 1 Pre-school coach.

I fell in love with gymnastics when I was 7, training locally in Wandsworth before becoming a coach which I adored. My university studies took me away from gymnastics (although I competed in trampolining there), so, after a number of years working in PR teams within large cosmetics brands, I returned to where I felt most comfortable and focused - gymnastics!

I was Programme Director at another local gymnastics company for 5 years before taking my teaching skills into the pool and working for a local baby and pre-school swimming brand.

Now my kids are fully immersed in school life I have the time to get back to gymnastics and am thrilled to be part of Benchmark Gymnastics where I can integrate myself into the friendly, nurturing and fun atmosphere.

When I'm not working for Benchmark I run a small charity with my Mum, delivering floral arrangements to care homes in South West London which is really enjoyable and rewarding.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

Hi, my name is Shannon.  I'm a Level 2 coach and have been coaching at Benchmark since 2017.

I started coaching as I was a gymnast when I was younger and decided to carry it on through coaching.

The thing I love most about Benchmark is that we're like a little family and we all get along. 

Hello! My name is Paige. I have been working at Benchmark Gymnastics since September 2016.  I am a Level 2 General coach. I was a gymnast for 11 years before I began coaching.

I enjoy coaching at Benchmark because it has helped me become more confident as a person and I love working with kids to help them fulfil their potential.

Hi my names steph ,

i have been a gymnast for 9 years and have been at benchmark since 2016,

i am currently doing my level 1 gymnastics qualification, i also do and help with other sports like dance classes and i am currently in sixth form studying childcare

Hi, my name is Charlotte, and I am working towards my Level 1 Coaching qualification which I am hoping to achieve in November 2021. I have been part of Benchmark Gymnastics since 2014, starting off as a gymnast, but I now have decided to turn my focus to coaching!

In addition to gymnastics, I have also participated in ballet classes since the age of 3, which I thoroughly enjoy doing, and I am currently working towards taking my Intermediate Ballet examination.

I’m Jess the club Welfare Officer and Benchmark parent since 2017.

I have two energetic and feisty daughters who have developed so much with Benchmark over the years, so naturally I wanted to get on board when the opportunity came up to join the team.

I’ve been working in education for many years and am currently an Early Years teacher. I have an interest in Safeguarding, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and children’s wellbeing.

In my limited free time I enjoy Thai boxing and spending time with my daughters.

I am currently a senior community practitioner and have worked as a registered mental health nurse in secondary mental health for 16 years. I have experience working with families and children as well as being involved in safeguarding referrals.

I have two children currently attending Benchmark so I am a ‘gym mum’ too!

I have undertaken the relevant courses to become a Welfare Officer and I am more than happy to be approached or contacted to discuss any safeguarding or welfare worries or concerns you may have

Hello, my name is Gina.

I am a level 1 coach and have been coaching at Benchmark since 2023, I also assist with Parent and Toddler classes. I trained as a gymnast for 15 years but did not compete. I joined the corporate world and specialised in Payroll and Human Resources for many years, but I always knew at some point I would come back to what I love. Gymnastics has taught me so much about discipline, patience, dedication and hard work but also understanding that this is a sport for all to enjoy.