Michelle, the founding principal of DGC, exemplifies the core passion and enthusiasm for gymnastics shared by all DGC instructors. Michelle, utilizing her collective 21 years of experience managing, coaching, teaching and competing in gymnastics, brought together several members of her family including her mother, Gail; siblings, Corey, Alyx, and Wendy; and daughter, Kylin to create DGC. With the help of her family, Michelle has been able to achieve her dream of introducing the wonderful sport of gymnastics to people of all ages.

During the day, Michelle serves as the Executive Director of the Financial Literacy Foundation (FLF), a non-profit that provides financial education to low-income urban youth in Washington, D.C. As a result of her experience in education, Michelle is primarily responsible for developing and implementing many of the elements that define DGC’s teaching philosophy. At peak times, you may be lucky enough to spot Michelle exuding her natural energy and enthusiasm as a DGC instructor (Michelle holds a USAG Safety/Risk Management accreditation). Michelle also enjoys painting, choreographing gymnastics floor routines and finding time to spend with her husband (known for occasional visits to the gym to harass the staff about accounting and legal issues).

Gail, the matriarch of the Carhart-Walker family (and co-owner of DGC), is responsible for the day-to-day management of DGC. Gail is the person most likely to answer the phone when you call, greet you at the door when you arrive and bid you farewell when you leave. Gail is responsible for managing DGC’s class registration process and administrating DGC’s policies and procedures.

Beyond administrative duties, Gail comes to DGC with eight years of experience coaching the Tumbling and Trampoline Team (TNT) (including competition in state, regional and national championships), and 10 years teaching both pre-school and TNT classes. Gail holds USA Gymnastics (USAG) accreditations in Safety/Risk Management; Preschool Fundamentals; Trampoline and Tumbling Level 3 Judge – Trampoline, Double Mini and Tumbling; USAG Kinder Accreditation; and Elite Development Program (TNT). Outside of gymnastics, Gail’s interests include reading, genealogy and all things trivia-related.

Corey, a co-owner of DGC, brings a wealth of experience both coaching and teaching gymnastics. Prior to DGC, Corey spent ten years teaching classes and coaching the Women’s Artistic Team (USAG levels 7, 8, & 9) and Mason Dixon League (levels B&D) at another gym. Beyond coaching and teaching, Corey competed in TNT at the Junior Olympic National Championships, placing 12th nationally in 2005. Corey holds USAG accreditations in Safety/Risk Management and has TNT Level One Coach’s Certification. In addition to teaching numerous classes, Corey is head coach of the Women’s Artistic team at DGC. Corey’s interests include playing football and lacrosse.

Alyx has the most competition experience of anyone in the family – having competed in Women’s Artistic gymnastics for eight years and three additional years in Tumbling & Trampoline. Alyx competed at the TNT Junior Olympic National Championships three times. At the age of 14, Alyx began teaching classes and soon earned her spot as assistant coach of the Tumbling & Trampoline team at another gym. Alyx holds USAG accreditations in Safety/Risk Management and has TNT Level One Coach’s Certification. At DGC, Alyx wears many hats including instructor, coach of the TNT team, birthday party coordinator, and graphic designer. Outside of gymnastics, Alyx’s hobbies include photography and teaching origami.

Wendy began her gymnastics career at the age of seven and competed in Women’s Artistic gymnastics for seven years (on the same team as Dominique Dawes). She began teaching gymnastics at the age of 15 and taught off and on for the next 14 years, finally leaving the gym after the birth of her second child. The creation of DGC has prodded Wendy to return to gymnastics along with her three children ages 11, 8 and 6. All three children are training on DGC’s Tumbling & Trampoline team. Wendy brings her extensive gymnastics experience and bubbly personality to DGC and is a valuable addition to the DGC team. Outside of gymnastics, Wendy enjoys reading and watching detective shows.

Kylin grew up in the world of gymnastics, accompanying her mother Michelle to work from the age of four. She began competing in TNT at the age of eight and during her ten years as a competitive gymnast, Kylin qualified five times to TNT Junior Olympic Nationals and competed in three Nationals meets. Kylin started teaching gymnastics at the age of 14. Now at age 20, Kylin brings her positive attitude and great rapport with children to DGC. Kylin enjoys reading, drawing anime and creative writing.