VIP Coaches

About Gemma

As the driving force behind the VIP Mentoring Programme and Our Space, Gemma was one of the first coaches at VIP and has seen programmes develop in the Academy and the amazing impact this has had on the kids who have attended over the years.

Gemma enjoys working with and supporting all Young People and believes every Young Person has a hidden talent that should be allowed to grow. Working in the VIP Academy allows Gemma to encourage the Young People to be the best they can be showcasing her unique style and years of experience to the class sessions allows this development.

Gemma was brought up in a dancing family where she excelled when the music was on and started dancing at the age of 3 years, competing within various dance styles from Hip-Hop to Cheerleading gaining many prestigious titles such as British and European Champion.

Gemma went on to then become a Fully Qualified Dance coach with the UKA and Championship Adjudicator in the world of Freestyle training Young People of many ages throughout the U.K to also compete and gain European, British and World championship Titles.

My passions are Youth Development and Dance. My heart will always lie in the walls of VIP

About Amber

Amber has been involved with VIP since the charity started in 2012, firstly as a student then starting her coaching journey whilst attending Dundee University for 4 years to obtain her degree in Forensic Anthropology.

During this time she also become one of the choreographers for the universities dance and gymnastics teams creating routine’s for the competition squads, as well as continuing to deliver programs within the VIP Studio and to local primary schools.

Initially brought into Dancing and Gymnastics through her mother at the age of 3 years she continued through sheer passion and enjoyment and has held many titles from European to World.

Amber is a fully qualified Dance coach with the UKA and is our Senior Gymnastic coach qualified with Scottish Gymnastics.

Although working in an extremely challenging job for the NHS, her determination and focus always allows her to create innovative lesson plans and time for each Young Person at VIP. She strives on bringing Young People out of their shells and her focus is to help them reach their full potential.

I enjoy working with and supporting every Young Person that comes through the doors of VIP and helping them achieve their goals

About Tess

Tess is a coach at VIP and works with children in the Our Space and Cooking programs at VIP.

Tess has a Bsc Distiction in Psychology and Biology plus an HNC & SVQ 3 Children and Young People and is currently studying towards a Masters in Play Therapy.

I enjoy supporting children to reach their full potential and be their best self.

About James

James is VIP’s new Musical Theatre Coach and has proven to be a huge asset not only in delivering programs at VIP and in an outreach setting, but adapting and developing new and existing programs.

James has been a performer, actor and teacher for over 8 years. He trained at New College Lanarkshire and Edinburgh college where he gained a BA in dance and NQ in performing arts. He is still working as an actor and performer.

I am very excited and happy to be part of VIP family!

About Louise

Louise has always been an active person, eager to learn and participate in as many sports as she can.

Louise started dancing at the age of 2, followed by gymnastics when she was a few years older. In dancing, Louise’s favourite style has always been ballet and hip hop in which she has competed in various competitions around the UK. Louise has also danced in places such as the Theatre Royal and the Kings Theatre.

Louise graduated college with a HND in coaching and developing sport and furthered her education in completing an honours degree in sports coaching. From this Louise found a love for teaching children and progressed on to teaching various different sports as well as dancing.

Louise’s main aim during every class and programme in VIP is inclusion – ensuring every child is receiving the same opportunities and experiences within sports.

I love seeing the children learning and having fun during my classes. This is the reason I love my job as I get to see all their happy faces during every class.

About Paul

Paul is VIP’s Boxing Coach at VIP working with young people to develop their skills, fitness and discipline through a variety of Boxing activities

Paul has over 30 years experience in combat sports and has competed at local, national  and  international level.

I am looking forward to passing on my boxing experience to a new generation! 

About Chris

Hi, my name is Chris. I am the Head Gardener ad Program Co-Ordinator for the VIP Community garden.

I am qualified in horticulture and garden design, also I am presently studying Therapeutic Horticulture. The therapeutic benefits of gardening are a passion of mine as they have helped me make life improvements.

It is fulfilling to help others experience the same benefits from gardening I have experienced

About Suzanne

Suzanne Coletta is a certified children’s yoga instructor who has been sharing the benefits of yoga with young learners since 2021.

After completing her training, she began teaching both private classes and school-based sessions, helping children develop mindfulness, strength, and confidence through movement and breath.

I am passionate about creating a fun, nurturing environment where kids can explore yoga in a way that supports their well-being and growth.

About Catherine