YOUR TEAM
YOUR team of coaches will be a GUIDE to build confidence and KEY character strengths
FOUNDER / VISIONARY
DAVID HANNAN
With a little imagination & participation, everything is possible.
I have participated in sport all my life, first as a student and later as a coach. As a child I was highly energetic and playful and unable to sit still for long and pay attention in school. My parents believed that gymnastics would both tire me out and teach me discipline.
They were partly correct, but I am still energetic and playful. It’s funny, as a child they called me hyper-active, as an adult I’m called self-motivated. My teaching career began in 1986 at the age of sixteen, teaching the junior gymnastic team. After high school I threw myself into an undergraduate degree at Monash University, but when the chance arose to join the circus as a trapeze artist, I was never going to say no. Adventure and movement are two of my favourite vices.
The next few years were spent traveling and teaching circus all over south east Asia. I returned from overseas teaching flying trapeze and working in the circus to become a sports tutor for some home schooled children in 1996. In the early 90’s I began Kung Fu training and after attaining instructor level, I was lucky to spend some time teaching in Los Angeles.
On returning to Australia I entered the personal training industry in 1996 while it was still in its infancy. Between 1997 and 2011 I developed my craft at various personal training studios (SWEAT in Middle Park, Donna Astons in Toorak and One on One Personal training in Prahran) and I accumulated a wealth of experience that re-affirmed my love of teaching movement in all its forms, especially technique analysis of skills and fitness. I have spent the past 36 years teaching various disciplines (gymnastics, rock climbing, Kung Fu, trampolining, circus, personal training) to different ages (2-80) and nationalities around the world.
I love my job and feel blessed that it allows me to help and inspire others. I have just published the second edition of my book The Art of Teaching Without Teaching and I truly believe that when it comes to teaching … with a little Imagination and Participation … anything is possible! In my own time you will find me reading books on teaching, human anatomy, re-training the brain, creativity and teaching, but that’s only when I’m resting … the rest of the time you might find me running with the dog, rock climbing at the Grampians or helping my buddies run their flying trapeze school.
C.E.O. / GOOD BOY
DOJI
Doji is taking over our C.E.O position
He's a 3 year old American Akita. He’s full of energy, loves to play and can be a little excited when meeting new people, but calms down quickly.
He loves playing with toys, and he also enjoys doing a bit of doggy skateboarding!
As the new dog in the gym, he's still getting used to seeing everyone come through, so if he barks at you, that's just his way of saying hi!
There's a good chance you might see Doji up in the office, and I'm sure he's hard at work, but don't be scared to give him a wave!
HEAD OF MEMBER EXPERIENCE / COACH / HEAD OF SCHEDULING /
LEADERSHIP TEAM
SIOBHAN CASH
Siobhan started at Kids in Motion in 2014 on a 6 month visa. She was a competitive gymnast and a National Champion back home in the UK.
After 6 months, Kids in Motion sponsored her and now with her PR she is here to stay!
She began as a coach, moved into a Head Coach position, then the Leadership Team and now handles the day to day scheduling, our social media accounts and customer service roles.
She is trying to grow every day in every aspect of the job and is constantly picking up little gold nuggets from the others on the team.
Siobhan plans everything meticulously and although she isn’t on the coaching floor that much anymore, when she is she still teaches with authority and empathy. Her kids appreciate knowing their boundaries and where the line is they shouldn’t cross. She packs her lesson plans with activities to make her classes as productive as possible. She believes kids need movement, exercise and more hard work in their lives and she tries to deliver this whilst getting them to smile too.
Everything she does is with excellence, a big heart and the kid's success and futures coming first.
INTEGRATOR / HEAD OF TEAM DEVELOPMENT / COACH /
LEADERSHIP TEAM
MARK BEDDOE
Mark started in 2019 and he has a background in soccer coaching and in leadership roles back in the UK as well as experience as a site manager of Jumpzone. Mark is passionate about providing outstanding experiences to our loyal tribe and being part of a strong team with a focus on personal development.
Mark likes to bring a balance of fun and games to his classes along with teaching values such as discipline and responsibility. We see great progress in his kids because his strength is asking questions and getting to know the kids on a personal level. He displays great patience as a teacher and makes an effort to provide insight to parents on how to continue their child's development even outside of classes.
"I believe everyone has the potential to step up as a leader and that's exactly what I try to draw out of the kids in my classes, from being a great role model to speaking up and having the courage to step out of their comfort zone"
Part of Mark's role is to provide praise and feedback to each coach so you may see him time to time observing and helping out classes across each week
HEAD OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT / HEAD OF VENUE HEALTH / COACH /
LEADERSHIP TEAM
GIDEON VAN TWEST SMITH
Gideon joined us in 2021 and brings a background of many sports to the table, including: Baseball, Cricket, Soccer and strength training.
He has been a player, coach, umpire, team manager and mentor across more than decade of involvement in various teams. He is highly passionate about sports and physical fitness.
His education Exercise Science and experience as a party host at Latitude Melbourne help him meld his classes into fun filled, action packed dynamite for kids. Structured specifically to strengthen bodies and build resilience in young people.
He enjoys boosting self-esteem and confidence, knowing that the key to anyone's success is through believing in themselves.
His major goal in each class is to link fun, happiness and laughter with movement and hard work. He creates a positive association with challenge and pushing yourself to your potential.
Smiles and laughter are never too far away when he's around.
HEAD OF FINACE / MEMBER EXPERIENCE /
LEADERSHIP TEAM
JACKIE BIDDICK
Jackie has worked at Kids in Motion since 2014 in a part time capacity. She is the face behind many emails and phone calls and works on improving the communication and administration procedures to ensure Kids in Motion delivers excellence in our customer service area.
Jackie has three grown children (all of whom have attended classes over the years) but loves nothing more than chatting with young children when they arrive for classes. She also loves joining our Adults in Motion classes and getting to know the other parents who choose to train with us.
With her warm smile and always ready to help attitude, Jackie is here to make sure you and your family always have an amazing experience at KIM.
COACH / TEAM DEVELOPER / CHILD SAFE COMMITTEE
PAUL BOURKE
Paul joined the team in 2019 and has a background in physical theatre and clowning which has taken him around Australia and the world touring shows.
He is our very own cartoon character come to life… and
his ability to engage a child’s imagination and sense of play, is
second to none. Not only does this make all his classes FUN, but it
relaxes children and puts them at ease so they do not fear failing and have the confidence to try something new.
Paul is passionate about connecting play, imagination and learning and brings creativity, focus and fun to all of his classes.
Paul loves being part of Kids in Motion because it's a place buzzing with learning and laughter, cultivating growth mindsets and instilling joy for play and movement in the kids.
COACH/FACILITY MAINTENENCE
RILEY WOOD
Riley joined the team in May of 2023 bringing a wide background of skills and knowledge acquired from a large number of sports that he played growing up including Hockey, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Golf and Ultimate Frisbee. Riley now focuses his free time on Rock climbing and Ultimate Frisbee, having been selected on the Australian U24s team in the past and is aiming to play for the open age team in the near future.
Riley has grown up with a love of sports and physical activities, It largely shaped the person who he is today and he aims to be able to help develop and foster that same love within the kids he coaches.
Achieving that blend of enjoyment, understanding and resilience within his classes is what Riley hopes to bring, in the process linking these qualities to physical movement and activity within the developing minds of kids.
COACH / SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR / SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATOR
DAYANEE KUNASEELAN
Dayanee joined the team towards the end of May 2023 and has a background in coaching competitive swimming back in Malaysia & Learn to Swim here in Melbourne. She has also participated in various volunteering activities, such as teaching primary students with special needs and low socioeconomic backgrounds in both Malaysia and Melbourne. Dayanee was also a national athlete for her home country, Malaysia in triathlons throughout her youth.
Dayanee found her love for sports from the tender age of 2, where she was privileged enough to be exposed to various sporting activities that life could offer. The skills she has developed over time have greatly influenced her passion for inspiring young minds through allowing them to be the best version of themselves in the gym doesn’t go unnoticed, as she continues to always encourage kids that nothing is impossible!
She strives to bring a combination of lots of smiles and hard work all while building positive relationships with the kids and community.
COACH / MEMBER EXPERIENCE / CHILD SAFETY OFFICER
PJ TAGG
PJ joined the team at the end of 2022 after taking a break from the workforce and wanting to challenge herself by helping kids and parents.
PJ has been a member of the KIM community for about 5 years with her kids doing group classes, private sessions and herself doing adult classes here as well!
PJ loves KIM because there's a real focus on teaching kids in a way that they love and have fun. The whole team and management is very supportive and inclusive and go above and beyond to help.
Make sure to come up and say hi to PJ when you come into the studio or for any questions or help you might need!
COACH
AAKRIT PAI
Aakrit has vast experience when it comes to sports, ranging from team sports such as cricket and soccer, all the way into individual sports like badminton and table tennis. He keeps in high regards the skills and valuable life lessons that he has gathered through sports in his life. Aakrit played semi-professional soccer back in his home country, which taught him a lot of the life skills that he applies even today. Aakrit also deeply appreciates the nuances of resistance training and concepts of mindful movement in daily life. Brining all these experiences and their intricate faculties into his coaching while delivering a stellar experience is what he loves to do!
Being an avid sports person himself, he strongly believes that determination, a strong sense of self and discipline is what paves the road to long term success. Aakrit's predominant goal is imparting some of these life skills through the class while also actively appreciating the achievements of personal growth and holistic development.
MEMBER EXPERIENCE / IT / COACH
JOSHUA PLANO
Josh has been a part of kids in motion for a long time now, he participated in the program years ago and has returned back to the team!
Josh is a computer specialist, currently studying computer science and helping the Kids in Motion team keep chugging along with updates to backend systems and any IT related problems that may arise.
Josh is also currently undergoing training with the team to become an official kids in motion coach! He can't wait to dip his does back into the program and is enthusiastic about brining it to another generation of kids.
COACH
TOMMY DEANE
Tom's connection to Kids in Motion runs deep – he's experienced the unique magic of our program from both sides, first as a student and now as a dedicated coach.
Tom began his Kids in Motion journey back in 2012 in his early primary school years. Inspired by the program's transformative power and it’s personal impact on his approach to secondary school, he transitioned into a volunteer coach assistant during our school holiday programs.
Fast forward to the present, Tom knows how to create a positive and inspiring learning environment for kids, drawing on his years of involvement with our program and experience as a certified AUSTSWIM swim teacher.
Tom is studying Commerce at Melbourne University and living as a residential student in college, where he's engaged in various leadership responsibilities and intercollegiate competitive sports.
Tom’s commitment to instilling confidence, pushing the boundaries, and fostering a 'can do' mindset underpins his positive approach to life.
COACH / PROGRAM DEVELOPER
ANGEL JAMES
Angel joined the team at the end of 2023
Originally from Queensland but have been living in Melbourne for over a year now
Angel has a love for art, music, the outdoors and her pet dog
She has a background with coaching from doing ski seasons and teaching kids how to ski/snowboard as well as working with children in other environments such as childcare and teachers aid work.
Angel has a big love for the mission here at kids in motion and find it so rewarding watching the kids build their confidence in themselves and their abilities as well as enjoying themselves and creating long lasting connections with the other kids it’s the kind of organisation she wishes she did when she was a kid
COACH
SARAH NEUBACHER
Sarah joined the Team in April 2024 and has an extensive background in all areas of dance. Sarah gained her dance teaching qualifications from the intensive 3 years full-time course at Iwanson International School of Contemporary Dance in Munich, where she later joined the team as a teacher of the youth programs and as an administrator. Before her relocation to Australia in 2022 Sarah worked as contracted dancer at the Bavarian States Opera and as a freelance dancer and dance teacher.
Sarah loves teaching all ages from toddlers and beginners to competitive students and you can see this in her vibrant infectious energy she brings to classes and the team. The empathy and heart she brings to KIM classes is evident in her pursuit and completion of a diploma in social management back in Austria. Here she was able to obtain valuable experiences working in the social sector through various internships and this experience helps her transition into our special needs program.
Sarah's passion lies in fostering confidence and creating an enjoyable learning environment where every child can flourish. We are lucky to have her on the team.
COACH / MEMBER EXPERIENCE / SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
HAYLEY FIELDS
After attending classes here for many years when she was younger, Hayley is so happy to be joining the Kids In Motion team!
She has always loved staying active from a young age, she’s always going to dance classes in her spare time and going for a walk along the beach. She’s currently studying psychology at university and one day she hope to become a neuropsychologist or adolescent psychologist.
She loves that Kids In Motion not only teaches children so many important physical skills, but provides a safe, fun and encouraging environment to teach children to be brave and to give everything a go.
Hayley is super excited to be back in the gym and meet lots of lovely families and seeing their kids shine in classes!
COACH
BREEANNA DUNKERLEY
Bree grew up immersed in a variety of sports, with a special passion for netball, swimming and athletics. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Bree thrived in physical activities until health concerns during her teenage years led to an inability to participate in any forms of physical movement.
In 2021, Bree earned a degree in marine science, teaching undergraduate courses and conducting leading research at Griffith University, where she discovered the rewards of teaching. However, Bree soon realised that a career in science research was not her true calling.
After rediscovering a passion for sport and movement, Bree became a very dedicated beginner figure skater.
Combining her love for movement and teaching, she is currently studying personal training, and aspires to become a strength and conditioning coach for young and teen athletes.
Bree loves working at Kids in Motion for our focus on fostering a healthy relationship with movement and developing a positive, self-encouraging growth mindset in each child.
COACH
ALEX YATES
Alex joined the team in April 2024. Growing up in Perth in a family of athletes he was surrounded by sport all the time and found a love for football. His passion for the game eventually landed him playing at a high level.
Alex other passion is film and photography and he decided to pursue a career in the skateboarding industry. This lead to the production of 2 full length skateboarding films, where he would work alongside some of the world’s best and emerging skaters. He spent the next decade coaching skateboarding.
Alex has a passion for creativity, youth development, and being actively involved in his surrounding community. Focused on building confidence, pride, openness and acceptance in young people. He strives to create an atmosphere for positive physical, emotional and social growth in every environment he works, and he now brings that same focus to his classes here at Kids in Motion.
COACH
DAMIEN HUGHES
Damien joined the team in late 2022 with a background in parkour, gymnastics, and ninja.
He’s recently been exploring photography and D&D, bringing that same creativity into his classes by transforming simple activities into exciting adventures.
Damien closely monitors each child’s progress, providing challenges to ensure they’re always working toward new skills.
His hands-on coaching style focuses on skill progression while also fostering personal growth, encouraging respect and kindness through in class conversations.
COACH / CHILD SAFE COMMITTEE
BEN HARRIS
Ben joined the team in August of 2024, after participating in a Tots class with his niece where he fell in love with the principles of our mission; empowerment through movement.
Ben loves working with youth and has years of experiences as a facilitator and leader in a youth movement. Through informal education on values like equality, critical thinking and self-development, he has recognised the importance of learning through movement and fun.
At the start of 2024, he ran a camp with over 200 kids including kids of all abilities.
Ben believes in the potential of every child.
He has always been sporty, from playing soccer, tennis and basketball. He now spends his free time bouldering, or spending time with his nieces.
Ben believes that building confidence in young children supports their overall development, and no better way then through practice of intentional and fun movement. He says it’s the child in him that helps him be intuitive when working with children.
What our community thinks...
"Brilliant coaches!"