Gymnastics Staff

Twisters and Carmella’s Kids has a combined total of staff that have tons of experience! Most of all, our teachers are handpicked and LOVE KIDS! Our staff is here because they simply love to teach and care for your children each and every day! Whether talking about the Twisters Gymnastics Coaching staff or Carmella’s Kids one thing is without a doubt... We will do our best to make you and child or children feel as special as you are.

	Carmella Solito Hello! My name is Carmella Solito. I am a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Dietetics. I began competitive gymnastics when I was 5. At the age of 8 I was a level 4 State Champion. I competed up to Level 9 at the Butler Gymnastics Club in Butler, Pennsylvania winning many ribbons, metals and trophies. From 1992-1996 I coached the Alleghany Valley YMCA Gymnastics Team and was also in charge of children's dance and activity classes. While in College I was a member of the IUP Women's Competitive Gymnastics Team and received both academic and gymnastics scholarships. In addition to my many years of gymnastics training I also studied dance. As a member of Knoch High Schools JV and Varsity Cheerleading Squads I was a maneuver. During Elementary school I was crowned Little Miss Pennsylvania and went on to be Little Miss North America in 1984. In College I was crowned Miss Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I won the talent competition in each pageant. My senior year I was selected as Knoch's Homecoming Queen. I worked as a teacher's Aide at Fran Fennell's Family Daycare from 1988-1996. I have saved from the age of 7 in hopes of one day opening my very own gym!
	Fran Fennell Hello! My name is Fran Fennell, proud mother of the Two Sisters Twisters and grandsons Squirty and Gemmie. I was born and raised in Butler, PA. In junior high school I was a member of the cheerleading squad and basketball team. In High School I was a member of the Swquinette Dance and Drill Team. I was also an aqua athlete on the water dance team. My senior year I was voted Senior Queen of my class and Show Quessn of Buter County. After High School I attended Vogan Career College in Cincinnati Ohio. Where I studied Fashion Merchandising and Modeling. When in Ohio, I was First runner up in the Miss Ohio Pageant (Platform for Miss USA). I also attended Cinncinnati University as a dance major. I modeled for several yearsin Ohio and Florida. My biggest accomplishment in my life are my three children Carmella Frances, Leah Summer and Sustin Richard. I was the first coach at The Allegheny Valley YMCA to take gymnast to a National Competition in Tampa, Florida. The twisters team won over 50 team trophies and held Western PA state trials for three consecutive years. In my children's schoold days I was PTO President, Brownie Leader, Boy Scout Leader, Basketball coach, Gymnastics coach and personal cheerleader for my kids. As a single parent I was the owner and operator of Fran Fennell Family Daycare. I also worked at the Allegheny Valley as Youth Director and taught all preschool classes. I was an aerobic instructor and head gymnastics coach. I was also the YMCA League Presiden. My team grew from 7 girls to over 42 team members, 40 girls and 2 boys and over 200 class children in my programs an the Y. During that time I also started my health and fitness career. I am currently a National Certified Aerobic Instuctor, Spin Instructor and Personal Trainer. I also hold certification in CPR and Water aerobics and Yoga. I owe all of the accomplishments in my life to my personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Favorite Quote: "Never judge anyone until you have walked a mile in their shoes."
	Becky Wentling    I started figure skating at the Hershey Arena at 3 years old. I quit at 6 to begin gymnastics at Gymettes Gymnastics in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and remained there for 11 years. I was a class II gymnast and competed high school gymnastics in Raleigh NC.     After gymnastics I danced for the Raleigh Ballet Company in NC. The company traveled to various locations for performances such as Balanchine's Nutcracker and Cinderella in Bahgdad.      I was the Gymnastics Director at a YMCA for 9 years. We brought many gymnasts to successful college gymnastics careers and several scholarships. Our team had National YMCA Champions as well as USAG State, and regional champions.  I collaborated with other YMCA's to form the Central Pennsylvania YMCA gymnastics league. I was also a co-chair for Healthy Kids Day in Lebanon County.    I have competed extensively in various pageants including Miss Pennsylvania U.S. Teen, Mrs. Pennsylvania USA, Mrs. Pennsylvania United States, Mrs. Pennsylvania International.  I held the title of Mrs. New England States Globe 2002 and competed at  Mrs. U.S. Globe in Palm Springs California.      I have also been a model for 15 years. My largest accomplishment was being a Winston Girl for Nascar for 10 years travelling with the Nascar circuit.  I have modeled for products like Olay, Nextel, Army, Oreo, Skoal, and many other products.      I am also a photographer and an artist. I am a former owner of a cerami shop and have traveled to various art and craft shows selling my work.      I moved here from Palmyra, Pennsylvania. I have two adult boys, Michael and Tylar. I love kids and family.      I am hoping to continue the Winning Twisters Tradition!!! (and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the eastern shore!)
	Donna Miller Hello, my name is Donna Miller. I started recreational gymnastics when we had wooden beams and bars and tumbled on wrestling mats. I was a Maryland State (USGF) competitor. I began teaching gymnastics 35 years ago in Pennsylvania. I have had experience in Gymnastics as a judge and a professional Chorographer also. I have coached all levels from Mommy and me to elite gymnastics. I also have somewhat of a dance back round. I am originally from Reading Pa and a competitor of Parkette’s gymnastics. I have worked at berks gymnastics and Southampton for the past 20 some years. My hobbies are car racing, Fishing and shopping of course! I have two grown daughters 21 and 25 both accomplished performers on stage and in recording studios. I have been married for 27 years to my husband Bob. Bob works for Pepsi and runs car racing. I love dark chocolate and working with your children to help them to accomplish each small and big challenge that they come across in the sport of gymnastics! I love watching the smile on their face when they meet their goals! I can't wait to hug your child as they exceed their goals at Twisters! GO twisters!
	Penny Purnell Carmella’s Kids Lead 4 year old and Preschool Teacher, Miss Penny is a renowned teacher, she spent 20 years teaching 3 and 4 year olds at Wicomico Day School and has now settled into Carmella’s Kids.
Not Pictured: JoAnne Hunsinger - Recreational Gymnastics Coach