Gantry Kids & Teens

Our Coaches

Deanna Swedish

Program Manager | Lead Coach

Deanna has been working fitness for over 8 years; specifically coaching large group classes, kids' classes, personally training, programming and managing a few fitness operations.


A graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising, Deanna started working at a fashion house doing Product Development. During that time, she also entered the world of functional fitness, and like many others… she got the bug. It was shortly after receiving her L1 certification that she decided to leave her job in fashion and embark into the world of fitness.

Deanna became a full-time coach and manager at a gym in NYC and later at a different gym in Queens as a Coach, and again, then Manager. She joined Michele at Gantry Kids in 2016 coaching group classes and helping with Summer camp (this was before we traveled by scooter and bikes too - we took subways and buses, Oh my!). 


Deanna’s love for fitness didn't just end with becoming a coach, she also wanted to compete. She has participated in some of the CrossFit world's largest competitions. She has been to countless local competitions, a few national competitions, the NE regionals in 2017 and 2018, the CrossFit Games in 2017 and 2018. She's even been to Ireland to compete! If you ask her, she always loved competing, especially with a team. Coming from a competitive cheerleading background it's been ingrained in her since she was in elementary school.


After COVID Deanna took a break from competing. She and her husband welcomed their first child, Axel, in September of 2021, and it was at that time she began looking for a career change. Michele and Deanna met for coffee (and to meet baby Axel!) and chatted about an opportunity to once again work with Gantry Kids and at this point in her life, it just seemed like the right fit!


Deanna and her husband are enjoying life with their now one-year old. They love to expose him to adventure, yummy foods, the beach, animals and also fitness.


Deanna strives to influence our younger generations to have a positive relationship with fitness and health.


A few certifications she has obtained over her 8 years:

  • CrossFit L1
  • CrossFit Weightlifting
  • CrossFit Kids
  • Brand X Kids
  • Active Life
  • CPR Pro / AED & First Aid Certified

Elizabeth (Ellie) Dixon

Coach

Ellie likes being active! In high school, she ran Cross Country and was on the Track & Field team. She played volleyball at college and got into rock climbing a few years ago. She also likes to bike! She has been babysitting for many years and worked at a Summer camp in 2018 as the Arts & Crafts Director. While in Greece one Summer, Ellie worked with Romani children and Syrian refugees. She has also had the opportunity to work with children in the inner cities of South Africa. 


What Ellie loves about about Gantry Kids & Teens: 

“There’s a LOT to love… I love the mission and drive behind Gantry Kids and Teens - how it focuses on each child’s wellness as a whole. Having the opportunity to connect with the kids and teens who step inside the gym. Seeing the kids do the things they thought they couldn’t do brings me so much joy! I love seeing them succeed!

In five years Ellie sees herself using the skills she’s learned here at Gantry Kids and furthering them wherever life takes her. Those skills will come in handy as Ellie has a bit of Wanderlust - The Vanlife is calling her name!


Certifications Ellie has:

  • CPR/AED & First Aid Certified
  • Certified Physical Therapy Aide


Is a hotdog a sandwich?

- Yes, but only because the Merriam-Webster dictionary said so, lol. But I still think it’s a taco - a sausage taco

Amber Fonseca

Coach

While Amber was in middle school, she was on the JV & Varsity basketball teams. It was in high school during her four-year internship at a daycare that Amber found she enjoyed working with kids. She loves making sure all the Gantry Kids have fun while playing games & being active.


In five years, Amber sees herself having graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She says she will be working within the field of Education possibly at a daycare or in a school or at an after-school program.


Certifications Amber has:

  • CPR/AED & First Aid Certified


Is a hot dog a sandwich? 

“Maybe, it can be a form of a sandwich…”

Marisa Shiflet

Coach

Growing up Marisa played Soccer and took after school classes in Volleyball, Kickboxing, Karate and Dance. While in high school she started babysitting.

Marissa plans on continuing her education and will be pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. 


Marisa’s loves working at Gantry Kids & Teens:

“I love getting to explore the city with the kids and going on exciting adventures! Like riding our bikes and scooters over the Pulaski Bridge or taking the ferry over to Governor’s Island. I also love just getting to spend time with the kids and making them smile.


In five years, Marisa sees herself having started a career in teaching, having traveled to at least three new countries and hopefully starting a family of her own.


Certifications Marisa has:

  • CDC HEADS UP to Youth Sports Concussion Training


Is a hot dog a sandwich? 

“No… maybe…?”

Share by: