Next Dimension Gymnastics Meet Our Staff

Learn More About Our Staff

When your child is ready to work with the best in gymnastics, it's time to call the experienced staff at Next Dimension Gymnastics right away! From classes to clinics to team competition, take advantage of the decades of expertise. Learn more about our great team of instructors and get ready to register today!

Encouraging the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics.

Success is not measured in victories, but in the joy of participation.

Patty Brady-Connelly

Patty Brady-Connelly is the Managing Owner of Next Dimension Gymnastics. Patty's leadership skills are what make her a true leader among her staff. With over 35 years of coaching experience behind her, Patty always leads by example.

From teaching preschool classes to our most advanced team groups, Patty has become one of the most well-known figures of the gymnastics community here in the Trumbull Area.

Patty's extensive background includes developing and operating numerous gymnastic programs. Patty has successfully managed programs with over 1000 participants. Patty holds a degree in Child Psychology as well as multiple certifications from USA Gymnastics.

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics KAT Certification
USA Gymnastics PDCP II
USA Gymnastics Skill Evaluator
CPR / AED First Aid

Russ Connelly

Russ Connelly is the team head coach owner of Next Dimension Gymnastics. Involved in the sport of gymnastics for over 40 years, he began gymnastics at the age of 3½. Russ was a competitive gymnast for 10 years in the state of Connecticut and has been coaching gymnastics for 25+ years.

With the dream of opening a state-of-the-art gymnastics center in the greater Bridgeport area finally a reality, Russ has committed to making Next Dimension Gymnastics one of the best programs in the state!

Russ incorporates a balance of hard work, motivation, and fun as well as the willingness to help gymnasts to grow through their gymnastics careers. From teaching a forward roll to teaching a double back tuck, having the opportunity to work with children every day is why Russ began Next Dimension Gymnastics with Patty, Judy and Tom, and the rest of the staff. Russ holds multiple certifications from USA Gymnastics.

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
USA Gymnastics KAT Certification
USA Gymnastics PDCP II
USA Gymnastics Skill Evaluator
USA Gymnastics Meet Director
CPR / AED First Aid

Judy Brady

Judy is a co-owner of Next Dimension Gymnastics. During Judy's 20+ years of coaching, she has taught everything - birthday parties, preschool classes, advanced team groups. Judy and Patty have worked side by side for their entire coaching careers.

Judy has experience with choreographing beam routines as well as being one of our team girls' favorite coaches. With precision and discipline, Judy has helped to produce some of the finest gymnasts in the State. Judy's passion for the sport of gymnastics shines through with every routine she teaches. Judy holds multiple certifications from USA Gymnastics.

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
USA Gymnastics KAT Certification
CPR / AED First Aid

Thomas Brady

Tom Brady is the co-owner of Next Dimension Gymnastics. Tom has more than 20 years of professional experience in the management and administration of Computer Technologies. Tom's prior experience has included managing a client / server environment consisting of over 400 branches.

During this timeframe, Tom was directly responsible for coordinating and directing the setup of new branches, including the negotiation and purchasing of all branch equipment.

More recently, Tom has been actively involved in the protection of Corporate Assets. This includes managing the Corporate Security Policy as it relates to Firewalls, Load Balancers, and DNS. At Next Dimension Gymnastics, Tom will be overseeing the following areas: Computer Technologies, Human Resources, and Financial Planning.

Jessica Catropa

Next Dimension Gymnastics is proud to have Jessica as our Senior Program Director for all of our recreational programs.

Jessica has been coaching gymnastics for over 22 years. She brings lots of energy into the gym and motivates every child she teaches.

Jessica has a degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. As a gymnast for many years, Jessica has always been passionate about gymnastics and was excited to have the opportunity to teach others about this wonderful sport when she began coaching.

Jessica looks forward to teaching gymnastics because she wants to help them achieve their personal goals and hopes to have a positive impact on

their lives.

Brett Flowers

Brett is our Senior Managing Director at Next Dimension Gymnastics. Bringing over 20 years of coaching knowledge and experience with him, He Majored in Sports Management and Recreation with a Minor in Coaching.

Brett teaches preschool and after-school recreational classes, along with tumbling and ninja classes. He also coaches all levels of our Xcel Team. Brett brings a Positive, fun and creative coaching style to each group that he works with.

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
Concussion Education Certified
USA Gymnastics KAT Certification
CPR / AED First Aid

Jillian Ahearn

Jillian Ahearn is our Senior Director of Xcel Programs & Senior Director of Communications here at Next Dimension Gymnastics. She’s been involved in the gymnastics world for 35+ years and has been coaching locally for nearly 25 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Sacred Heart University. She lives in Milford and enjoys spending her free time at the beach and with her dog and nieces. You can find Jillian in the gym teaching classes from Come With Me through all levels of Xcel team. She loves getting to share her time in the gym with your children and can't wait to see what they accomplish this year!

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
Concussion Education Certified
CPR / AED First Aid

Lori Brin

Lori Brin is our Birthday Party Director and teaches many of our preschool and young child

classes.

Besides organizing and scheduling Next Dimension Gymnastics birthday parties, Lori has

been teaching gymnastics for over 25 years, and has been with Next Dimension since it

opened. She holds numerous certifications offered by USA Gymnastics.

She has a son and also a daughter who was a competitive gymnast for 10 years.

Lori loves teaching gymnastics and loves her students!

USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
Preschool Fundamentals Training Certifications
Concussion Education Certified
CPR / AED First Aid

Jen Evan

Jen Evan is our Senior Director of Recreational Gymnastics at Next Dimension Gymnastics. Gymnastics has been a passion of mine since I was very young. Although initially, I began the sport on a recreational level, I quickly developed into a competitive club and High

School gymnast.

After leaving the sport for a brief time, I returned as a teacher and coach and I have been doing so ever since. To date, I have accumulated over 20 years of teaching experience.

Since beginning here at Next Dimension, I have been utilized in all areas of their program and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. Look for me teaching in the Stars and Dimensions programs, teaching birthday parties and coaching team.

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
Concussion Education Certified
CPR / AED First Aid
200 Hour CTY (certified yoga teacher)

Amber Edmonds

Amber is our Xcel Coordinator. She has been coaching at Next Dimension for over 15 years. Amber teaches preschool and after school classes as well as all levels of competitive team and is one of our team choreographers. Her daughter Lilly is a level 7 gymnast on our competitive team

USA Gymnastics Professional Member
USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
Concussion Education Certified
CPR / AED First Aid

Emma Vittori

Hello, I am Emma Vittori! I began coaching recreational gymnastics in 2016 at Next Dimension Gymnastics. Prior to coaching, I was on the Xcel gymnastics team at NDG. After stepping away to attend UConn to study psychology and nutritional sciences, I have returned to combine my educational experiences with my passion for teaching and coaching gymnastics.

I look forward to meeting and working with you and your gymnast!

USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Trained
USA Gymnastics Safety Certification
CPR / AED First Aid
Concussion Education Certified
Xcel Bronze/Silver/Gold Judge

Robin Long

Robin Long is Next Dimension's Director of Administration. Robin has been working for Next Dimension for over 9 years but has volunteered at numerous functions since the gym opened in 2005. Robin is always a pleasure to have around the gym and no matter how big or small the task she always goes the extra mile to make sure every member has a great experience at Next Dimension.