Meet the Staff

Maire from Carolina Gymnastics Academy smiling while answering a phone call at the front desk

Maire – Customer Service Leader

Maire is the friendly voice behind the phone and the helpful hand behind every email. With over five years at Carolina Gymnastics Academy, she knows the ins and outs of all our programs, schedules, pricing, and policies. A proud CGA parent herself, both of Maire’s children graduated from our Gym & Learn Preschool Program. Whether you’re brand new or a long-time CGA family, Maire is always ready to answer your questions with a smile.

Children sitting on carpet spots for story time in a bright CGA Preschool classroom.

Zoey Zapple – Preschool Director & Lead Teacher

Zoey grew up at CGA, traveling across the country as a rhythmic gymnast. Today, she brings that same passion into the classroom as Director and Lead Teacher of our Gym & Learn Preschool Program. With a B.S.W. in Social Work and a concentration in Early Childhood Education from UNCW, Zoey has over 18 years of experience nurturing young children in our Kindergym and preschool programs. As a mom of two, a son in his last year of high school, and a spirited young daughter, Zoey understands the unique needs of families and brings warmth and expertise to everything she does.

Laurel from Carolina Gymnastics Academy wearing a green CGA staff shirt in a preschool hallway

Laurel Bishop – Afterschool Care Director

Laurel is no stranger to CGA; she competed as a rhythmic gymnast here before moving into the world of dance. She earned her B.S. in Health and Fitness from ECU in 2017, spent a few years working in Baltimore, and then returned home to Wilmington during the pandemic. Today, Laurel leads our Afterschool Program and continues to teach dance at her childhood studio, Danzquest. Her energy, creativity, and care make her a favorite among students and families alike.

Michele from Carolina Gymnastics Academy in a blue Zaple shirt smiling in front of a sunlit window

Michele Zapple
Co-Founder & Coach

Michele’s gymnastics journey has taken her around the world. After a successful career in artistic gymnastics and a springboard diving scholarship in college, she returned to her first love—coaching gymnastics. With over 50 years of coaching experience, Michele is a respected leader in the sport, serving on the Rhythmic XCEL Rules Committee and acting as North Carolina’s state chairperson for USA Gymnastics for more than 25 years. Outside the gym, she continues to perform with the Dance Cooperative at local festivals. Michele and her husband, Rob, who designed and built our Gym & Learn/Afterschool building, have three grown children, all of whom have worked at CGA.

Rebecca from Carolina Gymnastics Academy smiling in front of a yellow wall wearing a red blouse

Rebecca “Becky” Bishop
Co-Founder & Coach

Becky’s gymnastics career began in Staten Island, NY, before she transitioned to springboard diving in high school and later competed for ECU’s diving team. While in college, she taught gymnastics at Rose’s Gymnastics and never looked back. After moving to Wilmington, Becky continued to coach, teach swimming, and eventually co-founded Carolina Gymnastics Academy with her longtime friend Michele in 2000. In 2025, she was honored as North Carolina AAU Gymnastics’ Ambassador of the Year. Becky’s four children all grew up at CGA, helping in the gym just like their mom.