Joanne Goodson

Joanne and Mark Goodson opened Midlands Elite Gymnastics Academy in June of 1998.  Within the first couple seasons MEGA captured over 30 USAG Jr Olympic State Championship Titles, and numerous regional berths, bringing a highly competitive training environment to the Midlands of South Carolina.  The Goodson's moved to South Carolina from Maui, Hawaii, after realizing the limitations of island living on high level gymnastics.  Joanne started Maui Gymnastics Center in 1984 and developed the center into a nationally recognized program.  She has received several awards such as Hawaii's USAG Jr Olympic "Coach of the Year," state gymnastics co-chairperson of Hawaii, and USAG Region II Delegation Leader for National Championships.  Joanne has coached over 200 state, regional and national champions.

Mark Goodson

Mark Goodson is a well recognized team coach in the gymnastics community receiving the USAG Jr Olympic "Coach of the Year" for the state of Oregon and serving as a clinician for the Region II congress.  Mark is a former high school and collegiate All-American gymnast and has coached numerous state, regional, and national champions.  Mark and Joanne met at USAG Jr Olympics Western Nationals and he moved to Maui in 1992.

Melanie Richardson

Melanie Richardson is a true asset, as she has been involved in the sport of gymnastics for the past 20 years as an athlete and a coach. While competing for Maui Gymnastics, Melanie held many state and regional titles, and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in May of 2001 where she was a collegiate gymnast and a scholar athlete with a major in recreation. Melanie graduated from Clemson University in 2003 with her Masters in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management.  Melanie's serves as the choreographer all of MEGA's optional floor routines.

Janice Ironside

The facility also offers a nationally accredited child development center.  Combining the finest in academics with athletics, parents see the "MEGA" difference in their child. Director Janice Ironside and her teaching staff have created the optimum age and developmentally appropriate learning centers.  Janice also hails from Maui, Hawaii, and was Director of Kihei Community Pre-school, a N.A.E.Y.C. accredited pre-school program. She attended Maui Community College, and University of Hawaii, earning a degree in early childhood education. She was awarded the University of Hawaii Regents award for her work in early childhood education. She also was a mentor for the Maui County "Good Beginnings" council. Conducting training and workshops on curriculum, classroom management and other teaching topics. Moving to South Carolina to design and open the M.E.G.A. pre-school has been a wonderful experience. Janice is a certified teacher trainer for the state of South Carolina, and conducts workshops and training for other Lexington pre-schools and day care center staff.

Jim Gault