Meet Our Experienced Staff
Our Leaders
JOHN MORGILLO
Owner & Head Coach
John Morgillo is the Owner and Head Coach of John’s Academy of Gymnastics and brings more than 20 years of experience working with children and young athletes. A former competitive racer, John was first introduced to gymnastics as an off-season training tool to maintain strength, flexibility, and overall athletic performance. What began as cross-training quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for coaching and youth development.
John began his gymnastics journey at C.A.T.S. in Cheshire, where he later started coaching in 2006. Since then, he has coached athletes at every level, from pre-team through level 10, earning a reputation for building strong technical foundations while prioritizing athlete safety and long-term development. He holds a USAG W300 Junior Olympic Coaching Certification as well as a W400 National Coach Certification.
In 2011, John opened John’s Academy of Gymnastics with a clear vision: to create a program rooted in proper skill development, accountability, and character. Under his leadership, John’s Academy of Gymnastics has produced State, Regional, and National Champions and has developed athletes across elite pathways, including TOPS, HOPES, and elite programs. More than 20 athletes have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, with the program producing Division I scholarship athletes every year since 2019.
In addition to his work in gymnastics, John founded the R1QMAA Driver Development Program in 2021. The charitable organization was created to make youth motorsports accessible by nearly eliminating the financial barriers to entry. Through the collection, restoration, and maintenance of quarter midget racecars, the program provides children ages 5–17 with the opportunity to participate in organized racing. Since its founding, the program has given more than 150 children the chance to become racecar drivers.
At the core of everything John does is a belief in helping kids find their “superpower”—a niche that makes them proud, gives them purpose, and becomes part of their identity. Whether it’s gymnastics or racing, he strives to create environments where young people feel they belong, learn the value of hard work, stay engaged in positive pursuits, and develop confidence that extends far beyond sport.
Outside of the gym, John enjoys working out, spending time with his dog, and is a dedicated foster for dogs in need.
CERTIFICATIONS:
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
USAG W300 Junior Olympic Coaching Certification
USAG W400 National Coaching Certification
DEVYN WINNER
Development Program Director, Head Coach, & Team Choreographer
Devyn grew up in Cheshire, where she began her gymnastics training at C.A.T.S. at a young age. She competed in gymnastics for eight years, but an injury cut her time in the sport short. She went on to compete in trampoline and later in springboard diving at Cheshire High School. Devyn continued her education at Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a minor in Athletic Training. After college, she moved abroad and worked in the SCUBA diving industry as a PADI Divemaster in both the Cook Islands and Malaysia. Upon returning to the U.S., she found her home at JAG shortly after its grand opening and has been a key contributor to the program’s development and success ever since.
Devyn is the Development Program Director, as well as head coach and team choreographer, with 15 years of coaching experience across all levels. She holds a USAG W300 Junior Olympic coaching certification as well as W400 National coaching certification. She has coached athletes to multiple top 10 placements at level 10 Development Program Nationals on balance beam, as well as helping to develop multiple Division 1 scholarship athletes.
Devyn is passionate about developing athletes from the ground up and values the challenge and reward of bringing out each athlete’s unique strengths. Her coaching philosophy centers on viewing athletes as whole people, not just competitors, and fostering confidence alongside skill development. Devyn believes gymnasts are capable of far more success when they are supported by coaches who believe in them, provide consistency, and nurture their growth.
Outside of the gym Devyn enjoys scuba diving, underwater photography, hiking, and spending time with her animals. She is a huge advocate for animal rights and proudly fosters dogs.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Health Science and minor in Athletic Training from Boston University
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
USAG W300 Junior Olympic Coaching Certification
USAG W400 National Coaching Certification
Our Staff
The Heart of JAG:
Our Coaching Staff
The coaching staff at John's Academy of Gymnastics combines elite-level expertise with a deep personal investment in every athlete's journey. Each coach holds USA Gymnastics Safety Certification, SafeSport Training, and CPR/First Aid credentials, ensuring your child trains in the safest, most professional environment possible. Our team has collectively developed state champions, regional standouts, national qualifiers, and Division I scholarship recipients—but they're equally proud of the recreational student who conquers their first cartwheel. From spotting toddlers through their first forward roll to guiding competitive athletes through complex skills, our coaches bring technical precision, patience, encouragement, and an authentic belief that every child who walks through our doors can achieve more than they ever imagined.
KRISTEN WINNER
Pre-team Program Director & Development Program Coach
Kristen attended Cheshire High School and Naugatuck Valley Community College. She participated in gymnastics at a young age before transitioning into other sports, including competitive springboard diving, trampoline, and volleyball. Following high school, Kristen traveled extensively abroad, earning her PADI Divemaster certification and working in the SCUBA diving industry in Malaysia.
Kristen first joined the JAG staff in 2013 as a part-time recreational class instructor and returned full time in 2022. She currently serves as the Preteam and Hotshots Program Director, where under her leadership the program has experienced significant growth. Each season, Kristen successfully recruits and develops young gymnasts ages 4–7, guiding them from recreational classes through preparation for transition into our competitive team programs.
Kristen maintains a strong focus on developing strength, flexibility, discipline, and fundamental technique, while also implementing reward based systems and keeping training fun, engaging, and age-appropriate. This balanced approach helps young athletes embrace the challenges of the sport while ensuring steady progress, competitive readiness, and long-term success.
In addition to her program leadership role, Kristen is also a Development Program Coach, working with Levels 3–10. She enjoys attending competitions throughout the season and seeing the results of her athletes’ hard work and dedication.
Outside of the gym, Kristen enjoys woodworking and other crafts, scuba diving, and spending time with her family and rescue dog, Kovu.
CERTIFICATIONS:
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
TAYLOR FIORE
Xcel Program Director, Head Coach, Xcel Choreographer, & Recreational Class Instructor
Taylor is the Xcel Program Director and Head Coach and brings eight years of coaching experience to the JAG team. She trained at Reading Gymnastics Academy from ages 3–17 and later captained her high school varsity cheerleading team before beginning her coaching career at her home gym in 2017.
Since joining JAG, Taylor has worked across all areas of the program, including recreational classes, pre-team, and both the Development and Xcel competitive programs. Under her leadership, the 2024–2025 Xcel team broke eight previous JAG program records. Taylor is known for her ability to balance strong technical expectations with an encouraging, athlete-centered coaching style.
Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and also studied biotechnology at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School. Outside of the gym, Taylor is passionate about guinea pig rescue and volunteers at a sanctuary caring for hundreds of guinea pigs awaiting their forever homes.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from University of New Haven
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
JACQUELYN KLUG
Development Program Coach, NAQGJ-CT Committee Member, USAG-CT Committee Member, & Level 9 Rated USAG Judge
Jacquelyn is a Development Program Coach with over 20 years of coaching and judging experience. A former Level 9 gymnast and Regional Qualifier, she was also an NCAA Division III National Qualifier in the 100-meter high hurdles. Her diverse athletic background informs her disciplined, athlete-centered coaching approach.
Jacquelyn has worked with athletes ranging from recreational gymnastics through Level 10, all Xcel divisions, and high school programs. Since joining JAG in 2025, she has coached Levels 3–10, combining strong technical knowledge with a focus on developing confident, well-rounded athletes. She is also a Level 9–rated USA Gymnastics judge and serves on both the NAWGJ-CT and CT-USAG committees.
Jacquelyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Gettysburg College with a minor in Education and works professionally as a Chemistry Data Scientist. Outside of the gym, she is a proud parent of three competitive athletes and an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed numerous marathons and sprint triathlons.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in English from Gettysburg College
Level 9-Rated USAG Judge
NAQGJ-CT Committee Member
USA Gymnastics CT Committee Member
Meet Director Certification
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
CASSIDY GIROLAMO
Development Program Coach
Cassidy was introduced to gymnastics at a young age, quickly progressing to a competitive level. She excelled in the sport and ultimately competed as a Level 10 for four years before continuing her education and gymnastics career at Southern Connecticut State University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science while competing all-around and serving as team captain her senior year. Cassidy is currently in her second year of graduate studies at Quinnipiac University, where she is pursuing her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Cassidy has been a Development Program Coach at JAG for four years. Prior to joining JAG, she coached for more than four years at another gymnastics facility, bringing extensive experience and technical knowledge to her role. Her education and competitive background provide a unique and valuable perspective as a coach.
Outside of the gym, Cassidy enjoys working out, traveling, and being a Disney adult.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Southern Connecticut State University
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
RACHEL EGAN
Development Program Coach
Rachel is a Development Program Coach and has been involved in gymnastics her entire life, beginning at just two years old and continuing through age 18. While attending Quinnipiac University and competing in Division I rugby, she began coaching at JAG and has remained a key part of the program ever since.
Rachel graduated in 2017 and now works as a first-grade teacher, a role that complements her coaching style and connection with young athletes. She especially enjoys working with early-level athletes and finds it rewarding to watch gymnasts grow not only in skill, but also in confidence. Rachel considers it an honor to coach at the start of each athlete’s gymnastics journey and takes pride in helping build a strong foundation for their future in the sport.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Master of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching from Quinnipiac University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Quinnipiac University
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
GABBY CESARE
Xcel Program Coach & Recreational Class Instructor
Gabby is an Xcel Team Coach and was a competitive gymnast for seven years. She joined the JAG coaching staff in June 2023. Her firsthand experience as an athlete gives her valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in gymnastics, while also understanding how to make training fun, positive, and encouraging.
Gabby is a graduate of Hamden High School and brings patience, enthusiasm, and a supportive presence to the gym, helping create a positive environment for athletes as they build confidence and develop strong fundamentals.
Outside of the gym Gabby is has a strong passion for animal care and volunteer work.
CERTIFICATIONS:
First Aid and CPR certified
Safety & Risk Management
SafeSport Trained
