top of page

Friends of MGA

Helping Local Athletes Reach Their Full Potential

Logo 2.png

Ensuring the long-term future of Mountain Gymnastics Academy through community stewardship, scholarships, and sustainable growth.

Why We Created Friends of MGA

Since we broke ground on MGA in 2018, our vision has been to build something that would outlast us — a place where children could grow stronger, more confident, and more resilient for generations to come.

Friends of MGA is a community-based, non-profit company created to support athletes, create opportunities, and strengthen MGA’s long-term sustainability in north central West Virginia.

Your Impact

Every donation directly strengthens opportunities for local children.

 

Your support helps fund:

🏅 Athlete Scholarships

🛠 Equipment & Safety Improvements

🎓 Coach Education & Certification

🏢 Equipment Upgrades

🏆 Camps/Programs

Ways to Support

You can support Friends of MGA in several ways:

  • Share our pages, spread the word!

  • One-time or recurring donations

  • Corporate sponsorship

  • Banner sponsorship program

  • Event sponsorship

Community/Events

Stay tuned for information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities:

  • MGA wrapped up our annual Mountain Madness home gymnastics meet on March 7-8. It was our biggest and most successful meet yet, with 7 other gyms from WV, PA and VA taking part!

Meet Our Board of Directors

Gail Head Shot.jpeg

Gail Hayes

As Head Coach and founder of MGA, Gail created a respected regional program that serves children from diaper-age through high school.

With a strong background in competitive gymnastics, Gail brings decades of hands-on experience in athlete development, program design, and coach mentorship. 

On the Board of Friends of MGA, Gail provides deep institutional knowledge, program oversight, and a steadfast commitment to maintaining athlete safety and coaching excellence.

Her focus remains simple: building strong, confident kids — in the gym and beyond.

Michael (2).jpg

Michael Hayes

Michael offers executive leadership and organizational development experience to Friends of MGA.

He founded Hayes Software Systems in 1990 and served as CEO, growing the company into a nationally recognized education software provider, serving school districts across the United States until its successful sale in 2017.

His experience in financial oversight, governance, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability directly supports Friends of MGA’s mission to build a stable, community-driven institution designed to serve families for generations.

Adriana Channell.jpg

Adriana Channell

Adriana Channell brings executive leadership and financial services experience to Friends of MGA. She serves as Secretary and Vice President of Marketing at Davis Trust Company, and her professional background includes expertise in community outreach, fundraising, sponsor development, and strategic communications.

As a parent of an MGA athlete, Adriana has seen firsthand the positive impact gymnastics has on children’s confidence, discipline, resilience, and sense of belonging. She is passionate about removing barriers to participation and expanding access to enriching, screen-free opportunities for youth in our community.

135378282_10221752762122216_9068223543196861511_n.jpg

Vicki Fenwick-Judy

With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Vicki Fenwick-Judy has dedicated her career to youth development and community impact. She is the founder or co-founder of five nonprofit organizations and previously served as board chair of a nonprofit for ten years. Her work has focused primarily on programs that support and empower young people. Vicki has worked directly with youth as a coach and instructor in skiing, mountain biking, and gymnastics, combining a passion for athletics, and mentorship to help young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills.

Alison Whitehair

Alison Whitehair

Alison Whitehair brings more than two decades of leadership experience in  athletics to Friends of MGA. Currently Vice President for Student Affairs at West Virginia Wesleyan College, she previously served as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Services and holds a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology. Alison competed in gymnastics from grade school through the collegiate level at Hamline University. She later served as Assistant Coach for Ithaca College Gymnastics and served as a USAG-certified judge and West Virginia State Judging Director. As both a lifelong gymnast and a parent of a young athlete, Alison brings a deep commitment to ensuring gymnastics remains accessible, supportive, and enriching for children in our region.

Friends of MGA: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is MGA now a nonprofit?
Yes. As of April 1, 2026 Mountain Gymnastics Academy has been donated to Friends of MGA, a nonprofit organization.

2. Why make this transition now?
As the founders of MGA look toward retirement from daily leadership, we wanted to ensure stability, continuity, and mission-focused governance well into the future.

3. How are donated funds used?
Funds are allocated toward scholarships, equipment improvements, coach education, programs and long-term financial stability initiatives.

4. Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to Friends of MGA are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

5. Who makes financial decisions?
The Board of Directors governs financial decisions.

6. Can I designate my donation for a specific purpose?
Yes. Donors may designate funds for scholarships, equipment, or general support unless otherwise restricted.

7. How can businesses partner with Friends of MGA?
Businesses can support through donations, sponsorships, banner programs, event partnerships, and corporate giving initiatives.

©2026 by Mountain Gymnastics Academy

136 Grant St, Elkins, WV 26241      681-298-5077

bottom of page