Meet Our Staff
Our Philosophy is to develop a child's self-esteem in a non-competitive environment by providing success experiences!
Our Mission is to provide a children's program that is safe, fun and gives each child
the opportunity to become the best that they can be!
Jon Koenigsaeker - Owner
Jon Koenigsaecker was born and raised in Burbank, CA. He got an early start with gymnastics at the age of three. Just as many other kids, Jon’s mom started him in gymnastics class. He took to it immediately.
Jon started coaching at Fun & Fit Gymnastics where he spent many years honing his skills for teaching under the direction of Jeff Lulla at the age of 15. He was involved in the General Gymnastics with boys and girls, Mobile programs, Demonstration teams, Mommy and Me classes and Cheerleading. Eventually Jon helped a friend, Freddy Behin, open Gymnastics World in Southern, CA.
Later on in life Jon got involved in the entertainment industry doing rigging, aerial stunts, and aerial acrobatics for many different productions which included Fear Factor, Cirque du Soleil and many others.
Jon is First Aid, CPR, Spirit Safety Certified, Safety Certified along with being a Member of USA Gymnastics, AACCA and USASF .
Jon’s love for the sport of gymnastics has driven him to start his own gym.
Alexis Lafrenz
Head Instructor
Mrs. Alexis has participated in everything from tumbling to dance and piano and was competitive in many activities. She was a cheerleader in high school and on an all-star team. She continued cheering at Iowa State University and competed at a national level. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Health. She has been a coach with us at Jump Start Gymnastics since 2016 and was promoted to Head Instructor in 2019.
“Coaching recreational gymnastics allows us an unique opportunity to teach so much more than movement skills! We are able to make real connections with the kids while helping them learn about things from confidence and awareness to failure and perseverance!”
Xstazjha Hicks
Instructor & Office
Coach X is an Army Brat but she calls Austin, Texas home. She has been a gymnastics coach for 6 years and a pre-k teacher for 2. She has a degree in Early childhood development. She loves Disney, food and being outside. She likes to focus on the whole child while teaching gymnastics, this includes emotions, discipline and fundamentals. She's excited to have fun work hard and excel in gymnastics and life!
Shelby Hunter
Instructor
Coach Shelby is from Colorado but moved to the quad cities last July. She has taught tumbling and dance for 4 years. Shelby has also been dancing and tumbling since the age of 3. She loved tumbling so much that she is certified in tumbling and Acrobatic Arts! She loves horses and horseback riding. If you see her out in public she is always in jeans and boots! She enjoys sharing the joy of tumbling with all ages.
Landen Hess
Instructor
Alexis Crook
Substitute
Alexis is from Bondurant, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines, but is currently attending St. Ambrose University. She is studying Human Performance and Fitness and hopes to pursue a career in occupational therapy. She is also involved in the St. Ambrose dance team, who performs at school events and competes against other NAIA dance teams. She has been dancing and tumbling since a young age and loves that she gets to share her passions with others here at Jump Start!
Xstazjha Hicks
Office
Ms. X has 10+ years of customer service experience. She always has a smile and solution for you!
Jannen Harper
Office
Jannen was born in Davenport, IA but was raised in Silvis, IL. She is a senior at United Township High School and plans to major in Forensic Anthropology, which is the study of bones and what they can tell us about history. She spends a lot of time reading and doing homework for dual credit classes. She loves helping animals and has been volunteering at a raccoon rescue since 2019. She has 4 dogs, 4 cats, 3 lizards, 1 snake, and a pet rat. "I love seeing the kids come into Jump Start every day to do something they are putting their whole heart into. I am looking forward to meeting all the wonderful families here at Jump Start."