Lauren Shields

President

  • Affiliation: EAGC

Lauren Shields is passionate about supporting an organization that exists to help acrobatic gymnastic athletes reach their goals. She is a mother of three athletes, all boys, who have achieved international success in upper-level mens groups. They have brought home numerous National and International Gold Medals, including two Worlds Bronze medals. As an active parent in her local gym (EAGC) Lauren has served on the board of its parent organization, 2 years as vice president and 2 years as president. She is qualified to understand the interests and concerns of both parents and athletes, at all competition levels. She is excited to help expand our reach!

Tamara Smith

Treasurer

  • Affiliation:  First State Gymnastics

Tamara Smith has been involved with gymnastics through her daughter Cailey for more than 15 years. Cailey did Artistic gymnastics for 8 years and moved to Acrobatic gymnastics in high school, at First State Gymnastics in Delaware. She is so proud of all Cailey accomplished in her short time in the sport, making National Team and competing internationally all within her first year. Cailey is now the head coach at First State and has built the acro team from 6 athletes to more than ten. Tamara was involved in First State Gymnastics Athletic Association serving as President from 2012-2014 and remained involved as level representative and acro representative while Cailey was an athlete. She has acted as the meet coordinator for the First State Gymnastics Invitational (an artistic meet) since 2013 and has run numerous Delaware State meets including the 2022 Delaware State Meet. Tamara now helps with administrative coordination for the First State Acro team. Tamara loves being a part of the Region 7 Acro board and is excited to be adding Acro judge to her resume.

Caylei Caldwell

Athlete Representative

  • Affiliations: Villa West, Show-Me, EAGC, Xtreme

Caylei started acro when she was eight years old and is now in a senior elite trio on the US National Team. She moved from Missouri to Maryland in 2021 to continue to grow in the sport. She wants to bring gyms closer together and help grow the sport of acro through her position in R7AU.

Sydney Martin

FOUNDER

  • Affiliations: Skyview, LATA, 1st Class, EAGC

Sydney was a competitive athlete for eleven years with Region 7, excelling from a level 5 to a Senior Elite trio by the end of her career. While she ended her journey at EAGC, she has been a member of several different clubs and partnerships that all contributed to her success. Most notably, she competed with her latest trio at the World Championships in Switzerland and Azerbaijan, as well as the World Games of 2022.  She looks forward to staying involved with the sport and supporting the athletes still participating.

Julie Martin

FOUNDER

  • Affiliations: Skyview, LATA, First Class, EAGC

 As an alumni parent, I was involved with acrobatic gymnastics for eleven years. I served as a past board of director on multiple parent’s organizations in our region, and I helped support my daughter’s founding of R7AU, serving as its President for 3 years.  While I have always had a passion for performing arts and traveling, my direct affiliation and experience within acrobatic gymnastics is through my daughter, Sydney Martin.  Sydney competed as a base in both women’s pairs and groups, from level 5 through Senior during her time in acrobatics.  Having an athlete that has competed at all levels over many years, I have an extensive understanding of the sport and our community.  Sydney was selected and competed as a member in good-standing with the USAG SR and JR National Teams, and multiple World Teams.  Highlights to my experiences in acro were supporting Sydney’s training and attendance at the 2021 World Age Group Competition, the 2022 World Championships, and The 2022 World Games. In addition to my daughter’s participation in National and International acrobatic competitions, she has participated in Gymnastics For All performances in Chicago and Disney World, pre-team at Savage Dance, dance at Carroll County Dance Conservatory, and Jr. Co and Sr. Co Glenelg High School dance team. I own a business in Howard County and have served on the board of directors of several trade organizations. I am a USA Gymnastics professional member and certified meet director.