Our Coaches

Chris Kirchman is the owner of Kinection Arts, lucky husband to Kaylee, and proud father of Jesse.  Always passionate about  movement, he chose to earn his BS in Athletic Training ('11) and his MS in Sport’s Medicine ('12).  In 2016, he discovered partner acrobatics and was instantly hooked by the emphasis the discipline placed on proper biomechanics, stability, and balance. Nearly 7 years ago, he quit his job and moved to St Pete to start a church and pursue a career as a teacher and performer of acrobatics. Talk about a strange combo! 

As a coach, Chris prides himself in having the patience and progressions to make an acrobat out of ANYONE, and have fun while doing it. He combines his education in injury rehab/prevention and anatomy with his acrobatic experience to create a safe and efficient road to your body’s highest movement potential. Whether you’re plagued by old and new injuries and just trying to feel better in your body or seeking high level movement goals, he has the knowledge to get you there.

  Kaylee Kirchman has a B.S in Kinesiology from Baylor University. She is a 4x Acrobatics and Tumbling National Champion plus 2x All American. 

Kaylee currently is a national handstand coach, teaching women all around the world how to do handstands! Over the past 3 years Kaylee has been pursuing her passions through teaching and performing Acrobatics and AcroYoga with her husband Chris. 

Jacob is a 25 y/o native Floridian from Ft Myers. He played soccer and ice hockey growing up, but it wasn’t until college that he began going to the gym. After discovering calisthenics, yoga, and handstands, he was obsessed with what the human body was capable of. 

Jacob began his acrobatics journey nearly 4 years ago here in St. Petersburg. Call him a jack of all trades, he does it all! Washing Machines, Standing, Icarian, Hand-Balancing, Basing, and Flying. His true passion is hand-balancing: he loves talking and training all things handstands with others! 

Jacob is also a photographer: taking acro pictures with his friends is one of his favorite activities with the community.

Addi Grandy holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Baylor University, is a strength coach,

NASM certified personal trainer, and a 4x Acrobatics & Tumbling National Champion. Her experience as a collegiate athlete, combined with her education and professional training, gives her a unique perspective on developing strength, improving skill sets, and helping others discover what they are truly capable of. As a coach, Addi brings positive energy, encouragement, and a genuine desire to connect with every individual she works with. Whether she is working with an athlete, teaching acrobatics, or helping someone become stronger and healthier, Addi is dedicated to creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to become the strongest version of themselves while having fun! 

 With over 30 years of experience in teaching yoga and fitness, Wendy brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others thrive. Holding a B.S. in Health Promotion Management and certifications as an Exercise Physiologist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and more through ACSM, ACE, and the CHEK Institute, Wendy has a deep understanding of movement and wellness.

Her acroyoga journey began in 2018, and since 2021, she’s been teaching this exhilarating practice alongside her husband, Steve, through St. Pete Acro Yoga. AcroYoga has quickly become her favorite class to teach, and her enthusiasm shines through in every session. Wendy’s energy is contagious—she’s here to support you, challenge you, and help you step out of your comfort zone to reach new heights.

Known for her patience, kindness, and dedication, Wendy’s students often describe her as encouraging and empowering. Whether you’re new to acroyoga or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll feel welcomed and supported the moment you step into her class. Come experience the joy, connection, and growth that Wendy brings to every class—let’s have fun and level up together!

Welcome Coach Lexi and Chris!

Together known as The Duo Euphoria, Chris Pike and Lexi Sutherland have been professionally performing together since 2022. They have taught at many acro festivals and have toured all around the US! 

Lexi grew up as a competitive dancer and gymnast. She joined a circus school as an adolescent training in many different acts, to later on become a professional flying trapeze artist and aerialist. She had been teaching acrobatics and acro yoga since she was 17 while taking on the stage/tent to showcase her passions!

Chris is a self taught professional acrobat. Although he had never done anything like this until he was 26 years old, he quickly became obsessed with hand to hand acrobatics. Travelling as much as he could afford to, he learned from some of the best coaches he could find, (including but not limited to Chris Kirchman!) He has since developed the skills necessary to coach others as well as amaze people on stages far and wide!

Sarah began her acro journey in 2015 after taking an acro class and getting immediately hooked! She began teaching in 2018 and since then has had the joy of helping so many students achieve skills that they thought were impossible.

Her personal acro goals are progressing in dynamic movements and continuing to grow as an acro teacher.

Sarah's advice to someone new in the acro community is “You’ve got this. You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.”

 Rob Snyder is a true pioneer in the fitness world, always at the forefront of innovative movement practices. With a passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to connect mind, body, and spirit, Rob naturally found his way to AcroYoga, where he blends his extensive expertise with a playful, uplifting energy.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, Rob’s classes are designed to leave you laughing, learning, and feeling lighter—both physically and mentally. His approach combines strength, balance, and trust, creating a fun and supportive environment for everyone to grow and connect. Join Rob, and experience the joy and elevation of AcroYoga in a way that’s as refreshing as it is transformative!

“A class with Rob isn’t just a workout; it’s a celebration of movement, laughter, and community.”

Movement has been a lifelong passion for Meka. With over 20 years in the fitness industry and a background in Psychology, Child Psychology, and Dance, she has dedicated her work to helping people experience the many benefits of movement, health, and wellness through Meka Autumn Wellness and her work with both adults and children.

Her dance background gave her a strong foundation in coordination, rhythm, flexibility, body awareness, and creative movement. As a personal trainer, she has worked with a wide range of people, from prenatal mothers to Olympic athletes, always meeting each person where they are.

When her children introduced her to Acro, Meka quickly fell in love with the connection, creativity, and challenge it brings. She now enjoys sharing that experience with others and helping both adults and children discover new things their bodies are capable of through Acro, circus arts, and movement.

 With over a decade of experience, Nicole has been teaching yoga, functional movement, and partner acrobatics wide range of environments—from international wellness centers and universities to private clients and my own movement festival. Her passion lies in using movement as a tool to support mental health, build body awareness, and create a well-rounded practice for optimal physical function. Whether you're moving for general wellness or training toward circus goals, Nicole focuses on intelligent, sustainable movement that meets you where you are and helps you grow from there. 

Meet Trish, our Handstand Guru at Kinection Arts! Trish is a dedicated nurse juggling responsibilities both in the hospital and in a holistic doctor's office. Her passion for health and wellness extends beyond nursing into the world of movement and fitness. She specializes in teaching acrobatics, yoga, calisthenics, and—her personal favorite—handstands! 

Trish's journey into movement began with acro dance as a child, igniting a lifelong love for physical activity. Over the years, she expanded her expertise with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) and certifications in Level 1 & 2 calisthenics from the World Calisthenics Organization. 

Trish firmly believes that movement is foundational to our health. Her approach to teaching is rooted in this belief, aiming to inspire and empower her students. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Trish is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping you reach new heights—literally! Join her at Kinection Arts and embark on a journey to strengthen, balance, and achieve your handstand goals together! Let’s move, balance, and thrive!