Our Coaches

Chris Kirchman

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

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.

Josh Mauro

Josh is our Director of Whips and Pops and the founder of The Acrobats Journey: a thorough and ever-growing training library of acro tutorials. He also serves The St Pete Acro Community as the director of the St Pete Acroyoga Non-profit.

Sarah Stuve-Chiang

Sarah began her acro journey in 2015 after taking an acro class and getting immediately hooked! She's had the honor of teaching this awesome practice beginning in 2018. Since then, she has had the joy of helping so many students achieve skills that they thought were impossible. Sarah's happiness while teaching acro is rivaled only by her happiness in spending time with her husband, Jeremy, and their dog, Charlie!

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.”

Jacob Swisher

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.

Wendy Cota

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!

Rob Snyder

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.”

Trish Rodgers

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!