meet the team
Areef, owner
Areef and his wife Feiza were first introduced to The Little Gym while looking for fun, active classes for their eldest daughter, Hanna. At 16 months, Hanna was a late walker, and they enrolled in a parent/child class to help her develop strength and flexibility. In just a short time, Hanna’s balance, coordination, and confidence improved dramatically—and before long, she was walking proudly on her own. They have no doubt that The Little Gym’s structured program played a huge role in her progress.
As a new dad, Areef was passionate about child development and eager to find meaningful, physical activities to share with his daughter—something active, enriching, and above all, fun! The Little Gym’s unique blend of Get Moving, Brain Boost, and Life Skills was the perfect fit. He especially loved the non-competitive approach, where children of all abilities could enjoy movement while learning teamwork, resilience, and cooperation. Areef was so inspired, he decided to open a The Little Gym of his own in Hampstead!
Now a proud father of two fun-loving daughters who both adore climbing, tumbling, and showing off their jumping skills, Areef definitely has his hands full! Yet his passion for pushing physical boundaries continues—from his love of scuba diving to his next big goal: climbing to Everest Base Camp.
Together with his fantastic team, Areef is excited to bring that same fun, energy, and passion to The Little Gym Hampstead—helping children grow in confidence through gymnastics, music, teamwork, and lifelong skills.
We can’t wait to welcome your family, and to see your children cartwheeling, tumbling, and beaming with pride as they make joyful memories with us.
See you soon at The Little Gym Hampstead!
what sets our team apart
Certified & ongoing training
Our unique curriculum provides a holistic child development program. Our instructors receive extensive training to uphold our high quality standards.
Prioritising safety
At The Little Gym, we prioritise health and safety through continuous first aid training for our team and guidance for maintaining a safe environment.
Passion for child development
We believe every child possesses incredible potential, and we are dedicated to helping you unlock it while your child enjoys a world of FUN!
Meet the Team!
Jess. S
Operations Director
Jess has been part of The Little Gym family for 8 years and plays a key role in managing operations, marketing, social media, and events at the gym. With a background in gymnastics, dance, and various sports, she brings a wealth of experience and energy to everything she does. Jess is deeply passionate about The Little Gym’s values and loves helping children grow physically, socially, and cognitively through active play and skill development.
As a proud mum to a little boy who also thrives at The Little Gym, Jess has experienced firsthand the positive impact the program can have on a child’s overall development. When she’s not at the gym, you’ll likely find her off on an adventure with her son, working out, or creating fun and engaging social media reels!
Operations Director
Jess. S
Jess has been part of The Little Gym family for 8 years and plays a key role in managing operations, marketing, social media, and events at the gym. With a background in gymnastics, dance, and various sports, she brings a wealth of experience and energy to everything she does. Jess is deeply passionate about The Little Gym’s values and loves helping children grow physically, socially, and cognitively through active play and skill development.
As a proud mum to a little boy who also thrives at The Little Gym, Jess has experienced firsthand the positive impact the program can have on a child’s overall development. When she’s not at the gym, you’ll likely find her off on an adventure with her son, working out, or creating fun and engaging social media reels!
Rohanne
Program Director
Rohanne joined The Little Gym Hampstead in 2022, bringing her energy, creativity, and passion for working with children to every class. With a professional background in dance, she has traveled the world performing, teaching, and choreographing. Her rich experience in the performing arts shines through in her dynamic teaching style, where she loves to inspire confidence, creativity, and movement in every child.
Now serving as Program Director, Rohanne is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether she’s leading a class or mentoring the team, her enthusiasm and love for what she does are always front and center.
Program Director
Rohanne
Rohanne joined The Little Gym Hampstead in 2022, bringing her energy, creativity, and passion for working with children to every class. With a professional background in dance, she has traveled the world performing, teaching, and choreographing. Her rich experience in the performing arts shines through in her dynamic teaching style, where she loves to inspire confidence, creativity, and movement in every child.
Now serving as Program Director, Rohanne is dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether she’s leading a class or mentoring the team, her enthusiasm and love for what she does are always front and center.
Aleksandra
Operations Manager
Aleksandra has been part of our team since we opened in 2019. With a degree in pedagogy and over 15 years of experience working with children, she brings both expertise and a nurturing touch to everything she does. Her background in sales, marketing, and customer service also makes her a vital part of our operations team.
At The Little Gym, Aleksandra manages day-to-day operations, sales, and customer experience—with a positive attitude and a great sense of humour that lifts everyone around her.
She’s passionate about supporting children's physical, mental, and social development and is actively involved in projects focused on neurodiversity and mental well-being. In her free time, she enjoys family life, walking dogs, learning new things, and cooking for loved ones.
Operations Manager
Aleksandra
Aleksandra has been part of our team since we opened in 2019. With a degree in pedagogy and over 15 years of experience working with children, she brings both expertise and a nurturing touch to everything she does. Her background in sales, marketing, and customer service also makes her a vital part of our operations team.
At The Little Gym, Aleksandra manages day-to-day operations, sales, and customer experience—with a positive attitude and a great sense of humour that lifts everyone around her.
She’s passionate about supporting children's physical, mental, and social development and is actively involved in projects focused on neurodiversity and mental well-being. In her free time, she enjoys family life, walking dogs, learning new things, and cooking for loved ones.
Katie
Senior Instructor
Katie has been a dedicated team member at The Little Gym since 2024. With a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and a lifelong background in dance and acrobatics—beginning at the age of 3—Katie brings both technical expertise and a deep love for movement to every class. She has extensive experience working with children, having assisted as a childminder, dance teacher, theatre coach, and nursery practitioner. Passionate about teaching, Katie finds joy in helping children grow in skill and confidence, and is committed to creating a fun, supportive, and inspiring environment in the gym.
Senior Instructor
Katie
Katie has been a dedicated team member at The Little Gym since 2024. With a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and a lifelong background in dance and acrobatics—beginning at the age of 3—Katie brings both technical expertise and a deep love for movement to every class. She has extensive experience working with children, having assisted as a childminder, dance teacher, theatre coach, and nursery practitioner. Passionate about teaching, Katie finds joy in helping children grow in skill and confidence, and is committed to creating a fun, supportive, and inspiring environment in the gym.
Jess. R
Senior Instructor
Jess has been part of The Little Gym team for nearly 2 years and brings over 5 years of coaching experience, including parkour, to her role. She has a strong interest in child development and loves supporting children as they grow in confidence, strength, and skill. Outside of the gym, Jess enjoys training in aerial silks, creating handmade jewellery, and exploring her passion for art.
Senior Instructor
Jess. R
Jess has been part of The Little Gym team for nearly 2 years and brings over 5 years of coaching experience, including parkour, to her role. She has a strong interest in child development and loves supporting children as they grow in confidence, strength, and skill. Outside of the gym, Jess enjoys training in aerial silks, creating handmade jewellery, and exploring her passion for art.
Stelios
Senior Instructor
Stelios has been part of The Little Gym Hampstead family since 2021 and is one of our senior instructors. With a strong background in acting—which he continues to pursue—Stelios brings creativity, energy, and imagination to every class. He has a wealth of knowledge in child development and gymnastics, and is passionate about helping children build strength, confidence, and skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Senior Instructor
Stelios
Stelios has been part of The Little Gym Hampstead family since 2021 and is one of our senior instructors. With a strong background in acting—which he continues to pursue—Stelios brings creativity, energy, and imagination to every class. He has a wealth of knowledge in child development and gymnastics, and is passionate about helping children build strength, confidence, and skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Daina
Lead Instructor
Daina has been part of The Little Gym team for 3 years, working part-time while continuing to share her passion for movement and sport. She was a gymnast for 8 years, competing in numerous regional competitions before transitioning into coaching. Since retiring from competitive gymnastics, Daina has spent the past 6 years teaching gymnastics and other sports in school camps and clubs, helping children build confidence, coordination, and a love for physical activity.
Lead Instructor
Daina
Daina has been part of The Little Gym team for 3 years, working part-time while continuing to share her passion for movement and sport. She was a gymnast for 8 years, competing in numerous regional competitions before transitioning into coaching. Since retiring from competitive gymnastics, Daina has spent the past 6 years teaching gymnastics and other sports in school camps and clubs, helping children build confidence, coordination, and a love for physical activity.
Hannah
Lead Instructor
Hannah brings a dynamic mix of energy, experience, and creativity to The Little Gym team. Trained in gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance from a young age, she went on to complete a degree in contemporary dance and has a strong foundation in movement and performance. She began teaching at The Little Gym part-time in 2023. Hannah's passion for working with children shines through in every class, and her positive, upbeat style makes her a favourite with little gymnasts of all ages.
Lead Instructor
Hannah
Hannah brings a dynamic mix of energy, experience, and creativity to The Little Gym team. Trained in gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance from a young age, she went on to complete a degree in contemporary dance and has a strong foundation in movement and performance. She began teaching at The Little Gym part-time in 2023. Hannah's passion for working with children shines through in every class, and her positive, upbeat style makes her a favourite with little gymnasts of all ages.
Amy
Lead Instructor
Amy is a dedicated lead instructor at The Little Gym, working with the pre-school and primary school children. With nine years of gymnastics experience—both training and competing—she brings a deep knowledge of the sport to every class. Amy also has valuable coaching experience from her previous role with Max Whitlock Gymnastics. Having been with The Little Gym for around a year, Amy is known for her nurturing and warm approach. She excels at building children’s confidence and helping them discover their love for movement in a supportive environment.
Lead Instructor
Amy
Amy is a dedicated lead instructor at The Little Gym, working with the pre-school and primary school children. With nine years of gymnastics experience—both training and competing—she brings a deep knowledge of the sport to every class. Amy also has valuable coaching experience from her previous role with Max Whitlock Gymnastics. Having been with The Little Gym for around a year, Amy is known for her nurturing and warm approach. She excels at building children’s confidence and helping them discover their love for movement in a supportive environment.
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