meet the team
KATE HENEBURY, owner
I’ve always been passionate about fitness. As a child I would try every sport that I could get my hands on. I didn’t care if it involved a ball, a stick, a beam or a pair of goggles – I just wanted to do it!
That passion for movement led to a sports and exercise degree at university, where I found my second passion – child development – and studied the effect that exercise, or lack of, has on children’s development.
My love of being active didn’t stop when I reached adulthood. It led to an active career as a Captain in the Army, during which I was fortunate enough to travel from mountain to mountain across Europe as a competitive biathlon skier. I left the Army in 2003, and moved into recruitment. After five years in recruitment, I decided that a desk job wasn’t for me. I wanted to make a difference again, like I had in the Army, and I looked for a new, more fulfilling opportunity.
I stumbled across The Little Gym through an old school friend. When I walked in, it was always a wow moment. I was knocked out by how friendly and colourful each gym was, and how enthusiastic the staff were. I took the leap and opened The Little Gym Harrogate in 2005 with two little ones and 7 mths pregnant. Roll on 15 yrs and we now run 3 gyms in Harrogate, Leeds & York with over 1800 members attending every week. Life’s a juggle but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I now get to see so many ex Little Gymers at sports fixtures across Yorkshire and it is lovely to bump into current and old members even on holiday!
Alongside running my three gyms I also support new Little Gym owners opening their gyms and mentor them during this initialjourney and I have been lucky enough to support gyms in the UK and Europe recently opening Bath, Widnes and Wimbledon.
The beauty of our gyms is that it caters to every child as a unique individual. We nurture their abilities, encourage them to be involved, and help them to develop a love for movement without them even realising – they’re just having too much fun to notice!
Each child is unique, and we are so lucky to work with them every day. We love getting to spend time with them in the gym while the grown-ups have a cup of coffee and relax in the foyer.
Thanks for letting us enjoy their company for that special hour a week!
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!
Sam
Regional Operations Director
Sam has worked at The Little Gym since March 2018. She was our Gym Director in Leeds and is now taking on the role of Operations Director for all 3 gyms! Her favourite thing about The Little Gym is getting to know all the amazing families and watching the children grow, develop and gain so much confidence.
Sam loves to teach all ages but loves Beasts as they are all starting to get their own little personalities and learning to be more independent. They all get super excited about trying new skills and she loves celebrating their achievements!
Before working at The Little Gym, Sam was a baker! She made everything from bread to chocolate cakes. Sam loves to bake at home and sometimes brings treats in for us all!
In her spare time she also loves taking her 2 dogs for walks but they are that big they usually walk her!
Regional Operations Director
Sam
Sam has worked at The Little Gym since March 2018. She was our Gym Director in Leeds and is now taking on the role of Operations Director for all 3 gyms! Her favourite thing about The Little Gym is getting to know all the amazing families and watching the children grow, develop and gain so much confidence.
Sam loves to teach all ages but loves Beasts as they are all starting to get their own little personalities and learning to be more independent. They all get super excited about trying new skills and she loves celebrating their achievements!
Before working at The Little Gym, Sam was a baker! She made everything from bread to chocolate cakes. Sam loves to bake at home and sometimes brings treats in for us all!
In her spare time she also loves taking her 2 dogs for walks but they are that big they usually walk her!
Hollie
Director of Curriculum and Training
Hollie joined The Little Gym Harrogate in 2009, going from instructor to Programme Director to Gym Director and now Director of Curriculum and Training across all three gyms. Hollie also has two boys 6 and 2 year old to keep her on her toes.
Hollie has loved the thrill of gymnastics from a young age and competed in the British Championships in Sports Acro - however she loved training and learning new gymnastic skills compared to the competitive side which is why she sees The Little Gym as the perfect place to work.
Hollie loves exploring the outdoors exploring the outdoors with her family and dog Basil, especially woodland walks and going to the coast.
Hollie especially enjoys teaching her Bugs (4-10 months) classes, being able to see so many baby milestones and helping guide parents through it. Also the cheekiness of the Funny Bugs class (3-4 years) makes this class another firm favourite.
"Seeing the excitement of the children's faces coming through the door is priceless. I love that we get to know the members so well and it feels like they are an extended part of the family".
Director of Curriculum and Training
Hollie
Hollie joined The Little Gym Harrogate in 2009, going from instructor to Programme Director to Gym Director and now Director of Curriculum and Training across all three gyms. Hollie also has two boys 6 and 2 year old to keep her on her toes.
Hollie has loved the thrill of gymnastics from a young age and competed in the British Championships in Sports Acro - however she loved training and learning new gymnastic skills compared to the competitive side which is why she sees The Little Gym as the perfect place to work.
Hollie loves exploring the outdoors exploring the outdoors with her family and dog Basil, especially woodland walks and going to the coast.
Hollie especially enjoys teaching her Bugs (4-10 months) classes, being able to see so many baby milestones and helping guide parents through it. Also the cheekiness of the Funny Bugs class (3-4 years) makes this class another firm favourite.
"Seeing the excitement of the children's faces coming through the door is priceless. I love that we get to know the members so well and it feels like they are an extended part of the family".
Karen
Director of Marketing and Communications
Karen joined The Little Gym in 2014 and now oversees the Marketing & Communications for our York, Leeds & Harrogate Gyms.
Karen has always been passionate about health and wellbeing and is also a qualified Yoga Teacher. Karen has completed 2 marathons but now spends more time practicing Yoga! She especially loves exploring the countryside, growing food at her allotment, and keeping active!
"Seeing children's confidence grow through learning new physical skills, building new friendships and interacting socially is the best thing about being a part of The Little Gym! It's great to see how giving them these new experiences helps them have the confidence to take on new challenges both in the gym and in their everyday lives!"
Director of Marketing and Communications
Karen
Karen joined The Little Gym in 2014 and now oversees the Marketing & Communications for our York, Leeds & Harrogate Gyms.
Karen has always been passionate about health and wellbeing and is also a qualified Yoga Teacher. Karen has completed 2 marathons but now spends more time practicing Yoga! She especially loves exploring the countryside, growing food at her allotment, and keeping active!
"Seeing children's confidence grow through learning new physical skills, building new friendships and interacting socially is the best thing about being a part of The Little Gym! It's great to see how giving them these new experiences helps them have the confidence to take on new challenges both in the gym and in their everyday lives!"
Katherine
Instructor
Your favourite The Little Gym story? - In my first few weeks working at The Little Gym, my favourite thing has to be the way in which the classes and camps allow the children to increase in confidence as well as ability, especially seeing the ones who are slightly nervous at the start of the class beaming with smiles towards the end.
How did you get interested in sports?- Sport has always been part of my life, from watching my dad and brother play football and golf to following in my mums’ footsteps and beginning dance classes at a young age. From dance classes, I quickly changed to gymnastics growing up and most recently I have been involved in trampolining, both as a coach and a competitor.
What ​do you love to do in your free time? - In my free time I enjoy being outside. I love going on walks or watching my local football or rugby teams.
What can't you live without? - I can’t live without cosy blanket, especially in Winter!
Where ​have you lived? - I have lived in Leeds my entire life. I moved from my family home in Guiseley to Kirkstall when I started studying at University.
Instructor
Katherine
Your favourite The Little Gym story? - In my first few weeks working at The Little Gym, my favourite thing has to be the way in which the classes and camps allow the children to increase in confidence as well as ability, especially seeing the ones who are slightly nervous at the start of the class beaming with smiles towards the end.
How did you get interested in sports?- Sport has always been part of my life, from watching my dad and brother play football and golf to following in my mums’ footsteps and beginning dance classes at a young age. From dance classes, I quickly changed to gymnastics growing up and most recently I have been involved in trampolining, both as a coach and a competitor.
What ​do you love to do in your free time? - In my free time I enjoy being outside. I love going on walks or watching my local football or rugby teams.
What can't you live without? - I can’t live without cosy blanket, especially in Winter!
Where ​have you lived? - I have lived in Leeds my entire life. I moved from my family home in Guiseley to Kirkstall when I started studying at University.
Rio
Instructor
Rio joined The Little Gym in November 2022. He has danced since the age of 4 and went on to study dance in college and University along with doing some acting and dancing in his spare time. After leaving University he decided to join The Little Gym and he’s loving learning new skills here.
One of his favourite aspects of The Little Gym is seeing the children develop their gym and social skills. His favourite class to teach is definitely Twisters and Aerials because they are really talented and fun to teach!
Instructor
Rio
Rio joined The Little Gym in November 2022. He has danced since the age of 4 and went on to study dance in college and University along with doing some acting and dancing in his spare time. After leaving University he decided to join The Little Gym and he’s loving learning new skills here.
One of his favourite aspects of The Little Gym is seeing the children develop their gym and social skills. His favourite class to teach is definitely Twisters and Aerials because they are really talented and fun to teach!
India
Instructor
India started working at The Little Gym in April 2024. Before that, she worked as a teaching assistant in SEND schools, so inclusivity is a big focus for her. India has been dancing since the age of 3, and always loved being active and creative. She holds a BA (Hons) in Dance Performance and Teaching and is currently studying for her MA in Choreography. She also has experience as a competitive gymnastics coach, so getting to combine dance, gymnastics, and creativity here at TLG is a dream come true. India’s favourite thing about working at The Little Gym is watching the kids grow not just as gymnasts but as confident people as they learn new skills. When she’s not coaching or studying, you’ll probably find her crocheting small animals and jumpers.
Instructor
India
India started working at The Little Gym in April 2024. Before that, she worked as a teaching assistant in SEND schools, so inclusivity is a big focus for her. India has been dancing since the age of 3, and always loved being active and creative. She holds a BA (Hons) in Dance Performance and Teaching and is currently studying for her MA in Choreography. She also has experience as a competitive gymnastics coach, so getting to combine dance, gymnastics, and creativity here at TLG is a dream come true. India’s favourite thing about working at The Little Gym is watching the kids grow not just as gymnasts but as confident people as they learn new skills. When she’s not coaching or studying, you’ll probably find her crocheting small animals and jumpers.
Natalie
Instructor
Natalie started working at The Little Gym in September 2024. Natalie taught gymnastics for 5 years before moving up to Leeds to study film production. Natalie’s favourite classes to teach are Grade School as she loves seeing them progress in the skills they are passionate about learning! Alongside her love for gymnastics, Natalie also plays tennis, which she’s been playing since she was 3, as well as paints, draws and plays piano in her spare time.
Instructor
Natalie
Natalie started working at The Little Gym in September 2024. Natalie taught gymnastics for 5 years before moving up to Leeds to study film production. Natalie’s favourite classes to teach are Grade School as she loves seeing them progress in the skills they are passionate about learning! Alongside her love for gymnastics, Natalie also plays tennis, which she’s been playing since she was 3, as well as paints, draws and plays piano in her spare time.
Maisie
Instructor
Maisie has been working at The Little Gym since August 2024. She started doing competitive gymnastics when she was only 5 years old and has been in and out of sports all of her life, including netball, athletics and dancing. Maisie loves teaching at The Little Gym, as she loves seeing children of all ages growing their skills while having fun, with no pressure of competitive elements. She lived in Manchester for 3 years completing her degree in Social Work, but is glad to be back in Leeds now! In her spare time she loves to go shopping with her friends and her family.
Instructor
Maisie
Maisie has been working at The Little Gym since August 2024. She started doing competitive gymnastics when she was only 5 years old and has been in and out of sports all of her life, including netball, athletics and dancing. Maisie loves teaching at The Little Gym, as she loves seeing children of all ages growing their skills while having fun, with no pressure of competitive elements. She lived in Manchester for 3 years completing her degree in Social Work, but is glad to be back in Leeds now! In her spare time she loves to go shopping with her friends and her family.
Alex
Instructor
Alex has been working at The Little Gym since May 2024. He started gymnastics at the age of 5 and had tried many sports such as athletics and cricket, but always loved gymnastics. Alex competed in gymnastics for 12 years and represented Great Britain at the Acrobatic gymnastics World Championships. Alex loves teaching at The Little Gym with his favourite classes being the Funny Bugs and Giggle Worms as he loves seeing the kids laugh and have fun. In his spare time Alex loves spending time with his family and watching sports.
Instructor
Alex
Alex has been working at The Little Gym since May 2024. He started gymnastics at the age of 5 and had tried many sports such as athletics and cricket, but always loved gymnastics. Alex competed in gymnastics for 12 years and represented Great Britain at the Acrobatic gymnastics World Championships. Alex loves teaching at The Little Gym with his favourite classes being the Funny Bugs and Giggle Worms as he loves seeing the kids laugh and have fun. In his spare time Alex loves spending time with his family and watching sports.
Laura
Gym Director
Laura is our Gym Director. Laura has always taken part in sport and performing arts. Laura started dancing at age 3 and then took up swimming and netball. Since leaving school she has trained as a sports coach and become a qualified gymnastics coach with British Gymnastics. Laura also has a BG level 2 coaching qualification.
In her free time she loves to walk her dog Hugo and also has a little boy who loves to explore so they spend a lot of time at the park!
Laura lives in Bradford but has also lived in Liverpool for University and Wales where she worked at Haven!
Gym Director
Laura
Laura is our Gym Director. Laura has always taken part in sport and performing arts. Laura started dancing at age 3 and then took up swimming and netball. Since leaving school she has trained as a sports coach and become a qualified gymnastics coach with British Gymnastics. Laura also has a BG level 2 coaching qualification.
In her free time she loves to walk her dog Hugo and also has a little boy who loves to explore so they spend a lot of time at the park!
Laura lives in Bradford but has also lived in Liverpool for University and Wales where she worked at Haven!
Lauren
Assistant Gym Director
Lauren joined The Little Gym in January 2024. Her favourite thing about working here is watching kids just enjoying the sport without the need of any competitiveness and seeing kids improve each week when coming to sessions.
Lauren loves being involved in the Flips and Twisters classes because the kids show an array of talent and she can share her knowledge of the sport to them to help them grow.
Lauren has been in the gymnastic industry since being 2 and has competed worldwide including the countries USA, Portugal and France! She started off on all 4 pieces doing artistic but then became very successful in Tumbling after competing in 3 British Championships.
Her favourite thing to do in her spare time now is to climb, give big cuddles to her dog Hulk and of course shopping!
Assistant Gym Director
Lauren
Lauren joined The Little Gym in January 2024. Her favourite thing about working here is watching kids just enjoying the sport without the need of any competitiveness and seeing kids improve each week when coming to sessions.
Lauren loves being involved in the Flips and Twisters classes because the kids show an array of talent and she can share her knowledge of the sport to them to help them grow.
Lauren has been in the gymnastic industry since being 2 and has competed worldwide including the countries USA, Portugal and France! She started off on all 4 pieces doing artistic but then became very successful in Tumbling after competing in 3 British Championships.
Her favourite thing to do in her spare time now is to climb, give big cuddles to her dog Hulk and of course shopping!
Book your first class
Book an introductory class at your local gym to experience the fun for yourself
Book a class