Our Coaches

Kryzia Garces

Program Manager

Kryzia joined the Gantry Kids & Teens coaching staff in 2023. She started as a Summer Camp Coach and now can be seen running most of our programs. In 2025, she began her newest role as Program Manager. You can find her running Summer Camp, our School Year Camps, Kids Night Out!, and our Birthday Parties. Amongst the kids and staff, she is a fan favorite. 


Kryzia is a lifelong New Yorker and is earning her degree in Music.  She hopes to be a vocal coach or music teacher someday.  When she isn't working at the gym or in school, you can find Kryzia enjoying everything the city has to offer or snuggling at home with her dog Tobio. Yes, Tobio is named after an anime character.


Kryzia also likes playing video games and collecting photocards of her favorite K-pop group, Stray Kids. It's probably how she relates so well with the kids.


When asked if a hotdog is a sandwich, Kryzia says, "A hotdog is NOT a sandwich.  A hill I will die on!"

Kryzia strives to influence our athletes to have a positive relationship with fitness and health, and their growth and indpendence.


  • CDC Concussion Certified
  • CPR Pro / AED & First Aid Certified

Manu Lobo Crespo

Head Fitness Coach

Originally from Madrid, Spain, I grew up surrounded by sports. As a kid and teenager, I practiced soccer and volleyball competitively, trained in boxing, and immersed myself in adventure sports such as climbing, hiking, and kayaking. Movement was never just a hobby—it was a way of understanding the world.


I began my professional career working with children 25 years ago, developing programs, leading activities, and supervising youth in different educational and recreational environments. After earning my degree as a Physical Activities and Sports Technician in Madrid , I expanded my path into fitness and performance training, later becoming a CrossFit Level 1 Coach and ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor.


Throughout my career, I’ve worked in summer and winter camps, multi-adventure and nautical programs, and sports-focused environments as a counselor, coordinator, and facilities manager. I’ve coached children, teens, adults, and individuals with diverse abilities, always placing safety, structure, and personal growth at the center of the experience.


Today, as a kids and teens coach, I see training as more than exercise. It’s about building confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership from an early age. When we give young people the tools to move well and believe in themselves, we’re not just shaping stronger athletes—we’re shaping stronger human beings.


CERTIFICATIONS:


  • Associate Degree of Science, Sport, and Recreation
  • CF-L1
  • CrossFit Kids
  • CrossFit Running
  • CrossFit Scaling
  • ISSA Personal Trainer
  • ISSA Nutrition Coach
  • CPR and DAE
  • Camp Counselor


Luis Rodriguez

After School Coach

Hi, I’m Luis! I’ve worked as a camp counselor, after-school coach, and tutor, and I genuinely enjoy helping kids grow both academically and personally. Through camp and after-school programs, I’ve learned how to create a fun, structured, and supportive environment where kids feel safe to be themselves.


As a tutor, I focus on building confidence and helping students truly understand the material, not just complete assignments. I’m passionate about encouraging teamwork, leadership, and resilience in every child I work with.


Jackson Parrott

ASSISTANT Coach

I joined Gantry Kids & Teens as a coach in 2024, but have been part of the Gantry family since I was in elementary school as a student in the after-school program and a summer camp. My long association with the Gantry Kids community gives me a special perspective on how I teach and treat the kids while also staying committed to my work as a coach.


I lead sports clinics twice a week as part of the after-school program, helping young athletes develop core game fundamentals, improve hand–eye coordination, and build confidence through active play. Exploring baseball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, kickball and more I focus on teaching the basics of these games while creating a positive environment where kids can learn new skills and have fun. I also assist with summer camp, birthday parties, and Kids’ Night Out programs.


I’ve been apart of the Long Island City and Gantry Kids community for as long as I can remember. I know how important it is to stay active and engaged in sports and athletics as a kid and how many memories you can make at afterschool/camp. I hope to be a great coach for all of the kids and hopefully continue the line for the kids to grow into future coaches. 


  • Certified in CPR


When asked if a hotdog is a sandwich, Jackson responded, "No."