Samantha Leighton

I live in Chanhassen with my husband, daughter, son and our family dog. My husband was born and raised locally, and our family relocated here during the summer of 2018. Our daughter began gymnastics training in Arlington, Virginia and was excited to choose the competitive yet incredibly supportive, community and family-oriented gym of Laketown Gymnastics. In our free time we like to cook together, host our friends, and enjoy the outdoors. Every winter we build a snow luge in our backyard, something you can never do in the south! 

I have spent the last 20+ years in Human Resources, working in small and mid-size for profit and non-profit organizations. 7 years ago I started my own business as an Independent Human Resources Consultant and serve a variety of clients in Minnesota, Virginia and DC.  

Over the years I have volunteered heavily within my children's schools as a room mom, on committees and with various fundraising events. I joined the Laketown Board in 2019, excited to utilize that skillset, along with my HR background, to support the gym's mission and its wonderful staff.

Shannon johnson

I have been a part of the Laketown community since my daughter started gymnastics classes there 8 years ago. We are so thankful for the wonderful coaching and mentoring she has experienced over the years. For that reason I wanted to find a way to give back to the gym and decided to join the board. I have been a board member since January of 2023.

I am a mom of three active kids. My husband and I live in Chaska, MN with our kids and two dogs. We stay busy watching our kids participate in their many sporting and musical activities.

Professionally I am the Director of the Forensic Services Division for the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). I have held this role for the past 10 years and worked for MPD for a total of 17 years. I continue to enjoy my job as I support the wonderful men and women out there day and night performing forensic case work for the citizens of Minneapolis.

sarah kroells

I live in Norwood Young America with my husband Peter, and two daughters Paige and Jade, dogs Dax, Daisy and Toffee and cat Galaxy. Both of our daughters have been part of Laketown for over 10 years.

Paige started on the Xcel Competitive team in 2015 and transitioned to the DP/ Optional competitive team in 2017, and Jade has been on the Xcel competitive team since 2021. In my free time I enjoy going for walks and spending time with family.

I became a member of the board in 2019 to help support the mission, values, staff and gymnasts at Laketown.

bill vannurden

I have lived in Waconia since 2017.  My granddaughters have attended Laketown Gymnastics for many years.  I was voted onto the board in May 2024.  I was brought onto the board because I bring some unique talents that will help grow the organization.  I retired as an auditor from the federal government after 35 years, I am a certified fraud examiner, a notary for state of Minnesota and a closing agent to real estate transactions.  My goal for Laketown is to provide professional guidance for their resources and help them forecast for a bright and growing future!

Angie Kranz

I live in Hamburg with my husband and our two daughters who are both on the Xcel Competitive teams here at Laketown. We have a dog, Guinea Pig, and 2 goats that keep us busy as well.

When I am not at the gym with my girls you can find me outside enjoying the fresh air in my garden, hanging out with friends, and watching my girls’ other activities as well.

We started with Laketown by doing Rec classes in 2017 to joining the Tumbler Team in 2019 along with the Xcel Competitive team. I joined the board in 2023 to be part of my daughter’s gym and help them succeed for many years to come. Glad to be a part of the Laketown Board.

Amy swingle

I have been part of the Laketown community since 2017 when my oldest daughter started recreational classes followed by my youngest daughter a few years later. I have loved watching them grow as gymnasts and people with the supportive and caring coaching team at Laketown. My oldest daughter has been a member of the Xcel program at Laketown since 2020 and my youngest has enjoyed recreational classes. I joined the board in September of 2023 to do what I can to support the coaches and staff of Laketown gym as they continue to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for the gymnasts of Waconia and the surrounding area!

Ashley Erickson

I live in Chaska with my husband, daughter and son, and our  two cats and two dogs. 

I work at Optum and serve on the Best Prep Board of Directors representing UnitedHealth Group. In my free time you’ll see me at the gym watching my daughter practice, on the soccer field watching my son play or volunteering at my kids' schools.

We joined Laketown in 2020 where my daughter fell in love with gymnastics and is now part of the Level 4 Compulsory team. I joined the Laketown board in March 2023 to support my daughters gymnastics journey and our amazing coaches at Laketown.

nick hoffman

Bio coming soon!