Our Teachers

We Do Things Differently

Lori Tilton-Gritman

Owner

Lori Tilton-Gritman founded Tilton's Gymnastics, also known as Tilton's Acrobatics and Tumbling, in December 2005, originally in downtown Lake Oswego. Due to its substantial growth and success, the program has moved several times, now proudly settled for over 10 years in a vibrant facility in Tualatin. This floor-only program is dedicated to providing gymnastics instruction in a non-competitive environment.

With a cumulative teaching experience of 38 years, Lori's teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by the foundational techniques she learned from the renowned Betty Dali during her own training as a young gymnast. Originally from Modesto, CA, Lori enjoys a fulfilling life outside the gym with her husband, Kurt, and their daughter Halle, who, at 14 years old, is following in Lori’s footsteps as a Tilton’s teacher.

Renee Nichols

Studio Director
Private Lessons

Renee started gymnastics as a young child in the California Bay Area and has been hooked ever since. She began teaching gymnastics in 1996 at 15 years old and worked as a coach through high school. In college she spent two years as a preschool assistant at her university preschool where she got valuable experience in early childhood development. She graduated from Boston University with a BA in Anthropology in 2003 and in 2005, returned to teaching recreational and competitive gymnastics at Bay Island Gymnastics in Oakland, CA. 

In 2007, Renee took over management of Bay Island and leadership of its compulsory competitive team, coaching many students to state and regional championship titles. She left the gymnastics world in 2012 to pursue a corporate career and worked in the tech industry as a member of various people teams until 2023. 

She joined Tilton’s as Studio Director in April of 2024 and loves being part of the team and contributing to growing the program. Witnessing a child successfully completing a skill for the first time remains one of her greatest joys in life. She lives in Portland with her spouse, Dylan, and their two dogs, a Chihuahua named Pigeon and an American Bully named Zeus.

Katie Hornecker

Level 3 Lead Teacher
Private Lessons

Katie Hornecker began her relationship with Tilton's acrobatics and tumbling when she took her first class with owner Lori Gritman at 8 years old. Since then her love for the studio and the sport has only grown. She began teaching in 2017 and took a short break to attend the University of Colorado in 2020 (go buffs!), but has since returned to Tilton’s to continue fostering a healthy learning environment for her students. 

Katie is confident in students’ abilities and strives to individualize her teaching efforts with each child to ensure they feel supported during classes. She strives to contribute to a loving learning environment where students are able to come as they are, learn spatial and self-awareness, and safely practice the sport that has brought so much joy to her own life. 

Halle Bacigalupi

Level 2 Teacher

Owner Lori Tilton-Gritman’s daughter Halle has been part of the Tilton’s family since birth. She started gymnastics at 2 years old and has had the privilege of watching Tilton’s change and grow over the last 14 years. She’s witnessed Tilton’s go through many phases: pre-pandemic, pandemic, post-pandemic, curriculum changes, new classes, new locations, and new team members. Over the years she’s had the ability to give creative input on many elements that have contributed to the studio's success and she’s thrilled to finally be old enough to teach. Halle is a Tilton’s Level 6 gymnast and level 2 teacher and she loves every second of it.

Grace Nieuwstraten

Level 2 Teacher

Grace’s gymnastics journey began at Tilton’s when she was just five years old. After being adopted from Ethiopia, her time at Tilton’s marked a pivotal moment in her new life, sparking a deep passion for the sport. This experience fostered her love for Tilton’s unique approach to gymnastics, one that blends technique with encouragement.

At 14, Grace began teaching, where she honed her ability to guide students of all ages and skill levels, helping them unlock their full potential. After a few years of studying in Southern California, Grace returned to Tilton’s, eager to continue teaching in a place that shaped her own journey. She’s proud of the patient, supportive environment that Tilton’s provides and is committed to creating a space where every gymnast feels confident and motivated to grow. Grace has a background in cheer and dance and loves working with students who are passionate about these fields.