There are so many wonderful opportunities within Payson for our youth to learn new skills and find mentors for life. One of the most active youth programs in our town at this time is Payson Elite Gymnastics, headed up by Susie Watson. Susie is more commonly knows as “Nana” to her nearly 200 students and even their parents. This is a direct result of the humble beginnings of how her program came to be; creating a small class within another local fitness center so that her Grandaughter would have a place to learn gymnastics.

“We started with one class once a week, and then later had the opportunity to have a bigger building of our own,” states Watson. After a lot of prayer and council of those close to her, she decided to take the leap and open a full-time program in 2012. The rest has been history over the past 8 years, as the program has continued to consistently introduce new students and graduate older students into their adulthood.

Years back, Susie and her gym were able to take advantage of the MHA Foundation defibrillator program, providing an AED on-site at all times in her gym. “I put in an application and they called me within 3 days and had an AED in my hands,” said Watson. “I am so grateful for their generosity, they are great with our community,” she added.

Among many, the following organizations have been able to take advantage of the MHA Foundation Defibrillator Program: Payson Elite Gymnastics, Gisela Fire Department, Eat Verde Estates, Gila Country Sheriff’s Department (3), Expedition Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Search and Rescue, Payson Christian Clinic, Ponderosa Bible Church, Tonto Basin School, and many more.