OUR TEAM
HANADI RAJEH
Head of sports
Founder of Ciela Academy
Hanadi Rajeh is a movement educator, gymnastics professional, and founder of Ciela Academy. Her athletic journey began at age seven, leading to over a decade of competitive success, ranking among the top three gymnasts in Lebanon for 10 consecutive years with 12 Gold, 14 Silver, and 16 Bronze medals across national circuits.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Sports Management & Research from the Lebanese University. Committed to lifelong learning, Hanadi has acquired certifications in Hatha Yoga, Personal Training, Sports Rehabilitation, Nutrition, Circus Arts (Aerials/Juggling/Acrobatics/Balance), ISSA workshops, FIC training, and FIFA coaching coursework.
With 15+ years of coaching experience, she has taught at leading universities — Lebanese University, USAL, LIU — and prestigious schools including Grand Lycée, Wellspring, ACS, Sagesse, and Ecole Notre Dame de Louaize. She has also held leadership roles in programs with Collectif Kahraba and Arcenciel.
Hanadi has developed curriculum, including a beginners–intermediate Circus Program, and has managed events, summer camps, and competitive training programs. She has performed in 2,500+ shows and organized 1000+ events, blending athletic excellence with creativity and performance.
At START, she leads the sports department with structured methodology, child-centered coaching, and a mission to build confident, resilient, joyful movers.
ADAM HIJAZI
Head Of operations
With over 10 years of experience in operations and team leadership, Adam Hijazi brings structure, efficiency, and people-first management to START. His professional journey includes leading teams, optimizing workflows, and creating seamless service experiences across customer-focused environments.
Adam has built a strong reputation for problem-solving, training teams, and elevating service standards, always placing communication, organization, and client satisfaction at the center of his approach.
At START, Adam oversees daily operations, ensures smooth coordination between departments, and supports staff and parents to guarantee a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for every student.
Driven by a passion for people and performance, Adam ensures every family’s journey at START feels effortless, professional, and caring from day one.
ISABELLE KHALIL
Aerial Coach
Isabelle Khalil is a highly experienced movement educator and aerial coach with over 26 years of experience in Physical Education. Her long-standing career reflects deep expertise in body mechanics, safe training methods, and progressive skill development for students of all ages.
Specializing in aerial silk and hammock, Isabelle combines strength, flexibility, and control to guide students through structured and safe aerial practices. She is also a Certified Bungee Fitness Coach, bringing a dynamic and innovative approach to movement training.
Throughout her career, Isabelle has helped countless students build confidence, coordination, and body awareness, always prioritizing safety, technique, and enjoyment. Her teaching style is patient, supportive, and highly professional, ensuring that each student progresses at their own pace.
At START, Coach Isabelle brings experience, precision, and care, creating an environment where children can explore aerial movement with confidence and trust.
KHALIL ZAAROUR
Martial Arts & Strength Coach
Khalil Zaarour is a dedicated Martial Arts and Strength & Conditioning coach with a strong academic and competitive background. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education & Sports and has built his career around athletic development, youth training, and martial arts performance.
As a Certified Muay Thai & MMA Coach and Post-Rehab Specialist, Khalil blends technical combat training with safe physical conditioning and injury-preventive methods. He is also an International Referee and Judge, bringing global-standard professionalism, discipline, and attention to detail to every session.
A Gold Medalist in the IFMA Mediterranean Championship and member of the Lebanese National Muay Thai Team, Khalil has competed at elite levels and continues to inspire young athletes to develop strength, confidence, and self-discipline.
At START, Coach Khalil focuses on building strong movement foundations, coordination, and resilience — empowering every child to learn martial arts safely, respectfully, and with pride.
OMAR BOU EZZ
Muay Thai & Self-Defense Coach
Omar Bou Ezz is a dedicated martial arts professional with over 17 years of fighting experience and 5 years of Muay Thai and self-defense coaching. He holds the highest level OSM International Level 3 Muay Thai Coach certification and is also a Lebanese Certified Official Muay Thai Coach as well as a Taekwondo Certified Coach, holding a Black Belt 2nd Dan.
Internationally recognized, Omar has represented Lebanon in multiple major competitions, including earning a Silver Medal at the IFMA Mediterranean Championship (Greece 2022) and competing in the IFMA World Championship 2023. He is also a Lebanese Youth Muay Thai Gold Medalist and a classified Lebanese B-Class champion. In 2025, Omar proudly represented Lebanon as a team coach at the IFMA Youth World Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Beyond competition, Omar is committed to safe, ethical, and structured athletic development. He has completed a Sports Management Program, multiple Anti-Doping courses (Athlete & Coach), a Legal Sports Association Management course, and is a Certified First Aid & CPR provider. He also holds both Lebanese and International Muay Thai Referee & Judge certifications, ensuring technical excellence and fair play.
Omar specializes in self-defense, street-safety skills, and youth development, coaching young athletes with discipline, respect, and confidence-building at the core of his training philosophy.
TAMER HALAWI
fighting sports coach
Tamer Halawi is a dedicated martial arts coach with experience in Muay Thai and Taekwondo, bringing structure, discipline, and enthusiasm to youth training. He holds a Taekwondo Red Belt and has earned a Gold Medal in the Lebanese Muay Thai Tournament, showcasing both competitive ability and strong technical skills.
Tamer has completed a Referee & Judges General Course, giving him a strong understanding of martial arts rules, discipline, and competition standards. He has also participated in a Sports Management Seminar, strengthening his knowledge in program organization and athlete development. In addition, he holds a Coaching Certificate from Black Dragon College (Legal Sport Association), reinforcing his commitment to safe and professional instruction.
At START, Coach Tamer focuses on teaching coordination, self-control, respect, and confidence, ensuring every child enjoys learning practical self-defense skills in a motivating and supportive environment.
JOSEPH BOU MAYLA
Gymnastics & Multi-Sport Coach
Joseph Abou Mayla is a versatile and dedicated sports coach currently studying at the Lebanese University – Faculty of Physical Education. With a diverse athletic and coaching background, he combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience across multiple disciplines.
Joseph has been a Private Basketball Coach for six years, helping young athletes develop technical skills, coordination, and game confidence. He also brings four years of experience as a Fitness Coach, supporting children in building strength, mobility, and healthy movement habits. Over the past two years, Joseph has additionally coached gymnastics, training young athletes through fundamental techniques, balance, and body control.
His coaching style is energetic, supportive, and structured, focusing on developing discipline, body awareness, and athletic confidence in every child. At START, Joseph plays a key role in providing well-rounded physical education that nurtures both ability and character.
ZAINAB MAYLADAN
GYMNASTICS COACH
Zainab Mayladan is a dedicated gymnastics coach with over 10 years of experience in training and guiding young athletes. With a strong background in gymnastics fundamentals, she focuses on developing coordination, flexibility, balance, and strength in a structured and supportive environment.
Throughout her coaching journey, Zainab has worked with students of different ages and levels, helping them build confidence, discipline, and body awareness through progressive training methods. Her approach combines clear instruction, patience, and positive reinforcement, ensuring that every child feels encouraged and motivated to grow.
Known for her calm and attentive coaching style, Zainab prioritizes safe practice, proper technique, and steady development, allowing students to progress at their own pace while enjoying the learning process.
At START, Coach Zainab is committed to creating a fun, safe, and confidence-building experience where every child can thrive through movement.
OLIVER CHALHOUB
GYMNASTICS COACH
Coach Oliver is a motivated and disciplined coach currently pursuing his studies in Physical Education at the Lebanese University. With a strong foundation in fitness and sports training, he brings both academic knowledge and practical experience to his coaching approach.
He has three years of experience in fitness coaching, helping individuals develop strength, coordination, and healthy movement habits. His passion lies in guiding young athletes toward becoming stronger, more disciplined, and confident in their abilities.
In addition to his gymnastics and fitness background, Oliver also holds experience in basketball coaching, having worked with athletes for over five years, contributing to their technical and physical development.
At START, Coach Oliver focuses on building solid athletic foundations through structured, safe, and engaging training sessions tailored for young learners.