WE’RE COMMITTED
We are committed to you finding your strength through and within archery. No matter who you are. We get to yes.
WE’RE PROFESSIONAL
We are knowledgeable, experienced, and competent. Not only are we USA Archery certified, coaching archery is what we do six days a week, year-round. We’re constantly looking for ways to become stronger, more effective coaches.
WE’RE FUN
Our instructional strategies are creative. We coach with joy and enthusiasm because we love helping people love archery.
Founder & Head Coach, Level IV-NTS Coach
Kyle Forbes Bissell
Coach Kyle studies and excels at teaching people, of all ages, to move their bodies in fun, efficient, and performance-oriented ways; and he has been doing that for 26 years. He's worked in Physical Education, Adventure Education, holds a M.Ed., was listed in Skiing Magazine (1997) as one of the 75 best ski instructors in the USA for children, and competitively races ultra marathons and triathlons of all distances to give him perspective on life, inner strength, and archery. Coach Kyle founded Amherst Archery Academy in 2011 and now coaches archery full time, year-round. His unique and diverse background as an athlete, coach, and educator make for a collaborative, compassionate and creative coach eager to work with athletes in discovering pathways to new levels of performance. Level IV USA Archery Coach.
Coaching Philosophy
I believe we are all more capable than we imagine when we look in the mirror and that self-image defines performance. Finding new levels of personal performance in anything, archery included, takes inner strength more than it takes talent. One must be bold in the face of adversity (trying archery for the first time or holding on to a World record), and that takes tenacity. Developing and supporting inner strength in those I work with, for the purpose of strength in archery and strength in life, is my primary goal. Without inner strength, we become spectators in sport and in life.
CFO, Level III-NTS Coach
SerahRose Bissell
SerahRose began studying archery in 2014. She earned her Level III-NTS Coach Certification in 2017. SerahRose holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Brandeis University and an MSA in Forensic Accounting from Bay Path University. SerahRose owns Aerialist Accounting, specializing in managerial accounting for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits.
Coaching Philosophy
I encourage athletes to reach beyond their current perception of self. This is done by nurturing the sparks they hold within, supporting them through reliable and consistent coaching, and inspiring them by challenging their assumptions. I coach with kindness, attention to detail, patience, and the celebration of successes. I truly believe that if you put the effort in, you can go as far as you want to go.
Level III-NTS Coach
Cerji Colvin
I became involved with archery in 2011 to become the certified instructor for Circle of Tapawingo, a week-long camp in Maine for girls age 8-16 who've experienced the death of a parent. Since then, I have also become the archery instructor for CalEx, a week-long camp in CA for girls who've experienced the death of a family member. I shoot barebow because I like the basic simplicity of shooting without lots of accessories. I see archery as a sport at which I can compete against myself, and I'm always trying to shoot just a little bit better.
I encourage archers to succeed by supporting their goals, and understanding their challenges. I am empathetic to the needs of archer athletes, and request they be empathetic toward themselves. I want archer athletes to learn new skills in a fun, safe, respectful environment, where everyone is considerate of the community we are creating.
Level II Instructor, Bow Tech
Atreyu Moonstone
Level III-NTS Coach
Lynn Oberbillig
Lynn is part of the Amherst Archery Academy Adult Archery Achievement Program, competes in local tournaments, and coaches with AAA whenever we are lucky enough to have her. Lynn has an extensive background in sports studies and trains coaches at the graduate level. Coach Lynn coached Division I basketball and softball at Nicholls College, is the former Athletic Director at Smith College and currently lecturer and Director of the Exercise and Sports Studies Graduate Program at Smith College. Coach Kyle loves talking with Coach Lynn about coaching theory, physiology, research and best coaching practices. We are so luck to have Lynn be part of AAA. Coach Lynn's Coaching Philosophy:
"As someone with passion for learning and coaching, I try to instill passion in others. I do this by role modeling, creating an environment that supports risk taking, and by sharing my knowledge of the sport, how the body works, and my understanding of the mental aspects of sport.
I see myself as a facilitator who helps athletes identify goals and the means to achieve those goals. I believe athletes learn best by doing and having a variety of activities to enhance their learning. Learning is best achieved when it is athlete directed and I am the facilitator helping athletes to achieve their goals."
Level I Instructor, Administrative Assistant
Claire Cheung
Claire came to archery at her brother’s recommendation after he participated in a summer camp. Claire and her brother immediately loved the sport and bought their own equipment, and Claire became an instructor not long after. In college now, she teaches at summer camps and over school breaks.
Level II Instructor
Carrie Bergman
Carrie began studying Olympic Recurve archery with Sattva in 2015 after falling in love with Kyudo (Japanese traditional archery). She has continued to practice both styles, exploring the meditative aspects of archery and competing locally as an Olympic Recurve archer. She has studied with Head Olympic Coach KiSik Lee and began coaching in 2017.
Coaching Philosophy
Archery helps me practice focus, determination, confidence, and optimism, and I try to bring that into my coaching: "The only bad arrow is the one you don't learn from." I love helping archers find new insights, openings and possibilities for deeper connection to their shooting form, to the target, and to their own hearts and minds.
Range Assistant
Sam Kleinman-Eddy
Sam first came to Sattva in 2012 after seeing the Lord of the Rings movies, and wanting to be just like Legolas. He fell in love with the place instantly. He's worked at the range for almost a year, and he loves the sense of accomplishment he gets from the tasks to complete around the space. Sam is a joy to have around Sattva and, in his eagerness to learn as much as he can, has become an accomplished arrow fletcher. You'll recognize Sam immediately by his warm friendly greeting and willingness to help.