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Staff
Andrea Needle - Founder, Executive Director
Andrea, a 1992 graduate of The American University (Bachelor of Arts, Psychology), has been involved in the performing arts for over 25 years -- first as a performer, then as a teacher. With a multidisciplinary dance background, she has trained and performed with dance companies such as the San Francisco Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet, the Sacramento Ballet and the Banff Centre of Performing Arts in Canada.
In addition to her ballet, jazz, and modern dance company memberships, she has also performed as a guest artist at several dance and theater venues. Of special importance to Andrea was her participation in outreach programs designed to introduce young people to the joy of motion and principles of dance. She subsequently expanded her involvement in dance to include teaching. She began her teaching career as an instructor for adults and later went on to work with children as a ballet, jazz and Point technique instructor, most recently at The Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland. Additionally, Andrea has an extensive background in choreography, casting and staging performance pieces.
Andrea credits her participation in the performing arts for teaching her the invaluable lessons of self-discipline, dedication, hard work and goals setting. She is committed to bringing the same ethics to Dream Allstars and considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to have a positive impact on young lives.
Nashanta Ellerbe - Coach
 Nashanta is a member of the Baltimore Ravens Stunt Team where she served as the stunt captain for the 2005- 2006 season. Nashanta has been cheering for the past 16 years and has 9 years tumbling experience. Within her 16 years of cheerleading Nashanta cheered on scholarship at Morgan State University for 4 years and was named captain her senior year. She graduated from Morgan and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. Additionally, she was an All-American Cheerleader and has won numerous awards for her talent as a cheerleader. Nashanta has nearly a decade of judging experience and has directed camps for organizations such as Spirit Unlimited and NCA. In her earlier years she cheered at Wilde Lake High School for 4 years and was Howard County Cheerleader of the year in 2000. Nashanta joined the Dream Allstars family in 2005 and enjoys working with all the teams. In 2010, she was a finalist for Coastal's "General's Award" for Coach of the Year.
Kim Fitts - Coach
 Coach Kim brings 14 years of high school and 6 years of Allstar coaching experience to the Dream family. She also has extensive judging experience and holds safety certifications from NCA and UCA along with the AACCA (The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators).
Erin McGarry - Coach
 Coach Erin coaches Bliss and Rapture, our Youth 2 and Junior Coed 4 teams.
Eric Thompson - Coach
 Originally from Kansas City, Coach Eric joined the Dream staff in 2008.
Jacque B - Coach
 With more than 13 years of all star coaching experience, Jacque has numerous national titles under her belt. As an athlete, Jacque was a member of Potomac Valley's co-ed all star competitive team and the Magruder high school varsity co-ed team. Jacque earned several honors such as NCA All-American and UCA All-Star. She certified by the NCA and in first aid and CPR. Outside of the gym, Jacque is a therapist focusing primarily on child, adolescent and family work. Bringing a strong background in both cheerleading and psychological well being, Jacque takes pride in being a positive role model for her athletes.
Jacque graduated from Mount Saint Mary's University with B.A. in Philosophy and from Argosy University (formerly known as the American School of Psychology) with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She is currently working towards her Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology at Argosy.
Katy Smith - Coach
 Coach Katy has more than 6 years all-star coaching experience and over 16 years in gymnastic and cheerleading instruction. Formerly a competitive gymnast, she transitioned into the high flying world of cheerleading and has loved every minute of it! She began in middle school and continued cheering through high school where she received numerous honors including NCA All-American. After high school and during college she staffed for ECDA traveling, instructing, and setting up competitions along the east coast. Cheerleading has provided some amazing opportunities for Katy including: performing during the Citrus Bowl half-time show, traveling across the US, TV appearances, and coaching National Champions! Katy has a bachelors degree from Virginia Tech, and a masters degree from Hood College. She has worked with all ages and levels and truly enjoys helping each athlete achieve his/her highest potential. She is First Aid and CPR certified through the Red Cross as well as a volunteer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Dayna Hinton - Dance Program Director / Coach
 Dayna joined the Dream staff in 2010 as the director of our Dance program.
Shelly Guy - Flexibility Artist
 Shelly joins the Dream staff to help our athletes improve their flexibility and learn new stretching techniques. Her experience is wide-ranging starting with Gymnastics at age 6, moving to Rhythmic Gymnastics at age 10 and on to Contortion at age 15 and Aerial Silks at age 19. She performs around the country and the world appearing in Italy, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Hong Kong!
Pedro Sanchez - Tumble Coach
 Pedro joined the Dream staff in 2010 as a tumble coach.
Chippi Wims - "Dream Catchers" Coach
 Chippi is currently attending Montgomery College where she is majoring in Early Education and plans to receive her CDA next year. She is currently working at the Butler School in Germantown, helping with their after school program. Chippi has been a competitive cheerleader since the age 4. She cheered for Seneca Sports Rec division and in middle school where she was squad captain. She also cheered at a local allstar organization and for her high school, Watkins Mill. She cheered on both JV and Varsity and was squad captain her freshman year. She was an All American 3 times and performed at the Sugar Bowl, the Pro Bowl, and the Citrus Bowl. For the past two years she has been coaching for a local Rec program where she successful led her team to a National Championship Title. Chippi has been involved in cheerleading and gymnastics for most of her life. She is very excited joining Dream Allstars and coaching for Dream Catchers.
Lauren Archer - "Dream Catchers" Coach
 Lauren joins the Dream staff with tons of experience working with children and her love for cheerleading. She just received her A.A degree and will be starting the Montgomery College nursing program in the fall. She was a baton twirler, world and national champion team member of Wheaton majorettes for 13 years. She cheered for 6 years doing both rec and high school. She was squad captain her senior year of high school. She has taught cheerleading for Montgomery County rec summer camps for many years. This will be Lauren's third year coaching competitive cheerleading. She is very excited to be a part of the Dream staff and looking forward to a fun and successful year!
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