Meet the Staff of Twisters Elite
Coach Jackie is truly one of the OG’s of TE! Starting in the program as an athlete herself in 2003, starting to junior coach in 2006 to spending her 30th birthday as the gym owner. She has literally grown up as a ‘Twista Sista’. Every ounce of her focus & energy has been poured not only into the business but into the athletes. She prides herself in making the personal connections with each athlete; getting to know how they operate, figuring out how to get them to their next level and pushing passed their limits! Jackie coaches just about anything & everything: from Tiny Hip Hop to Senior Level 6! Her trophy count is endless. Everyone will tell you.. She is a strict, but loving coach. She is stern, but you can count on her to get your goals checked off. She bought the program in June 2019, right before COVID hit. That didn’t stop her, she has rebuilt a very successful program that she takes pride in! She continues the Twisters legacy by cultivating the family vibe you catch in this gym and continuing some traditions known to TE. Jackie’s favorite tradition; the end of the season uniform pool jump!
With 20 seasons at Twisters and a lifelong passion for Allstar cheer and Dance, I’ve dedicated my life to the sport that shaped me. I began cheering at age 6 and have earned multiple National Titles, Rings, Jackets, Worlds Bids, Summit Bids, and Dance Summit Bids throughout my journey.
Now, as a coach, I’m proud to help the next generation of athletes achieve those same milestones. My greatest joy comes from motivating athletes and making a meaningful impact on their lives—both on and off the mat.
To me, Twisters Elite isn’t just about cheer and dance. It’s my family, my purpose, and my passion.
Hey everybody! My name is Jasper Ralston and I’ve been coaching here at Twisters Elite since 2019. If I’m not coaching my teams, you will find me coaching our unlimited classes, running private lessons, or assisting anyone that may need an extra hand. My favorite part about coaching the athletes here at TE is getting to teach them more than just physical skills. I pride myself on training strong-minded athletes who are prepared to achieve any goal they set their minds to. Being a part of a program that emphasizes attention to detail and individual growth is by far the most rewarding opportunity I’ve been presented with. Throughout my seasons at TE I have been able to accomplish a few memorable titles, such as a 3rd place finish at WSF Nationals, Multiple Grand Champion finishes at Xtreme Spirit Championships, and a 1st Place Regional Summit finish. As an athlete, I’ve acquired 3 Worlds Bids, 1 Summit Bid and various National Championship titles. Joining our program doesn’t mean that you are only becoming part of one of our teams, it means that you are becoming part of our Twisters Elite Family!
My name is Jade, I am 30 years old. I started cheering when I was about 15 and am grateful for all the success, experiences, and friendships I’ve made! I spent several years working for NCA speed staff. I moved to Louisville, KY for college, cheered on Gym Tyme Platinum & won my first national title at NCA Dallas! I ended up moving back home, and thought that was the end of my cheer career, but was handed the opportunity to work for the Chicago Bulls to help bring the Incredibulls-their cheer team-to life. A few years later I was “recruited” to TVCC, did 2 years there, won my first college national title, then transferred to Texas Tech & won my 2nd college nationals! I am excited to bring my expertise to TE & share my love for the sport with the athletes here!
My name is Becca Klumak. I have been with Twisters elite for quite a long time, since 2007. I started as a team member and presently I have the privilege to coach and grow young athletes. I have been a cheer and dance athlete for about 12 years! I not only cheered for Twisters Elite but I then went to college and cheered as a Leatherneck at Western Illinois University. While at WIU I studied and excelled at Exercise Science (Kinesiology). I received my bachelors degree in 2016 and I felt the call to continue my love of cheer here at Twisters Elite. I have been coaching an array of teams such as tumbling, stretch, jumps, and cheer for Twisters since then. I have coached both full and half season teams. During these many years as an athlete and coach I have achieved many accolades; national titles, jackets, rings, worlds bids, a Summit bid, competed in Worlds for both cheer and dance. My favorite part about being a coach and mentor is the amazing end results that we see at the end of the season from our athletes. These are the athletes who have been working so hard to become, not only a better athlete but an overall better person. My future plans are not only to coach but to pursue my dream of continuing my studies and receiving my masters degree in nursing.
Hi everyone, I’m Mika gendusa. I’m 22 years old and
have been cheering since I was 9. Born and raised here at
Twisters Elite, I have built my skills under the training of the OG
Jackie Lindom and our beloved Coach Victor.
My freshman year I made the Grant High School varsity cheer team
and was the spotlight tumbler. I decided that competitive
cheerleading was more my thing so I continued to cheer for Twisters
Elite. A few years later I moved to Miami FL to cheer for
TopGun Lady Jags in 2019 -2021. After that I returned home to
coach for Twisters Elite and joined our open Hiphop team. I
have competed at worlds 8 times. 5 of them with Twisters Elite! And
have Globed once with TopGun Lady Jags.
Sharing my knowledge of tumbling and stunting techniques is my
passion and I’m excited to teach and watch my athletes
supersede the athlete I still am!
Hi I’m Megan Robinson! I am 30 and I have been involved in cheer, gymnastics and dance since I was 2 1/2. I began coaching dance at age 15 and never stopped. My favorite thing about coaching is watching the new generation learn, grow, and thrive! Here at Twisters you can find me in a tumble class or coaching one of our local or winter teams. Can’t wait to see you in a tumble session soon!
My name is Kimber Owens, I am a Tumble Coach here at Twister’s Elite. My cheer and tumble background goes all the way back to 2005! I have experience in recreational, high school and all-star cheerleading and competitive gymnastics/tumbling from 2002-2011. In high school I was a four year cheerleader at Richmond Burton Community High School - an exceptional program while I attended - with State placements and many conference and sectional championships. I eventually took my volunteer coaching to the township cheer program in 2009, to then teaching tumble classes at an Allstar gym. I’ve been coaching at Twisters Elite since 2011, and coached all four teams of the first Winter Season Program. After completing that season, I went on to pursue my college education. I have my degree in health sciences and my certification in Medical Imaging specializing in Radiography. Since then, I have returned to Twisters as a Tumbling Instructor. My experience with kids of all ages doesn’t just end with the gym; I was a nanny for many years, working with newborns to middle school age, and have years of experience with youth disabilities. I now work full time as a Radiologic Technologist at IBJI, so my experience with sports injury evaluation contributes to my philosophy of safe training. And although I have stepped back from the competitive world, I will always have a love for the sport and I’m so happy to be able to contribute to the athletic talent of not only our teams here at Twisters, but also many surrounding community teams and their athletes. Nothing makes me more fulfilled than seeing my athletes accomplish their skills, and the happiness of success I see on their faces puts a smile on mine!
I also have experience in choreography, flyer classes and conditioning classes. Aside from those, I do offer private lessons for tumble, stretch, and conditioning.
In my free time (what’s that?!) I’m either loving on my precious dog Teddy, doing a million projects around the house, and living it up in my pool! I’m so excited to meet more new athletes and help them succeed with a positive mindset - for more years to come! Last thing you should know - “I can’t” is not allowed under my instruction :)
Hi! I’m Kelcy stay at home mom of 3, Payton 8, Carson 6, and Payslee 3. I’ve always been an athlete and have had a passion for cheerleading and gymnastics. I started my athletic career as a competitive gymnast at age 7, winning multiple competitions and a state title. At age 12 I decided to make a change and join cheerleading. I cheered on my middle school and high school teams. Upon graduating in 2010 I began coaching with a youth rec organization North Shore Elite. I coached 8 seasons winning multiple state titles. While coaching for North Shore Elite I earned a bachelor’s degree at the cheerleading university which I took through the ICA. I took some time off after having my second child then in 2019 took an assistant coach’s position for the varsity cheerleading team at Zion Benton high school. Our family then decided to move to Johnsburg in 2021 where I now coach for the Johnsburg Junior Skyhawks 3rd/4th grade team. I am so honored to have had so many coaching opportunities and to be able to share my knowledge and passion with so many young athletes!
Hi, I’m Gianna! I’ve been involved in the world of competitive cheerleading for over 13 years. My all star journey began at Empire Athletics and came full circle at Twisters Elite, where I experienced some of the most unforgettable moments of my cheer career. I continued my passion at the collegiate level, cheering for Carthage College. After graduating, I was thrilled to return to Twisters Elite—this time as a coach—when Jackie offered me the opportunity. I've been coaching here for the past two years and have absolutely loved helping athletes grow both on and off the mat. I’m excited for what the future holds and can’t wait for the upcoming seasons!
I’m Jessica! I have been in dance and cheerleading since I was 7 years old. Like many of our coaches here, I too have cheered and danced here at Twisters. As I got older, I focused more on dance. I was Varsity all four years of high school and got a scholarship to dance in college! I have also performed at the half-time show in the NFL Pro-Bowl! I have been coaching cheer and dance for multiple organizations since I was 14 years old, and my mother was president of a local ICA program… so cheer has always been life! Once I found out I was having a daughter, I couldn’t wait to get her into cheer and dance. There’s no better place to have her other than Twisters Elite where her mom grew up too.
Hi! I have been with TE since 2012. I had 3 daughters and my grandson in the program .I have been involved as a Team Mom and then I became the Dance Director a few years ago. This season I moved into the Accounts Manger position. TE is my home and Family. I love watching all the athletes grow into their own. Im always here to help :) Please reach out with any questions! Become part of the Family :)
Hi! My name is Leilani Saldana. I’ve been a cheering and dancing since 2015 and was an athlete at Twisters for 8 years! I have been to the Dance Worlds that is held in Orlando 7 times as well as summit. I was also apart of the Varsity Cheer team at Antioch Community High school all four years of high school with accomplishments of 4x All-Conference Cheerleader, 4x All-American Cheerleader, and 2x All-State Cheerleader! Also, in this upcoming fall I will be apart of the Marquette University Cheerleading team! I am so excited to start working with many athletes and helping them grow their skills!
Hi! My name is Jab’breeyona Kirtdoll. I’ve been cheering and dancing since 2016 and was an athlete at Twisters for 3 years. I was also apart of the varsity cheer team at Zion Benton Community High School. Here at Twisters you can find me in a jumps or tumble class. I am looking forward to working with and coaching so many great athletes!!!
