MEET THE STARS
Meet our stars and their partners. Don't forget to click the pair's button to vote for your favorite couple!
FEMALE STARS
Kristin Amron
Dancing with Tenki Nomura
Kristin is the General Manager of Kin Cocktail Bar & Lounge, owner of Mix Maven Mobile Bartending, and co-creator of The Ice Doctor, a specialty ice business. She was named a Top 15 Bartender in the U.S. by the USBG World Class Competition, earning recognition for her creativity and craft. Known for her bold personality, leadership, and mentorship of young service professionals, Kristin is bringing her signature artistry to the Gala stage.
MADISON ASHLEY
Dancing with Tales Ribeiro
Madison has lived abroad in Hong Kong, traveled to more than 25 countries, and now leads customer experience for a music marketing company. She is also a yoga and breathwork teacher of nearly a decade, herbalist-in-training, and community leader who runs a women’s book club. With her ballet and cheer background, flexible athleticism, and adventurous spirit, Madison is ready to bring both elegance and energy to the Gala spotlight.
SHEILA BLANCO
Dancing with Roberto Vega
Sheila is a top-producing REALTOR with The Mills Group at Keller Williams, the #1 real estate team in Alachua County. Beyond real estate, she’s a passionate freediver who loves exploring Florida’s springs with her Australian shepherd. With past ballroom and tango training, Sheila will blend confidence, rhythm, and her adventurous spirit to captivate on stage.
KIM-ANNE DODD
Dancing with Stirling Kolb
Kim-Anne is a U.S. Army Purple Heart combat veteran, who is currently battling ovarian cancer, and a martial arts instructor who inspires through her example, leadership and positivity. She and her husband own and run Mat Life Training Center, a martial arts gym which celebrates their 20 year anniversary in January. Kim-Anne personally teaches Fitness kickboxing for adults, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Muay Thai kickboxing to special needs students. After her time with the Peace Corps she became an American Red Cross volunteer and relocated to Florida after her deployment with hurricane Irma. Kim-Anne also loves fostering neonatal kittens for Alachua County animal rescue. With her boundless energy, humor, and love of hip hop, Kim-Anne is ready to bring unstoppable spirit to the Gala stage.
THERESA GLAESER
Dancing with Vic Mancuso
Theresa was born and raised in Gainesville and began her career in retail before joining the Disney Stores in Miami, where she gained invaluable training and leadership experience. In 2007, she returned home with her son and later earned her BAS in Organizational Management, eventually becoming the majority owner of LogoKick.com alongside her brother, Mitch. As a female minority small business owner, she is passionate about helping local businesses find their “light bulb” branding moment. With her warmth, creativity, and love of disco, Theresa is ready to light up the Gala stage.
JENNY HILL
Dancing with José Ramos
Jenny has trained in dance for more than 45 years across contemporary, jazz, ballet, West African, Brazilian samba, and hip hop. A Duke University graduate with a master’s in Education from UF, she has taught theater, yoga, and creative writing to youth while also helping launch a project-based middle school. Now Research Administration Manager at UF’s College of the Arts, Jenny is bringing artistry, experience, and passion to the Gala.
JESSICA HUROV
Dancing with Andre Valladon
Jessica Hurov serves as Alachua County’s Director of Tourism and Economic Development, where she creates and champions initiatives that drive visitation and strengthen the local economy. A passionate advocate for the arts, Jessica has long been part of Gainesville’s creative community. After moving to Gainesville from Boston, she spent nearly 15 years as Managing Director of the Hippodrome Theatre, where she first connected with Kim and Judy, sparking a lasting relationship with Dance Alive. As a recognized leader in the region’s cultural sector, she works to elevate the arts as a cornerstone of Alachua County’s identity, building economic vitality through creative and cultural growth. Her deep appreciation for the performing arts, coupled with her belief in their power to foster creativity and community, fuels her dedication to supporting the arts. Jessica is thrilled to step into the spotlight of Dancing with the Stars herself, channeling her love of theater and Broadway into a dazzling Gala routine.
SHASTA SCHOELLHORN
Dancing with Tucker Gokey
Shasta is a commercial real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Commercial MM Parrish, helping businesses and investors find their perfect spaces. She also serves on the Alachua Chamber of Commerce board, the Ronald McDonald House Advisory Council, and as Chair of GACAR, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year. A devoted mom of two, Shasta will bring her heart, humor, and high energy to the Gala stage.
JORGIA WOOTEN
Dancing with Luan Brito
Jorgia is a Gainesville native, small business owner, and proud hockey mom. As owner of Crime Prevention Security Systems, she helps protect her community while also raising cattle and horses on her family farm. With her background in regional theater and some love for salsa, Jorgia is set to bring both passion and playfulness to the Gala.
MALE STARS
JOYNER ATILES-LOPEZ
Dancing with Beatriz Póvoas
Joyner is the Assistant Director for MBA Signature Events at the University of Florida, where he creates transformative professional development experiences. A Puerto Rico native with a background in choir, band, and Latin dance teams, he’s choreographed salsa, merengue, bachata, and hip hop. Joyner is ready to blend his vibrant personality and high-energy Latin roots into a show-stopping performance.
JAMES BLYTHE
Dancing with Rachel Ridley
James is Principal at BXP Architects and co-owner of Kin Cocktail Bar & Lounge. Known for creating meaningful community spaces, he also teaches as an adjunct professor at UF. With creativity, humor, and heart, James is ready to design unforgettable moves on the dance floor. (Yes James is also the Architect for our New Building!)
TODD CHASE
Dancing with Emilia León
Todd is a retired Navy Commander with over 2,500 flight hours, a former Gainesville City Commissioner, and Managing Director at Lexis Real Estate Group. A Harvard Business School graduate, he’s spent his career in service and leadership roles across government and business. Todd is ready to channel his determination and a surprising pop-and-lock side into his Gala performance.
JUSTIN CLEMENT
Dancing with Rosemary DeIorio
Justin is Membership Account Executive at the Greater Gainesville Chamber, where he supports and onboards local businesses. He is also a trained actor and improviser, with experience at Chicago’s Second City, and brings creativity and humor to every stage. With charisma and storytelling at his core, Justin is ready to wow both on and off the dance floor.
JASON DIVEN
Dancing with Alison Tucker
Jason is a Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor and Gainesville native. He co-owns D1 Training Gainesville, a Division-1-style training facility affiliated with Tim Tebow’s D1 network, and has overseen more than $450M in construction projects in his past career in construction. With resilience, leadership, and big-family Gainesville roots, Jason is bringing high-octane spirit to the Gala.
Axel Giaccone
Dancing with Marilyn Deiorio
Axel has been in Gainesville since 2018. He is the owner of Creeks 19th restaurant in the Turkey Creek Golf community as well as a resident in the community. When he is not golfing, you can find him spending time with his family or more than likely, working! He gets joy and fulfillment providing a service for his community and also has a love for the arts.
JOAKIM “JAY” NORDQVIST, P.E.
Dancing with Marite Fuentes
Jay is CEO/Principal Engineer of GSE Engineering & Consulting, serving clients across Florida in geotechnical, structural, and environmental projects. A longtime Rotarian, Past Quarterback Club Captain, and community leader, Jay is also an avid sailor and athlete. His performance will blend precision, rhythm, and a love of Latin music. (Yes GSE are also the engineers for the New Building!)
ANDY STAPLES
Dancing with Beatriz Corrêa
Andy Staples covers college football across the country for On3. He hosts Andy & Ari On3, a daily show covering all the biggest stories in the sport. Andy served as a senior writer focused on college football and all barbecue-related issues for The Athletic from 2019-23. He also worked for 11 years at Sports Illustrated, covering college football and basketball. Prior to joining SI, Andy covered University of Florida athletics for The Tampa Tribune and University of Tennessee sports for the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
ZACH WEST
Dancing with Carla Amâncio
Zach is the founder of West Law Firm, where he advocates for clients with heart and purpose. A TEDx speaker, Double Gator, poet, and sourdough baker, he blends creativity with professionalism. With charm and rhythm, Zach is ready to share his passion for community on the Gala dance floor.
STEPHEN L. WALKER II, CFP®
Dancing with Ashley Brooke Valladon
Stephen is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Edward Jones and a Gainesville native. He is dedicated to mentorship and nonprofit service, helping build a stronger future for his community. With groove, generosity, and leadership, Stephen is set to shine on stage.