Meet The Team

Owner/Founder

Dawan Carter

A University of South Florida alum, Coach Dawan specializes in College Prep, Team Training, Coed Stunting, and Tumbling.

"I remember when my dream job was being a teacher, then I found a sport I loved so much I wanted to do it forever. I'm blessed every day to live in a world where I get to live out both my passions by using my experiences to pour into the next generation of great cheerleaders"

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Director of Customer Experience

Gabby Villalta

A University of Tampa alum, Coach Gabby specializes in Team Training and supports our gym's operations.

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"The best part of my job is getting to know our athletes and their families, and supporting them in all areas of their lives. I love seeing their confidence grow simply by being surrounded by our incredible coaches and the positive, encouraging environment we’ve built. There’s truly nothing more rewarding than helping kids become the best versions of themselves in a space that’s both uplifting and fun!"

Director of Programs

Bella Guerra

A University of South Florida cheerleader, Coach Bella specializes in Tumbling, Group Stunt, Team Training and supports our gym's programs. 

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​"I’m so grateful to be a part of CheerForward. I’m passionate about helping our athletes grow - not just in their skills, but also in the life lessons they’ll carry with them for years to come. I love bringing positive energy into the gym and can’t wait to see how these athletes continue to develop this season and beyond. Let’s grind!"

Director of Marketing

Maddie Hollis

Coach Maddie is a cheerleader at the University of South Florida who specializes in Group Stunt and also supports our team in her marketing role.

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"I’m most excited to watch all of our athletes grow and grind! I love seeing them work so hard to master new skills and being a part of our social media team, where I get to highlight their progress and excitement on our page!"

Director of Events

Vanessa Zepeda

Coach Vanessa is a former Lindenwood University cheerleader who specializes in tumbling and group stunt, and supports our gym’s events.

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"I’m excited to keep dedicating my time to helping create better athletes while becoming a better coach along the way! Cheerleading is my passion, so being able to share that with the next generation means a lot to me."

Instructor

Ronnie Walker

A University of West Georgia alum, Coach Ronnie specializes in Tumbling, Coed Stunting, and Team Training.

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"I'm extremely excited to watch our athletes at CheerForward continue to grow in every aspect of life. I truly believe in the lasting and positive impact we're making - and I'm also thrilled to see our brand and coaches continue to expand and evolve!"

Instructor

Cary Fulks

A University of West Georgia alum, Coach Cary specializes in Coed Stunting and College Prep.

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"I’m really excited to work with a new group of athletes this Fall, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and teamwork. I can’t wait to build strong connections with each and every one of them!"

Instructor

Cora Carew

Coach Cora is a cheerleader at Steinbrenner High School and a dedicated member of our staff. She specializes in Tumbling and also supports our team at the front desk.

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"I’m most excited to watch all of our athletes blossom into the best versions of themselves -both as individuals and as athletes! I’m also thrilled to see CheerForward continue to grow across the country, so even more kids can be trained by the best of the best!"

Instructor

James Lockwood

A Morehead State University alum, Coach James specializes in Tumbling, Coed Stunting, Team Training, and College Prep.

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"I love working with people who always strive to be better. I truly admire anyone who’s dedicated to perfecting their craft and shows real devotion to their goals. Coaching these athletes gives me the opportunity to be part of that journey every day."

Instructor

Kayla Dick

A University of South Florida cheerleader, Coach Kayla specializes in Tumbling, Group Stunt, Stretch, and Team Training. 

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"What I’m most excited about is watching my teams and athletes grow and improve from now until the end of the season!"

Instructor

Kylie Chalmers

A University of South Florida cheerleader, Coach Kylie specializes in Tumbling and Group Stunt. 

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"I’m so excited to grind this Fall out with stunt and tumble classes and get to know new athletes hungry to improve and succeed with their skills! "

Instructor

Maddie Whalen

Coach Maddie is a cheerleader at Wesley Chapel High School. She specializes in Tumbling and also supports our team at the front desk.

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"I’m so excited to watch these athletes grow - not just in their skills, but also in their confidence. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing hard work, dedication, and passion turn into real progress."

Instructor

Regan Williams

A University of South Florida cheerleader, Coach Regan specializes in Tumbling and Group Stunt. 

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"My goal is to help every athlete reach their fullest potential, while also contributing to the growth of the CheerForward brand and the continued development of our training curriculum."

Instructor

Thomas Crawford

A University of South Florida cheerleader, Coach Thomas specializes in Coed Stunting and College Prep.

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"I’m excited to help grow the brand even more and keep pushing our training curriculum forward."

Instructor

Gabe Hopkins

A University of South Florida cheerleader, Coach Gabe specializes in Coed Stunting and College Prep.

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"I love cheerleading with all my heart, and I’m excited to help guide the next generation of athletes to become the best versions of themselves."