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Staff
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NEXT LEVEL CANADA
With significant experience in the cheerleading industry, our choreographers will help take your routines to the Next Level. Read more about our staff below.
OWNER
Chris Cox is the owner and founder of Next Level Choreography. Chris started Next Level with a vision to transform the choreography industry, and to bring together the top names in competitive cheerleading together under one brand. Under his direction, Next Level has taken the cheerleading industry by storm, and has quickly grown into the largest and most decorated choreography company in the world. Chris’ dedication to customer service, his commitment to uphold the upmost standards of professionalism within the company, and his constant push to be on the forefront of innovation, have all driven Next Level to quickly establish itself as the dominant force in the choreography industry today.
As a choreographer, Chris has worked with some of the top programs in cheerleading, and has lead teams to success at The Summit, D2 Summit, Worlds, and countless other events. His attention to detail, and his focus on driving innovation in building skills in particular, have lead him and his clients to find success consistently. His philosophy on choreography is very much focused on smart and very customized choreography, which will play to a team’s strengths while also maximizing a team’s effectiveness on a score sheet. He also is a firm believer in creating unique and memorable routines through movement, innovative transitions, and routines that will make a lasting impact. His belief is that a great routine should be memorable, innovative, unique, and entertaining, all while matching up with a team’s particular style and technical strengths. Chris’ success as a choreographer have made him one of the most in-demand innovators in the industry today.
Chris has been in the cheerleading industry for 20 years, and his experience has had him in many different roles. In his career he has worked as a coach and choreographer up and down the west coast, before ultimately moving to Las Vegas where he was a founder of what would become the largest gym in Nevada. He took this experience in branding and business growth with him to Colorado, where he assumed a director position at a multi-location gym where his responsibilities had him working over 4 locations in 2 states.
Ultimately, Chris’ passion was for choreography, and he made the choice to return to the west coast and transition into a role as a full-time choreographer and business consultant. Upon moving to San Diego, he created Next Level Choreography. As Next Level has grown, Chris has continued to be out in the field, choreographing routines all over the world, in addition to overseeing the growth of the Next Level brand. With Chris, and ultimately with Next Level, you’ll have a partner for your entire season, and beyond, whose dedication to your success extends far beyond the mat. It is his firm belief that your choreography, which is essentially your product you put on the floor, is SO much more than just routines. Choreography is your brand, it is the driving force for your success, and it is the unique signature of your program. His philosophy is that as choreographers we impact the lives of children, as well as the success and growth of your business, and he is determined to make both an absolutely successful and positive experience!
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Lindsey comes to us with over a decade of coaching and managing experience in the cheerleading industry. She is currently the gym director for both locations of South Bay Divas Allstars in the greater Los Angeles area where she resides with her daughter and fiancé.
Lindsey has led several teams to local championships, NCA titles, and Summit wins over time, while managing all of the behind the scenes of a competitive cheerleading gym.
She understands the importance of organization, communication, meeting expectations, and is excited to bring these skills to the Next Level family.
Bailey Bossman
Bailey was born and raised in Newnan, Georgia and comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the all star world. Bailey’s passion for all things cheer stems from her mom who opened her first cheer gym in 2002. She quickly excelled as an athlete and competed at her first worlds in 2009 at age 12.
At the age of 14, Bailey began coaching at her moms gym and doing choreography jobs for the lower levels and other community cheer teams. She knew that one day she wanted to make wow worthy routines like the ones she grew up watching and completely in awe of.
Following her high school years, she attended and cheered at the University of South Carolina until she suffered a bad spine injury that led her back to the all star world. She spent time healing and got back into coaching full time. Since then she has worked alongside many amazing coaches that have inspired her to never give up on her dreams.
It was through her job coaching at Top Gun Ohio that she made connections and ended up commuting back and forth to Top Gun Miami in 2018 & 2019 while also coaching and doing choreography back home in Georgia for her moms gym. In 2020 she spent time doing choreography in Australia, while also making it her mission to further advance their knowledge and skill set so the sport can grow internationally. In addition, she returned home and was blessed with another opportunity to keep coaching and doing choreography while also commuting to Top Gun Orlando to compete on Revelation. Bailey’s three seasons with Top Gun not only brought her 3 silver medals at Worlds, but it also gave her a better, more innovative mindset as a coach and choreographer. Bailey currently coaches at Rockstar Cheer Charleston where she just won her first Summit title in the Small Junior 1 Division.
Bailey prides herself on her attention to detail and her fun, fast paced routines. She absolutely loves working with kids and believes that her longtime and recent experience as an athlete helps her truly understand the ins and outs of cheer and what each athlete is capable of. Her many years of coaching and watching the industry evolve gives her a great perspective and she is so excited to finally fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a choreographer working alongside some of the top names in the industry.
BENJAMIN HEAD
Ben’s cheerleading journey started with what his mother thought to be a beginner tumbling class at the age of 5. This little tumbling class soon turned into a lifetime in the industry.
Ben comes from Owensboro, Kentucky but lives in Lexington, Kentucky currently. For 12 years, Ben cheered for Cheer Zone All-Stars in Owensboro and moved to Lexington in 2012 after making the University of Kentucky Cheerleading squad. From 2012-2016 Ben served as a cheerleader on White Squad and won Cheersport 4 times while attending the University. His choreography career started when he became the graduate assistant coach for the University of Kentucky. In 2018, he became Assistant Coach and spent four years choreographing White Squad’s Cheersport routine along with other high schools and gyms across the east coast.
In 2019, Ben opened Kentucky Cheer Academy in Lexington. Ben is the all-star director, manager, and choreographer for teams at his gym. One of his favorite parts of choreographing routines is the creative process and figuring out teams’ strengths to best prepare them for competitions.
Brett Karabinos
Brett Karabinos is originally from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He ignited his cheer career when he started cheering at NJ Spirit Explosion.
After cheering for 8 years in New Jersey, Brett moved to San Diego and attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. He also became a professional dancer and is signed with Movement Talent Agency. While in California, he earned three bronze medals at the Cheerleading Worlds with The California Allstars Cali Coed.
After graduation, Brett continued his career as an All-Star Cheerleading Choreographer and is adored by his clients for his patience and contagious personality. He enjoys making his athletes and clients feel special! Brett is well known in the industry for his extraordinary technique, his seamless and fast-paced routines, his explosive dances, and his versatile creativity.
Cara Ryder
Cara comes from Platinum Athletics in Missouri and has been in the cheerleading industry for 19 years. Cara grew up with all star cheerleading in her life and her accomplishments as an athlete, a coach, and a choreographer are numerous. She has made multiple appearances at Worlds, competing and coaching with Platinum Athletics. Cara also has experience cheering at the collegiate level.
As a coach and choreographer, Cara has consistently taken her team to the Summit and Worlds on paid bids. Her teams dominate their region and bring an unmatched level of cleanliness to the mat. Cara’s strengths as a coach with a strong eye for cleanliness translate into a choreography style that is smart, balanced, and brings success to all of her clients. Her motto when it comes to choreography is “Cleanliness, Innovation, and Seamless transitions above all.”
Cara brings a level of care to her routines that is unmatched. In addition to that, she strongly believes in making connections with her athletes and getting to know them on a personal level. She prides herself in putting her heart into the routines she creates and wants the athletes to genuinely love. These personal connections allow her to really assess and highlight the strengths of each team she works with!
COLEMAN CHAISTY
CARLOS REALPE
Introducing Carlos Realpe, a force behind numerous championship wins in the world of cheerleading. Coming from Atlanta, Georgia, Carlos has had an incredible career. From cheering at some of the top programs in the country such as: California All Stars, Gymtyme, and The university of Louisville, to serving as the Summit Program Director at The Stingray All Stars for 4 years (6 total with the company).
Carlos is known for his visionary approach, possessing an innate talent for choreographing fast-paced, unique, and innovative routines that set him apart in the industry. His choreography and strategic coaching have led teams to several summit and world championship wins. He has cultivated a culture of excellence, molding aspiring athletes, coaches and programs into champions.
David Lengling
David grew up in the suburban midwest and fell in love with cheerleading at a young age through his older sister. By the time he was in high school, David was already providing choreography and music services for all the local schools in his area. He graduated high school a year early and moved across the country to start college while coaching and cheering at ACE Cheer Company, continuing his choreography career.
A decade later, David now resides in Atlanta, GA, and travels full time providing choreography services in over 10 countries across the world. David is well-known in the cheer industry for choreographing innovative, beautiful, and memorable routines that produce results, including Worlds, Summit and other major international event championship titles.
David takes pride in working with teams at every skill level and contributing to the growth of the sport across the globe for all abilities and levels. He thrives off of working with a variety of teams in different cultures. His proudest moments in his career include the times when he has helped ignite the passion for the sport of cheerleading in his athletes.
Devin Allen
Devin Allen is from Sacramento, California. He fell in love with cheerleading when he started cheering at POWER Allstars. Devin also cheered on The California Allstars BLACK OPS, where he won silver and gold at the Cheerleading World Championships. Devin is also in the Nfinity Legend’s Hall of Fame.
For the last seven years, Devin has been providing choreography services for programs across the nation. His talent for his craft has catapulted his popularity as a choreographer in the industry.
Devin is well-known for his routines with fast-paced and continuous movements that are packed with originality and personality.
DeVON VALE
Devon Vale is from Orlando, FL, and is a head coach and choreographer for Top Gun Allstars. Devon has choreographed and coached multiple top National, Summit, and Worlds teams, including leading teams to UCA and NCA Championship titles and numerous Innovative Choreography awards.
Devon has extensive experience choreographing routines for all star, recreational programs, and school and college scholastic cheer programs. She has choreographed teams from levels 1-7 in 26 out of 50 states, and choreographed teams internationally in Canada, Germany, and Sweden.
Devon is admired in the cheer industry for her creative choreography and her ability to increase flow, visuals, and routine composition. Her choreography combines difficulty with effortless intricacy and energy.
ERNIE VALDES
With almost 30 years of experience as a choreographer in the cheer and dance industry, Ernie Valdes is passionate about creating custom routines for athletes who share the love for cheerleading. As a coach and choreographer, Ernie’s teams have been awarded many Innovative Choreography awards, many of those teams have proven their success by winning their respective post season final events, be it The Cheerleading Worlds, The Summit, or the All-star Worlds Championship. His routines showcase visual transitions, creative stunting elements, exciting and innovative pyramids that are sure to leave a memorable impression on any judge, coach, parent, or athlete that’s spectating the performance. Born and raised in South Florida, he’s well known and has held residencies at popular programs like Top Gun, Legend, Encore, and Rock Solid All-stars. Later in his career, he made big moves by joining the coaching staff at Maryland Twisters All-stars and at the University of Maryland. Later he made the biggest move by establishing residency and becoming choreography director at ICE All-stars for all of the programs’ locations at that time. Ernie is patient and genuinely takes great interest in the success, happiness, and safety of all of the athletes under his direction.
JARRAN SHOCKLEY
Jarran has always been passionate about cheerleading as he started at the young age of 12 in a rural town in West Virigina. Since then has dove into the sport head first and now resides in Buffalo, New York. He has won several NCA, State, Summit, and other national titles.
Jarran strives to create strong athletic looking routines with sassy choreography and dance. He loves to push the limits of teams with strong basics. He is versed in working with all types of cheer teams, but all star and high school teams are his favorite.
He believes that because of his diverse cheer background it helps him mold your style with his own and make a masterpiece. Working with many team types helps show his character in a fun athletic way!
JOEl BURCH
Prior to relocating to Los Angeles, CA, Joel has coached levels 1 through 6 at the Top Gun Allstars for the past 7 years.
As a coach at Top Gun, Joel won 2 UCA International titles and finished in the top 3 at The Summit. During the 2020-2021 season he won NCA Nationals as athlete on Top Gun Revelation. In addition, Joel spent 11 years as a head instructor for NCA. When Joel started his coaching career in began doing choreography. Joel specializing in stunts and pyramids.
He is passionate about making children smile and traveling. As part of the Next Level team, his goal is to inspire as many people as possible as well as create unforgettable memories and routines!
JAY RUFFIN
Jay Ruffin is from Norwalk, CT. He fell in love with cheerleading (long before he first stepped on the sidelines his senior year at Stamford High School.)
After high school Jay cheered for Xtreme Cheer All Stars. While cheering at Xtreme he began coaching and choreographing all star routines. At the age of 22 Jay moved to South Carolina for undergrad at Limestone University. Shortly after graduating Limestone with a BA in Studio Art Jay became the first Alumni to pour back into the program through choreographing their NCA Nationals routine since 2016.
In 2017 Jay moved to Indianapolis to coach and choreograph at ICE All Stars. After living in different states Jay brought his knowledge back to CT in 2020 where he started judging for Varsity and choreographing routines throughout Fairfield and New Haven County with First Look Cheerleading Company. Jay is known for his dynamic, fierce, and action packed routines. He enjoys bringing out confidence in athletes and teaching them how to light up the stage.
Jose Andres GalVAn
KAREEM SPANN
Kareem Spann is a seasoned figure in the world of all-star cheerleading, boasting a wealth of knowledge and expertise accumulated over more than 15 years in the field. Originally from New Jersey, his journey began at Star Athletics where he honed his skills and passion for the sport. Upon graduating Kareem became a member of the University of Kentucky Cheerleading Squad from 2011 to 2014.
With a commitment to coaching excellence, Kareem has worked with athletes spanning from the age of 3 to over 18, guiding them towards success both on and off the mat. His dedication to the craft led him to become an appointed cheer director at Camp Woodward, where he spent 7 years coaching hundreds of athletes & training staff in tumbling techniques.
In recognition of his outstanding talent and contributions to the sport, Kareem was awarded the prestigious Nfinity Legend Title in 2016, solidifying his status as one of the most talented athletes in the country during that time.
Outside of coaching, Kareem shares his expertise globally through choreography, collaborating with various programs around the world. His passion for all-star cheerleading knows no bounds, and he continues to inspire and elevate athletes to new heights of excellence.
Kareem has coached and choreographed numerous teams and routines that have achieved top ten finishes at prestigious events such as Summit, D2 Summit, and The Cheerleading Worlds. His profound passion for All Star Cheer is evidenced by his dedication to crafting unique and innovative routines characterized by dynamic pace and captivating visual elements.
KEVIn AHERN
Bio coming soon!
KlAy Lawler
Klay Lawler began his career in all star hip hop and transitioned to all star cheerleading as an athlete in Pennsylvania. He has competed at both the Dance Worlds and Cheerleading Worlds as and athlete and a coach!
Klay has choreographed routines for numerous programs across the country and is admired for his energetic and exciting routines that have won various national championship titles.
Klay is well-known in the industry for his fun and unique dances and innovative building skills. Building skills choreography is where Klay initially gained notoriety in the industry. His seamless pairing of difficult skills, with innovative transitions and strong visual appeal have really been a key factor in defining Klay’s unique style. He is also highly regarded for his patient and encouraging coaching techniques.
Kyle Colagrossi
Kyle comes from Waterbury, CT and is currently the Director of Technique & Training at his home gym, the USA Wildcats.
Kyle’s cheerleading career began at age 9 after being introduced to the sport by his mother who has coached since before he was born. In a true full circle moment, Kyle currently coaches the Senior Open Coed Level 6 team with his mother. Keeping true to the family mentality, Kyle also coaches the L3 U17 team with his sister, who happened to be his coach for many years prior. Throughout his cheerleading career Kyle has won numerous national titles including Jamfest Super Nationals and the UCA International All-Star Championships. Along with winning state, regional and national titles Kyle is also a multi-time finalist at the Summit and Cheerleading Worlds.
His journey as a choreographer started at the young age of 16, and since then he has accumulated numerous innovative choreography awards at the high school, college and all-star levels. Kyle is considered the premier stunting and pyramid specialist. Creative, clean and innovative sequences that push the boundaries of the scoresheet is what sets Kyle’s stunts & pyramids apart from the pack. His outgoing personality helps him keep things exciting for athletes while creating a positive atmosphere to learn.
A deep passion for the sport and all things creative is what drives Kyle to keep evolving and elevating his craft. He is dedicated to providing teams with stunts and pyramids that will not only push the envelope, but generate success.
Malek Hinton
Malek is originally from Chicago, IL, but now lives down under in Sydney, Australia! He began cheerleading his freshman year of high school after taking tumbling classes and falling in love with the sport. He has cheered at some of the Nation’s most prestigious collegiate programs including Navarro College and the University of Louisville. He has also cheered for ICE Allstars, GymTyme Allstars, and Cheer Athletics Wildcats.
Malek started his cheerleading career at a young age choreographing routines and thrives watching his athletes progress in the sport, just as he did in his youth. He has had the privilege working with teams of every caliber, choreographing teams to finals at Worlds, Summit, and D2 Summit.
Malek is well known for his fast-paced and energetic routines that push the boundaries of difficulty and creativity. He is also well known in the industry for his contagious enthusiasm and incredible bonds with his clients.
Montel Graham
Montel is from Central North Carolina and has been a part of the all-star cheerleading industry for over 10 years with a combination of athlete, coach, and choreographer experience. He is USASF certified for levels 1-6 and has obtained experience judging during his all star career. In addition, he has made his appearance on a few Worlds teams over the last few years since “you never fully retire” as he says.
Montel has choreographed numerous all star routines winning multiple best/most innovative stunts, pyramid, and choreography awards. He is passionate about bringing his unique creativity to life through his routines and looks forward to the teams and athletes he works with growing their passion for the sport.
MORGAN GILBREATH
Morgan Gilbreath is originally from central North Carolina. She started at Cheer Craze Allstars.
All-state and State Champion in high school proceeded to cheer at UNC-Charlotte. Continued to compete on All-Stars through the years and took the worlds mat up to age 29 years old.
Morgan knew she had a talent for choreography and began at the age of 16, working with middle schools and younger all star teams. Morgan is well known for her creative stunts and overall use of athletes and floor space. Morgan loves seeing her athletes and clients achieve their goals and bump their scores up each competition.
Nathan Williams
Bio coming soon!
Nicole Henigan
Bio coming soon!
Rob Boyles
Rob Boyles has worked in the cheer industry since 2001. Cheerleading is his passion and he always strives to be the the best.
Rob is well-known for his attention to detail and his focus on technique. He strives to work with each athlete individually and identify their strengths and weaknesses in order to help each member of the team perform to the best of their ability.
Rob has experience with every aspect of the cheer industry and has worked with athletes and teams on every level. He is an accomplished level 1-6 cheer and tumbling coach and choreographer, and has choreographed routines for all star, high school and college teams. Rob’s coaching titles include multiple State, National and Grand National titles, as well as Summit and Worlds titles.
SCOTT SPARKMAN
Scott was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and has been in the cheerleading industry for over 16 years. His Sophomore year of high school, after transitioning over from being a competitive figure skater, Scott fell in love with the sport of cheerleading. Realizing there was more than just school cheer Scott joined Woodlands Elite, and his love for everything all star cheer began.
Scott has been a part of the all star industry in Houston, San Antonio, and DFW. For the past 8 seasons, he has been a head coach and choreographer for Express Cheer in Frisco, TX. As a coach and choreographer, Scott has continually taken his teams to Summit, and Worlds. Scott’s strengths as a coach, and choreographer are his ability to build routines based off the individual strengths of each team. He takes into account the individual athletes and is able to find a way to showcase each element on the scoresheet with a creative, seamless, and clean routine.
Scott loves creating for all levels, and divisions. He enjoys the excitement of the constant changes of each client he works with. Every athlete, team, and gym brings something new and exciting to cheer. This vibe is what allows him to create something that is tailor fit towards each program that he works with throughout the seasons.
Shanden Thompson
Shanden has been part of the all-star cheer & dance industry since 2014 competing with highly decorated programs such as ACE Allstars and Top Gun Allstars Miami.
Shanden began his career at Woodward in 2018 where he found his love for coaching tumbling and doing dance choreography and has enjoyed doing both ever since.
Some of his goals include starting a mental health advocacy for the cheer industry and choreographing his first Worlds routine. In his free he enjoys yoga, trying new foods, and traveling.
Stefan San Nicolas
Stefan San Nicolas is from Fresno, CA.
He started his choreography career while he was still in High School and has continued to choreograph for multiple All-Star and High School teams for 13 years. His passion for cheerleading and performance is evident as he had led teams to various championships. As a coach and choreographer, his teams have continued to have placed and had top finishes at The Summit, D2 Summit, NCA, USA Nationals, Cheerleading Worlds, and many other events.
Currently Stefan is the Creative Director and Head Coach for Pyramid Athletics for levels 1-6. He is USASF certified from level 1-6. In addition to his team’s excellent records, Stefan has received numerous Innovative Stunt and Choreography awards. Stefan’s choreography style can be described as eye-catching, innovative, and clean with creative elements.
TIY FOUNTAIN
Tiy has been involved with cheerleading since 1985, and has been a cheer and dance competition judge since 1990. He was a cheerleader for Milton Hershey High School in Hershey, PA where in 2009 his passion and knowledge for choreography gave him notoriety with the Spartan Hall of Fame Award Visual & Performing Arts for Music and Vocal Performance. In addition, Tiy was a three-time High School NCA All American. Tiy attended Florida International University majoring in Public Relations where he was a two-time NCA Collegiate All American and Grand National Champion.
Tiy was a NCA staff member for 13 years, and head instructor for eight years. He received the L. R. Herkimer Team award as well as the Top Instructor Award. He was recognized by American Cheerleader Magazine as the 18th and 10th most influential, and “Who’s Who” in America. These awards allowed him to travel throughout the country and worldwide to work special events, camps, and choreography clinics in Chile, Germany, and England. In addition, Tiy has done various parades and bowl games and since 2010, he has choreographed the Cheer/Dance section for the Bowl Games of America as well as the Pearl Harbor Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2015.
Tiy has also had the opportunity to work with various schools, universities, and organizations worldwide. He coached the NCA Junior Co-Ed Champions 2011 World Cup Starlites, World Cup Shooting Stars “Five-Time World Champions,” and. was named the 2012-2013 World Cup Coach of the Year. For 17 years he was the first and former resident choreographer and coach at the World Cup Training center and owner of “A Blaque Tiy Affair LLC” Choreography.
Trey Johnson
Trey Johnson has been in the cheerleading industry for fourteen years and has eight years of choreography experience. As an athlete, Trey won the 2014 Cheerleading Worlds with Top Gun Large Coed, and continued his cheerleading career with Prodigy Midnight, earning a Worlds bronze medal in 2016 and a Worlds silver medal in 2017.
Trey currently resides in Houston, Texas, and coaches at All Star Revolution. As a coach, he has led his teams to multiple National and Regional titles, including NCA and Worlds. He prides himself on the ability to create memorable moments throughout every routine section bringing excitement and energy throughout the entire routine. Trey constantly challenges himself to add innovation to every level and routine section, and strives to create skills and transitions that are difficult to re-create.
Trey’s experience as an athlete gives him the further ability to focus on creating a positive experience for the athlete, creating routines athletes enjoy performing while also maxing out the score sheet, culminating in all around successful seasons.
TROY Hedgren
Troy Hedgren entered the cheerleading industry in 1997 when he opened Magic All-Stars
In 2010 He was the Co-Founder of Pacific Coast Magic and helped open multiple gyms in California, Arizona, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Troy is a National and International choreographer working with gyms all over America, Canada, and Costa Rica. He is best known for his building creativity and Pyramid “MAGIC”. Troy is a frequent instructor at many skills camps bringing his knowledge in all areas of cheer training. Troy is a multiple Summit Champion coach and choreographer and a 2 time Worlds Bronze medal champion
Troy has been married for 30 years to his high school sweetheart and is the father of three children.
He has been an Industry leader and innovator for more than 2 decades and brings that experience to every gym and athlete that he works with.
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