About Us

Next Generation Gym Owners is here to help business owners take control of their business, recruit new members and earn their freedom. We have been-there, done-that and we’re here to help others do the same. In fact, each of us here at Next Gen not only owns our gym, but has been through many challenges over the years as we grow our programs.

THE OWNERS OF NEXT GEN

OUR COACHING STAFF

OUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

ABOUT US

DAN COTTON
CEO for Next Generation Gym Owners | Owner of Oregon Dream Teams
Dan, along with his wife, Tori, own and operate Oregon Dream Teams in Tigard, OR. ODT specializes in all star cheerleading, but also has a thriving recreational program. Oregon Dream Teams has a franchise location as well in Wilsonville, Oregon.  Dan is also the owner of Dream Camps, providing residential and at-home camp instruction to All Star and high school programs throughout the United States and Canada. Dan served in the United States Army National Guard for eight years. He served full-time as a police officer for the City of Beaverton for 15 years and a reserve officer for 3 years after. Dan is the Chief Executive Officer for Next Generation Gym Owners and host of the Cheer Biz Podcast, which notably received more than 150,000 downloads and more than 400 episodes. This podcast is the #1 business-building podcast in the after-school industry.
    DANIELLE JOHNSTON
    COO for Next Generation Gym Owners | Owner of Twister Sports
    Danielle Johnston is the owner of Twister Sports, a multi-program cheer and training facility in Warrensburg, Missouri, serving approximately 650 athletes across recreational and competitive cheer, tumbling, gymnastics, dance, ninja, and more. Twisters is also a high-volume event facility, hosting hundreds of birthday parties and special events each year.

    Since 2013, Danielle and her husband Justin have founded and scaled eight businesses, with a strong focus on building systems-driven operations that are both profitable and sustainable. Her experience spans marketing, finance, and operational infrastructure, with a proven track record of increasing business value and preparing companies for long-term growth or sale.

    Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and spent seven years in public relations with the United States Air Force, where she developed her foundation in strategic communication and media.

    She is a co-owner of Next Generation Gym Owners, where she also serves as the Chief Operations Officer. In this role, she helps gym owners implement systems that drive revenue, improve retention, and reduce operational chaos. Her areas of expertise include financial strategy, staff development, marketing, website optimization, and scalable systems.

    Danielle is also the author of the Cheer Gym Owners’ Handbook and the host of the Fullout Cheer Podcast, where she shares real-world strategies and insights for gym owners looking to grow and lead more effectively.

      JUSTIN JOHNSTON
      Sales Lead for Next Generation Gym Owners | Owner of Twister Sports
      Justin also owns Twister Sports in Warrensburg, MO. His background is in Occupational Safety and Health. He spent 21 years in the United States Air Force before retiring in 2019. Justin spent seven years in the Missouri Highway Patrol. In his current role at Twisters, he is the facility manager of a 35,000 sq. ft. building and specializes in contracts and leasing agreements. Justin has general contracted all renovations at the gym to include a 1,000 sq. ft. ninja warrior obstacle course. Justin is the Sales Lead of Next Generation Gym Owners and the first point of contact for all new Academy members.
        RIANA LUCK
        CTO for Next Generation Gym Owners | Owner of Premier Academy
        Riana is the owner of Premier Academy Cheerleading & Tumbling in Red Deer, Alberta, and co-owner of Premier Academy locations in Fort McMurray and Bonnyville. Across its three locations, Premier Academy provides competitive and recreational cheerleading, tumbling, ninja, licensed preschool programs, camps, birthday parties, and a variety of youth programming that serves hundreds of families each year.

        As a mother of five, Riana has built her businesses around effective leadership, scalable systems, and operational excellence, creating the freedom to spend time with her family while continuing to grow successful organizations.

        Through her work with Cheer Gym Marketing, Riana helps cheer gym owners streamline and grow their businesses using proven systems, automation, and marketing strategies. She specializes in customer experience, staffing, operational systems, and lead management, helping gyms improve conversion rates, increase retention, and reduce the day-to-day administrative workload. Having built and refined these systems within her own gyms, Riana is passionate about helping other gym owners create businesses that are both profitable and sustainable.

          SHELLEY SHEPARD
          Conference Director for Next Generation Gym Owners | NGE Operations Manager | Owner of Five Star Athletics
          Shelley owns and operates Five Star Athletics in Reno, NV. Shelley has owned cheer gyms since 2003. Along with her husband Tom, she opened Five Star in 2010 from the ground to now over 500 athletes. Five Star Athletics has a strong All Star Cheer Program known throughout the industry. Five Star also offers recreational cheerleading, tumbling, warriors, summer camps, and high school programs. Shelley has a bachelor’s degree in education. As a Next Generation coach, she specializes in teaching how to have a profitable All Star program and systemization. Shelley is the Chief Operations Officer for Next Gen ensuring the effective implementation of all programs within the company including conferences, programs, and sponsorships. Additionally, Shelley is a consultant in the Next Gen Owners Academy specializing in all star programs and all star budgeting.
            BRANDON LEMING
            CONSULTANT | Owner of Tullahoma Cheer & Gymnastics
            Brandon Leming is the co-owner of Tullahoma Gymnastics & Cheer, which he operates alongside his wife, Katie. Together, they serve more than 600 families each week through recreational and competitive gymnastics and cheer programs, after-school care, daytime programming, full-day summer camps, and special events.

            A passionate leader, Brandon is committed to helping kids discover confidence, develop character, and reach their potential. His faith in Jesus is the driving force behind his leadership philosophy and the culture he works to create every day.

            Above all else, Brandon is a husband and father. He and Katie are raising two daughters, and he considers his family his greatest blessing and most important ministry. His mission is simple: honor God, love people well, and build programs that make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

            Through Next Gen, Brandon has helped multiple gyms develop into annual million dollar businesses!

              KATIE LEMING
              CONSULTANT | Owner of Tullahoma Cheer & Gymnastics
              Katie Leming is the co-owner of TGC, which she operates alongside her husband, Brandon. She oversees operations, coaches competitive cheer and dance, and leads systems management, including the implementation and optimization of the NG Engine platform. Katie specializes in building efficient, scalable systems that support both team performance and organizational growth. As a parent of two young children actively involved in TGC programs, she brings a well-rounded and deeply invested perspective to the community she serves.
                KELLIE BUCHANAN
                CONSULTANT | Owner of Big Rock Gymnastics & Dynamite Cheer
                Kellie Buchanan is the owner of Big Rock Gymnastics & Dynamite Cheer in the small town of Richfield, UT. Kellie owned Dynamite Cheer for 10 years before buying Big Rock Gymnastics in 2015. Kellie runs a number of successful programs at her gym and is an expert in daytime programming and maximizing floor space. Her gym also offers a full curriculum preschool, day camps, night camps, class and team programs as well as birthday parties. As a consultant at Next Gen, Kellie specializes in teaching owners how to effectively delegate as well as maximize their space and fill all hours of the day.
                  KIERRA PELZ
                  CONSULTANT | Owner of Premier Academy
                  Kierra Pelz has been a dedicated gym owner in northern Canada for the past 8 years. Prior to owning her own gym, she spent six years as a director for her previous gym owner, gaining valuable experience and insights into the industry. Her expertise led her to coach for Next Generation Gym Owners, she also taught at numerous NG conferences. Passionate about empowering fellow gym owners, Kierra specializes in training staff, establishing a positive culture, ensuring owners pay themselves fairly, and effectively delegating tasks to prevent burnout. Her mission is to help gym owners maintain their love for their work without compromising their well-being.
                    LEXY HUMPHREY
                    CONSULTANT | Owner of Victory Cheer & Tumble
                    Lexy Humphrey is a driven entrepreneur and the visionary behind multiple thriving businesses, led by Victory Cheer & Tumble. What began in 2019 inside her garage has grown into a premier training facility serving hundreds of families.

                    After transitioning from her career as a Family & Consumer Sciences teacher, Lexy committed fully to building a program rooted in discipline, confidence, and opportunity for young athletes. Through strategic growth and strong leadership, she expanded Victory into a full-scale facility offering competitive All-Star cheer, competitive and recreational gymnastics, tumbling, ninja programs, and a licensed preschool, along with hosting large-scale events and competitions.

                    Known for her high standards and passion for development, Lexy has built more than a gym—she’s created a community where athletes and families feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.

                      MADELINE RAYNOR
                      CONSULTANT | Owner of Carolina Coast Athletics
                      Madeline Raynor owns Carolina Coast Athletics, a rapidly growing cheerleading and tumbling facility in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. She built her gym from the ground up, scaling to over 400 athletes within the first three years through intentional programming, strong systems, and a relentless focus on customer experience. CCA offers All-Star cheerleading, recreational cheer, tumbling, ninja, and preschool programs, camps, clinics, and birthday parties serving athletes from beginner through elite levels.

                      With a background as both a coach and former teacher, Madeline brings a systems-driven, development-focused approach to youth sports. She is known for building structured programs that prioritize athlete progression, parent communication, and long-term retention—while also developing a strong, accountable staff culture.

                      As both a business owner and a mom of two under two, Madeline balances the art of delegation with building systems that allow her gym to operate and grow without her involvement in every detail. She is passionate about helping other gym owners step out of day-to-day overwhelm by implementing clear systems, empowering their staff, and creating sustainable, scalable businesses.

                      As a Next Gen consultant, Madeline specializes in program structure, retention systems, and effective delegation strategies that free up owners’ time while driving growth and profitability.

                        MALORIE LEAVITT
                        CONSULTANT | Owner of Inspire Sports
                        Malorie Leavitt is the owner of Inspire Sports, a 20,000+ square foot facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah, offering cheer, gymnastics, tumbling, parkour, dance, and aerial silks. Starting with just 30 athletes in a local park, she has rapidly grown Inspire Sports into a multi-program facility serving hundreds of families. Malorie is known for her strength in systems, program development, and creating structured, engaging experiences that keep athletes coming back. She is passionate about building a positive, high-energy culture where athletes gain confidence and coaches are empowered to lead effectively. Through Next Gen, Malorie helps other gym owners implement systems, improve retention, and build programs that are both impactful and sustainable.
                          MELISSA KIRKENDALL
                          CONSULTANT | Owner of Premier Academy Bonnyville
                          Melissa is a co owner of Premier Academy Bonnyville in Alberta, Canada, where she has spent the past 9 years building and growing a successful all star cheerleading program. With over 15 years of experience in the cheerleading industry, Melissa has developed a strong reputation for creating a positive gym culture, developing athletes, and implementing systems that support long term growth and sustainability. Premier Academy offers a wide range of programs including all star cheerleading, tumbling, and recreational classes, and has become a well respected program within the industry and local community. Melissa’s leadership focuses on both athlete development and business operations, ensuring a balance between high performance and a strong, supportive environment. As a coach with Next Generation Gym Owners for the past 2 years, Melissa works closely with gym owners to strengthen their programs, improve systems, and build profitable, sustainable businesses. She is passionate about mentoring others and sharing real world strategies that help gym owners grow with confidence and clarity. Melissa is known for her commitment to excellence, her ability to build strong relationships, and her dedication to helping athletes, coaches, and gym owners succeed both on and off the floor.
                            NICOLE DURAN
                            CONSULTANT | Owner of Vibe Cheer & Dance
                            Nicole Duran is the proud owner of Vibe Cheer and a consultant known for helping gym owners build strong, culture-driven programs. Nicole believes success is built on more than great training, it starts with creating a family-like community where athletes, staff, and parents feel connected. In a competitive industry, she has consistently set Vibe apart through intentional culture, strategic marketing, and standout branding. With a strong focus on innovation, Nicole continues to lead with fresh program ideas, impactful events, and systems that help businesses grow with purpose.
                              TRACEY PAGE
                              CONSULTANT | Owner of Supreme Cheerleading
                              Tracey Page owns Supreme Cheerleading in Burlington, Ontario. She started the gym 13 years ago and specializes in success within a very saturated market and large city of 200,000. Supreme Cheerleading offers elite and prep all star cheerleading, as well as recreational cheerleading, tumbling, day camps, skills clinics, private lessons and a number of other services. Tracey has experience as a consultant in a variety of fields. As a Next Gen consultant, she specializes in building program culture, how to stand out in a saturated market, recreational programming and developing a successful sales funnel.
                                ALLY LOOMIS
                                MARKETING DIRECTOR | DYNAMIC ELITE
                                Ally is the All-Star Cheer Coordinator at Dynamic Elite in Rochester, NY. For the past 4 years she has been overseeing the entire cheerleading program top to bottom and has been coaching at the gym now for 12 years. As Marketing Director at Next Gen, Ally oversees all marketing initiatives, leading strategy, content, advertising, email marketing, social media, and brand development to help grow the company’s reach and impact throughout the cheer industry. Ally studied marketing at Brockport College and has her associates degree in Business Administration.
                                  EMILY AMRANI
                                  MARKETING ASSISTANT
                                  Emily is the Marketing Assistant at Next Generation Gym Owners, where she plays a key role in executing and organizing the company’s day-to-day marketing efforts. She specializes in social media scheduling, content coordination, and ensuring that everything runs on time and with intention across platforms.

                                  With a strong focus on organization and efficiency, Emily helps bring marketing strategies to life by supporting podcast launches, social media campaigns, and content distribution that connects with cheer gym owners and coaches across the industry. She is passionate about making sure the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.

                                  Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of North Texas, which supports her approach to marketing as both a creative and data-driven discipline.

                                    EMILY PETERSON
                                    OPERATIONS DIRECTOR | NGE SPECIALIST | OREGON DREAM TEAMS
                                    Emily has worked for Oregon Dream Teams since 2021, where she focuses on social media, marketing, and operational systems. As a former collegiate cheerleader, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Washington State University. She then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Sport Administration from Arkansas State University. 

                                    In 2025, Emily joined the Next Generation Gym Owners team. As Operations Director, Emily reports directly to the COO. She oversees internal operations across the Academy, events, systems, and client experience. This role serves as a key integrator between leadership, staff, and systems. Emily also specializes in the NG Engine system.

                                    Outside of Next Gen and her role at ODT, Emily is also a Head Instructor for the National Cheerleaders Association, working camps primarily across Oregon and Washington.

                                      Hailey Shepard
                                      CONFERENCE ASSISTANT | FIVE STAR ATHLETICS
                                      Hailey Evans is the Class Director and a Team Coach at Five Star Athletics in Reno, NV. She has been a part of the Five Star family for 17 years and is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and achieve their goals both in and out of the gym.

                                      Hailey earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, which helped develop her strong analytical, problem-solving, and detail-oriented approach to leadership, organization, and athlete development.

                                      As Class Director, Hailey oversees recreational programming, athlete development, and class operations, working to create a positive experience for every family who walks through the doors. She is committed to creating a welcoming environment where athletes of all ages can grow in both skill and confidence.

                                      In addition to her role at Five Star Athletics, Hailey serves as the Conference Assistant for Next Gen. She works closely with speakers, sponsors, and attendees to ensure each conference is organized, engaging, and provides a valuable experience for everyone involved.

                                        JAMIE PHILLIP
                                        CRM & WEBSITE SPECIALIST
                                        Jamie serves as the CRM and Website Administrator for Next Generation Gym Owners. With a degree in Information Systems & Networking and a concentration in Computer Programming, she provides the high-level technical support and infrastructure management that keeps the Next Gen platforms running smoothly.

                                        Her background is the perfect blend of tech and athletics. Jamie grew up in the gym, with extensive experience as an athlete in High School, All-Star, and Collegiate cheerleading. This firsthand industry knowledge allows her to bridge the gap between complex technical systems and the practical needs of gym owners.

                                        Originally from Colorado, Jamie now resides in Texas with her husband and children. Her unique perspective as both a technical expert and a former athlete makes her an invaluable asset to the Next Gen administrative team.

                                          LEXI HUNNICUTT
                                          ONBOARDING SPECIALIST | NGE SPECIALIST | TWISTER SPORTS
                                          Lexi is the Client Success Manager at Twister Sports in Warrensburg, MO. For the past eight years, she has helped oversee day-to-day operations, including the kids camp program, trial program, birthday parties, and all gym events — from small activities to large-scale community events — while supporting communication for hundreds of families each year. In her role as an onboarding specialist with Next Gen, she helps create a seamless and confident start for new members entering the academy.
                                            MELANIE WILMOTH
                                            BILLING MANAGER | OWNER OF TWISTER SPORTS
                                            Melanie is the gym manager and part-owner at Twister Sports and an administrative assistant for Next Generation Gym Owners. Melanie has a degree in public relations from the University of Central Missouri and has been the manager at Twisters for 12 years. Her daily duties include training and managing 32 full-time and part-time staff members, marketing and filling programs and classes at the gym, overseeing competitive and recreational programming and ensuring the gym meets its financial and strategic goals each quarter. Within Next Gen, Melanie is responsible for the quality assurance of several programs, billing and client communication and manager consultations and training. Melanie is also a coach for managers in our Elevate level of the Next Gen Academy.
                                              SAMANTHA LOSACK
                                              HEAD COACH | NEXT GEN ACADEMY | OWNER OF QUANTUM ATHLETICS
                                              Samantha Losack owns Quantum Athletics in Lockwood, MO. Quantum offers recreational and competitive cheerleading, tumbling, hip hop and ninja. Her facility also offers an After School Program as well as full time Summer Kids Camp. She has grown her business close to 250 athletes in a town of less than 1,000 people. Through systems and delegation, her gym has continued to thrive while she is also handling the day-to-day of two young children and two additional businesses outside of the Cheer industry.

                                              As a Next Gen consultant, Samantha specializes in helping gyms get systemized and organized while delegating tasks to free up their time. She also has personal experience as a gym owner who opened her business at a very young age and in a very small town.

                                                TAYLOR SHEPARD
                                                CHEER GYM MARKETING WEBSITE SPECIALIST | FIVE STAR ATHLETICS
                                                Taylor Shepard is the Website Specialist for Cheer Gym Marketing. Having grown up in the cheer industry since the age of 5 with over 15 years of competitive experience, Taylor brings a unique perspective to gym website development. He knows the industry inside and out. Taylor currently coaches tumbling at Five Star Athletics in Reno, NV. In his role at Next Gen, Taylor focuses on helping gym owners build and maintain websites that effectively represent their programs and attract new members.
                                                  TORI COTTON
                                                  CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER | OWNER OF OREGON DREAM TEAMS
                                                  Tori Cotton co-owns Oregon Dream Teams with her husband, Dan Cotton. Together, Tori and Dan have and worked hard to grow both the all star and recreational programs in the gym. ODT specializes in all star cheer of all types: Elite, Prep, Novice, FUNdamentals, and CheerAbilities. Additionally, they offer recreational classes, warrior classes, preschool programming, and summer day camps. Tori is also a co-owner of Dream Camps, a summer camp business for teams and individual athletes. As a Next Gen coach, Tori specializes in creating gym culture and running a profitable all star program.Â