Coaches and Staff

Meet our dedicated team of coaches and staff!

Michelle Ford - Owner & Lead Coach

Classes & Teams: Gold Tumbling, Jumanji (Junior 2), Clueless (Senior 3), Spring into Free

With over 20 years of experience in the cheerleading industry, I am the proud owner and head coach of Showtime Elite. I'm USASF-certified coach through Level 6, I have dedicated my career to training and mentoring athletes at both the school and all-star levels. Throughout my coaching journey, I have led teams to conference and national titles, instilling a strong foundation of discipline, teamwork, and passion in every athlete I train. In June 2014, I founded Showtime Elite with a vision to create an elite-level training facility that fosters both skill development and personal growth. A decade later, the gym continues to thrive, producing competitive teams and well-rounded athletes who excel on and off the mat.

Beyond coaching, I've spent over 10 years as a judge in the all-star cheerleading world, giving me a unique insight into the intricacies of scoring, technique, and performance excellence. My experience on the judges’ panel allows me to train athletes with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in high-level competition. My coaching philosophy emphasizes technique, perseverance, and confidence, ensuring that every athlete who walks through Showtime Elite’s doors leaves stronger: both physically and mentally. I remain deeply committed to the evolution of the sport, continuously expanding my knowledge and pushing my athletes to reach their full potential

Annmarie Shine - Gym Administrator

I have been with Showtime Elite since May of 2018. I am the first smiling face families see upon entering the gym. I assist members in finding and registering for the right classes, and my goal is to build strong relationships with kids and parents from the moment they enter. I manage registration for competitions and travel arrangements for coaches, oversee the creation of gym schedules and work in the pro shop, helping with sizing and ordering of competition uniforms, shoes, and practice wear. My previous coaching experience includes: Coached our Mini Hip Hop Team for 2 years. Cheerleading coach for Berlin Bears (Berlin, CT) for 10 years; led the team to numerous wins at CTYFL Cheerleading competitions. Depaolo Middle School Cheerleading Coach (Southington, CT) for 5 years, consistently placing at cheer competitions each year. Assisted with fundraising efforts for the Berlin Bears. I am currently a Resident Assistant (RA) for the English Department at Northeastern High School.

Ruth Giesler - Account Manager

I coached sideline cheer for a couple years when my kids were young, but my oldest decided it wasn't for her while the youngest decided she was done with football. After a 5 year break, bouncing around all kinds of sports, and a move to NC, we found ourselves at Showtime where we found our cheer family. I started working at the gym a year later and have taken on a bit of everything since then. I can be found at the gym most days working on one project or another. I'm always happy to answer questions, I remember what it was like stepping into the world of allstar cheer, it's like no other sport and can be overwhelming at first, but its a great place to be and watching the dedication and strength of these kids is amazing. Outside of the gym I homeschool, teach ESL to students in China, and run an at home bakery. I have two awesome kids that have found their passion at Showtime. I've loved watching them and all of our athletes grow in so many ways since we've come here and I can't wait see how they all continue to thrive.

Whitney Hobson - Event Coordinator

Classes: Ninja Warriors, Spring into Free

I'm an event planner here at Showtime Elite, where I strive to create unforgettable experiences through events, fundraising, and birthday parties since 2023. I also teach our ninja warriors class for kids aged 4-7, helping them build strength, agility, and confidence in a fun environment. Bringing people together is what I love most, and I aim to make every event not only well-organized but also exciting and impactful.

Jessica Troxell - Little Explorers & Tinys Coach

Classes & Teams: Super Tots, Pre-Fundamental, Gremlins (Tiny Novice 1)

I walked in the door with my daughter when she was 4 and haven’t left for the last 10 years. I am a coach for our Little Explorers tumbling classes for ages 18 months - 6 years. I coach our tiniest cheer team ages 3-6, Gremlins. I have also coached the sideline cheer team at Berea Baptist Church, New Life Academy Cheer Team. I have been working with children for over 18 years in ministry and schools. I am a busy mom of 4 plus more. When not at work teaching 7th grade or at the gym, I enjoy serving alongside my husband in ministry and cheering on our kids on the court or mat, wherever they are competing.

Jessica Lehne - Elite Coach

Classes & Teams: Silver Tumbling,
Jumanji (Junior 2), Clueless (Senior 3)

Cheerleading has been a huge part of my life, shaping me as both an athlete and a coach. I grew up in the sport, starting in Pop Warner at age 5, then competing in all-stars for five years and cheering through high school. My passion led me to coaching, where began Jr. Coaching at 16 and have continued to coach through the years. I’ve spent five years in competitive recreational cheer and another five years as the cheer coach at Moyock Middle School. Now, I’m excited to continue my journey with Showtime Elite NC East, working alongside an amazing staff and helping young athletes grow in the sport I love. Beyond cheer, I embrace the adventure of military life, having lived in Spain, Washington, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and North Carolina. As a wife and mom of five, I love spending time with my husband and watching my kids grow in their passions, whether it’s cheer, dance, baseball, or video games. When I’m not in the gym, I enjoy party planning, decorating, crafting, and soaking up the sun at the beach, where I feel most at home.

Mykia White - Elite Coach

Classes & Teams: Gold Tumbling,

Jumanji (Junior 2), Clueless (Senior 3)

I’m a proud East Carolina graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and I’ve been working as a pediatric RN since 2022, but cheerleading has always been my passion! With over 6 years of all-star experience and more than 10 years of school cheer, including a thrilling NCA Collegiate Championship win with ECU, I’ve loved every moment spent on the mat. After taking a short break to settle into my nursing career, I always knew I’d find my way back to cheer. Now, I'm beyond excited for my second season with the Showtime family!

Alexandria Giesler - Prep/Novice Coach & Web Designer

Classes & Teams: Bronze Tumbling, Spy Kids

(Mini Novice 1), Hocus Pocus (Youth Novice 1),

The A-Team (Junior Novice 2), Spring into Free

I started out with recreational cheer in Pennsylvania for 2 years and it wasn’t quite for me, a few years after I moved to North Carolina I joined my first tumbling class at 12 years old, then very soon after I joined half-year cheer and absolutely fell in love with all-star cheerleading. I have been at Showtime Elite since 2018 and this is my 7th season cheering and my 6th season coaching cheer and tumbling. I first started out as a jr. coach for younger athletes, and while I still do that for our J2, I now coach all of our novice teams. I have won Regional Summit and competed at Summit in Orlando, progressing to Finals and placing top 5 in the country. I have also earned bids to and competed at All-Star World twice. In 2024 I was a camp counselor at CheerFest where I junior coached/shadowed tumbling classes with some of the best coaches in the country. My favorite part about coaching is watching athletes get new skills they never knew they were capable of. Outside of cheer, I am a swim instructor for schoolkids at the YMCA. I also enjoy art, travel, and spending time with my pets and family.

Madyson Lehne - Prep/Novice Coach

Classes & Teams: Beginner Tumbling, Spy Kids

(Mini Novice 1), Hocus Pocus (Youth Novice 1),

The A-Team (Junior Novice 2)

Hi, I’m Madyson Lehne, an 18-year-old senior in high school. I started cheering at 5 years old, starting with recreational cheer for 4 years, then school cheer for 4 years, and spending 2 ½ years in All-Star cheer. I’m currently coaching three All-Star cheer teams and junior coaching a hip-hop dance team at Showtime Elite NCE. I’ve been coaching for 6 years total, 4 years as a junior coach and 2 years as a novice coach, and I love helping my athletes grow both on and off the mat. I’ve lived in 5 different states, which has given me a unique perspective on life and cheerleading. Outside of cheerleading, I really enjoy photography and capturing moments that inspire me and spending time with my boyfriend. In school, this is my second year as the Yearbook Editor-in-Chief at my high school, and I’m so excited to graduate from Currituck County Highschool. I’m looking forward to what the future holds and can’t wait to see where my passions take me next!

Kayla Swayne - Cheerabilities Coach

Team: Moana (Cheerabilities L1)

I danced for 20 years both recreationally and competitively focusing on: ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern, pointe, and lyrical. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a minor in Dance. I also enjoyed the cheer life. I cheered on my school teams for Elementary, Middle, and High School. With my High School team I won many State, Regional, and National titles. I now enjoy coaching the CheerAbilities team here at Showtime Elite. Outside of the gym I own a farm with over 20 animals. I use my animals as therapy for kids and adults with disabilities.

Junior Coaches

Our junior coaches are cheerleaders that volunteer their time learning to become coaches themselves

Aaliyah Blanchard

This is my 7th season cheering at Showtime, and my 2nd season as a Jr. coach. I cheer on Clueless and I Jr. coach Spy Kids, Moana, and Beginner Tumbling. I am a junior in high school, and I participate in band and track.

Savannah Schwartz

This is my 4th season cheering at Showtime, and my 2nd season as a Jr. coach. I cheer on Clueless and Jumanji and I Jr. coach Spy Kids and Beginner Tumbling. I am in 8th grade this year.

Leia Troxell

This is my 10th season cheering at Showtime, and my 2nd season as a Jr. coach. I cheer on Jumanji and I Jr. coach Gremlins. I am in 8th grade this year and play volleyball for my school.

Rory Meyer

This is my 2nd season cheering at Showtime, and my 1st season as a Jr. coach. I cheer on Jumanji and I Jr. coach Gremlins, Moana and Beginner Tumbling. I am a freshman in high school this year.

Amaya Bundy

This is my 7th season cheering at Showtime, and my 2nd season as a Jr. coach. I cheer on Jumanji and dance on Legally Blonde. I Jr. coach Gremlins, Moana, and Hocus Pocus. I am in 7th grade this year.

Keira Giesler

This is my 5th season cheering at Showtime, and my 3rd season as a Jr. coach. I cheer on Jumanji and Clueless and I dance on Legally Blonde. I Jr. coach Moana. I am a sophomore in high school this year. I also volunteer at the NC Aquarium in Manteo.