Coaches & Staff
.jpg)
.jpg)
Director/Head Coach
Amanda Burkholder
Amanda has over 25 years of management skills under her belt, which includes: multiple Manager of the Year Awards, Six Sigma Certified, several top performance and sales awards. Teaching has always been a passion of hers. She has been a mentor, a trainer, and a coach in many fields. She has also ran her own successful balloon décor and event planning company since 2006 and has developed a good relationship among the parade and Kid Biz associates in Ashtabula & Lake County. Amanda is very involved in the community and loves coaching.
In the baton world, she has led the TNT Starlettes to over 150 National and International Titles. Produced skilled twirlers, cheerleaders, majorettes and pageant competitors, who have went on to win championships, titles and more. She is a certified twirling judge with Twirling Unlimited, World Twirling Association and Amateur Athletic Union. She has previously coached under the Mirage Twirling Corp and has been trained by Gino Cicerella, 12 time World Champion.
“We have a phenomenal group and helping people funnel their passion to lead them to succeed is my specialty. I know that a great things are in store for our Starlettes and am just thankful to be a part of it.”
Assistant Director/Coach
Amanda McGee
I twirled on this team when I was in high school and never left. I've been a competitive twirler since I was 14 years old. I twirled throughout high school and was a Madison Majorite. I started student teaching and have worked my way up to be the Assistant Director. I love to read and have four adorable bunnies. Winning is an important part in competition teams, but we push for progress in all of our teams and individuals. That being said, the way that the team supports each other makes me so proud to be their coach. The teammates treat each other like they are family and want everyone to succeed. I love TNT because from the beginning we wanted to be different; we avoid the toxicity of other competition teams, and are proud to call ourselves a 'No Drama' team. We are one team. Everyone supports each other, everyone claps for every individual performing, and everyone understands that their actions have both positive and negative repercussions. We have tried to give our competitors direction and guidance in their baton careers and life. We are very proud of each one on the team!
Natalie Dernier
Assistant Coach
I joined TNT in 2017 and finished my twirling career in 2022 to focus on coaching. I started student teaching in 2021 and moved up to assistant coach in 2022. I was a Riverside majorette for all 4 years of high school. I am currently in the Masters program for Elementary/ Special Education at Ursuline College. In my free time I love to spend time with family, friends, and my dog Goose. I also love crafting and doing artsy things. I absolutely love coaching on this team and the memories that have been made. My goal as a coach is to support the twirlers and push them to reach new skills. The support of this team shows how we are one family. It is more than just a trophy
Allanah Burkholder
Assistant Coach
With over 15 years of baton twirling experience, I’m excited to be entering my second year as an official coach with TNT Starlettes! I love working with kids and believe encouragement, consistency, and stability are so important in helping young athletes grow. I strive to create a fun, supportive environment where every twirler feels comfortable learning, improving, and being themselves. I love incorporating games and fun activities into practices while still helping each athlete build strong skills and confidence.
As a competitor, I compete at the advanced level and have earned titles through TU, WTA, and AAU. I was a four-year majorette at Perry High School and have earned titles including 2024 AAU Presidential World Cup High School Twirler, 2024 AAU Top Twirler at the Point, 2024 Teenage TU World Majorette, 2024 WTA World’s Most Beautiful Majorette Queen & Adv Miss Holiday, 2025 Miss Adv Universal, 2025 Adv Miss Twirltine, 2025 Freedom Cup High Point Winner and Regional titles in Ohio, PA, MI, NY and WV. One of my favorite TNT memories was winning a 17-team division at TU Nationals with my senior girls. I also have been involved with pageantry since I was little. My wins include several Ultimate Grand Supreme Championships, Jr & Sr Miss Grapette Queen and World Perfect’s Grand Champion Twirler. I’m so excited to continue growing as a coach and help create those same special memories for future TNT twirlers!
.jpg)
Marie Lamson
Assistant Coach
Although this is my second season coaching with TNT, I have been watching this team grow since the very beginning! I’ve worked with kids for 5 years and understand the importance of educating them through reassurance, Consistency and fun! Learning to twirl with this team has been so rewarding, and I can't wait to continue to learn, teach and have fun this upcoming season! WHO ARE WE?!
Erin West
Assistant Teacher
I started twirling with TNT when I was 8 years old and hasn’t been able to put it down since. “This team and the coaches became such a huge part in my life on and off the floor.” I was also a Perry High School cheerleader and majorette!! " I love spending time with friends, family and my fur babies. I can’t wait to help other kids fall in love with this sport like she did."
Kim Wright
Beginner Skills Instructor
I first picked up the baton back in 1996, when I was just six years old. I twirled batons with a local group throughout my childhood until I became a high school majorette from 2004-2008. After that, I went to college to become an elementary school teacher. I’m entering into my 15th year of teaching (1st, 5th, and 4th graders). I also previously coached the Harvey High School majorettes.
In my free time, I enjoy playing with my kids, spending time with my husband, exercising, reading, and spending time outside.
I’m looking forward to teaching and encouraging Starlettes to learn new skills, try new tricks, and gain confidence. Plus, have fun while doing it!
.jpg)
Kim Wright
Dance Instructor
My name is Andrea Cardina and I’m happy to be joining TNT Starlettes! By day I’m a Senior Audit Manager for the State of Ohio. I grew up in Concord Township and attended Neylon’s Dance Studio for 15 years. From ages 3 to 18 I took classes in ballet, jazz, tap, modern/lyrical, hip hop and pointe. I was also a member of the Riverside Dance team for 3 years, becoming team captain for my senior year. I’m looking forward to getting back into a passion of mine and am so excited to be doing it with the TNT Starlettes!
Kristie Nemeth
Admin/Travel Manager
I have been part of TNT since the very beginning - 15 years and counting! I am a wife and proud mom of two girls, both of whom were TNT twirlers. Although my daughters are now adults, our family remains an active part of this wonderful group.
I love watching our talented girls and boys perform. Their passion shines through in everything they do! I treat every member of the team as if they were my own because, at TNT, we truly are one big family.
My role involves helping wherever I am needed, but you will usually find me at the front desk, ready to answer any questions you may have.
Photographer/Team Assistant
I have been with TNT since 2017. I am a mother of 3. Both of my girls are a part of TNT. I work full time and spend my free time with my kids. I love to travel which is a huge reason why we all love TNT. My Favorite part of TNT is how it's a family. Everyone comes together and we hang out and get along. My favorite memory so far is watching the girls just do what they love. The fun they have and the friends they all make is an amazing thing. I love TNT because of the opportunities it gives for these young girls. It teaches them sportsmanship, teamwork, friendship. It allows them to be who they area and bond as a family.
Melissa Padilla
Team Assistant
My name is Melissa Padilla. I am blessed to be married to my incredible husband Jose Padilla since 1996. We are proud parents of two beautiful daughters and three amazing grandchildren. I first joined TNT in 2019 as a nurse for the team, and although my time was short-lived, I was inspired by the athletes' determination. After a brief hiatus, I have returned to TNT this year, and I am thrilled to be part of this amazing team. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented athletes and I look forward to seeing the incredible things they will achieve.
Erin Siegel
Team Assistant
I’m proud to be able to help with the TNT Starlettes and have been part of this amazing team for the past four years. I love being part of a team that encourages confidence, dedication, friendship, and a love for baton.
My daughter, Katherine, is a member of the Travel Competition Team, which makes being part of the Starlettes even more special. I’m excited for the opportunity to support all of our athletes, coaches, and families and to help make each season a memorable one.
Outside of TNT Starlettes, I have been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for 10 years. I love spending time with my family and our dog, Lady. In my free time, I enjoy cruising, traveling, and relaxing on the beach!
I’m so proud to be part of the TNT Starlettes family and excited for all that’s ahead!
.jpg)
Alison Lutes
Baton Instructor
My mom first put me in a baton twirling class when I was just 6 years old. It was an instant passion, and I loved competing on teams and individually throughout my childhood. I was a majorette at Mentor HS before graduating in 2011. I then went on to Kent State University and was a Touch of Gold Twirler before graduating in 2015. My twirling career has now come full circle. I’m coaching where my mom was a high school majorette as the Auxiliary Advisor for the Eastlake North Marching Band.
When I’m not coaching or substitute teaching, I’m spending time with my husband and our preschooler and toddler. I’m thrilled to join the TNT staff and can’t wait to meet everyone!
.jpg)
Ashley Bieder
Pom Instructor
My name is Ashley Bieder and im very excited to join the TNT staff as the new pom/drill instructor!! In the past i worked as a drill coach at Berkshire High School for a total of 8 years. I taught drill, dance, hoops, hat and cane, and we primarily focused on flag, kick and pom. I was on my high-school drill team all 4 years of high school which led me to coaching after graduating in 2006. My coaching focus centers around performance energy, elite technique and synchronization. I absolutely love the energy of pom and cannot wait to get started this season
.jpg)
Denah Heidinger
Pom Coach
Denah has been a valued part of our staff for over 10 years as a Pom Coach. What started as a journey inspired by her daughter’s love for Baton and Pom quickly became a passion of her own, and her love for the team is what has kept her here all these years.
With a background in cheerleading from the age of five through high school graduation, Denah brings a wealth of experience to the team, including choreography, stunting, and routine development. Her time in the Army has also shaped her strong work ethic, determination, discipline, and commitment to teamwork.
Around the gym, she may lovingly be known as the “Drill Sergeant,” but she also knows how to let loose, have fun, and connect with the kids! Denah’s greatest joy is watching each team member grow, succeed, and push themselves toward their own personal goals and potential.
“I love watching the kids come off the floor with a feeling of confidence, pride, and a love for this sport. I love being a part of helping them believe in themselves and in the concept of ONE TEAM.”
Denah is passionate about helping athletes become not only stronger performers, but also more confident, determined, and supportive teammates. She is proud to be part of a team that encourages every athlete to believe in themselves and in each other.
Seamstress
11 years as a travel parent. I am the mom of 3 talented girls, all actively involved in TNT competition pom and baton teams! I live in Madison with my family and work full time in Accounts Payable. When I get a little time to myself, you may find me researching my family tree, reading a good novel, catching old reruns of Seinfeld or the Golden Girls and snuggling with the best pup in the whole world, Roscoe P. Coltrane
Videographer
No Bio Available