WHO WE ARE
The GPY Cheer Board & Coaches are dedicated volunteers who are passionate about serving the community
through the development of our youth cheer program.
Read below to learn more about the awesome leaders who help the Glacier Peak Youth Cheer program shine!
through the development of our youth cheer program.
Read below to learn more about the awesome leaders who help the Glacier Peak Youth Cheer program shine!
2026 GPY CHEER BOARD MEMBERS
Cheer Coordinator:
Cassi Sanchez
[email protected]
This will be my third year with GPY Cheer, second year as Cheer Coordinator. I cheered for my high school as well as All Star Cheer for many years. I have the best memories, and these experiences have made an impact on who I am today. I hope to create wonderful memories for our GPY cheerleaders and families!
I have two girls; one will be on Freshman and one on Sophomores this year. When I’m not coaching or handling all things cheer, I love being on the water, hosting family and friends, binge-watching shows with the hubby and snuggling up with my pug & girls.
I have two girls; one will be on Freshman and one on Sophomores this year. When I’m not coaching or handling all things cheer, I love being on the water, hosting family and friends, binge-watching shows with the hubby and snuggling up with my pug & girls.
Vice Coordinator:
* Open *
Secretary:
Melinda Lepe
[email protected]
My name is Melinda, and this is my first year on the GPYC committee. I’m so excited to be part of such an amazing community! My daughter Mia (11) joined the Junior Squad and Competition Team last season, and we loved the welcoming, supportive environment and the lasting friendships she built.
After trying dance, gymnastics, and all-star cheer, GPYC truly felt like home because of its strong sense of community.
I’m a proud mom of three kids, Mia, an 8-year-old, and a 2-year-old son, so life is always busy (and a little crazy!). When we’re not at cheer or baseball games, we love traveling to Mexico and spending time anywhere near the beach.
I work full-time at Compass Real Estate as a Workplace & Facility Manager, and between work, kids, and GPYC, life stays chaotic but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
After trying dance, gymnastics, and all-star cheer, GPYC truly felt like home because of its strong sense of community.
I’m a proud mom of three kids, Mia, an 8-year-old, and a 2-year-old son, so life is always busy (and a little crazy!). When we’re not at cheer or baseball games, we love traveling to Mexico and spending time anywhere near the beach.
I work full-time at Compass Real Estate as a Workplace & Facility Manager, and between work, kids, and GPYC, life stays chaotic but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cheer Safety:
Dorae Lande
[email protected]
Cheer Fundraising:
Brianne Nevill
[email protected]
My name is Brianne, and I’m thrilled to be part of the GPYC program in my second year. Cheerleading has been a huge part of my life—I was on my high school’s varsity cheer and pom/dance team all four years and continued cheering for two years in college. The energy, teamwork, and passion that come with cheerleading have always been what I love most, and I’m excited to continue that journey in a new way.
Outside of cheer, I work in commercial real estate, specializing in affordable housing. I love what I do because it allows me to make a meaningful impact, helping create homes and opportunities for communities in need.
And when I’m not working or cheering, you’ll probably find me running my small business, where I create all sorts of bookish and snarky goodness! It’s my creative outlet and a fun way to connect with people who love books and a little sass as much as I do.
I’m excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to see what this year brings!
Outside of cheer, I work in commercial real estate, specializing in affordable housing. I love what I do because it allows me to make a meaningful impact, helping create homes and opportunities for communities in need.
And when I’m not working or cheering, you’ll probably find me running my small business, where I create all sorts of bookish and snarky goodness! It’s my creative outlet and a fun way to connect with people who love books and a little sass as much as I do.
I’m excited for this new adventure and can’t wait to see what this year brings!
Cheer Spirit Wear:
* Open *
Cheerleader & Coach Representative:
Haley Hill Lutz
[email protected]
I’m excited to serve as the Cheerleader & Coach Representative for Glacier Peak Youth Cheer. I’m a parent of two daughters in the program, currently cheering on the Freshman and Sophomore squads. What started as a fun extracurricular activity quickly became a true passion for both of them, largely because of the friendships, mentorship, and strong sense of community they found through GPYA Cheer. Watching their confidence grow over the years has made being involved in this organization especially meaningful to our family.
I work full-time in Workforce Planning and Talent Strategy for a large global consulting firm.
I work full-time in Workforce Planning and Talent Strategy for a large global consulting firm.
2026 Coaches
FRESHMEN
Cassi Sanchez - Head Coach, Cheer Coordinator
This will be my third year with GPY Cheer, second year as Cheer Coordinator. I cheered for my high school as well as All Star Cheer for many years. I have the best memories, and these experiences have made an impact on who I am today. I hope to create wonderful memories for our GPY cheerleaders and families!
I have two girls; one will be on Freshman and one on Sophomores this year. When I’m not coaching or handling all things cheer, I love being on the water, hosting family and friends, binge-watching shows with the hubby and snuggling up with my pug & girls.
Ali Heiser - Assistant Coach
My name is Ali and this is my first year as part of the GPYC community. My daughter, Eloise (5), has joined the freshman team and, in my true fashion, I have excitedly jumped into the cheer world with both feet!
I am also mama to a son, 8, and a sweet 13 yo puppy. Along with my husband, we all like to stay busy spending time with family and friends!
We are looking forward to a fun-filled season and can’t wait to see what this year brings!
My name is Ali and this is my first year as part of the GPYC community. My daughter, Eloise (5), has joined the freshman team and, in my true fashion, I have excitedly jumped into the cheer world with both feet!
I am also mama to a son, 8, and a sweet 13 yo puppy. Along with my husband, we all like to stay busy spending time with family and friends!
We are looking forward to a fun-filled season and can’t wait to see what this year brings!
SOPHOMORES
Cassidy Halverson -
Head Coach, Comp Squad Assistant Coach
My name is Cassidy, and this will be my first season as a head coach at GPY Cheer! I have over 10 years of cheer experience, including All-Star cheer, high school sideline, youth rec cheer, and helping with GPY in previous years. My very first cheer experiences started right here at GPY, which makes this role especially meaningful to me! I am so excited to pass my cheer knowledge on to the next generation and share my love for the sport!
Mackenna Christian - Assistant Coach
Hi I’m Makenna! This is my first year as a coach for GPY. I’m so excited to be joining the GPY family. I’ve done 4 years of sideline and 1 year of competition for Lake Stevens. I have a 1 yr old daughter named Adaline (pictured). Over the years, as-well as being a parent has taught me patience and gave the strength to push myself to my full potential, I’ve gained strong leadership and skills that I’m excited to share on and off the field.
Hi I’m Makenna! This is my first year as a coach for GPY. I’m so excited to be joining the GPY family. I’ve done 4 years of sideline and 1 year of competition for Lake Stevens. I have a 1 yr old daughter named Adaline (pictured). Over the years, as-well as being a parent has taught me patience and gave the strength to push myself to my full potential, I’ve gained strong leadership and skills that I’m excited to share on and off the field.
JUNIORS
Erin Marinan - Head Coach
My name is Erin Marinan and I have been a coach with the program going on 5 years now. I’m
Native to the area and my daughter is going to be a Junior at Glacier Peak High School. My experience ranges from various leadership roles as well as a member of the Rally Squad for two years at Washington State University.
I joined this program in 2021 when my daughter wanted to participate and they needed coaches!
My daughter has since aged out of the program but continues to volunteer and coach alongside me. I love watching these girls grow in their skills and confidence and I absolutely LOVE this community!
My name is Erin Marinan and I have been a coach with the program going on 5 years now. I’m
Native to the area and my daughter is going to be a Junior at Glacier Peak High School. My experience ranges from various leadership roles as well as a member of the Rally Squad for two years at Washington State University.
I joined this program in 2021 when my daughter wanted to participate and they needed coaches!
My daughter has since aged out of the program but continues to volunteer and coach alongside me. I love watching these girls grow in their skills and confidence and I absolutely LOVE this community!
Lisa Tandy-Cleveland -
Assistant Coach, Comp Squad Head Coach
My name is Lisa and this will be my 8th year coaching with Glacier Peak Youth. I have 3 kids; my oldest is 18 and an all-star cheerleader, my middle daughter cheered last year on the senior's squad, and my son plays football for the sophomores. I fell in love with coaching cheer and watching athletes grow their skills, work together as a team, and make lifelong friendships. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization.
Assistant Coach, Comp Squad Head Coach
My name is Lisa and this will be my 8th year coaching with Glacier Peak Youth. I have 3 kids; my oldest is 18 and an all-star cheerleader, my middle daughter cheered last year on the senior's squad, and my son plays football for the sophomores. I fell in love with coaching cheer and watching athletes grow their skills, work together as a team, and make lifelong friendships. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization.
Katie Davis - Assistant Coach
This is my first year as a GPY Assistant Cheer Coach and my fifth-year coaching cheer. I cheered in high school and started coaching when my daughter fell in love with the sport five years ago. Cheering on a squad really created some amazing bonds for me, and I hope to help create great bonds and memories for our GPY cheerleaders and families.
My daughter (11) will be cheering on the Juniors squad, and my son (7) plays football on the Freshman team. If we’re not at cheer, we’re usually at another field or gym playing one of the many sports we love or cheering on friends and family doing what they love too!
This is my first year as a GPY Assistant Cheer Coach and my fifth-year coaching cheer. I cheered in high school and started coaching when my daughter fell in love with the sport five years ago. Cheering on a squad really created some amazing bonds for me, and I hope to help create great bonds and memories for our GPY cheerleaders and families.
My daughter (11) will be cheering on the Juniors squad, and my son (7) plays football on the Freshman team. If we’re not at cheer, we’re usually at another field or gym playing one of the many sports we love or cheering on friends and family doing what they love too!
Allyson Lucker - Assistant Coach
This is my first-year coaching as an assistant for GPY cheer. My daughter Morgan cheered last year and is cheering again this year. I really enjoyed how the program was run—it inspired me to get involved and help support the team.
I cheered in high school and have always loved the teamwork and energy that cheer brings. In my professional life, I’m a leader, and I enjoy bringing those leadership skills into coaching.
Outside of cheer, I enjoy spending time at our family cabin, being outdoors, and thrifting. I’m excited for a fun and positive season!
This is my first-year coaching as an assistant for GPY cheer. My daughter Morgan cheered last year and is cheering again this year. I really enjoyed how the program was run—it inspired me to get involved and help support the team.
I cheered in high school and have always loved the teamwork and energy that cheer brings. In my professional life, I’m a leader, and I enjoy bringing those leadership skills into coaching.
Outside of cheer, I enjoy spending time at our family cabin, being outdoors, and thrifting. I’m excited for a fun and positive season!
SENIORS
Brittany Dirks - Head Coach
This is my 5th year as a part of GPY Cheer and my 4th year coaching. I was a cheerleader in high school and was part of the dance team for 2 semi-professional teams in the Arena Football League and International Basketball League. My daughter does GPY Cheer and is an all-star cheerleader. I am a SAHM but worked as a COTA/L in hand therapy for 12 years. I have many hobbies and enjoy spending time with my husband and 4 kids
This is my 5th year as a part of GPY Cheer and my 4th year coaching. I was a cheerleader in high school and was part of the dance team for 2 semi-professional teams in the Arena Football League and International Basketball League. My daughter does GPY Cheer and is an all-star cheerleader. I am a SAHM but worked as a COTA/L in hand therapy for 12 years. I have many hobbies and enjoy spending time with my husband and 4 kids
Heidi Amdal - Assistant Coach
This is my second year with GPY Cheer, though I’ve been part of the cheer community for several years and was a competitive cheer mom for two seasons. Last year, I assistant coached Juniors so I could spend more time with my daughter, Elsa but also because I genuinely love helping and supporting others.
What I love most about cheer is watching the girls gain confidence, grow as a team, and realize what they’re capable of. I truly enjoyed getting to know the girls and watching their confidence and skills grow throughout last season and I’m excited for another year full of growth, teamwork, and fun memories.
I’m a mom of three and a proud dog mom to two sweet chihuahuas. My oldest daughter is 26, my son is 20, and Elsa is 12.
Outside of cheer, I enjoy watching documentaries, playing games, crafting, shopping, and traveling whenever I get the chance.
This is my second year with GPY Cheer, though I’ve been part of the cheer community for several years and was a competitive cheer mom for two seasons. Last year, I assistant coached Juniors so I could spend more time with my daughter, Elsa but also because I genuinely love helping and supporting others.
What I love most about cheer is watching the girls gain confidence, grow as a team, and realize what they’re capable of. I truly enjoyed getting to know the girls and watching their confidence and skills grow throughout last season and I’m excited for another year full of growth, teamwork, and fun memories.
I’m a mom of three and a proud dog mom to two sweet chihuahuas. My oldest daughter is 26, my son is 20, and Elsa is 12.
Outside of cheer, I enjoy watching documentaries, playing games, crafting, shopping, and traveling whenever I get the chance.
Michelle Bastian - Assistant Coach
Coaching cheer is the best! I get to watch kids do what they love while learning the importance of practice and hard work. One of the most impactful parts is seeing their personalities come to life and their confidence bloom.
Last year was especially meaningful as I helped coach freshman cheer. All three of my girls were involved with GPY Cheer, either cheering or assisting with squads. Sharing that experience together was truly a dream come true.
Outside of cheer, I love all things family, water sports, and lifting weights. I’m grateful to be part of a sport that continues to bring so much joy to my life and my family.
Coaching cheer is the best! I get to watch kids do what they love while learning the importance of practice and hard work. One of the most impactful parts is seeing their personalities come to life and their confidence bloom.
Last year was especially meaningful as I helped coach freshman cheer. All three of my girls were involved with GPY Cheer, either cheering or assisting with squads. Sharing that experience together was truly a dream come true.
Outside of cheer, I love all things family, water sports, and lifting weights. I’m grateful to be part of a sport that continues to bring so much joy to my life and my family.
2026 State Competition! Coach Erin, Brianna & Lisa |
COMPETITION
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