Meet Our 2022 Talented Group of Dancers

Kiersten Gustin

Ballroom Dance Teacher

Kiersten is well versed in over 27 styles of ballroom and has competed annually since 2017 at The Ohio Star Ball placing in the top three positions in ballroom and showcase performances at The Ohio State University DanceSport program and Pro/Am DanceSport. Her original formation choreography has consistently earned first place.

Kiersten’s love for dance quickly developed into a passion for teaching students of all ages. She instructed classes for the DanceSport Club at The Ohio State University, and currently teaches private lessons, formations, and group classes to students weekly. She specializes in teaching private lessons to wedding couples for their first dance, and hosts dance events for special occasions, event centers, and wedding venues.

Kiersten believes dance to be a skill that anyone can learn and have fun social dancing when attending weddings or parties…or even in the kitchen. She desires to help you reach your dance dream and will be your cheerleader along the way!

Description

Ron Stokes

President & CEO Three Leaf Productions

In 1985 Ron Stokes graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and was a member of the Men’s basketball team from 1981-85. His teammates voted Ron as captain during his junior and senior years. After his final season, Ron earned All-Big Ten honors and was the team’s MVP.

This basketball season marks his 25^th year as the on-air expert analyst for his Alma Mater’s Men’s Basketball radio network. Over his broadcast career, he has covered three Final Fours, one NIT championship, and 8 NCAA regionals

Ron was a senior account executive for one of the largest family-owned newspapers in the United States. His duties included managing, developing, and executing media, print, signage, distribution, and campaigns for major corporations within Ohio and nationwide. During his tenure, he registered as one of the top-dollar producers in each of his last five years with the company. His customer base included Big Lots, Burger King, Giant Eagle, McDonalds, and Pepsi.

Ron purchased Three Leaf Productions in February of 2003, and as President  & CEO, he is the visionary leader and critical decision-maker. Relying on his experience and judgment, he plans and directs all aspects of the organization’s policies, objectives, and initiatives to accomplish Three Leaf’s goals.

Working with an array of Fortune 500 companies, Three Leaf Productions provides integrated marketing and printing services nationwide. It has been honored as one of Central Ohio’s top 50 fastest growing companies by Columbus Business First. Three Leaf was also selected as one of the 2015 Smart 50 Award Honorees by Smart Business Magazine. In 2016 & 2020 the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council presented Three Leaf with the prestigious Minority Business Enterprise of the Year award for Class lll. The OMSDC has over 800 MBE members.

In addition, Ron and his wife Lavita founded LARS Properties, LLC in 2015 and share the ownership with each of their four children. The company’s services include property management, real estate investment, and commercial painting.   Over the last six years, LARS has received and completed major painting contracts with some of the top General Contractors in the country.  In 2018 LARS Properties received the top family business award by OhioMBE.

LARS Properties, LLC real estate investment business portfolio includes residential & commercial properties in Columbus and apartment/condominium complexes in northeastern Ohio. 

He currently serves on the board of Heartland Bank, the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, Metro Schools and Canton Outside of Canton. COOC operates in his hometown of Canton and has organized food giveaways in 2020 & 2021 that provided meals for over 2,500 families during the holiday seasons.   

Ron was honored as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes 2022 Legend.     

Brandy Deichert

Instructional Designer

Born and raised in Central Ohio, with minor stints in Florida and New Jersey as a child and young adult, Brandy Deichert has always had a go-get‘em attitude and passion for helping others! She has worked in corporate America and been in free-lance learning and development for over 10 years helping teammates be the best they can be in their roles. Last September, the opportunity to expand her influence was given to Brandy to not only help others professionally but also to help others in medical crises by becoming an Instructional Designer for DaVita Kidney Care, where she worked previously as a dialysis technician.

Outside of developing kick-a$$ training, you can find Brandy with Kevin, her husband of 21 years, at one of several fields or stadiums in Westerville watching their amazing teenagers participate in soccer, cross county, wrestling, or softball. When Brandy isn’t supporting her kids, she’s serving the community on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Westerville where she participates on several committees including public image, programming, and Westerville Caring and Sharing. Brandy also serves the Bed Brigade, Habitat for Humanity, and our one and only The Byron Saunders Foundation! 

The Byron Saunders Foundation holds a special place in Brandy’s heart because several chapters of her life include food insecurity. Brandy is a survivor of child abuse and withholding food was one form of “punishment” she received. Also, when Brandy and Kevin were young entrepreneurs during an economic downturn, they struggled to “make ends meet”. Although not experiencing food insecurity on the extreme side of the spectrum, Brandy knows firsthand the consequences, other than the hunger pains, of the psychological and physiological effects of having an unhealthy relationship with food which food insecurity influences.

Brandy is ecstatic to be participating in this amazingly fun and effective event and most of all to help provide even more Thanksgiving Day meals! 

Kyle Wyant

Ballroom Dancer

Life will never fail to surprise, should you have the courage to walk your own path. These have been words to live by for Kyle Wyant. Originally from North Carolina, Kyle has been teaching dance in Columbus, OH for nearly ten years. Graduating from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, his adventures have led him from designing computer software to work as a Private Investigator; from teaching motorcycle safety to holding the title of Board Game Sommelier. Through it all, his passion for teaching and for sharing his love for life have never wavered.

Getting his start at the local franchise, Kyle is trained and certified in the Arthur Murray method. While splitting his time between teaching students and managing the studio, Kyle was consistently awarded Top Teacher for the district and placed amongst the finalists at regionals. Eventually parting ways to pursue his career as an Independent Instructor, Kyle has since been sharing his love for dance throughout Central Ohio. Highlights include his time spent teaching & managing at the Emerald City Ballroom, dancing at the Ohio Theatre alongside the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and creating choreography in support of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO)’s annual charity Gala.

Kyle is thankful for this opportunity to give back to his community in support of the Byron Saunders Foundation and is looking forward to yet another exciting adventure!

Monica Dominic

Vice President of Customer Success

Monica Dominic has nearly 25 years of sales, marketing, & management experience. She is the Vice President of Customer Success at a Columbus Ohio based technology staffing firm, PSI.  She works daily with industry leaders, business owners, and movers and shakers in the IT community.  She provides leadership training & education and develops sales & marketing plans to continually grow the company she works for.  Monica delivers top-notch support to her clients and makes a point to develop deep relationships to have a full understanding of what her clients need.  She often becomes the first call the client makes.

Monica is also passionate about helping others grow and acts as a mentor to many. Monica believes in supporting and promoting her community and serves as a Board Member for several organizations in Columbus. She is a global speaker, a member of a brand writer’s forum, and she was the recipient of the “Forty under 40” award.

In her spare time, you will always find Monica surrounded by her loving husband & family, her wonderful friends, and ALWAYS in the kitchen.  She holds a M.S. in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University. Monica’s knowledge of the Columbus area makes her a great resource and champion for her city.  She is passionate about her community and is often found helping local non-profits.

She has a flare for life, loves glitter, and feels dancing deep in her soul. She is THRILLED to be a “Columbus Star” and secretly loves the attention…OK, maybe its not a secret.

Colton Hutton

Dance Instructor

Colton Hutton is a professional dance instructor that echoes love by empowering women and couples to feel beautiful in everything they do, to have confidence with every step, to always lend a helping hand, and to own the space they walk into through dance. Colton has been dancing for over 15 years in partner dances with a specialization in Ballroom. Colton teaches students from all over the US and continues to empower through the virtual studio to give every person the opportunity to experience happiness through dance. The Virtual Dance Club and the online platform “Who’s Ready to Dance?!” are the best ways to connect with Colton. His favorite dance is Disco because that’s how his parents met.

Audrey Livingston

Administrative Coordinator at Equity LLC

Meet Audrey Livingston! Born in Central Ohio, just North of the Pumpkin Show, Audrey has been a part of the 614 area code all her life. Columbus, and all it has to offer has drawn Audrey to the city more and more each year. As the daughter of an entrepreneurial cleaning lady and a handyman, Audrey has become quite the Jack-of-all-trades; through fixing up rentals, working alongside the family business, and taking on various projects through 4-H. However, the most outstanding talent she has acquired was her affinity for music.

In 2015, She found a new home-away-from-home just a few hours Northwest at Ohio Northern University where she studied Music, along with Communications and Arts Administration. She played in numerous ensembles and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota (a Work Fraternity for Women in Music). In 2019, she graduated with a BA for Applied Studies of Music. She returned to central Ohio and began working in the city just before COVID changed the game for everyone.

Today, she works at Equity Real Estate and Construction Solutions as an administrator planning many creative events. Outside of work, she spends her time with friends, family, and all her fluffy friends. Audrey loves to meet everyone’s pets; especially dogs and cats. She also enjoys playing in the Dublin Wind Symphony, finding new food spots and parks around the city, and making her friends laugh every chance she can get.

As a percussionist with over 10 years of experience, Audrey is on a mission to immerse herself in the Arts, now more than ever. Audrey has virtually no dance experience, but has always admired and longed to learn ballroom dance. From Carpenter to Musician, this ball of ADHD can’t wait to add Dancer to the list of all that she can do!    

Rostislav Toporski

Dance Instructor

Rostislav Toporski is a professional dance instructor whose passion is to connect and move better. He is a certified teacher with American International Dancers Association and was a former rhythm coach for the MIT dance team. His specialties are ballroom dance and west coast swing. He also is an Anatomy Trains Graduate which allows him to understand body movements on and off the dance floor.

Rostislav was born in Ukraine and has been passionate about dance for over 30 years! His inspiration is his mother, a well-known dancer, and choreographer. At age 6, he performed in a local folk ensemble with his mother and traveled the former Soviet Union, performing and competing at national festivals. In 1995, after immigrating to Israel, he continued his dance education in a new troop, adding Latin and Standard training to his weekly routine. After moving to the US in the early 2000s, he continued his training and began working with world-renowned coaches in Latin Standard and Smooth. He competed in 9 Dance American Styles across the US, focusing on smooth dances. Rostislav was awarded Rising Star champion and has been a  finalist in multiple competitions throughout the United States.

Mandy Mika

Information Services Leader & Salon Owner

Mandy Mika works for Nationwide Children’s Hospital as an Applications Manager in the Information Services Project Management Office (PMO). As a PMO leader, she helps coordinate project management resources who help deliver technology that supports Nationwide Children’s hospital and research staff in caring for thousands of pediatric patients throughout Central Ohio and the nation. In 2019, Mandy became the proud Owner of Fantasy Coiffures salon in Westerville, Ohio. The salon specializes in hair, nail and other specialty spa services. One of the longest running Westerville Salons, the dedicated stylists provide current trends in a hometown, vintage-feel environment where you’re treated like family – not just a client!

Residing in Sunbury, Ohio, Mandy danced throughout her earlier years as a competitive baton twirler and dancer. She trained with collegiate level twirlers including The Ohio State University drum majors. She earned both State and National baton twirling & dancing titles.

Mandy attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (Go Redhawks!) where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Art in English Literature. She started her career as a teacher and adjunct professor. In her early 20’s, she decided to leave education for the fast-paced world of corporate business. For over 16 years, she worked for Nationwide Insurance in leadership roles coordinating technology for Contact Centers.

With a Corporate reorganization, the opportunity came available to work for the State of Ohio College Advantage 529 Savings Program, leading their customer service center. This change also allowed Mandy to attend evening Cosmetology School to earn her Advanced Cosmetologist license. Throughout her career, Mandy has had the honor of working with the most dedicated professionals. Many of these individuals have become treasured friends

Mandy’s greatest source of energy is her lovely family! Her daughter Charlotte is fifteen, a sophomore at Big Walnut High School and carries on the tradition of competitive dancing. Her son Arthur is 3 and loves cars & trucks. He also loves to boogie; his signature move being the Chicken Dance. Mandy and her husband Joe met in 6^th grade, graduated from High School together, yet they did not connect as a couple until 32 years later.

 The pandemic brought many changes, including a transition to full time remote work. Being home bound ignited a desire to be more active – physically and as a volunteer to the Columbus community. Attending the Byron Saunders Foundation event last year really was an inspiration. It’s an honor to be participating in an event where the thrill of dancing is paired with the ability to provide meals to families during the Thanksgiving holiday!

Aaron McLain

Aaron McLain began dancing and instructing at The Crystal Ballroom in 2019. His experience with theater, show choir and soccer gave him the natural passion, talent and agility for Ballroom dance. Aaron is now DVIDA certified through all of Bronze Smooth & Rhythm and competes professionally in both Rhythm and Smooth. His favorite dances are Waltz, Viennese Waltz, and Foxtrot. Aaron’s upbeat and outgoing personality keeps lessons and classes lively while he shares his passion for dance, music and performing with everyone! Aaron keeps his students moving and makes lessons fun!

Brittany Vance

Instructor & Fitness Instructor

Dancing has been an important part of Brittany’s life since she was little. When she was 7 years old, she began taking lessons in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Twirling. Choosing to study anthropology in college, dance was put on the back burner.

Wanting to pick dance back up after college, Brittany first experienced social dance in 2012 at a video gaming convention. The workshop inspired her to seek out classes in her home town in Swing. Later in 2014, Brittany fell in love with belly dance and since, has studied American Cabaret, American Tribal Style® , and Tribal Fusion. She has attended classes and workshops from Habeeba and from former members of Bal Anat as well as a number of other amazing dancers! She currently performs throughout the Midwest and Appalachia with her belly dance troupe, Final Form Fusion.

Bored with her job in archaeology, Brittany decided to change her hobby in dance to a career in dance.  She began working for the Crystal Ballroom Dance Center in November 2018. Her passion for dance, staying healthy, and helping others achieve their goals inspired Brittany to obtain her certification to teach Zumba in early 2019. She is in the process of earning her ACE Group Fitness certification. Brittany’s favorite social dance styles are Bachata, Kizomba, and Lindy Hop.

Brittany uses her varied experience in dance and background in anthropology to help you get a well rounded dance education. She keeps her classes fun and relaxed so you’re comfortable when it’s time to learn!

Doug Davidson

Director of Client Facing IT Services

Mayra Hoy

Entrepreneur

First-generation American to Dominican immigrants, Mayra Hoy is excited to bring the Latin “sabor” to the dance floor for the Byron Saunders Foundation! She is a devoted wife to Jeremy, and mom to 4 active and intelligent children, ages 11-16.

Mayra is an entrepreneur, having a business and blog geared towards empowering leaders and goal-getters through Biblical principles. She believes that God always comes first, family second and career third, and in that order, everything flourishes because He is a Rewarder to those who seek Him diligently (Hebrews 11). Mayra has received numerous company awards for performance and her Go-Give Spirit!

Mayra also loves teaching Zumba and Strong Nation classes online from her home in Radnor, Ohio.

One of her most cherished highlights, was representing Pennsylvania in the Miss America Scholarship Organization as Miss Pennsylvania 1998, where she earned over $20,000 in scholarships.

Mayra went to the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a degree in music history, but studied vocal performance as well. She was the $5000 recipient of the University of Pittsburgh Jazz Festival Scholarship, and sang for the Prime Minister of Jamaica. She competed on the University Dance Team, and has been classically trained as a dancer for 20 years.

Mayra is so appreciative for all the volunteers of this organization and the support of her network! She is ready to have fun and set the floor on fire!

Maya Sharipova

Pro-Am National Champion, Student Volunteer

Maya Sharipova is an award-winning amateur competitor, competing Pro/Am in all four styles of ballroom dance: American Rhythm, American Smooth, International Latin and International Ballroom.

Maya has found a passion for dance not only through her own competitive journey at Dance Edge under the instruction of studio owner Jeffrey Goltiao, but also as a volunteer for non-profit for the arts, Dance Unite, where she practices ballroom dance with fellow students of all ages, and volunteers time at local schools and community centers, sharing her love of dance with the community.

Some of Maya’s accomplishments include:

• 2021 Junior Pro-Am National Champion, International Ballroom

• 2021 Ohio Star Ball Junior Pro-Am Champion, American Rhythm

• 2021 Ohio Star Ball Amateur Collegiate Bronze Latin Champion

• Over 1000 hours volunteer work through non-profit Dance Unite

Maya is excited and honored for this opportunity to share her love of dance!

Danielle Godby

Retirement Planner with Golden Reserve

Born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Danielle Godby has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical dance at Carol’s Dance Studio for 14 years and danced competitively during that time. Danielle went on to obtain her Bachelors in Exercise Physiology through Ohio University in Athens and began teaching group fitness classes in 2012. Ten years later, she has worked with hundreds of clients, and taught a variety of formats such as yoga, cycling, kickboxing, rowing, and HIIT classes, though dance remains her favorite!

Her passion for movement and dance carried forward into a decade of career experience in the fitness industry where she discovered her biggest passion in life was helping others achieve their potential. Since moving to Dublin in 2017, she has built her career through managing sales for a network of local boutique fitness studios such as iLoveKickboxing, Row House, and AKT. Her favorite part about working with these studios was the opportunity to build lasting relationships and strengthen local communities.

Since moving to Dublin she has maintained her passion for fitness by helping seniors 55y/o and up to improve their financial fitness as a Retirement Planner with Golden Reserve. As a Retirement Planner she helps local families to protect their homes and other assets from the cost of long-term care. She takes great pride in helping clients to overcome one of the biggest risks in retirement and helping them get better sleep at night knowing that they have a plan in place.

Danielle currently lives in Dublin with her two cats, Doc and Nimbus. She loves to spend time outdoors hiking and exploring nature, so much so that her friends often tease her for the fact that she doesn’t feel the need to keep Wifi in her home. One of her signature traits is that she is a “serial hobbyist” and likes to explore many interests. These interests range from rock climbing, hiking, and yoga to maintaining a small jungle of house plants (mostly successfully). Learning the ukulele is on her list for 2022 but that may have to wait until after she is done reading the mini mountain of books next to her bed.

Cedric Eaton

Dance Instructor

Cedric Eaton started at The Crystal Ballroom in 2020.  He is a naturally calm and patient instructor who understands what it takes to grow and learn in any activity.  Cedric is DVIDA certified in Bronze Core 6 and is training to compete professionally in Standard & Rhythm.  His experience in theatre and weight training have prepared him to be physically aware as well as entertaining in front of a crowd!