Staff

 Owner and program director, Kelly (Samford) Halcomb has called Duluth home since 1980.  She is a former Auburn University Dance Team member and Captain.  She has been working with gymnasts, dancers and cheerleaders of all ages for the past 16 years.  Kelly previously worked for Fantastic Gymnastics, Barbara Bramble Dancenter and Fleetwood Dance Studios.   As a 1999 honor graduate of Auburn University, she majored in High School Science Education with an emphasis in Biology.  After teaching Biology and coaching cheerleading at Duluth High School for several years, she opened Cheer & Dance Atlanta with her husband Brent in 2002.  Since then she has worked with high school squads from around the entire state of Georgia.  Kelly & Brent have three beautiful children, Emerson Cates (3)  Samford (2) Callaway Ann (9 months)... and two crazy labs, McGraw & Lily!

Kelly oversees all Jayhawks All-Star coaches, class instructors and summer camps.  She is CPR and AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators) safety certified, a member of the Georgia High School Coaches Association and a member of the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association.  Kelly has captured three State Championships and a runner-up in Georgia High School as well as several National Championships at the All-Star level.  In 2006 she coached the Georgia & National High School Cheerleading Team of the Year and was a finalist for Georgia Coach of the Year.   Kelly enjoys challenging the kids to progress in their skills while enthusiastically encouraging them every step of the way.  She makes it her mission to see every child leave the gym with a smile and a great feeling about their accomplishments. 

Rick grew up in Miami, Florida and began cheerleading for his high school in 1995.   He then went on to cheer two years for Top Gun Co-ed All-Stars where he won several National Championships.  After high school,
he made the varsity cheerleading team at University of Central Florida in 1998 and placed third at the UCA College National Championships in 1999—GO KNIGHTS!! 

He graduated from UCF with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a triple minor in history, business and education.  Following college, he continued to cheer for a couple adult open teams in the Orlando
area such as Orlando’s Best. 

Rick’s professional career in cheerleading began the summer of ‘95 not long after he started cheering for Miami Killian HS.  He began as a tumbling instructor and all-star.  Rick worked as a UCA instructor for 5 years with the Florida staff.  During the school year, he coached at top level Florida all-star gyms such as Polk County Galaxy and Freedom Athletics.
He began by choreographing his own all-star routines and then went on to work with other teams all over the
country and in Europe.

Rick works as an international instructor and choreographer working in Europe and Scandinavia.  He also acts a mentor for European coaches who like to learn more about choreography, cheer technique, and tumbling.  Rick has coached teams to numerous State and National titles throughout his career.

We are thrilled to have Rick at Cheer & Dance Atlanta since the Fall of 2007.  Rick works with our all-stars, high school squads and teaches beginner through elite tumbling classes.   Rick is well respected by students, coaches and parents alike for his knowledge and love of our sport! 

Al is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL) with a BA in Sociology.  He has a minor in women's studies and race & ethnic studies.  Al has been coaching since 1997 in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.  He is an 8 year NCA instructor and 5 time NCA Collegiate All-American.  While at Florida Atlantic his team won NCA College Nationas (1999).  Al also competed on several Open teams including The Stingray Allstars, Cheer Atlanta, Carolina Allstars, Top Gun Allstars and Thunder Allstars.

Al is also an established choreographer and has worked with numerous allstar, high school and recreational programs over the past 12 years.  Al most recently coached with The Thunder Allstars of Marietta Georgia where his team won NCA Nationals in 2009.  Prior to his time with The Thunder Allstars, Al coached with the Atlanta JayHawks in 2005.  His JayHawks team won CHEERSPORT in 2005 and Al was a favorite coach to many :)  We are thrilled to have "Big Al" back on staff and coaching classes, squads and our Atlanta JayHawks Allstars!

Linsey was born and raised in Georgia. Growing up in the Lawrenceville/Snellville area, she graduated from South Gwinnett High School.  Linsey cheered throughout high school on the competition team at South Gwinnett and on All-Star teams at Force Cheerleading. She graduated from GA State University with a B.S. in Physical Education and Health.  Four years ago, Linsey started coaching at CDA.  Since then she has coached Peewee and Senior teams to many championships at CDA.  After taking a little time off to graduate from GA State, God has led her back to CDA.  She feels blessed to have found a job that she loves.  Each day Linsey looks forward to work because there is nothing more fulfilling then impacting a child's life.  Linsey is a true Jayhawk at heart!!!!!

Our WONDERFUL Office Manager!!!

Jami Boleware was born and raised in South Florida where she trained as a Level 10 gymnast and was a member of the Meg Segretos Dance Company. In High School Jami was an All-American Cheerleader.  After high school she attended Auburn University where she was a member and captain of the Auburn University Tiger Pause Dance Team.  Jami graduated from Auburn with her BS in Exercise Science and her MS in Exercise Physiology.  

Jami has been coaching gymnastics and dance for over 10 years. Before joining the Atlanta JayHawks staff in 2004, Jami worked at Gymnastics Academy of Atlanta where she still serves as a choreographer.  Jami loves training and working with kids of all ages and it shows in her interactions with the kids at CDA.   She coaches tumbling classes of all levels and dance classes at Cheer & Dance Atlanta. 

Jami has a wonderful husband, Jason and beautiful daughter, Sara (2).  Jami stays at home with Sara and works at CDA part-time coaching cheer and dance teams for the JayHawks.  We are proud to have an experienced and well-respected coach like Jami on our staff!

All-Star Coordinator

Travis grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina where he was a competitive All-Star Cheerleader.   He relocated to Metro Atlanta in 2005.  He is a graduate of Peachtree Ridge High School.   He is a currently attending Georgia Perimeter College.   Travis is an Advanced Tumbler and stunter.  Travis’ patience and charisma for kids and for the sport of cheerleading make him an instructor we love at CDA!