Cast, Voting & Judges

VOTE your favorite CASAblanca “Dancing with the Local Stars” Couple

Have a favorite dancer, instructor or couple? Great! Your votes (in the form of monetary donations) will help determine the 2023 People’s Choice Award winner! Each dollar equates to one vote. So if you donate $100 to your favorite dancer, it will count as 100 votes. $1,000 = 1,000 votes. We’re sure you get the idea.

Please vote for your favorite to win the “People’s Choice Award!” The winner will be announced live at CASAblanca “Dancing With the Local Stars” on Saturday, November 4th.  And make sure you tell others that you voted!

Online voting ends at 8PM CST on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

Your votes/donations will help CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit make a difference in the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Cast

2023 Dancers and Coaches/Dance Partners
Lisa McShane & Tyler Smith
Amy Braet & Kyle Shradel
Zach Oyler & Katie Hollandsworth
Regan Jones & Randee Blickenstaff
Marcellus Sommerville & Emily West
Jason Becker & Madalynne Shaw
Fadi Rustom & Ellen Pitts
Jonathan Harwood & Beverly Caballero

Lisa McShane (Dancer)
I am proud to be born and raised in Peoria, Illinois where I attended St. Thomas Grade School and Peoria Notre Dame High School (98). I met and married my high school sweetheart, Patrick McShane, and we have two beautiful children Lucy (14) and Colin (3). Upon graduating from the University of Iowa with my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I then attended Bradley University where I obtained a Masters in Human Development Counseling. This allowed me to work in child welfare as an adoption preservation specialist for many years in both Peoria and Alton, Illinois. I also worked in the Dunlap school district as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. In my spare time, I love to exercise, garden, try all kinds of food and drinks, travel with my husband and family, spend time with friends, and attend any and all concerts. I believe my love and passion for children and music makes tonight a perfect fit for me. I am excited to support CASA and be a part of this cause.

Tyler Smith (Coach)
Tyler W. Smith received his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2007 and is currently working for NYU Langone Health, based in Manhattan, New York, as an Epic Radiology Applications Analyst. He has had the pleasure of working and collaborating with dance companies such as ATREK Dance Collective (St. Louis), MADCO (Modern American Dance Company, St. Louis), and has studied under choreographers that include Germaul Barnes (Bill T. Jones Co.), Michael Thomas (Movement Activities Aerial Dance.), David Covey (Ohio State University), Jean Pierre Bonnefoux (North Carolina Dance Theatre), Bebe Miller (Ohio State University), Rachael Murray (Mark Morris Dance Group), and Aaron Henderson (STREB Co. Brooklyn, NY). Tyler has taught in Midwest universities and studios including University of Missouri-Saint Louis, Saint Louis University, Miss Laura’s School Of Dance, Jennifer’s Dance Center, Center Of Creative Arts (COCA) in Saint Louis, and is currently teaching Advanced Jazz at the Peoria Ballet Company. This is Tyler’s 6th year contributing to CASA as a choreographer and is ever grateful for the opportunity to support an amazing organization.

Amy Braet (Dancer)
Amy Braet is Assistant Vice President of Talent Management at RLI. Throughout her 18-year career with RLI, Amy has held various roles in Human Resources including oversight for reward programs and HR systems as well as her current role overseeing the company’s talent development and talent acquisition functions. Originally from the small town of Pecatonica, IL, Amy moved to Peoria to attend Bradley University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Human Resources) and an MBA. Amy holds professional certifications including Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), and Professional in Human Resources (PHR). She was also recognized as one of the 40 Leaders under 40 by Peoria Magazines in 2020. Outside of the workplace, Amy serves on the Easterseals Board of Directors and Run, Walk & Rally race committee. Amy previously served as a board member of Family House. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children ages 11, 9 and 7. Her kids keep her busy with sporting activities, including coaching her daughter’s school volleyball team. Amy also enjoys spending time with friends, playing volleyball, running and singing. She’s excited to be part of CASAblanca this year to support such a great cause!

Kyle Shradel (Coach)
Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, and establishing a career as a systems developer, Kyle began his ballet performance career by appearing first in Ballet Quad Cities’ The Nutcracker as a community cast member. Over time, he grew into more featured opportunities such as Drosselmeyer in Courtney Lyon’s The Nutcracker and Dr. Seward in Deanna Carter’s Dracula. He also performed prominent roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Petrushka, Carmen, Peter and the Wolf, and Alice in Wonderland. Notably, Kyle has performed the role of Prince Albrecht in Ballet Quad Cities’ “Ballet Under the Stars” production of Giselle and was cast as the Omnibus Driver in American Ballet Theatre’s traveling production of Whipped Cream at Hancher Auditorium. Since joining Central Illinois Ballet, Kyle has been thrilled to perform in such productions as Jessie Williams’ Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, Women of History, and most recently Rebekah von Rathonyi’s Les Misérables. Kyle is honored to be dancing his second season with Central Illinois Ballet!

Zack Oyler (Dancer)

Katie Hollandsworth (Coach)
Katie has been a dancer since the age of three. Taught for over 15 years at the Peoria Ballet Company. And has appeared in many Cornstock and Peoria Player productions in the past. She has gotten the opportunity to compete at the YAGP ballet competitions and numerous summer dance programs throughout the US. This will be her third time coaching for CASA. Katie is now retired from dancing and spends her days as an Esthetician and small business owner, make sure to check out Hollandsworth Esthetics LLC and @browdoctor_katie on Instagram. Katie enjoys traveling, hiking, and live music. She is part of the Junior League and Young Professionals of Greater Peoria.

Regan Jones (Dancer)
Regan has been dedicated to serving Altorfer, Inc. in the field of Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Sales for the past six years in the Greater Peoria Area. With a degree in Construction Management from Western Illinois University, Regan brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous career in Construction Engineering, enabling him to provide the best solutions for his customers. Regan’s exceptional performance led him to achieve the coveted and prestigious “TOP GUN” award in 2022 for best overall sales leader in the company. Having settled in the Morton area 11 years ago, he has become deeply rooted in his community by serving and actively participating on several non-profit boards. Most notably, Regan holds the positions of Past President for the Greater Peoria Contractors & Suppliers Association, current President of the Independent Sports Club of Central Illinois and Scholarship Co-Chair for the Builders Association of Tazewell County. Beyond his professional engagements, Regan is a valued member of the NCAA Collegiate Football Officials Association, dedicating more than a decade to College Football Officiating. During his leisure time, he cherishes any free minute with his wife Sarah and two daughters, Mallory and Charlotte, often spending those days together on the Florida Beaches.

Randee Blickenstaff (Coach)
Randee is THRILLED to be a part of CASAblanca once again this year! She received her degree in Musical Theatre from Eureka College and has worked as a dance instructor and choreographer since she was 15. Randee has been involved with the arts community as long as she can remember! Whether it be onstage, in the dance studio, choreographing, or volunteering, she will usually always find a way to be involved. Randee has been teaching & dancing at Kim’s Academy of Dance practically since she could walk and spent two years teaching in Savannah, Georgia. She has served on the Corn Stock for Kids board and has choreographed for numerous local theatre productions. Some recent choreography credits include In the Heights and Jekyll and Hyde at Peoria Players Theatre. You may have also seen her onstage in Mary Poppins at Corn Stock Theatre and as Charity Valentine in Sweet Charity at Peoria Players Theatre. When Randee is not performing, you can usually catch her curled up on the couch watching Gilmore Girls with her three kitties Figaro, Peri and Gus. “A big thank you to CASA and Regan for an amazing experience again this year! And, as always, thank you to my Dad. I couldn’t do what I do if it weren’t for him!”

Marcellus Sommerville (Dancer)
Marcellus Sommerville was born and raised in Peoria, IL. He attended Peoria public school system. Attending White Middle School, and Peoria Central High School, where he graduated in 2001. He was an elite, humble beast for Bradley University, being the first in his immediate family to graduate from the University in 2006. Marcellus went on to continue his passion for basketball, playing his professional career overseas. He retired in 2020 from playing throughout Europe, Japan, Israel, and the U.S.A. Over his 14-year professional career, he received numerous honors for his leadership and ability to excel on and off the court. Marcellus also opened Next Generation Academy in 2017, and specializes in community sporting events, mentoring youth, and athletic development. A student’s spirit is a powerful energy. Whether they are kindergarten or high school students, they have innate desire to push the limits. They strive to achieve their full potential! NGA works towards finding success for every student athlete!
Marcellus returned home to give back to the community that he loves! He is the CEO/President at Peoria Friendship House of Christian Services. They offer individualized advocacy, coaching, education, and support to everyone who walks through their doors. It is a holistic approach towards a path to a better future. Who would this humble gentleman be without the support and love from his family! Marcellus married the love of his life, Brooke Sommerville on June 18th, 2004. Together they are giving back to their community while also raising four beautiful children. Lathan is a senior at Richwoods and future Rutgers commit. Londyn is a freshman at Richwoods on the varsity volleyball and basketball team. Lawson and Liberty both attend Christ Lutheran School.

Emily West (Coach)
Emily has been dancing for over 30 years and is very exciting to be an instructor for the local Dancing with the Stars event for the 7th year. She’s trained in many forms of dance, including Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Ballet and was a dance team member at the University of Illinois for four years. Currently, she’s an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and licensed WERQ Instructor. When she’s not working at Caterpillar as a manager and certified project manager (PMP), you can find her teaching dance classes and doing CrossFit. She’s involved in many non-profit groups in the Peoria area. She’s a 25 Women in Leadership award winner from WEEK-TV and in 2015, she was recognized as one of the 40 Leaders under 40 by Peoria Magazines. Emily is also an avid runner, participating in the St. Jude Fundraising Runs for more than 10 years. Emily holds two degrees from the University of Illinois including an MBA and BA in Journalism. Emily also enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Jason Becker (Dancer)
I am a pediatrician for OSF/Children’s Hospital of Illinois. As a pediatrician, CASA is an organization means a lot to me. I work with a lot of children in the foster care system and know from that side what a lot of these kids go through and how important an organization like CASA is to their well-being. I have absolutely no training in dance. However, I was known to cut a rug in my younger days, prior to tearing a ligament in my knee swing dancing.
My wife, Chaille, is a Vice President in Information Technology at Caterpillar and we have two children: Ava, a senior at Peoria Notre Dame and Nolan, a 6th grader at St. Vincent de Paul. We enjoy traveling, boating, skiing and hosting family & friends, as I also enjoy cooking. I look forward to dancing for you all and hopefully raising a lot of money for CASA.

Madalynne Shaw (Coach)
This is Madalynne’s third year as a choreographer with DWTS of Peoria and she is honored to help support the mission of CASA. in our community! Her Ballroom Dance journey started in 2018, through a local dance studio, where she met her now husband, Adam Shaw. The couple enjoys dancing a variety of styles together including Rumba, Waltz, Tango, Cha-Cha, and Salsa. Adam and Madalynne performed together at CasaBlanca 2020, and competed last year at CasaBlanca 2022. We are excited to be involved again this year!

Fadi Rustom (Dancer)
My name is Fadi Rustom. I am a husband, to Becca, and father of two beautiful girls, Rohmie and Naomi – all living in north Peoria. I’ve always loved to dance, but I’ve never had any formal training. My mother always wanted me to be a dancer, so now is my opportunity to prove her right. Instead of chasing a dance career, I turned to the law, now a private lawyer in downtown Peoria at Hall Rustom. I’ve practiced law for 18 years and enjoy helping people of all sorts with legal matters ranging from personal injury and litigation to real estate development. CASA’s purpose resonates with me and my family. In addition to loving children, volunteering our time for the community is central to our family. Assisting children in need through the legal system is worthwhile and gratifying. My lovely wife Becca volunteers her time with her self-started not-for-profit, Universal Spirituality Center, where she focuses on spirituality and meditation. After a lot of hard work with my dance partner, Ellen Pitts, we hope to bring some excitement to CASA in 2023!

Ellen Pitts (Coach)
Ellen is an experienced dancer with a passion for the art that has spanned over two decades. Her journey in dance began at Peoria Ballet, where she honed her skills and developed a deep love for the art form. Ellen’s dedication led her to further training at Boston Ballet, CPYB, and Faubourg Ballet. Today, Ellen shares her expertise and enthusiasm for dance as a ballet and jazz instructor at Peoria Ballet, where she inspires the next generation of dancers. Her commitment to the art of dance extends beyond the studio. Ellen has had the privilege of participating in Casablanca twice. In 2014, Ellen and her partner, JR Runkle, won the Critics Choice award. Ellen returned to Casablanca in 2017, where she and her partner, Adam Hawks, won both the People’s Choice Award and the Critics Choice Award. When Ellen isn’t dancing, she enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and lifting weights. Ellen’s greatest source of joy is her family. She shares her life with her beloved husband, Nick, and their two children, Giselle and Rush. Ellen is excited to grace the stage this year with her partner, Fadi Rustom.

Jonathan Harwood (Dancer)
My name is Jonathan Harwood. I was born and raised in the Peoria area and graduated from Princeville High School and later completed Nursing school at Bradley University. I currently live in Dunlap with my husband, Jamie, and son Jacob. I currently work for Illinois Department of Public Health as the Division Manager for Long Term Care Field Operations. I am extremely excited and honored to be part of this amazing CASA event. Our family experienced the incredible work CASA does five years ago when we went through the adoption process for our son. CASA was a great advocate for our son when navigating through the foster system and adoption process.

Beverly Caballero (Coach)
Beverly Caballero, along with her husband Ed, has been teaching Latin dancing in Peoria, Illinois since 2007. Besides the Contemporary Art Center, she has taught at the Peoria Park District, Bradley University, District 150 Schools, RiverPlex, Common Place, ICC, Nursing Homes and the Clarion Hotel. She’s performed with Ed and with various groups including SAMEBA and Bradley Salsa Club students. The Caballeros have been featured in El Numero, Prairie Living and Peoria Magazine. Beverly taught/performed at the RiverPlex Youth Explosion, Peoria Heart Ball, CASAblanca 2014 and Cultural Explosion in Bloomington. Beverly’s passion for Salsa dancing did not ignite until 2004, 20 years after she had been loving in Peoria. She heard about a Salsa class at Bradley University taught by Berfan Kochgiri. He was a college teacher/Caterpillar employee from Turkey. She took several of his classes and the rest was history. Month, Beverly and Ed teach Salsa lessons at the Contemporary Art Center. Participants learn the basics of Salsa/Merengue/Bachata and practice their skills during the socials after class. Salsa venues include Pho Noodle House and Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. Beverly enjoys seeing newcomers picking up the steps and coming back to try to become better dancers. She shares with students that she wants it for them more than they want it for themselves. She is rooting for everyone who is interested in learning.

Judges

Matt Campen
Matt is the Vice President, Claims at RLI. RLI is a specialty insurer serving niche property, casualty and surety markets. The company provides deep underwriting expertise and superior service to commercial and personal lines customers nationwide. Since joining RLI in 2013, Matt has served in various roles within the Claim organization and is currently responsible for the successful handling and resolution of Property, Marine and Surety claims countrywide. He is originally from Metamora, and spent 15 years living in the Chicago area before moving to Washington in 2019 with his wife Kim and their two children Aaron (11) and Alexandra (9). Matt is a graduate of Illinois State University in Normal and received his Master’s Degree from DePaul University-Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in Chicago, Illinois. He holds the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Claims, Associate in General Insurance and Associate in Surplus Lines professional designations.

Jamie Harwood
Jamie Harwood is the Coroner for Peoria County. He is a 1992 graduate of Princeville High School. He graduated from Methodist School of Nursing in 1997, and in 2018, was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; he is also an active member of the Methodist College Board of Directors. Jamie received his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Penn State University in 2015, where he graduated with honors. Jamie is currently the 2nd Vice President of the Illinois Coroner and Medical Examiners Association of Illinois. He is Chairman for the Tri-County Death Review Board, and he is an active member of the Illinois Central College EMS Advisory Board; Jamie is an active member of the Community Life Saving Leaders Committee with the Gift of Hope, and is member of the Gift of Hope’s Coroner Advisory Board. In his free time, Jamie enjoys spending time with his family, Jonathan, 21-year-old son, Hunter, 17-year-old daughter, Hope, and 4-year-old Jacob. He enjoys traveling, college football, and takes every opportunity he can for community education. Having experienced the foster system and adoption of his son, Jacob, Jamie and Jonathan are extremely excited to support CASA and the mission of advocacy for children.

Dr. Jawad Javed
Jawad is the Division Head and Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. A native of the Midwest, Jawad grew up in Northwest Indiana and has been a resident of the Peoria community for the past decade. He completed his pediatric residency training in Peoria, IL and his neonatal fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine. Jawad is tremendously committed to newborn care and improving outcomes in this population. He has been involved in the education and research of pediatricians over the past decade both regionally and nationally. In addition, he sits on numerous faculty committees on scholarship, quality, research, and patient outcomes both at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Jawad is an avid Chicago sports fan (Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks). Jawad resides in Dunlap, IL with his wife, Zohra, who is also a pediatrician in the Peoria community. He has one daughter (Mahek) and two sons (Humza and Zayan).

Jodi Lindsay
Jodi is so happy to be returning to CASAblanca this year as a judge! Last year she and her dancing partner, Mike Hinchman, had a wonderful time dancing and supporting CASA! Jodi is a native of Peoria and graduated from Bradley University in 2003 where she also met her husband Jim. Their daughter, Brooklyn, is the actual dancer in the family and definitely tried to teach her mom a thing or two about dancing, “tried” is the key word here haha! Jodi works in the Charitable Division for the Bob Lindsay Automotive group and loves doing anything she can to help support our wonderful community. She feels honored to be a small part of tonight’s event for CASA, their work is so important for the children and it is important to the Lindsay family to do what they can to support them. Jodi wishes all the dancers to have fun tonight, break a leg and let’s raise some money for CASA!!!

Elena Paine
Elena Paine is the Owner and Artistic Director of Studio D-Y-B. She was also the founder of a non-profit community theater called CITCO (Central Illinois Theater Co.) She previously owned two performing arts studios located in Eureka and Peoria. Elena began dancing at the age of 4 and danced pre-professionally at the San Diego Ballet Co. By age 12, she was studying under the direction of Jack Tyget (dancer in the movie Mary Poppins). Jack was one of Elena’s most inspirational teachers. He wore a gold chain that said “I Care.” Another one of Jack’s students was Eric Bishop, who later changed his name and is well known as Jamie Foxx. Elena spent her summers traveling and living on-site to be taught by Film & Broadway professionals such as Donald O’Connor. She continued training and bringing students to study with choreographers such as Wade Robson and Paula Abdul. Elena has choreographed the musicals: Big, Sound of Music, Oliver, Fame, Footloose, The Music Man, Annie, Broadway Backwards (Anything Goes Tap) and many more. She recently worked with Bryan Blanks as co-choreographer for Elf and Back To The 80’s. She has also trained dancers in Disney on Ice.