
Meet the dedicated Cheer Board of Directors behind the Midwest Raiders Cheer program — a passionate team of volunteers committed to the growth, safety, and success of our athletes. Our board works year-round to organize practices, coordinate events, support our coaches, and ensure a positive experience for every cheerleader. With a shared vision of building strong, confident athletes through teamwork and community spirit, our board brings both experience and heart to everything we do. Together, we’re proud to lead a program that celebrates dedication, sportsmanship, and Raider pride.
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Marisa Kaufman
CHEER DIRECTOR
Cheerleading has been a lifelong passion of mine—it’s where I found confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships as a young athlete. Growing up as a cheerleader holds my favorite childhood memories, and it’s incredibly special to now see me doing the same season after season. I stepped into the role of Cheer Director in 2020, and watching this program evolve from 78 athletes to over 200 in 2024 has been one of the most rewarding parts of my tenure with Raiders.
Families can find me at the warehouse coaching our 5th + 6th grade athletes. What I love most about coaching is watching young athletes set goals, work hard, and achieve things they never thought possible. Season after season, their growth and resilience inspire me. Being part of their journey—and the community that surrounds and uplifts them—is truly the motivation that makes me so proud to be a Raider.
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Vicki Hill
ASSISTANT CHEER DIRECTOR
I spent my entire childhood and most of my adult life as a Bartlett community member. As a child, I cheered for Bartlett Raiders. As a mom of three, with two daughters who were interested in cheerleading, I wanted to step up and help in the organization to make sure that they and all athletes had a solid foundation and program. I started head coaching my team for the vast majority of them at the beginning of their cheer careers and have watched them grow as individuals and athletes over the years. This is my youngest daughter's last year as a Raider and it is definitely bittersweet to see her time come to an end. My oldest daughter serves as a Jr. Coach to our team and has helped many of the teams over the years. I have been the Assistant Cheer Director since the founding of the Cheer Board and have enjoyed serving on the board to help grow the program as well as continue to shape it and make it stronger for years to come. Professionally, I am a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator where I spend my days running a facility that is licensed for 206 skilled nursing facility patients. My job keeps me extremely busy with a 24/7 on-call responsibility but I enjoy helping and caring for others. I strive for improvement in all areas of my life. Whether at home, at work or on the cheer mat. I will soak up every moment of my last year as a BRC Board Member and hope that I have made a difference in the community and most importantly my athletes I have had the pleasure to coach for many seasons.
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Kendall Niccum
SECRETARY
A lifelong Raider, I cheered for BRC from 1st through 8th grade and served as a junior coach through high school. Now, a mom of three—one football player and two cheerleaders—I give back as an assistant coach and board member, roles I have held for the past three years.
Professionally, I work in the non-profit sector as the Director of Training, Development, and Member Experience for an international women’s organization. I create Leadership curriculum, build strategic programs, and cultivate relationships with staff and volunteers. Whether professionally or in my hometown, I strive to lead with purpose, passion, and heart and continue to be proud to be a part of Raider Nation.
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Katie DePasquale
TREASURER
I’m Katie DePasquale, a high school math teacher and proud mom to two young girls in the competitive cheer program. Our family has been part of the Raiders community for the past four years, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.
During my time with the organization, I’ve had the opportunity to coach and serve on the board—roles that have allowed me to support not just my own daughters, but the broader Raider family as well. Cheerleading has been a part of my life and a true passion since I was young. Whether in the classroom or on the cheer mat, I’m passionate about encouraging growth, building confidence, and creating a positive environment for young people to thrive.
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Caitlyn Lierman
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS & VOLUNTEERS
I’m Caitlyn Lierman, proud Raider mom with a daughter in the competitive cheer program and a son just starting his journey in flag football. Our family has been part of the Raiders community for the past four years, and I’ve loved serving as both a team mom and a board member during that time.
Professionally, I’m a social worker—driven by a passion for supporting and advocating for others, both in my career and in my community. Being part of the Raiders has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to see what this season brings!
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Kendra Perham
DIRECTOR OF COACHES
I'm Kendra Perham, and I'm a true Raider through and through! My passion for cheerleading is undeniable – from my years cheering with the Bartlett Raiders (1st-8th grade) to my time as a junior coach in high school, I definitely have "no cheer chill"! Returning as a parent and coach in 2021 has been a joy, and this year I'm thrilled to have all three of my daughters involved in the program (Pre-K through 3rd grade). As a head coach since 2022, I've now joined the board, eager to apply my love for organization to ensure the cheer program runs smoothly. Professionally, I'm a local Realtor with over a decade of experience at Suburban Life Realty. Beyond my busy life as a Realtor and mom to three amazing girls, I find time to bake, garden, and connect with friends.
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Carla Wood
DIRECTOR OF TEAM MOMS, AWARDS, SAFETY
I’m a proud Raider mom whose daughter has been part of the program for the past five years. We’re a Raiders family through and through! I’m thankful for the chance to serve the Bartlett community as both a coach and a board member, and I truly love supporting these athletes in everything they do. As a former high school cheerleader, high school coach, and now a high school administrator, I understand what it takes to succeed at the next level—and it’s such a joy to help these athletes grow in their confidence and love for the sport as they prepare for high school cheer and beyond!
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April Wickey
DIRECTOR OF APPAREL
I’m April Wickey, proud mom to two amazing girls. My girls have been part of the Raiders family for over 3 years now. My girls love cheerleading with the Raiders, and we even have a state champion in the house. I have been a team mom for 2 years now helping to lend my creative side to the team as well. And have now added assistant coach to my duties. As director of apparel, I am helping to make sure our Raiders look fantastic from the practice mat, to cheering on the sideline, and then shining at competition. I have a true passion for creating beautiful things.
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Nancy Elizondo
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS & SOCIAL MEDIA
My name is Nancy Elizondo, and I am a proud mom of two amazing children. My son, Dominic, is a dedicated Bartlett Raider football player, and my daughter, Adrianna, is a spirited Bartlett Raider cheerleader. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the Raider community for 3 years, first as a cheer coach, and now as a proud member of the BRC Board. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch these young athletes grow, not just on the field or mat, but also in character and teamwork. I’m excited for another season of football and cheer, and I’m looking forward to supporting our amazing Raider family. GO RAIDERS!