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We are CERTIFIED in teaching Levels 1-6 for tumbling, stunting & tosses by the most prestigious company in the industry, the USASF (United States All Star Federation), as well as these certifications: AACCA Safety, CPR, & Stunt Training. We not only have a spectacular inner staff, we train every year with the nations best from across the country to bring more ideas & training from our outer circle of friends in the industry. With our wide scope of instructors we offer to our athletes top of the line choreography, the most updated skills, safe tumbling & stunting techniques, & current industry trends. Our Pride program was established in 1999, that’s a lot of competition experience.
WE ARE THE LONGEST RUNNING COMPETITIVE CHEER GYM IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA!!!
Our in-house coaching staff includes this experience:
Competitive collegiate cheerleaders, dancers and gymnasts
Team USA cheer competitors
Gymnastics judges
Cheer judges
Studio dancers
Cheer Worlds competitors
Dance Worlds competitors
Current school Teachers
Degrees in Exercise Science
Cross-fit Trainers
Volunteer fire “woman”
Gym Owner & Coach – Chrissie Bianco
As owner and coach, Chrissie has been instructing cheerleading for over 30 years. She is originally from New Kensington, PA, and has 4 children, Justin, Ali, Mitchell, and Ava, all of whom can be found working at the family business in cheer or baseball. She met her husband, Matt, while cheering at the University of Pittsburgh. After coaching and choreographing for High School competitive teams, she started the Pittsburgh Pride All Stars in 1999. With her B.S. degree in Exercise Science, it is her passion to have health and fitness built into the teams training programs. She can be found coaching all levels in the gym from 1 to 6. She currently is USASF credentialed, Safe Sport Certified, and CPR/First Aid Certified. She enjoys her new sport of golf and has 3 turtles.
Fun Fact: She loves nature and animals, especially lions, and is also a Leo. And that is why we are the Pride!
All Star Director & Coach – Ali Collodi
Ali Bianco has over 20 years experience in the cheer and dance industry. She competed competitively in all stars for 17 years and competed at The USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds for 9 years in total. Ali attended and graduated from Morehead State University, where she won UCA College Nationals in both 2015 and 2016. Ali was also selected to be a member on The US National All-Girl Team and won two gold medals in 2015 and 2016. Following graduation, Ali has coached numerous Summit and Worlds finalist teams since 2016. She is an expert in stunt technique and loves bringing the collegiate look to the all star world. Ali has also worked for international cheerleading companies, All Things Cheer and PURE Technique Camps, since she was 18. She continues to work for these organizations and has gotten to travel to countries such as Australia, Norway, Finland, Canada, and all over the US to share her knowledge in the industry, instruct camps and clinics, as well as do choreography.
Fun Fact : Coach Ali loves to roller blade
Teams Director & Coach – Jabar Cancer
Coach Jabar has been coaching competitive cheerleading for the last 26 years! He has coached for Pop Warner, Competitive School, and All Stars. He is also a 2 time Bronze Medalist Worlds coach and Summit Finalist coach! Coach Jabar has experience in all levels and ages from Mini-Collegiate divisions. He also Travels across the US for choreography and stunt technique camps/clinics. Outside of Coaching and cheerleading coach Jabar loves going to the beach and casino!
Fun Fact: Coach Jabar is from Schenectady, New York!
Cheer Manager & Coach- Sema Konur-Minctyre
Coach Sema is originally from Leesburg, VA and has over 20 years experience in coaching competitive youth sports. She was an athlete turned coach who not only has experience in coaching, but is a former All Star Director and Gym Owner too! She currently is USASF credentialed, Safe Sport Certified, CPR/First Aid Certified, and a former Varsity All Star Judge. Sema is a Bronze Summit Champion as well as a Top 10 Summit Finalists Coach! She has many national titles under her belt as a former all star athlete. During her free time Coach Sema loves to cook, organize, take long hot bubble baths, and spend her free time outside in nature!
Fun Fact: Coach Sema has 5 siblings and her favorite color is orange!
ALL STAR CHEER COACH – Juliona Bele
Coach Juls has been tumbling for as long as she can remember, but officially started gymnastics at 9 years old and started competing at 11. She competed until she was 13 and then switched over to cheerleading at Bethel Park High School. Juls started lessons at Pride the next year and fell in love with the gym!! She began to coach tumbling at Pride at 15 and developed such a great relationship with the coaches and athletes. Her senior year, she decided to try all star cheerleading and competed at Pride on Senior 6, Purple Reign. After having such a great experience, Juls decided to come back another year as a crossover to compete on Senior 5(Beast Mode) and Senior 6.
ALL STAR CHEER COACH – Ava Welling
Coach Ava began cheering at Pittsburgh pride when she was 4 years old. With Pride she competed at the cheerleading worlds 6 years and at dance worlds 2 years. She graduated from Indiana University of PA with a bachelor of science in marketing and a minor in economics. Coach Ava also cheered at IUP for 4 years and was the captain as well as student coach of the program. While living in Indiana Pa, Ava worked at TAI for 4 years. She has been able to work at Pride for the past 8 years doing private lessons and instructing classes and teams. Excited to be here full time.
Fun Fact: Ava loves to run and go hiking
ALLSTAR CHEER COACH – Jena Baldwin
Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Jena has been involved in the world of All-Star Cheerleading since she was 11 years old. She’s coached all levels and ages. Over the last 12 years Coach Jena coached for two different programs, Pennsylvania Storm and Pittsburgh Pride. She’s so blessed to be able to work with so many great kids and happy to have found a home at Pride.
Her hobbies include home improvement and reading.
Fun Fact: Jena has 2 title belts in MMA and used to be a cage fighter! She also has a pet snake
ALL STAR CHEER COACH – Mikellynn Tsangaris
Coach Mikellynn has been coaching all ages and levels of cheer and tumbling for the past 10 years. She previously was the head coach and director for Canon McMillan Cheerleading program for 4 years and a tumbling coach at KTA. Mikellynn cheered through her adolescent and high school career as both a high school and all star cheerleader and was Varsity Captain. She is a mom of 2 and Realtor. In her spare time she enjoys the beach and vacationing with her family.
Fun Fact: Coach Mikellynn used to work on Broadway theater in NYC
ALLSTAR CHEER COACH – Shawnee Mason
Coach Shawnee is so excited to begin her journey of competitive coaching with Pride! She started cheerleading in kindergarten. They did not let kindergarteners cheer but she pleaded until they let her be a mascot. She cheered all through school, and was varsity captain her senior year. Following high school she attended college for early childhood special education. She went back a second time to get her Bachelor of the Arts in Criminal Justice. She has worked as an Enforcement Officer, and Children and Youth Services agent. She is now employed at Peters Middle School as a Paraprofessional in the special education department. She is also a certified substitute. She coached high school volleyball for two years. She has been a recreation youth cheer coach for three years. She took over as President of the program last year! Shawnee’s love of cheer and watching her girls learn, and grow is what brought her here!
ALL STAR CHEER COACH – Lucy Baker
Coach Lucy has been part of the cheerleading world since the age of 6 and began her all-star cheer journey at 10 years old with Pittsburgh Pride. As an athlete, she cheered at Pride for 8 years and danced for 1 year, earning the opportunity to compete at The Cheerleading Worlds three times and The Dance Worlds once. Now entering her fifth season as a coach at Pittsburgh Pride, Coach Lucy is passionate about helping athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character. With a deep love for the sport and the program that raised her, she brings energy, experience, and heart to every practice and performance.
Fun Fact: Coach Lucy also works for the Pittsburgh Steelers!
ALLSTAR CHEER COACH – Skylar Clawson
Coach Skylar cheered for over 11 years, with experience in both school and all star cheer. She cheered for Trinity from elementary through high school and she was varsity captain her senior year. Skylar did all star cheer for 7 seasons and competed at the Cheerleading Worlds many times. She graduated from Ohio State University and is now attending the University of Pittsburgh for graduate school. She is beyond excited to get back into the sport she loves, but as a coach this time. Skylar wants to make a positive impact and support young athletes on and off the mat. She is looking forward to teaching, learning, and growing alongside the amazing athletes and staff at Pride.
Fun Fact: Coach Skylar is a Pitt student!
Tumbling Instructor & Coach – Sami Uram
Coach Sami has 17 years of cheer experience with All-Star. She also did college cheer at Slippery Rock university for 3 years, and in 2025 her coed team won NCA Nationals. Coach Sami has a big love for this sport and is so excited to be on the coaching side!
Fun Fact: She is left-handed!
Tumbling Instructor – Sherri Bayer
Coach Sherri Bayer has been in gymnastics as a competitor, now a coach, since the age of 8. She has enjoyed gymnastics as a professional being involved with choreography and competitions. Coach Sherri has been coaching gymnastics since the age of 19! She is a mother of 3 and knows the challenges facing today’s parents and the joys of seeing the hard work of our children pay off. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and giving back to her community!
Fun Fact: Coach Sherri is a volunteer firefighter at the Peters Township Fire Department.
Tumbling Instructor – Mistydae Junko
Coach Misty has been teaching tumbling and private lessons at Pittsburgh Pride since 2015, but her coaching career began back in 1992. She has spent many years coaching both USAG and High School Gymnastics teams, and is currently an Assistant Varsity Sideline/Comp Team cheer coach at Upper St. Clair High School. As a certified PIAA/WPIAL Gymnastics Official since 2003, she also enjoys judging high school gymnastics meets. Coach Misty works as a Health & PE teacher at Moon Area High School. In her free time you can find her at USC and Pitt Football games with her family.
Fun Fact: Coach Misty’s daughter, Bryn, cheered at Pride for 11 seasons and is currently a cheerleader at the University of Pittsburgh!
Tumbling Instructor – Jackie Malley
Coach Jackie has been involved in gymnastics since she was a child. She attended The University of Pittsburgh on a four-year gymnastics scholarship! She graduated Pitt with her Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Health & Physical Education. Coach Jackie has an extensive gymnastics coaching background which includes coaching at Woodward Gymnastics Camp, The International Gymnastics Camp, and 15 years being the director and head coach for Gemini Gymnastics in Baldwin, PA. She currently lives in Peters Township with her husband and son. She been teaching for the past 20 years for Bethel Park School District and currently teaches 11th-grade Health at Bethel Park High School! Her hobbies included mountain biking, weight lifting, snow skiing, water skiing, and reading.
Fun Fact: Coach Jackie has run 7 marathons including Columbus, Philly, Pittsburgh (3x), Alaska, and Boston
Tumbling Instructor – Rachael Coda
Coach Rachel is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She was a competitive gymnast while in High School and College. She been coaching gymnastics and tumbling for the past 25+ years! Her favorite hobby is any type of exercise.
Fun Fact: She loves to run do yoga, and strength train.
Tumbling Instructor – Kaitlin Ruscello
Coach Kaitlin was born and raised in New Hampshire where she started competitive gymnastics at age 5. She was a level 10 J.O National competitor for 6 years and competed 2 years as a National Elite. She went on to get a full scholarship for gymnastics at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received a BS in exercise science and a doctorate in physical therapy. She has taught gymnastics intermittently over the years and has experience in sports specific speed/agility and rehab. She lives in Peters Township with her husband Brian and two children Roman and Vivienne.
Tumbling Instructor & Jr Coach – Karleigh Marcischak
Coach Karleigh has been at Pride for 7 years, and on Purple Reign for 4 years. She has been coaching for 3 years! Coach Karleigh is a senior in high school.
Fun Fact: She has been cheering for 16 years!
Tumbling Instructor & Coach – Camryn Hondru
Coach Camryn has been an athlete at Pride for 10 years, and was on Purple Reign for 3 years. She has coached our Mini level 2 team from seasons 2023-2025. Coach Camryn will be attending Clemson University in the fall to study buisness marketing, and to hopefully get a degree in medical sales.
Fun Fact: She is the middle child of two brothers!
Tumbling Instructor & Coach – Melina Burdelski
Coach Melina has been cheering for 13 years, and 7 of those years have been at Pride! She decided to be a “super senior” this year to get in one last year of cheer. Coach Melina started coaching when she was 14 and has loved it ever since. She also graduated from cosmetology school, and is a licensed cosmetologist. She looks forward to continuing to coach at Pride, and helping as many athletes as possible!
Fun Fact: She has 3 pet birds!
Tumbling Instructor – Jamie Irvin
Coach Jamie grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago. She was a competitive gymnast for 18 years and received a full scholarship for gymnastics to the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt, Coach Jamie obtained her Masters in Elementary Education. She has been coaching gymnastics and tumbling for many years! Coach Jamie lives in Upper St. Clair and has 3 children; twins Avery and Teddi (9) and Cole (6). Her hobbies inculdeworking out and staying active.
Fun Fact: She loves to run marathons with her girlfriends!
Tumbling Instructor & Jr Coach – Mia LaMolinare
Coach Mia is in her sixth season with Pride. This season, she is a member of our U18 Level 4 team, Majesty.
Fun Fact: Coach Mia’s teams have placed in the top ten at summit twice!
Tumbling Instructor & Jr Coach – Harley Martincic
Coach Harley has been at Pride for 2 years!
Fun Fact: Coach Harley is on Purple Reign!
Office Staff – Summer Barkley
Summer was born in Manassas, VA, grew up in Follansbee, WV, and eventually made her way to Bethel Park right before the start of her freshman year of high school. She graduted from Bethel Park HS in 2022 where she did game day cheer for 2 years. She is currently attending Penn State University as a Secondary History Education student! In her free time she loves reading, hanging out with friends, and watching SNL. You can strike up a conversation with her on just about anything; she’d love to hear all about it! Even though she only works during summers, she has loved getting to know the Pride family, and cant wait to see whats in store!
Fun Fact: She has 7 chickens!
Office Staff – Janelle O’Neill
Janelle graduated from Upper St. Clair high school and married her high school sweetheart (even though at the time they were just friends and both needed a date to prom). Janelle attended Pitt and is a pediatric dental hygienist. She has 3 children. Her son Michael played hockey growing up and at IUP. He continues to play in an adult league. His wife Lauren also played hockey growing up in Canada and played on the same adult league team with her husband before giving Janelle two granddaughters that she loves spending time with. She started as a parent of Pride back in 2003 for her two daughters Maddie and Monica and not long after that she started helping at the front desk. Maddie was on the 1st Pride cheer team to get to Cheer Worlds and Monica was on the 1st Pride dance team to get to Dance Worlds and she loved traveling and watching them compete over the years. Her love for Pittsburgh Pride and the Bianco family keeps her at the gym.
Fun fact: Janelle was on the 1st and only Pep Squad at Upper St. Clair High School for hockey.
Office Staff & Coach – Alyssa Pitarys
Originally from New Hampshire, Coach Alyssa just moved to the Pittsburgh area! She comes to Pride with a strong background in cheerleading and the sport industry as a whole. Alyssa recently graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. She has been around cheerleading since the age of 5 and was an athlete for 17 years. She has been coaching consistently for 3 years. Alyssa cheered & coached at East Celebrity Elite Londonderry in NH. She also cheered on her varsity high school team and won a State Championship! Throughout college Alyssa was a student-athlete, as well as a coach for all star teams, a high school team, and a middle school team. She also held the role of Gym Manager at Peak All Star Cheer in VT. Alyssa is excited to be a part of the Pride family!
Fun Fact: Coach Alyssa loves golfing & snowboarding.