PRESIDENT

Ryan is thrilled to be back on the Core Group and continue supporting the dance team community across Minnesota. He has been a member of JAM since the 2017–2018 season and previously served on the Board of Directors in the roles of Secretary and Host School Liaison.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Ryan danced for his high school team with a focus on high kick, pom, and team performance. He has also participated on the Minnesota State High School League’s Officials Advisory Council, where he contributed to conversations focused on supporting and strengthening officiating across the sport.

Ryan is excited to collaborate with fellow officials, coaches, and dance team leaders to continue advancing the sport, creating strong learning opportunities, and supporting the athletes and programs that make Minnesota dance team so special.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Lindsey currently resides in Maple Grove and works in healthcare. She grew up in Coon Rapids, where she was a four-year member of the high school dance team and served as captain. She continued dancing in college through clubs at the University of St. Thomas, graduating in 2021 with a degree in biochemistry. During this time, Lindsey joined JAM and has enjoyed staying connected to the dance community ever since. She is excited to join the Core Group and continue pursuing her passion for dance!

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Tara lives in Mound with her husband and son. She currently works as a Senior Trust Officer at a large national Bank. Tara has been a member of JAM since 2009. Growing up, she spent her years dancing at Kay Marie and Carol’s Dance Studio before joining the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Dance Team in high school. Tara went on to dance for Marquette University as well as for an NBA team for three years in college. Tara is excited to be on the Core group and give back to the sport she loves so much.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Emily currently lives in Edina and is a Social Media Marketing Manager and YouTube Editor in the beauty industry. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019, where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Emily grew up in Apple Valley, MN where she trained at Studio 4 Dance before joining the Eastview Lightning Dance Team. She was a four-year Varsity member, earned four State Championships, served as senior captain, and received the All-Conference, All-Tournament, and All-State awards. After graduating college and moving back to MN, Emily decided she wanted to re-join the dance community and give back to the sport. She joined JAM in 2019 and is excited to be part of the JAM Core Group!

MEMBER SCHEDULER

Angela lives in Rosemount with her son who is currently in college at UW-La Crosse. She is a Senior Healthcare Reporting Analyst for a physician group in Stillwater. She was a member of the Holy Angels Starliners and captain her senior year. Angela has been an official with JAM since 2004 and is very excited to be a member of the Core Group for the organization that is dedicated to preserving the sport of dance in Minnesota high schools!

HOST SCHOOL LIAISON

Allie lives in Rosemount with her husband, two kids, and chocolate lab. She currently works in Human Resources as a Talent Management System Administrator for an Architecture and Engineering firm. Allie grew up in Northfield and was a four-year member of her high school dance team. She has been a member of JAM since 2001, and is excited to join the Core Group!

MEMBER LIAISON

Nicole Opland resides in Superior, Wisconsin, with her family and works in the nonprofit sector in Duluth, Minnesota. Since 2014, she has served as an MSHSL and JAM official, supporting student-athletes and athletic programs throughout the region and state.

Nicole developed a strong foundation in athletics as a member of the Denfeld Dance Team, where she held multiple leadership roles. She was also a competitive studio dancer, and was a member of the University of Wisconsin-Superior Cheer and Dance Teams.

During her college and post-college years, Nicole coached local high school teams in Duluth, Minnesota; Minong, Wisconsin; and Green Bay, Wisconsin, before transitioning into officiating. In this role, she remains committed to upholding the principles of fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship within youth and high school athletics.