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Staff

Staff Application

Left to right:
Gina Alatzakis, Associate Director & Partner
Derek Ramel, Founder & Executive Director
Ryan Buado, Program Director & Partner

We are always looking for the next generation of leadership to inspire today’s champions in training. If you are a critical thinker, problem solver and forward visionary with a passion to educate – apply to be part of our champion staff today!

We are currently accepting applications for part-time class instructors for our gym, SuperCDA Athletics in Downers Grove. Pay is hourly and based on experience. Applicants must be over 18 years old.

Please apply by submitting an application through link above.

Meet Our Staff

Derek

Ryan

Gina

Denise

Greg

T.J.

Giuliana

Kayla

Sonjá

Kenya

Kelsey

Siobhan

Phyl

Derek

Ryan

Gina

Denise

Greg

T.J.

Giuliana

Kayla

Sonjá

Kenya

Kelsey

Siobhan

Phyl

 

 

Coach Ryan

 

History with SuperCDA

 

Ryan’s history with SuperCDA dates back to the turn of the centur, 00’, attending camp with his alma mater, DGS during his high school years as a Coed Division Cheerleading State Champion and later as the Head Coach bringing his IHSA podium team to camp. Through his company, DoubleBEntertainment, alongside his brother and fellow Super alumni, Ryan became the official DJ and effects crew for SuperCDA, as well as the IHSA State series for both Cheer & Dance. Additionally, in the summer of 2003, Ryan started seasonal staffing, advancing to co-coaching our Elite all star program and helping found our Prep program in the years since. In 2022, Ryan became a Partner in SuperCDA with the opening of SuperCDA Athletics, utilizing his 17 years of experience as the Tumbling Director at IGI. Ryan’s layers of expertise and years of craftsmanship in the field in coordination with his incredible patience, make him a one-of-a-kind dynamic coach for athletes of all ages.

Outside of this role, Ryan is the co-owner of Double B Entertainment specializing in DJ entertainment, Lighting, and Music Production. Currently DoubleB services over 200+ high school teams in competitive Cheer/Dance Mixes, Cheer/Dance Competitions, Sectional Invitionals, and provides music entertainment for both the Cheer/Dance IHSA State Championships.

 

Coaching Philosophy:

 

I strive to kindle a deep love for the sport with our athletes. My philosophy involves nurturing an environment that encourages passion, enthusiasm and confidence. I do this by instilling a sense of self-belief and fostering an environment where they feel empowered to perform. I prioritize fostering good sportsmanship. For me, how we play the game is just as important as the outcome. I aim to nurture athletes who maintain optimism and positivity, even in challenging circumstances. I advocate for a growth mindset. I emphasize the importance of the process, believing that focusing on the journey fosters long-term improvement, regardless of the immediate results.

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Coach Gina

 

SuperCDA History

 

Gina first took part in SuperCAMP in 1998 as a camper with her high school alma mater, LaSalle-Peru and later represented her school team as a Super All Star on the Coed Elite team and contributed to the first Super All Star National Championship in Nashville, TN in 2001. Gina went on to Cheer at the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning a 4th place finish at NCA College Nationals continuing the tred of Super influence with Derek as UIC’s choreographer. She went on to coach 17 years at Saint Ignatius College Prep and 3 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago utilizing SuperCDA’s expertise for camp training and assistance with choreography for her teams. She started her career with SuperCDA in 2002 as a seasonal staff member working summer camps and grew into the full time position as Associate Director of the company and Co-Director of the Super All Star program in 2006. In 2022, after two decades professionally with SuperCDA, Gina became a Partner with the opening of SuperCDA Athletics. Her main focus today is running the company, specializing in branding and marketing. Gina still works with the Super All Star program as oversight of its 25 years of unique traditions and co-coaches Platinum Senior Elite team. Outside of this busy role, Gina enjoys a private life as a mom to a very energetic kiddo with her husband and pups.



Coaching Philosophy

 

“Through my professional life spanning over two decades with this sport and exclusively with SuperCDA as an athlete, coach and now Partner in the company, I maintain a passion for tradition, history and representation to continue being woven into the experiences we provide at SuperCDA. While we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in our coaching, creative productivity and unique offerings, it is very important to me that we stay true to the roots of who we are and have been since Derek first took his place in Illinois Cheer History back in the 80’s paving the way for everything the thousands of athletes since have enjoyed through his influences building the foundation of what we have today with the sport in our state. SuperCDA has never just been a place or a job for me. It has a direct correlation to who I’ve grown into as an adult. That connection became family to me and changed the trajectory of my entire life. I strive to keep that door of opportunity open to any athlete we coach to experience and enjoy our world as much as I have all these years. I strive to one day pass the torch to the next generation of Super leaders to have their turn at carrying on this legacy.”

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Coach Denise

 

SuperCDA History

 

Denise’s story with SuperCDA began in 2007 as a Junior High athlete attending camp during our record breaking years of over 900 campers! That same year she began her 8 year Super All Star career while representing her high school team, Homewood Flossmoor. She was truly the first #growingupsuper athlete! Denise went on to join our staff in 2012 and has been with us ever since. Starting as a seasonal staff member, she grew into coaching alongside Ryan with the launch of our Elite Junior/Youth program in 2014 and is now our Facility Manager and one of our Senior Elite coaches. Denise has a unique ability to adapt to all learning styles and an eye for figuring out how to help an athlete troubleshoot a challenge. Her fun nature makes the hard work enjoyable.

Outside of this role, Denise is a certified esthetician and make-up artist as well as mom to one SUPER awesome 6 year old little star. 



Coaching Philosophy

 

“My coaching style is enthusiastic, direct and repetitive. I believe that as long as you are giving 110% with a positive effort, you will only continue to improve. My goal when coaching is that each athlete leaves with more knowledge then they start coupled with a goal for the next class they attend or team level they advance to. I believe the ability to figure it out in an instant is a fundamental part of the sport.”

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Coach Greg

 

SuperCDA History

 

Greg has been involved with SuperCDA since 2007 as a camper with his alma mater, Timothy Christian and as a multi year athlete on our Level 5 and 6 Coed Super All Star teams earning multiple National Championships. Much of his athletic success stemmed from spending the prior decade growing up in Gymnastics. In his professional career, Greg grew into a role as a seasonal staff member in all the years since 2012 and jumped on board with our opening team to accept a role as a skills coach at SuperCDA Athletics in 2022. Greg spent a number of years prior to joining us in a more full time role, as a therapist specializing in positive psychology, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, coping skills and mindfulness. His background, patience and heart for the sport gives him a unique perspective while coaching to enhance the training he provides. 



Coaching Philosophy

 

 “As a former therapist, I strongly believe in effective communication, understanding, and curiosity to learn as pillars of growth both inside and outside the gym. I strongly encourage all my athletes to ask questions to help them learn in my classes. I view safety, technique, and consistency as the foundations of all tumbling skills. I want my athletes to not only learn new skills, but master them.”

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Coach TJ

 

SuperCDA History

 

TJ was a camper at our Super Camps with his high school team, Downers Grove South and was also a member of the Super All Stars Senior Elite Coed Level 5 Team in 2010. Returning with experience coaching Tumbling & Cheer at various training facilities since 2011, TJ has been back at SuperCDA since the Fall of 2022 with the opening of SuperCDA Athletics after a move back to the area from sunny Florida as a class instructor and Elite Team coach. TJ’s experience, zen approach and passion to build skill and confidence are an excellent fit for athletes of all ages. His dynamic personality is sure to motivate everyone he has the privilege to coach!




Coaching Philosophy

 

“My coaching style focuses on building a mutually trusting relationship where your athlete feels confident in themselves and the progression of their tumbling, while deeply understanding the movement and abilities of their body and mind. I believe in structured strength building, mindful preparedness and mastery of skills over rapid progression. Athletes in my class can expect a structured and fun experience that teaches/emphasizes fundamental importance, the power of the mind, strong character, tumbling safety, sportsmanship and individual accountability for athletic progression.”

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Coach Kayla

 

SuperCDA History

 

Kayla is an alumni of Riverside Brookfield where she was coached by one of our alumni staff members and experienced SuperCDA home camp with our instructors that she now works closely with. Kayla jumped on board professionally with SuperCDA in 2022 as a coach with our Prep program after coaching the Junior Varsity program for a period of time at Hinsdale South. She has since started coaching training classes at the gym as well! Kayla’s incredible patience, organizational skills and joyful, sweet nature make her a fan favorite amongst our youngest athletes. Her commitment to the process of growth makes her an excellent resource for older athletes to model learning habits from. 

 

Coaching Philosophy

 

“Something I live by is “it’s not about being the best. It’s about doing better than you did yesterday.” I believe in the power of persistence, and structure. I create a welcoming environment providing knowledge needed for the athletes giving them room to grow and challenge themselves to obtain skills not quickly but correctly. I do this by creating a routine, enforcing technique and repetition, as well as having them set personal goals. My hope is that all athletes feel inspired that they can achieve their goals if they work hard, stay consistent and challenge themselves.”

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Coach Giuliana

 

SuperCDA History

 

Prior to being part of our Staff family, Giuliana was a 3 year Super All Star athlete on our Platinum team as a Summit qualifier while being a 4 year Varsity athlete at Riverside Brookfield. Giuliana joined our staff in the Fall of 2022 as part of our opening team for SuperCDA Athletics as a class instructor and Super All Star coach with our Prep program and now Elite. Giuliana’s sweet nature makes her an excellent coach for our littlest athletes, while her experience and love for the sport provide a unique perspective that relates well for older athletes to learn from her.



 

Coaching Philosophy

 

“I create an accepting and encouraging environment for all athletes where I believe that discipline and hard work are important while also having fun. I strive to teach athletes that the work is worth it, and if you trust the process you will always be successful.”

 

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Coach Maddie

 

SuperCDA History

 

Maddie was previously a SuperCDA camper with her high school team, Oak Forest where she was also a 2x IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Champion. Maddie has a history as a competitive all star, competitive high school athlete and is currently a full time student-athlete at Illinois State University on their Coed Cheerleading Team. Maddie joined the SuperCDA Staff in June 2023 as a seasonal staff member. You can currently enjoy Maddie’s coaching during the summer months and college breaks when we are fortunate enough to have her back between college priorities. Maddie’s experience, great problem solving skills and positive energy is a light for any athlete to follow her guidance to learn and grow!



Coaching Philosophy

 

 “I will be a seasonal coach with SuperCDA in tumbling classes, clinics, and cheer camps. As a coach you can expect a welcoming environment while having fun and working hard at the same time.”

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Coach Sonjà

 

SuperCDA History

 

Sonjá Nicolé Williams brings a wealth of experience and passion to the SuperCDA family. She first connected with Ryan Buado at IGI in 2011, where she served as Program Director and Head Coach of the Compulsory Program. With 12 years of experience as a competitive gymnast and over 18 years as a competitive coach, Sonjá’s expertise in the sport is unmatched. She values SuperCDA for its multidimensional staff and the healthy, supportive environment it fosters, which is ideal for progressive training and character building.



Coaching Philosophy

 

“My coaching philosophy is simple: you aren’t a good coach unless you can coach everyone. Each child learns and processes information differently, and their bodies work in unique ways. As a coach, it’s my job to figure out how each child learns best and to teach them in a way that helps them progress, thrive, and have fun. At the end of the day, it’s not just about skills—it’s about building confidence and a love for the sport.”

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Coach Kenya Washington

 

SuperCDA History

 

Kenya is an alumni of Lincoln-Way East High School and Northern Illinois University. She was a gymnast for 16 years, competed in Power Tumbling for 4 years, and was a 4-year varsity cheerleader as well as a Division 1 collegiate athlete. Her first experience with the Super CDA camp was in 2018. Kenya has been a gymnastics coach for 6 years, focusing on recreational gymnastics and building technique and skills to train elite gymnasts.



Coaching Philosophy

 

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Coach Kelsey Lief

 

SuperCDA History

 

Kelsey first started with Super CDA as a camper in 2009 when she was a freshman at Lincoln-Way East High School, and continued doing summer camp throughout high school. Kelsey graduated in 2013 and immediately started staffing at our remote summer camps and continued through 2016. Kelsey took a break from cheerleading to pursue a career, but couldn’t stay away. She joined Super CDA again as a Prep coach in 2023.



Coaching Philosophy

 

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Coach Siobhan Cunningham

 

SuperCDA History

 

My journey with SuperCDA began when I attended camp in 2007. I loved everything about camp and couldn’t wait to become a staff member, which I did upon high school graduation and continued to staff for several years afterward. Throughout high school and college, I also cheered for Super All Stars where I made incredible memories and lifelong friends. After relocating to Ohio, I have continued on the cheerleading path by coaching at Marysville High School, helping to bring a few accolades to the program including a state championship title and a top 10 finish in the nation.



Coaching Philosophy

 

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Coach Phil

 

SuperCDA History

 

Moore, affectionately known as Coach (Phil) FEEL, began his journey with SuperCDA at camp in 2009 during his junior year at St. Ignatius College Prep, marking the beginning of a lifelong connection. As the first male cheerleader, Phil’s passion was ignited that summer, quickly establishing himself as one of the most iconic performers in the State and beyond. He became a Super All Star in 2010 (Coed Level 3), 2011 (Coed Level 5), and 2017 (Open Coed 6). Phil’s talent didn’t stop there—he went on to choreograph some of the program’s most beloved dances, a contribution that continues to resonate with the SuperCDA community.

After graduating in 2011, Phil eagerly joined the summer camp staff, where he made a lasting impact by working with both high school and collegiate programs throughout the Midwest, most notably with 7-time State Champs, Lincoln Way East. His cheer career took him to The University of Akron and The University of Missouri (MIZZOU), but Phil’s professional journey extended beyond the mat. He embarked on a successful career in advertising, traveling from New York to LA, with many meaningful stops along the way. Despite his travels, Phil remained deeply connected to SuperCDA, often returning to Illinois to coach camps and choreograph routines, culminating in his permanent return in Summer 2024.

Outside of his coaching role, Phil is a distinguished Emmy and James Beard nominated producer and the founder of the FEELMOORE Collective, an artist collective and creative agency producing compelling content across photo, video, and design.



Coaching Philosophy

 

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Derek A. Ramel

Super Cheer & Dance Association

Founder & Executive Director



 

1980-1985

1st Male Cheerleader - Romeoville H.S., Illinois

Top 5 Individual - 1983 USCA National Grand Championship

USCA Camp Instructor & Choreographer

College Cheerleader - Illinois State Univ.

Introduced intricate & fast-paced elements that remain in the current trends of choreography.

 

1985-1990

USCA Cheer Director, Choreographer & Pom/Dance Director

Cheer Coach - Romeoville H.S. - 2-time National Grand Champion & 5-time State Champion

Pom Coach - Romeoville H.S. - NCA Pom National Finalist & UDA National Finalist

 

Choreography innovations with multi-layering formulas, visual concepts & formation transitions that became standard for future choreographers.

 

1990-1995

National Coaches Conference Speaker & Cheer Ltd. Consultant

Nation-wide Choreographer; Camps throughout Midwest

ICCA Board of Directors & Conference Speaker

Cheer & Pom State Finals Judge throughout the Midwest

Head Coach - Northern Illinois Univ. Cheer & Dance

Multi-State Cheer Champions in Illinois

 

 

1995-2000

Conference Speaker ICCA/WACPC(Wisconsin)/ICA(Indiana) & Competition Event Producer

UDA & NCA Nationals Judge

UCA Consultant - Coaches Program

NFHS Rule Book Contributor

Camps/Choreographer/Mentor throughout the Midwest

Produced the most successful midwestern collegiate cheer program-to-date -- Northern Illinois University -- the only Div. 1A Large Coed at both UCA & NCA in the same year, the first "standing full" at UCA Nationals (ESPN '96), Top 3 tie qualifying w/ Louisville & Florida State for NCA Nationals ('97) and 10 National Partner Stunt Finalists.



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