
Meet the stars
Individual Stars

Artis Alexander
Meet the dancer
Artis is a retired U.S. Army veteran, mortgage loan officer with Fairway Home Mortgage, and dedicated community advocate. For more than a decade, he has helped families achieve their dream of homeownership while supporting local organizations and veteran-focused initiatives. Artis is honored to combine his passion for service and community impact in support of McLane Children’s.

Juli Bryan
Meet the dancer
Juli grew up in West Texas, went to Baylor University for undergrad and law school, and is a partner at Baird Crews. She’s active in organizations supporting her community and local schools. She and her husband, Jared, have two boys, Tripp and Jeb, who keep life busy and fun. Juli’s motto has always been “If you can’t sing well, sing loud.” Now, she’s changed it to “If you can’t dance well, do it in front of hundreds of people!”

Ashley Emmons
Meet the dancer
While attending the University of North Texas, Ashley fulfilled a lifelong dream as a 1997–98 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Her career has included owning a dance studio, choreographing and coaching cheer for seven years. Ashley served as President of Killeen Junior Service League and on the Killeen Education Foundation board. She and husband Mike have five children, six grandchildren and are members of Vista Community Church.

Beverly Luedke
Meet the dancer
Beverly is a retired physical therapist, community volunteer, proud wife, mom and grandmother. After 35 years in physical therapy, she “retired” in 2011—but quickly discovered that retirement meant becoming a full-time volunteer! A longtime Rotarian, Altrusan and community member, Beverly loves serving others, making new friends and having fun. Now she’s trading her volunteer hat for dancing shoes and is ready to DANCE!

Chris Smith
Meet the dancer
Chris is president of McLane Company, one of the largest distributors in America. Before joining McLane, Chris served as Chief Supply Officer at Walgreens. Before Walgreens, Chris was the EVP and Chief Supply Chain officer at C&S Wholesale. Chris also held senior leadership positions in distribution and logistics with McKesson Corporation, a Texas-based leader in healthcare.
Power Couples

Michelle & Bill DiGaetano
Meet the duo
Michelle and Bill have been married 11 years and enjoy cooking, traveling, and staying fit. They delight in seeing their children and 27 grandchildren flourish. Yes, Chiefs–Eagles games can be interesting in their household. Together, they focus their energies on community initiatives that support youth, health, and enhancing Temple as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Lisa & Bob Probe
Meet the duo
Lisa and Bob are longtime Baylor Scott & White Health leaders whose 25-year friendship became a late-in-life love story. Lisa serves as BSWH’s Chief Legal Officer, while Bob, an orthopedic trauma surgeon, served as CMO and in physician and board leadership. Newly married in Crested Butte in September 2026, they share a love of family, service, adventure—and now, dancing for a great cause.

Morgan & David Shine
Meet the duo
Born and raised in Temple, Morgan and David met at Academy and have been high-school sweethearts ever since. David graduated from Baylor and Morgan from UMHB. Today, Morgan helps families find a place to call home with Magnolia Realty, and David is a financial advisor at Shine Investment Group. Their first “child” was their Belgian Malinois, Ivy. Then came Hensley and Daphne. Together, their girls keep them laughing, outnumbered, and grateful.

Patricia Sulak, MD & Jeffrey Waxman, MD
Meet the duo
Patricia Sulak and Jeffrey Waxman are physicians at Baylor Scott & White Health, co-founders of Living WELL Aware, and US Army veterans. Dr. Sulak received the “Heroes for Children” award from the Texas State Board of Education and is listed in Best Doctors in America. Dr. Waxman focuses on the urologic surgical needs of children at McLane Children’s. They are passionate about improving the lives of children and adults.
Judges’ Panel

Guy Fowler
Meet the judge
Guy is a lifelong, third-generation Temple native, born at Scott & White. Forty-nine years ago, he married his high school sweetheart, Cindy, and together they raised their two children, Jason and Brook, and have two amazing grandchildren, Afton and Jonas. They attend Temple Bible Church, where Guy has served as a deacon and member of the praise band. Guy has spent the past 30 years selling real estate in Central Texas.

Megan Kiella
Meet the judge
Megan Kiella is President of Kiella Homebuilders and a licensed real estate broker. A two-term President of the Temple Area Builders Association, she has received numerous industry honors. Megan serves on the Baylor Scott & White Operating Board and McLane Children’s Development Advisory Board and hosts the annual Kiella Cares Golf Classic, raising funds to support pediatric care in Central Texas. She is a proud mom of two, Kate and Jack.

Ike Shaw
Meet the judge
Ike is the founder and owner of T3. With over 18 years of experience in athletics and coaching, he’s passionate about helping others thrive through fitness, faith and community. A devoted husband to Ali and proud father of two, Ike is trading his coaching whistle for a judge’s paddle as he brings his energy, encouragement and competitive spirit to the judges’ table, all in support of the children and families of Central Texas!

Natasha Tolleson
Meet the judge
Natasha Tolleson is the Managing Artistic Director for Temple Civic Theatre. Natasha retired from teaching after 31 years as the head of the Theatre Arts Department at Temple High School. Under Mrs. Tolleson, the UIL One Act Play was named district champs for 30 years in a row. She has competed at state nine times, winning the state championship twice. Natasha is married to Richard and they have three children and two grandchildren.
Dance Pros
Thank you to Arthur Murray Dance Center – Temple


MJ
Meet the pro
Mary Jacq (MJ), a Temple native, began dancing at age three and trained extensively in ballet, jazz, modern, folk, and other styles. After partnering with Johnny, she discovered ballroom dance and launched a career with Arthur Murray in Connecticut as an instructor, competitor, and studio manager. Today, MJ combines her lifelong love of dance with years of professional experience to share the joy of ballroom dancing throughout Central Texas.

Johnny
Meet the pro
Johnny grew up in Troy, Texas, where sports and scouting shaped his strong work ethic. After college, a chance connection with an Arthur Murray studio in Connecticut sparked a passion for dance that led him to leave a sales career and pursue ballroom full time. For the past 13 years, Johnny has dedicated himself to teaching and coaching. Today, he and Mary Jacq share that passion with dancers across Central Texas.
Support your favorite dancer
Ready to help your favorite dancer steal the spotlight? When you sponsor through your favorite dancer, you’re not only helping patients at McLane Children’s—you’re also giving your dancer a boost in the race for the Mirror Ball trophy!


