Brandi Hightower
Stephannie Torres
Mari Lyons
Sara Biles
Alexia Jones
General Manager
Ashley Peterson
Front Desk Manager + Onboarding Specialist
Heather Kuhlmann
Bailey Fabian
Sarah Johnson
At Capital Elite, our coaching staff is the heart of everything we do. With over 20 years of combined experience, our coaches bring not only skill and knowledge, but passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to helping young athletes grow—on and off the mat. They don’t just lead classes—they mentor, uplift, and invest in every athlete who walks through our doors. From beginner fundamentals to elite-level training, our coaches are dedicated to creating a positive, challenging, and encouraging environment that pushes each athlete to reach their full potential. Their dedication extends beyond practice, showing up for the community, building lasting relationships, and helping shape a gym culture rooted in teamwork, resilience, and respect. At Capital Elite, our coaches are more than instructors—they’re role models, motivators, and family.
STAFF
Coaches
ADMIN
COACH JOHNSON
Coach Johnson is entering her 4th season as a coach for Capital. She has been coaching cheer for 6 years and
has fallen in love with the sport. Coach Johnson started her journey in the dance world, starting with her high school dance team, dancing in college at Western Washington University, coaching for Wenatchee High School, and teaching for The Next Step Dance Studio.
Coach Johnson believes in teaching the whole athlete and places tremendous value on showing athletes they can control what they can control and realizing their worth comes from within - not judged from the outside. She believes in progression of athletes and knows that focusing on the mental and physical aspects of cheer prepares young people for a lifetime of success both on and off the mat.
Coach Johnson has been coaching people for over 20+ years and genuinely loves helping people envision and achieve their full potential. When not coaching at Capital, Coach Johnson spends time at her day job where she’s an administrator at Confluence Health, and loves spending time with her family and friends. She has a mini farm with five goats, three cats, two German Shephards and a horse. Her favorite coffee drink is anything with Watermelon or a cold brew with caramel (no cream)
Sarah Johnson
Coach Bailey
Bailey Fabian
My mission is to shatter the stigma around cheerleading and prove that we are fierce, disciplined athletes who train with grit, grace, and heart.”
Bailey Fabian is the current Director of Capital Elite Athletics, where she brings unstoppable energy, fierce dedication, and a deep love for the sport.
For over seven years, Bailey coached at SPORT Gymnastics as the Rec Program Manager and volunteered with Hawks Cheer in the Wenatchee Valley. Her journey in health and fitness began at just four years old with dance, which quickly transitioned into gymnastics, and by age 15, she found her true passion—cheerleading.
Cheer has been the heartbeat of Bailey’s life ever since. From leading her high school team as a two-time Captain, to being named a UCA All-American Cheerleader and performing at London’s New Year’s Day Parade, Bailey has always stood out for her leadership, drive, and spirit. She was even offered a position with UCA Staff her senior year and went on to cheer semi-professionally for the Wenatchee Valley Rams.
Bailey has coached and mentored countless athletes through cheer camps, clinics, and team programs across the region. She’s also a certified personal trainer and POP Pilates instructor, passionate about building strong, confident athletes both physically and mentally.
At Capital Elite, Bailey brings her full heart, coaching expertise, and vision for a more respected, empowered cheer community. She’s beyond excited to help the next generation of athletes rise, shine, and redefine what it means to be a cheerleader.
“Cheer saves lives—every single day. I thank the greater forces that led me to this sport and all the doors it’s opened. Cheer didn’t just shape my path—it saved my life. My greatest hope is that it can do the same for others.” -Director / Coach Bailey
Favorite quote :
“Sometimes the only way around the fire is through it.
Sara Biles
Sara and Robert Biles are the heart behind Capital Elite Athletics. What began as a passion project — a competitive cheer gym built on discipline, dedication, and heart — has grown into a thriving youth athletic center serving the Wenatchee Valley.
Driven by their love for family, athletics and community, Sara and Robert are deeply committed to creating a space where kids feel empowered, supported, and capable of achieving amazing things. Their vision has always been about more than just sports — it’s about giving youth a place to grow, connect, and succeed both on and off the mat.
Their leadership and dedication have transformed Capital Elite into a place where hard work meets opportunity, and every child is seen, challenged, and celebrated. For Sara and Robert, the greatest reward is watching the next generation rise — and being able to share that journey with the community they love.
Stephannie Torres
I began performing at a very young age. Now with over 25 years in the performance and pageant industry I have always expressed my passion for the arts, entrepreneurship, creativity and choreography.
I began pursuing makeup and spray tanning at the professional level in 2014 when I opened my first business. My cosmetic work has been seen on television, stage productions, and in several magazines.
My creativity would then expand from the beauty industry into the sugary world of cake when my mother and I landed a spot on Food Network’s coveted show, Cake Wars, where we took home our first big win! We have since gone on to film several other Food Network shows.
Following the birth of my second child, I founded a second business after my invention of a developmental feeding aid that helps soothe babies who struggle with bottle feeding. Bottapals® is now patent pending and has been used and recommended by both celebrities, and pediatricians. Bottapals® is now sold online, and in several retail stores. With my love for self expression, my first children’s book is in currently in production. It is a rhyming short story educating youth about disabilities, which was inspired by my autistic son.
With the recent launch of my new spray tanning business, Tribeca, I am dedicated to spreading my passion for enhancing self confidence in others! This has inspired me to share my love for style and design with others through my newest adventure, Sideline Suiting! A custom design and styling service for the ultimate support enthusiasts, event, or game day fashion pieces! One of my personal mantras has always been “if you look your best, you’ll feel your best, and if you feel your best, you’ll do your best”!
In navigating my own neurodivergent journey, I am a strong inclusion activist with Christian roots, and always strive to create an environment that is not only welcoming, but loving, respectful and diverse.
Thank you for taking the time to “get to know me”! I look forward to what the Lord has for our gym in this upcoming season, and I can’t wait to meet the athletes who will be on “Team Torres”!
1…3…5…7! All my love,
Coach Stephannie
COach brandi
Coach Brandi Hightower - All-Star Cheer Coach
Coach Brandi Hightower brings passion, creativity, and energy to the All-Star cheer world. As a proud mom of two young athletes and performers, she often travels with the youth circus, supporting her children as they shine in the spotlight.
Brandi’s love for movement extends beyond the mat—she enjoys fitness dance classes and target archery, blending precision, discipline, and fun into her coaching style. She’s especially passionate about helping young athletes build stage presence, confidence, and expressive performance skills that go far beyond cheer.
Brandi is proud to be part of a program that helps athletes grow as teammates and individuals—and she brings positivity, encouragement, and heart to every practice.
Brandi Hightower
Coach mari
Coach Mari
BIO COMING SOON!
Coach alexia
Coach Alexia
BIO COMING SOON!
ashley
Ashley is a passionate performer and live entertainment enthusiast with a lifelong dedication to the arts. From an early age, Ashley immersed herself in dance and cheerleading, ultimately serving as captain during her senior year of high school. This foundation in performance has been the driving force behind her involvement in numerous local theatrical productions.
With a deep love for live music and events, Ashley transitioned into the entertainment scene by booking shows at Der Hinterhof in Leavenworth, WA. Her career then evolved as she took on key roles in the adventure tourism industry, spending five years as the Logistics and Operations Manager at Osprey Rafting and the last three years at Wildwater River Guides.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ashley is an avid lover of outdoor activities, particularly whitewater rafting and paddleboarding, always seeking adventure on the water. As a dedicated single mother, she balances a full life raising two daughters, both of whom compete at Capital Elite All-Stars, while nurturing their shared love for music and dance.
An active member of her community, Ashley served on the Board of Directors for Wenatchee Pride for three years, including two years as Event Coordinator and one as Volunteer Coordinator, helping to bring inclusive events to life. Through her multifaceted career and personal endeavors, Ashley continues to inspire those around her with her creativity, leadership, and passion for making a difference.
Ashley
Heather
Meet Heather, our awesome Front Desk Manager and Onboarding Specialist! With over seven years of experience in the medical field—five of those spent as an urgent care nurse—Heather knows a thing or two about staying calm, organized, and taking care of people. She brings that same care and attention to detail to her work here at the gym, making sure that every athlete, parent, and staff member feels welcomed and supported.
In addition to managing the front desk and ensuring everything runs smoothly, Heather loves helping new gym members get started on the right foot with a smooth and stress-free onboarding process. Her background in healthcare means she's always ready to handle anything that comes her way with a smile.
When she’s not at the gym, Heather is busy being a mom to four amazing kids and balancing life with her husband. Her energy and positive attitude make her a great fit for our team, and we’re lucky to have her!
heather
