Meet Paradise
Paradise Cheer is led by a team of dedicated coaches and staff who are passionate about developing confident athletes, strong character, and a positive, faith-centered environment for every child.
Jessica Thomas
HEAD COACH, CO-FOUNDER
Jessica has over 20 years of coaching experience. Her love for cheer started at 3 years old at Clover Hill Association. She cheered until she aged out, then started coaching the following year. Beyond coaching for associations across the county, she has also coached competitive cheer for the last 6 years. Jessica is a USASF certified coach. Off the mat she is involved in mental health awareness and is certified in both “talk saves lives” and “safe talk.” God gave Jessica the vision of Paradise Cheer as a safe place for athletes to develop not only as cheerleaders but as confident, faith filled leaders in the community.
Stacey fESSEL
HEAD COACH, CO-FOUNDER
Stacey grew up cheering at both rec. and all-star levels, continuing on to join the co-ed team at Virginia Commonwealth University. While in college, she built experience in coaching a variety of levels. She later coached both the varsity and competition teams at Manchester High School. They had multiple appearances at VHSL state competitions under her direction. In addition to coaching, she has been a judge for all-star competitions. Her experiences allow her to support athletes in reaching their full potential. She is passionate about developing confident, disciplined, and well-rounded athletes.
Jessica is entering her second season as an assistant cheer coach, where she is passionate about fostering positivity, personal growth, and the lasting impact of encouraging words. As a mother of four, she brings a deep understanding of how to support and uplift young athletes both on and off the mat. She believes confidence is built through consistency, kindness, and strong mentorship. Watching athletes thrive and flourish is what drives her commitment each season. She is so proud to be part of a program that prioritizes skill, character, as well as spiritual development.
JESSICA DANIEL
ASSISTANT COACH, COASTAL CUTIES
Corrin price
ASSISTANT COACH, PALMS
Cheerleading has been a part of Corrin's life from a very young age, and her passion for the sport continued through years of competitive cheer and co-ed collegiate competition. Those experiences built a strong foundation in technique, discipline, teamwork, and performance that she now brings to her coaching. Her goal is to help every athlete develop the skills, mindset, confidence, and determination needed to succeed both on and off the mat.
kim owen
ASSISTANT COACH, PALMS
Kim began her cheer journey 7 years ago when her five year-old daughter entered the all-star cheer world. Her daughters experience and determination to overcome sensory processing challenges and the fear of trying something new inspired Kim to become more involved. She has been in an assistant role alongside Coach Jessica Thomas ever since. She's had the privilege of working with athletes of all ages, focusing not just on skills but on their confidence and emotional well-being. She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging environment where every athlete feels seen and supported. Her goal is to help each athlete succeed both on and off the mat.
Cassaundra Minter
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Cassaundra Wright Minter is a native of Richmond, Virginia. She has worked as a nurse practitioner for the past 16 years. Cassaundra is passionate about ministering and praying for the sick. She has a heart for missions and has been blessed to travel to Kenya on many missions trips. In 2021, she was licensed as a minister of the gospel by Bishop Daniel Robertson, Jr. at Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries. Over the past few years, she has had the honor to pray for, mentor, teach, and encourage cheerleaders and their families.
