History and Coaches
The Kelly Kadets have been twirling in the Portland area for over seventy years. Shanon, Amy and Katy were all dedicated members of the Kelly Kadets in their youth. Most Portlanders have seen the Kellys marching in parades over the years.
Shanon Barker is an internationally renowned baton teacher who has taught many local, national and international champions. Shanon teaches with an emphasis on positive and fun participation. She is also a highly recognized dance teacher and owner of the Stites Performing Arts Center.
Amy Bonaduce is a graduate of PSU. She is highly trained in ballet technique, which is a wonderful plus for her students. She is a past member of the Kelly Kadets, a 3-time Oregon Grand Champion, and a past member of the Kellys state, regional, and national championship teams. Amy is a USTA certified baton coach and judge. She also teaches dance at Stites Studio.
Katy Anholt, a teacher at Mount Pleasant Elementary in Washougal, coaches her own team there, and helps out with the Glencoe Twirlers and Kelly Kadets whenever she can. She started twirling in the Glencoe Twirl Club in 1993. As a Kelly Kadet, Katy was also an Oregon Grand Champion and competed regionally, nationally, and internationally. She is a certified USTA coach and judge.
Debbie Anholt is neither a coach nor a baton twirler. She first learned about baton twirling when her daughter started twirling at Glencoe in the 1990s. She coordinates the Kelly Kadets and the Glencoe Twirl Club and organizes workshops and other events. Contact Debbie here.