My name is Olivia Gabbard. I am a 2021 graduate of Russell High School where I was a member of the award-winning Dancing Devils. My dance foundation started at Tammy Jo’s Studio (now known as River Cities Performance Academy). I completed studies and received certification at Elevate Academy of Beauty with an emphasis on luxury HD bridal makeup, professional and everyday makeup, and core business curriculum. As a young entrepreneur, I started OG Beauty while I was still in high school but marketed my brand professionally by establishing my first brick and mortar studio, while also working at The Next Day Spa & Aesthetic Center in Russell. I am also a proud friend of the Highlands Museum. As a natural extension being a beauty professional, I continued my education and graduated from Empower Beauty Academy as a licensed esthetician. I am currently an esthetician at The Nest and have started a joint business venture in downtown Russell with David Markins at The Haus of Beauty which will be the new home to OG Beauty.  

Hi, my name is David Markins and I am from Ironton, Ohio. I graduated class of 2010 and in high school was the drum major/solo twirler for the IHS Million Dollar Band and was a national champion baton twirler through Cyndi’s studio of dance and baton. After high school, I received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, a cosmetology degree from Bellefonte Academy, and was a majorette at Marshall University for 3 years while attending beauty school. I currently work at The Nest Day Spa and Aesthetics Center in Russell Ky as well as co-own Haus of Beauty Salon in downtown Russell with my dance partner Olivia Gabbard.

Katie Arnett serves as Vice President and Chief Patient Experience Officer at UK King’s Daughters with oversight of experience, advocacy, process improvement, welcome/information centers, supply chain, food and nutrition services. Arnett says she is focused on growing our advisory councils and improving the UKKD experience for patients, families and team members “by bringing the voice of the consumer to the decisions we make and working together to bring world class care to our region. If it’s important to them, it’s important to me,” Arnett said. “We are continually learning what we can change and improve. We are committed to codesigning our master facility plan implementation.”

Arnett earned her bachelor’s degree in health care administration/health management, from the University of Phoenix in Arizona. She also holds a surgical technology certification from Collins Career Center in Chesapeake, Ohio. She is a certified Lean Practitioner through TechSolve Healthcare Solutions and holds two certifications in Six Sigma from Aveta Business Institute: Yellow Belt and White Belt. She also holds Chief Quality Officer Certification from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

In the community, Arnett is a board member with the American Red Cross, the United Way of Northeast Kentucky, and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She’s also a member of the Ashland Rotary, where she historically served as membership chair, and a Kiwanis 321 member. Arnett lives in Flatwoods with husband Josh and daughter Lila.

Rick Payne is happy to be returning to Dancing With Our Stars! He is the Artistic Director for the Paramount Arts Center. With his theatrical work ranging from Shakespeare to rock opera, Rick is the 2016 Southeastern Theatre Conference’s (SETC’s) award recipient of Outstanding Achievement in a Musical Performance, the five-time Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Outstanding Direction, the two-time Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Best Supporting Actor, the two-time Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Outstanding Costuming, the Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Outstanding Dance, a nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor by the International Music and Entertainment Association (IMEA), the 2021 Friend of Music Award recipient from the Kentucky Music Educators Association, and the 3rd place winner (along with his partner -Missy Fannin) for the Highlands Museum Dancing With Our Stars 2018! Rick has directed/co-directed, costumed, choreographed, and/or performed many shows. Some of his favorite roles include Hairspray (Seaweed), Footloose (Chuck Cranston), Legally Blonde (SandeepPadamadan/Nikos Argitacos), Grease (Johnny Casino/Teen Angel), CATS (Old Deuteronomy), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon), Rent (Tom Collins), The Full Monty (Horse), and Sebastian (Disney’s The Little Mermaid). He was born in Ironton, OH, received his BA and BS from Ohio University, and his MA from the University of Dayton.  Rick would especially like to thank his mother and friends for their constant love and support.

Lauren Mixon grew up in Flatwoods, went to Russell High School, graduated from Cedarville University, and met Dalton at a Bible school in Colorado. She now resides in Flatwoods where she is a busy mom to her 3 little kids! Lauren and Dalton started Mountain Moverz out of their Flatwoods home and now have 15+ employees and an online presence of 100k+. She designs, models, and creates ad campaigns for their family business. Her favorite past time is making memories with her family.

Dalton Mixon grew up in Florida and went to school in Colorado, where he met his wife, Lauren. They moved to Flatwoods to start their family and now have 3 precious kids! Dalton is an entrepreneur through and through, currently running the family business, Mountain Moverz; recently opened The Range in Ashland; and runs a real estate business – beautifying run-down houses in the area, making them livable for tenants. Business is great, but being a dad is the best.

Kristin Green is a native to the Ashland area. She is a proud wife to her husband, Nate, of 13 years, and a mom to two beautiful daughters. While a full time stay at home Mom, Kristin is also a travel agent for Disney, as she loves planning trips! She likes to spend her time volunteering at her children’s school and being involved in all her kids’ activities.  Kristin loves being a Dance mom, and spending most of her evenings at the studio.  In downtime, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, Target, and traveling- especially to Disney!

Tiffany Laxton resides in Ashland with her 4 children and her longtime boyfriend, Caleb. She is the controller at Toyota of Ashland where she has worked since their grand opening in August of 2019. She currently has a master’s degree in business and plans to return to school to complete her Doctorate in Accounting soon. Tiffany enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, attending musical festivals and concerts, and cheering on her kids in sports.

My name is Summer Nichols, and I am a special education paraprofessional at Paul Blazer High School.  I’ve taught group fitness classes at Ashland area YMCA for almost 8 years now. My classes include kickboxing, bootcamp and circuit training. Happily married for 8 years. Busy mama of 2 daughters, 3 bonus kiddos and a yorkie. Huge loving and supportive family. I can’t dance, but I’m going to have fun trying!

My name is Kevin Steele, and I’m 39 years young. I graduated from Paul Blazer High School and studied cosmetology at KCTCS. Father of 3 kids and a loving girlfriend Caitlyn Barber. Born and raised in Ashland. Hairstylist at Sideburns Stadium by day, gamer dad at night. I love long walks on the beach and eating crab legs till I bust. I’m a huge Horror fan! Terrifier is a must watch. Oh, look, a double rainbow! I could ramble on but I’m not interested enough for you to read a 3.5 essay about myself.

Amber Hudson grew up in Fayette County, WV, and graduated from Greater Beckley Christian School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from WVU Tech and her master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Louisville. Now residing in Ashland with her husband, Eric, their children, and two dogs, Amber works as a Project Manager for Marathon Petroleum. She is also an active member of Redemption Church. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and running.

Eric Hudson grew up in Ashland and graduated from Fairview High School.  Now residing in Ashland with his wife, Amber, their children, and two dogs, Eric works as a Police Officer with the Huntington Police Department.  Eric is a member of the swat team and bike patrol. Eric is also an active member of Redemption Church where he leads the security team.  In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and spending time with family & friends.

Teresa Wright Powers is no stranger to success! As a member of the International Realtor’s Hall of Fame and co-founder of the Ashland area’s #1 realty team, TEAM TNT Realty Group @ RE/MAX Realty Connection, Teresa has made a lasting impact on her community. Teresa is happily married to Bob Powers, her rock and biggest supporter. They enjoy gorgeous river views from their home on Riverside Drive in Greenup with their beloved dog, Abby. Teresa is a proud mom to two beautiful daughters, Sydney Powers and Caitlin Powers. Sydney, who is also a member of TEAM TNT, is sharing the stage tonight as a fellow dancer in the competition. As a devoted member of Christ Temple Church in Huntington, WV, Teresa’s commitment to her community is unwavering. Her active involvement in various boards and her role as the chairperson of the Jingle Bell Charity Ball, a 450-person event on December 7th that is close to her heart, is truly inspiring. Her love for the Ashland area and her dedication to giving back are unmatched.

Teresa is hugely grateful to her fabulous trainer, Tabatha Pritchard of The Gym, for making tonight possible. Joining The Gym was one of the best decisions she ever made! She also extends her heartfelt gratitude to her co-founder, Tonja Carpenter McCloud, for her unwavering love and support; their team works tirelessly to be the best. She also expresses her appreciation for her amazing RE/MAX family and her many clients, whose support she deeply values and cherishes. Teresa’s passion for her job and community runs deep. She adores what she does, and her love for her career and community is so strong that she never plans to retire!

Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, Mark Minix is a proud Ashland resident and business owner. Having many varied passions and titles through the years, Mark is a graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where he studied Political Science and Music Performance, as well as a law school graduate from University of Dayton School of Law. After law school, Mark used his extensive education and experience to establish himself as a successful mortgage lender based in Lexington, KY, where he met his husband and fellow competitor in this year’s competition, Blake Liles. Today, Mark and Blake, along with their business partner, Bryan Caudill, operate Liles Interiors and Two Guys Construction, renovating and restoring residential and commercial spaces across the tristate area. Renovation and construction are longstanding passions of Mark and Blake’s, having completed an extensive renovation of an 1892 Victorian home in Lexington and currently restoring their nearly 100-year-old home in Bellefonte. When not on a job site, Mark enjoys playing piano and organ, refinishing furniture, and spending time with his family every chance he gets – including his 10 dogs and 9 cats! Mark enjoys engaging with the Ashland community at every opportunity and is so excited to be a part of this year’s competition! 

Sydney Powers was born in Ashland, Kentucky. Her parents, Teresa and Bob Powers instilled in her the importance of hard work and dedication. Her Mother, who is also competing against her this year, is a successful realtor and is her greatest inspiration, leading her to pursue a career in real estate. Sydney graduated from Holy Family Collegiate High School at 18, earning her college associate’s degree. Following her mother’s footsteps, she attended a real estate school in Lexington, Kentucky. For the past three years, Sydney has been a part of the Ashland Area’s #1 real estate team, TEAM TNT Realty Group of RE/MAX Realty Connection. She is getting the fantastic opportunity to work alongside her mother and the team’s backbone, Tonja Carpenter McCloud. This opportunity has been a dream come true for Sydney, enabling her to combine her passion for helping others with her career. She takes great pride in helping people find their forever homes. The Ashland area holds a special place in her heart, and she is fully committed to contributing to its growth and development. Sydney is known for being a social butterfly, thriving on meeting new people and building connections within the community. Sydney wants to express her heartfelt thanks to her fantastic trainer, Tabitha Prichard, of The Gym, for her unwavering support, which has been instrumental in her journey. Sydney is deeply grateful to her RE/MAX family, clients, friends, and family for lifting her up and continuing to show her love and support; it means the world to her. By sharing her story, Sydney hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions and cherish the connections that make life truly fulfilling. She believes everyone can make a difference and hopes her journey can be a source of inspiration for others.

Blake Liles Minix is a proud Appalachian, born and raised in Greenup County. Owner of local interior design and renovation company, Liles Interiors, Blake designs residential and commercial spaces across Kentucky. Born to a family of home builders and real estate professionals, Blake developed an interest in design and construction at an early age, which became the passion that fuels his career today. Blake attended the University of Kentucky, where he studied Interior Design and graduated in 2020. During his time in Lexington, Blake met his husband and fellow competitor in this year’s competition, Mark Minix, and life has been a whirlwind ever since. Today, Blake, Mark and their business partner, Bryan Caudill, operate Liles Interiors and Two Guys Construction, renovating and restoring homes across the tristate area. Outside of work, Blake and Mark are devoted animal lovers and enjoy raising their 10 rescue dogs and 9 cats, as well as frequently traveling to their “second home” of Puerto Rico. Blake is passionate about the growth and revitalization of the Ashland area, engaging in our community as much as possible, in hopes of seeing more fellow young professionals thrive and continue to call the tristate “home.”