Tracy Frye was born and raised in Russell and has been a lifelong resident of this area. She has been a lawyer for 28 years and practices in Russell as the founding member of Frye, Troxler & Davis, PSC. Additionally, she is an owner of The Nest Day Spa & Aesthetic Center, and she serves as a member of the Governing Board at the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center. Tracy is married to Stephen McGinnis and they have four adult children. Her favorite little human is Adeline Kathryn, who has given her the very best title of all, “Mamaw.”

David Markins was born and raised in Ironton and is a graduate of Ironton High School, Ohio University, Bellefonte Academy of Beauty, and is a Marshall University majorette alumni. He is a state and national baton twirling champion from Cyndi’s Studio and has a background in coaching as well. He is currently an esthetician at The Nest Day Spa and a cosmetologist at the Haus of Beauty. In his spare time he loves doing skin care and making people smile through the world of TikTok.

Olivia Hensley is the marketing and entertainment coordinator at Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, where her competitive drive and love for creating memorable experiences shine. Growing up on the golf course taught her resilience, strategy, and a passion she now shares by teaching golf throughout the Tri-State. She previously claimed several women’s golf titles while at Boyd County High School and later at Morehead State University. When she’s not bringing energy and excitement to the community, Olivia enjoys time with her two golden boys, Rocky and Rambo.

Caleb Martin is a registered nurse with the University of Kentucky. Growing up in eastern Kentucky gave him a passion to provide care for the people of our beautiful state. When he isn’t working he loves watching the horse races and spending time with his friends and family.

Mandy Kidwell is an Ashland native and the local business owner of Hallmark Homecare. Her life has focused on building community with the inclusion of children with special abilities through the I Believe Foundation, volunteering with multiple agencies and being a resource for those that need assistance. She was a member of the Highlands Museum for years, taking her daughter Selah weekly while homeschooling her. She does not have a big background in dance, but she loves to bring the fun everywhere she goes. Mandy is very excited for the opportunity to raise money for a community staple and be a part of this event.

Candice Steele is an Ashland native and the local business owner of White Oak Wellness where she focuses on holistic healing through herbal consultations, acupressure and homeopathy. She also offers homeschool pods and runs a forest school where she loves to get people outside to connect with nature. Candice is a life-long arts advocate and has been a dancer and choreographer of 30+ years and currently teaches dance locally. She is an art and music teacher, as well as a director and choreographer for theatre at Aspire Conservatory. She has three children who are also involved in local arts and love visiting the museum. Candice is excited for the opportunity to further support the community and our museum through the arts.

Katie McKnight has worked at Marathon Petroleum Company since 2009 and currently serves as a human resources director overseeing the company’s inclusion program. She holds two degrees from The Ohio State University. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and The Ohio State University Masters of HR program. Katie grew up dancing, acting and singing and is excited to get on the stage again for DWOS. She is originally from Ironton, where she currently resides with her husband AJ and two daughters, Ellie and Emma. Her family are proud members of the Highlands Museum.

B.J. Burcham is the owner of Identity Salons in Ashland. Ten years ago, he had the honor to be a “celebrity” dancer and is now returning as a “professional” dancer to support his cousin, Katie, in her quest for the mirrorball trophy. He has served on many committees and councils over the years living in Ashland. He says he coudn’t do any of this if it wasn’t for the love and support of his family, including his husband, Shawn McDaniel, and their children Raegan and Landan.

Jeffrey Jenkins is a Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician at UK-King’s Daughters Medical Center. He completed medical school at The University of Cincinnati, followed by residency and fellowship training at The University of Kentucky. Originally from Kitts Hill, Dr. Jenkins enjoys spending time with his wife, Valerie, their three boys, and playing roller hockey for the Rolling Thunder based out of Huntington. He values the Highlands Museum as an important community resource for children, including his own, who love to play and learn there.

Valerie Jenkins is the owner of Magnolia Events & Design Company, where she creates unforgettable celebrations with a personal touch. Valerie attended The University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, and University of West Alabama receiving Bachelor’s Degrees and a Masters Degree. As a long-time tri-state resident, she is passionate about supporting her community through creativity and service, partnering with local schools, the YMCA, Make-A-Wish Foundation, UK-KDMC and others in the community. When she’s not creating events or completing interior design projects, Valerie treasures time with her husband, Jeff, and their three boys, Maxwell, Lucas and Eli.

Shelly Tackette is a cosmetologist with Identity Salon @UK King’s Daughters location. She says her passion is helping people feel good about themselves, inside and out. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Charlie, and their two dachshunds. She’s also a proud “Gigi” to five energetic boys. She says “coffee keeps me fueled, laughter keeps me grounded, family and friends fill my life with joy.”

Brady Harrison is from Coal Grove, works at the Hershel Woody Williams VA Medical Center, and serves on the Dawson-Bryant School Board. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kara, and they have a ten-year-old daughter named Karissa. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, going to Disney, listening to music and being outside working in the yard.

Jeremy Bates, better known as “The Beast,” is a 51-year-old professional heavyweight boxer whose grit and determination have defined his career both in and out of the ring. Over the course of his boxing journey, Jeremy has fought in 42 professional bouts, earning 27 victories (23 of them by knockout), and has shared the ring with legends such as Evander Holyfield and Andrew Golota. In recent years, Jeremy has faced some of his toughest battles outside of boxing. After experiencing a heart attack, he committed to turning his health around—losing over 70 pounds and reclaiming the fighting spirit that earned him his nickname. Now, he is back in the ring and currently fighting for both the West Virginia and Kentucky Heavyweight Titles. He’s now stepping outside his comfort zone to take on a brand-new challenge: the dance floor.

Samantha Hartman is the owner and founder of KY Aesthetics & Wellness, where she serves the Tri-State community as a board-certified nurse practitioner and master injector. With licenses across Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Tennessee, she is passionate about empowering patients to feel confident and well inside and out. Beyond her thriving career, Samantha’s greatest joy is being a proud mom to her three children, Brayden, Piper, and Pattyn, who keep her inspired and motivated every day. She loves spending time on the water with her family, traveling, and being active in her community. Samantha is thrilled to be part of Dancing with Our Stars and honored to support the Highlands Museum through this exciting event.

Michael Tackett is a lifelong resident of the Ashland area and deeply rooted in the region’s culture and values. He is married to his beautiful wife, Michelle, and together they have two children. Professionally, Michael serves as an Associate Professor at Ashland Community & Technical College and works as a Kentucky State Electrical Inspector. He is a proud member of IBEW Local Union #317 and spent sixteen years as an electrical contractor. His professional affiliations include the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and was with the National Electrical Contractors Association. He also served on the Supervisory Committee for Members Choice Credit Union and served as board member for IBEW pension fund. Outside of work, Michael enjoys boating and traveling. One of his most memorable adventures was trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp in celebration of his 50th birthday—a testament to his adventurous spirit and love for exploration.

Paige Smith is a proud native of Grayson and an experienced pediatric occupational therapist serving as the Director of Occupational Therapy at the Pathways Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She is also the owner of Paige Smith Therapeutics, providing quality school-based occupational therapy services to many local school systems. Paige is a graduate of Shawnee State University.  She currently serves as the president of the Advocating For You board as well. She has been happily married to the love of her life, Bryan, for 34 years, and they have three children. Her most important role is that of “Mimi” to four grandchildren. Her hobbies include boating, traveling, tailgating, and hiking. She is nervously excited to join DWOS 2026 and is honored to participate in raising funds for Highlands Museum.