Meet the ladies of Dancing with the Putnam County Stars

Liz Hinton-Cheatam is the human resources director for Endeavor Communications in Cloverdale. Liz is married to her "BFF" and has four girls "that think they're grown" -- Sarah, 22; Kimberly, 20; Deborah, 19; and Lois, 17. Her hobbies include reading and family events. In the community, she is involved with 100 Women Who Care and Putnam County Community Foundation Grants Committee and serves as the vice president of Greencastle-Putnam County Economic Development. While she admits to having zero dance experience, Cheatham has a personal reason for wanting to to support PCYDC. "All of my girls have participated in some way with the Youth Development Center," Cheatham said. "It's just a really good cause to support." While there is also the motivation of "getting my husband to take me out on the dance floor," Cheatham said the real focus is on the good cause this supports. "My focus will be more on the fundraising than the dancing," she said.

Allison Creekmore is a forensic interviewer with Susie's Place Child Advocacy Center in Avon, as well as the volunteer coordinator for PCYDC and CASA. Allison is engaged to Justin Long with two soon-to-be stepchildren, Nathan, 7, and Zachary, 5. Her hobbies include reading, yoga and spending time with friends and family. Allison's community involvement includes taking part in productions at the Putnam County Playhouse, secretary of the Greencastle Civic League, 100 Women Who Care of Putnam County and the 100 Women Who Care steering committee. Creekmore has dance experience, but it's in her past. "I loved performing in theater and show choir in high school but that was a long time ago," she said. "Dance experience as an adult? Absolutely none. But I am really hoping there is some muscle memory that will kick in." Creekmore said she has a terrible time saying no to things, especially when they're exciting. "Stepping out of my comfort zone these past few weeks has reminded me of what some of the most vulnerable youth in our community feel on a daily basis," Creekmore said. "To be able to help with a cause that may relieve some of that for these kids is an honor." Creekmore said she is already gaing from the experience. "I'm really enjoying meeting new friends that I may have never crossed paths with otherwise," she said. "I hope to feel more connected to the community and to not feel quite so terrified to do this by the time performance night rolls around."

Linda Loudermilk Hunter is currently in property management with Barnabas Business Property of Milwaukee, as well as owner of Airy Knob Farm near Greencastle. She is the founder and executive director of Transformers. She is married to Victor Hunter and has four children and 12 grandchildren. Linda's hobbies include gardening, traveling and hiking, but her biggest passion is her grandchildren. She is also a huge Packer fan and goes to games at Lambeau Field every chance she gets. Her community involvement includes her extensive work with Transformers, which emboldens under-resourced individuals who desire more stable and sustainable lives. She is also on the board of directors of The Castle and a member of the Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Gobin United Methodist Church and PEO. Hunter's dance experience includes a little ballet as a child as well as some ballroom dancing at the YMCA with her husband. She is going into the competition with a highly positive attitude. "What could be more fun?" Hunter asked. "Getting to meet great people and learning to dance while raising some money for Putnam County youth. Plus, I love to push the envelope and do things I have never done before. There is an excitement here." Hunter is even more energized to be part of a group of people trying to make the community better. "I hope to meet dynamic individuals who represent different companies and organizations who have a passion (as Gandhi said) 'to be the change that they want to see in the world,'" Hunter said. "I believe this is a group of 'can do' people who will make a significant difference in Putnam County. I look forward to getting to know each person better and to becoming a part of the Putnam County Youth Development family in a small way."

Phyllis Legan is the owner and human resource manager of Legan Livestock and Grain. She is married to Mark with one daughter and son-in-law and one granddaughter. Phyllis lists her hobbies as horseback riding, hiking, camping, cycling, fly fishing and gardening. In the community, she is involved with the worship team at Bethel Baptist Church, Ag in the Classroom and the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District fundraising committee. Legan has no dance experience since college, which she says "was a long time ago." Still, she sees an opportunity in taking part in DWTPCS. "Dancing with the Putnam County Stars is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help children," Legan said. "It is also a fun, new challenge for me." She's looking forward to the camaraderie and fun of taking part. "I hope to gain new friends, a new skill and mostly to have fun."

Niki St. Pierre is co-owner and instructor at All-American Karate & Fitness, as well as a part-time chiropractic assistant at Mohr Chiropractic Center. Niki is married to Steve with two dogs, Mojo and Matilda. Her hobbies include all things fitness (karate, kickboxing, running, biking, weight lifting and hiking) as well as travel and chilling with her husband and dogs. Niki's community involvement has included organizing several 5K run/walk events to benefit local programs, including PCYDC. For the past four years, she has hosted a Thanksgiving morning fun run for donations to the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry and the Humane Society of Putnam County. All-American Karate has hosted karate fundraisers for the American Red Cross as well as organizing a group to participate in the Fight for Air club benefiting the American Lung Association in honor of Pat Carrico. Even with all the footwork of her martial arts and fitness training, St. Pierre has no dance experience. Still, she's undaunted. "I thought it would be a good opportunity for a new challenge and to meet others in the community," St. Pierre said. St. Pierre said she hopes to gain "mad dance skills and new friendships."

Brooke Trissel is the director of marketing at Mill Pond Health Campus. She has been married for four years and has two stepchildren and her three-year-old son Porter. Brooke's hobbies include Colts games, camping and being social. Her community involvement includes the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce board, American Red Cross board, United Way board and organizing, along with Heather Taylor, the inaugural Safety Squad Day. Trissel's dance experience is limited. "Zero! Unless dancing around the living room with my three-year-old counts," she said. Trissel is looking forward to the challenge of dancing. "I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and most importantly help raise money for PCYDC," she said. Trissel is also excited to interact with the other dancers. "I want to meet new people and help give back to this amazing organization."