Amy, a longtime Austinite, has been a proud resident of the city since 1991. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2004 and began a successful career at the Texas Capitol. With over 17 years of expertise in government relations, reputation management, public policy, and real estate, Amy is a formidable professional. Her advocacy for her clients has earned her a reputation for dedication.

Amy has honed her skills in negotiation and persuasion, using them to champion Travis County children. Her vibrant spirit and commitment leave a lasting impact on every project she undertakes. Since 2011, Amy has served on the Board of Directors for the Center for Child Protection, holding various leadership roles, including chairing committees such as Raffle, Government Relations, and Guardian Angel. Her exceptional contributions earned her the title of “Board Member of the Year” in 2015.

Amy’s personal connection to the cause is rooted in her experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She channels her time, talent, and energy into advocating for children suffering in silence.

In her personal life, Amy resides in West Austin with her husband Blair and their two cherished children. She also owns blush + love, a luxury gift boutique she founded after the loss of her dad. The boutique celebrates life’s moments through joy-filled gifts and decor. Through both her boutique and advocacy, Amy is dedicated to bringing light to others, whether through giving or protecting those in need.

Bridget’s first introduction to Austin was at the University of Texas, and she immediately knew Austin was home. Coming from the small town of Rockport, Texas, where her family is in the funeral home business, Bridget combined her family’s work ethic and her love of research into a thriving real estate career. Hoping to get more involved in Austin, Bridget competed and won Miss Austin USA in 1995. It was this endeavor that launched Bridget’s passion for her non-profit work. A devoted activist for the once Austin Children’s Shelter, Bridget has helped raise money and awareness for this amazing cause, as well as others.

With a background in Public Relations and Journalism, Bridget loves to write and brings these two elements into her real estate career, keeping things innovative and exciting. She is known for her intuition and attention to detail while employing a full concierge level of service. She creates an unparalleled buying and selling experience for her clients. Bridget considers referrals and the relationships she makes along her professional journey her highest form of flattery, and she has a talent for finding the hidden gems along the shores of Lake Austin and throughout Austin’s many booming neighborhoods and outlying markets. Although her portfolio lies heavily in the luxury market, Bridget prides herself on providing luxury service with all product types and price points, whether that next address is around the corner or around the world.

There is nothing that matters more to Bridget than her relationships with her family and friends, her love of God and her furry little guy, Jonah, a 3lb teacup Yorkie. Her love of the outdoors keeps Bridget active, from jet skiing on Lake Austin to hiking and skiing the mountains of Colorado! Bridget feels most at home when in harmony with nature. Yoga plays a key role in her world, as does dancing, live music and sampling Austin’s thriving foodie scene.

Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima are thrilled to host Dancing With the Stars Austin 2024! Chris and Lauren are hosts and producers for Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media, and through their production company, Next Chapter Productions, produce and develop reality and scripted television. Chris got his start in sports broadcasting, then launched and hosted No. 1 reality entertainment show The Bachelor for nearly 20 years. He also hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Bachelor spin-offs The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, along with numerous other shows for ABC, HGTV and more. Lauren is a 4-time Emmy award winning correspondent with Entertainment Tonight; she’s interviewed everyone from TikTok stars to Oscar winners, and created and hosted the TV recap show Roses & Rosé, CBS’ No. 1 original digital show. The couple is devoted to investing in their Texas community, and to using their platforms to promote positivity, kindness and mental strength. In addition to their work CCP, the pair volunteers for and supports national nonprofits Experience Camps, the Tiger Woods Foundation, AIM Youth Mental Health in California and the Grant Halliburton Foundation for suicide prevention in Texas. Their next project in this space is to open the first Texas location of Experience Camps, a healing summer camp for grieving children, in 2026.

J.R. Martinez is an actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker, advocate, and wounded U.S. Army veteran, inspiring countless lives with his incredible journey. Raised by a single working mother who emigrated from El Salvador, J.R. had humble beginnings in Georgia. After high school, he joined the Army to give back to his country. In Iraq, tragedy struck when he suffered severe burns from a roadside bomb. During his recovery, he discovered his gift for motivating others.
As a sought-after speaker, J.R. travels globally, spreading a message of resilience and optimism. He achieved fame as “Brot Monroe” on “All My Children” and won “Dancing with the Stars” season 13. Through his book “Full of Heart” and podcast “REBIRTH with J.R. Martinez,” he shares his journey of turning tragedy into inspiration.

An ardent advocate, J.R. supports various nonprofits. He finds joy in spending time with his wife Diana, children Lauryn and Leo, and dog Ellie in their Austin, TX home. J.R. continues to touch lives, proving that the power to overcome lies within us all.

Born and raised in Alaska, Nissa, a proud mother of 14-year-old twins, is thrilled to now call Austin her home. Nissa is the original Founder and former CEO of DaBella, and she has also served as CEO of OHD BHAM. Her other roles include investor, author, devoted mother, ballroom performer, coach, mentor, opportunity matchmaker, visionary innovator, and connector.

A dynamic and charismatic leader, Nissa integrates her personal and professional life to create deeper meaning and purpose. Her mission is to help leaders unlock hope, break through barriers, and pursue what matters most. Driven by the desire to make the “impossible” possible, her background in the restaurant and home improvement industries showcase her ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

Nissa values wellness and self-nourishment and is inspired by the book “Becoming Supernatural”, which has brought healing and clarity to her life. She is currently writing a memoir-style self-help book aimed at helping others find fulfillment and hope. Her favorite quote, “What people have the capacity to choose, they have the ability to change” (Madeline Albright), reflects her belief in the power of choice. Nissa is committed to the Center for Child Protection and hopes her support and performance at DWTSA will make a positive difference in many children’s lives.”

Support Me!

As an entrepreneur, investor, and Army veteran, Craig is a true Austinite super-connector immersed in the city’s vibrant tech community. He is a Special Advisor for Military and Veteran Affairs for Capital Factory, and serves on the Advisory Boards of VetsInTech, Texas Venture Labs at UT McCombs School of Business, and DivInc. After 17 years of military service that earned him a Bronze Star, he co-founded the transportation platform RideScout, which was acquired by Mercedes-Benz. In 2014, Craig co-founded Moonshots Capital alongside Kelly Perdew to invest in extraordinary leadership in the military veteran community and beyond.

Craig holds a B.S. in Political Science from West Point, where he was their first Truman Scholar and later served as Assistant Professor of Political Science. He also holds a Ph.D. in Political Science & Econometrics from Columbia University and is a member of the 2016 class of Henry Crown Fellows with the Aspen Institute. He was recently named a Future Texas Legend Veteran by the Texas Business Hall of Fame. He is married to Lawton Posey Cummings and has two children, Addison (21) and Cooper (19).

Support Me!

Monica is honored to participate in Dancing with the Stars Austin, supporting the Center for Child Protection. Her journey spans a tapestry of experiences, including early passions for classical piano, dance, and acting, earning her degree from UT Austin at 19, pursuing a career in TV, film, and commercials, and winning an international pageant which launched her as a world-traveling spokesmodel. DWTSA will mark her first significant dance performance in over 30 years.

Ranked #12 among Texas’s top residential real estate agents, Monica specializes in luxury properties across Austin, sharing her love for the city’s vibrant lifestyle with clients.

Despite facing upcoming back and neck surgeries, Monica’s decision to join the show reflects her resilience and dedication to overcoming challenges. Her advocacy for survivors is fueled by her own experience as a survivor of sexual abuse by a trusted mentor and drives her dedication to support causes like the Center.

Monica’s greatest joy is her son, a talented guitarist and real estate professional. She also enjoys learning, traveling to beautiful remote places, and sharing life’s ups and downs with loved ones. Monica views this opportunity to dance as a chance to inspire others, advocate for a cause close to her heart, and reconnect with a long-lost passion.

Support Me!

Lisa Jauregui is the Founder and CEO of BK Beauty, a direct-to-consumer beauty brand ranked #501 among America’s fastest-growing privately held companies. As a content creator and influencer at Lisa J Makeup, she empowers women to look and feel their best through practical makeup tips and techniques.

A proud third generation Austinite, Lisa is deeply committed to serving and supporting her community. Outside of the office, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Paul Jauregui, have two daughters and love making the most of the great outdoors together.

Lisa and Paul have demonstrated the power of combining passion and purpose with business ambitions. They showcase how micro-influencers can leverage an engaged community to build a successful business that gives back. In just five years, BK Beauty is on track to becoming the next big name in the beauty industry. Lisa’s journey is a testament to dedication, community engagement, and the potential of merging personal passions with professional goals.

Support Me!

Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen Co-Founder, Beth Selbe Lasita, has 40+ years of history in the entertainment industry. Before becoming a restaurateur, Beth owned a commercial construction company, Pinnacle Construction of Austin, Inc., building over 400 restaurants and entertainment projects in Central Texas. After 30 years and the opening of her 4th Grove location, Beth retired from construction in 2018 to focus on the creative aspects of Grove Wine Bar. A 5th location opened June 2024, and the original Grove in Westlake will celebrate 17 years in December 2024.

Beth has been married to Tony Lasita for 26 years, and they have a beautiful daughter, Gianna, who recently relocated to Austin to begin her career in the music industry. In memory of her mother, Betty, who passed away from Scleroderma in 2009, Beth’s family has organized 20+ fundraising events to raise awareness and fight for a cure. Along with her Grove partners, Beth also hosts annual “give back days” at all locations, donating a portion of the sales to the Scleroderma Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen.

In addition to working on her advocacy projects, Beth is an obvious Foodie and has love for fashion, tennis, walking, Pilates, and hiking.

Support Me!

Jose is a Master Stylist and local business owner with over three and a half decades of global experience and training. His portfolio extends across the film and entertainment industry, both on and off sets, as well as premieres. Jose’s artistry is showcased at prestigious events like Armani Privé in Paris, Giorgio Armani in Milan, and numerous New York and London Fashion Week shows.

Beyond his extraordinary career, José holds a special place as a beloved local luminary, along with his husband, Bill Pitts, passionately supporting their community. Jose’s clientele includes red-carpet moments with numerous well-known celebrities. His salons have been recognized by Austin Monthly’s Best of ATX, Best Salon by Austin American Statesman, Wella Trend Vision, and North American Hair Awards.

Jose’s passion for his craft and deep-rooted connection to his community has not only made him a sought-after stylist but a beloved figure in Austin’s beauty culture.

Support Me!

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Walter first encountered Austin in 2008 when he met his now-husband, the celebrated CFDA award-winning jewelry designer Nak Armstrong. After six and a half years of commuting monthly between Austin and Puerto Rico, Walter moved permanently to Austin in the summer of 2015.

Initially unfamiliar with Austin, Walter quickly fell in love with the city and was warmly welcomed by Nak’s extensive network of friends and clients. Proud to call Austin home, Walter feels deeply connected to the city and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Walter and Nak now work together in Nak’s eponymous jewelry brand and store on South Congress. Nak’s talent, work ethic, and love for pets—especially dogs—serve as Walter’s greatest inspirations. Following the loss of their beloved dog Georgie two years ago, Walter and Nak are preparing to expand their family with new puppies in 2025.

Walter’s journey into Dancing with the Stars Austin began when he was approached for last year’s gala. However, a stage 3 cancer diagnosis interrupted his plans. After successful surgery and recovery, Walter is thrilled to join this year’s cast and eager to give his all—despite having no formal dance training—to support a great cause through his performance.

Support Me!

Maryanne McKenzie is an adventurous and fiery world traveler whose life is a testament to dedication and zest. As an athlete, she embraces challenges, scaling mountains and exploring the far reaches of the globe. Her love for outdoor activities mirrors her spirit of freedom and adventure.

Maryanne’s most important role is being a devoted mother of four and a loving grandmother to three. She balances her family life with her numerous passions. Her philanthropy reflects her empathetic and generous nature, tirelessly working to uplift those in need. As an empty nester, she continues to explore new avenues and curate unique experiences.

Maryanne’s professional life is as dynamic as her personal one. She is a savvy investor with a keen eye for opportunities. Her structured approach and creative flair are evident in the extraordinary gatherings she curates, leaving lasting impressions on all who attend.

Her talents extend to the dance floor, where her vibrant energy shines through. Known for her positive outlook with a touch of spice, Maryanne’s personality is both inspiring and invigorating, making her a beloved figure to many. She embodies a perfect blend of structure, creativity, and an unyielding spirit, living life to its fullest.

Support Me!

Born in Venezuela and raised in Italy, Andrea’s journey has been defined by resilience and determination. Andrea created Tie It Yourself hair ties (www.tiyproducts.com) to empower individuals with long hair, helping them feel confident and ready to tackle any challenge.

Despite a difficult upbringing marked by emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, Andrea’s strength has guided her path. She moved to the U.S. in 2013 with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon and reconnecting with her father in Houston. Plans changed when she met her husband, Jerritt Elliott, head volleyball coach at the University of Texas, which led her to Austin, where she graduated in liberal arts from UT, launched her business, and continued her beach volleyball pursuits.

As a lululemon ambassador at Barton Creek Mall, Andrea values the relationships she continues to make throughout Austin. She is passionate about using her story, strength, and ambitions to positively impact the lives of others and inspire them on their own journeys. As a dancer in Dancing with the Stars Austin, Andrea aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of child abuse and help rally support for a cause that is very near to her heart.

Support Me!

Kylee Orlando grew up in Austin, attending St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and later graduating from The University of Texas with a degree in Advertising, where she discovered her passion for marketing.

Kylee began her career as the Marketing Director at Gottesman Residential Real Estate, then became the Director of Marketing at Mavely, where she played a key role in the company’s rapid growth and expanding social media influence. As the current Marketing Director at KW Austin One/Austin Portfolio Real Estate and the Senior Social Media Manager at Keller Williams Realty International, Kylee is creatively disrupting the real estate world by crafting innovative marketing strategies and boosting social media presence.

Kylee loves spending time with friends and family, enjoying a meal at Maudie’s, or exploring Austin. She is also passionate about giving back. Inspired by her parents’ dedication as Guardian Angels, Kylee serves on several of the Center for Child Protection’s committees. She honors her mother, who passed unexpectedly in 2018, by committing to support the Center’s mission.

This year, Kylee aims to raise awareness and support for the Center through her participation in Dancing with the Stars Austin. She is grateful for the chance to combine her marketing skills with her passion for helping others.

Support Me!

Kit Sheffield migrated from California to Texas at the age of 7 and never looked back. After growing up in Midland TX, Kit ventured to Dallas where he attended Southern Methodist University and graduated with a BBA from Cox School of Business in 2006. For the next 10 years Kit owned and operated a successful electronics business where he and his team designed and implemented advanced home and commercial automation systems.

Today, Kit manages the assets of Marbella Interests focusing on investments, including a commercial real estate portfolio in and around Austin, TX. Kit’s professional ventures keep him busy but what he is most proud of is his relationship with his wife (Lisa) and their 5-year-old daughter (Milla). Kit and his family moved to Austin 4 years ago and after getting a taste of the Austin way he can’t imagine ever leaving.

In his free time, you can find Kit skiing down a double-black slope in Taos Ski Valley, surfing a boat wave on Lake Austin, or hitting on the tennis court. Kit is proud to have contributed alongside his family to numerous Austin based charitable foundations including Dell Children’s, Foster Village, Heart Gift, The Rise School of Austin, and of course, the Center for Child Protection.

Support Me!

Sarah will be dancing with Walter Marcantoni.

This is Sarah’s fourteenth year participating in DWTSA. She is a UCWDC Masters World Champion and actively travels around the country competing in American Smooth Ballroom. She loves being a part of such a wonderful event and looks forward to sharing the floor with all the talented dancers.

Travis will be dancing with Maryanne McKenzie.

Travis was born in Wichita, Kansas and grew up all over, living in six states by the age of 16. His grandmother encouraged him to study Scottish Highland dancing at age 7 as a way to connect to his heritage. Enjoying this, and once again influenced by his grandmother, Travis went with her to a Ballroom, Swing, Latin, and Country dance studio where he started taking lessons and soon joined their instructor training program. He has been competing in those styles ever since. Travis moved to Austin in 2011 and has been furthering his knowledge in many dance styles.

Lizeth will be dancing with Craig Cummings.

A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Lizeth began Jazz classes at age 8. Throughout her teens, she studied Jazz, Ballet, Flamenco, Belly Dance, Hawaiian and Tahitian dances, learning new styles and seeing how they are interconnected. In 2012 she moved to Austin to attend UT where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. While attending university, she took up Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, and Argentine Tango, began teaching in 2015, and joined the Go Dance team in 2019. Currently Lizeth is professionally competing in UCWDC Country competitions.

Susan will be dancing with Jose Luis.

Susan is a World Ballroom American Smooth Finalist, World Country Champion, and is a 4-time US Open Swing Champion. She is thrilled to be included in this amazing event.

Ferenc will be dancing with Andrea Nucete-Elliott.

Ferenc Kiss is a dancer, teacher, and uplifter with more than 25 years of experience. He believes there are shortcuts to happiness and that dance is one of them. Ferenc always feels lucky to have this amazing, exciting profession that we all call dance, but for him is so much more – for Ferenc, dance is life.

Devin will be dancing with Kylee Orlando.

Growing up, Devin always loved trying new things. When his mom asked if he wanted to go to a Cha Cha class, he was excited to try it out. Even though he was initially terrible; he was a spiteful person and decided he needed to be good at it. Since then, he has been hooked and dance has impacted his life in ways he couldn’t have imagined. He started competing as soon as he could and found both his passion and career.

Over the past decade, Devin has been competing in American 9-Dance all the way up to open gold, competing in national competitions, and recently switched to country ballroom. He has been instructing for the past three years in a variety of styles including American Smooth, American Rhythm, Club, Latin, and Country.

Tristan will be dancing with Beth Selbe Lasita.

Tristan Reimann’s journey in dance started in Upstate New York, where he first began teaching at a studio in Syracuse, NY when he was 17. From there, he continued working for the largest dance franchise in the world- Arthur Murray and moved to Saratoga Springs, NY to manage a studio, and later to Cambridge, MA, where he really dove into the dance world—training, teaching, and competing on a world-wide stage.

In 2020, Tristan decided it was time for another change, this time taking him to Austin, TX, where he could be closer to family. Since moving, he’s found a way to blend his two passions: dancing and real estate. Now a Realtor® with Spyglass Realty, Tristan gets to help people find their dream homes while still pursuing his love of dance. Recently, he’s taken on a teaching role with Go Dance Studios and couldn’t be happier to be surrounded by the Austin dance community.

Giving back is close to Tristan’s heart, and he’s honored to support the Center for Child Protection each year. He’s thrilled to be part of this event alongside so many talented dancers and is grateful for everyone who makes it all happen. Here’s to more dancing, giving back, and being part of a community that means so much!

Elina will be dancing with Kit Sheffield.

Elina, originally from Ufa, Russia, has been dancing since age 4, with early training in International Standard and Latin. She became a Junior Russian National Runner-Up and later moved to the U.S. to teach at Arthur Murray, excelling in American Smooth and Rhythm. In 2020, she became UCWDC Division 1 World Champion. Elina is certified in multiple dance styles and is a multi-time Arthur Murray Top Teacher award winner. Since 2024, Elina has been competing with Sebastian Quinones, with whom she shares dance experience across various styles. Together, they are versatile competitors with multiple world titles and have represented country dancing on So You Think You Can Dance Season 18. And they are going to appear on the upcoming Season 2 of 1923.

Tommy will be dancing with Lisa Jauregui.

Tommy is a native Texan, born and raised in San Antonio. In 2002, Tommy went to a Swing dance because of a girl he liked and has been dancing ever since. He began teaching at Go Dance in 2006. While he will say he began dancing with two left feet, his constant hard work, persistence, and practice make him the marvelous instructor and dancer that he is today. His initial challenges learning to dance have made him a very patient teacher who believes that with the right instruction, any person can experience the beauty of dance.

Nolan will be dancing with Monica Fabbio.

Nolan began his dancing career at the age of 13 in Musical theatre being a part of productions including “Chicago” or “Hello, Dolly!”. Later attending UT Austin, he trained in both International Standard and Latin ballroom, and now has over 10 years of experience in those styles. Adding Country & Swing dancing in 2017, he has competed and earned several world titles in professional divisions. Nolan currently travels across the country to both coach and compete on several dance circuits, continuing to spread his knowledge and experience with competitive and social dancers alike.

Eric will be dancing with Nissa Cleman.

Eric is originally from the Puget Sound area of Washington state and has been teaching, training, and competing in many dance forms for the last 16 years. Eric specializes in International Latin and Ballroom dance, winning and being a finalist in regional competitions in the U.S. and South Africa. Eric has traveled the world training and dancing, gracing dance floors in Seoul, Melbourne, L.A., New York City, Pretoria, and Mesa before he moved to Austin. This is his fourth year participating in DWTSA and he’s so excited to take the dance floor for this great cause again.