MDM is completely student-led. All of us come together weekly,
each with unique talents and skills, to plan and facilitate our big event.
"Dance Marathon at the University of Minnesota promotes acceptance and support for the
children and their families receiving care at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare while
striving to heighten student and community awareness and involvement by hosting events throughout the year."
If you'd like to learn more about what we do together - or even better, join our team! -
feel free to e-mail one of our Co-Directors at dance@umn.edu
Adam Wall
Co-Executive Director Adam is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He has been part of this organization for three years and has seen the impact Dance Marathon has made on other families. Adam says “Going through what all of these kids are going through is tough and being able to help just a tiny bit means the world to me.” |
Megan Cushing
Co-Executive Director Megan is a senior studying Medical Laboratory Sciences.She also works to share the mission of MDM with her peers at the U of M and with the members of her community!She is looking forward to working with a great executive and leadership team to continue supporting the kids and families at Gillette! |
Macey Chelstrom
Entertainment and Logistics Co-Director Macey is a sophomore studying Environmental Science, Policy, and Management with a minor in Global Studies. Macey dances because it is a great feeling to be apart of such a large group of people all invested in supporting the same fantastic cause. Macey is looking forward to making this years event the best one yet! |
Nikki Tsakonas
Entertainment and Logistics Co-Director Nikki is a senior studying Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Philosophy. Nikki dances to give hope, to show her support, and to acknowledge the unbelievable courage of the kids conquering the challenges they face. |
Ben Hall
Recruitment Co-Director Ben is a sophomore here at the U. Ben dances because he loves the feeling of giving back. He says it is amazing to work towards a common goal with peers and be rewarded by putting smiles on numerous kids and their families faces! This year Ben is looking forward to being more involved with MDM this year. |
Cailin HildeBrand
Recruitment Co-Director Cailin is a senior studying Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. Cailin dances because it is an easy, fun, and effective way to support children and families going through tough times. She wants to bring some light into those kids' lives and share that energy with other passionate students. She is looking forward to getting as many people as possible to come and support this great cause! |
Sloane MacSwain
Marketing Director Sloane is a senior studying Marketing and Supply Chain & Operations with a minor in International Business. Sloane dances because she loves hearing how far each child has come after facing so many hardships both socially and physically, and this event reminds her that kids truly are miracles and they all deserve a chance to dance themselves! |
Alisha Radstake
Director of Family Relations Alisha is a senior studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Urban Studies. As the Director of Family Relations, Alisha coordinates with the families at Gillette to plan volunteering events as well as incorporating the families into the big event. Alisha dances to spread awareness for Gillette, to put a smile on the kids' faces, and to show them that we care! |
Kelley O'Brien
Director of Finance Kelley is a senior studying Medical Laboratory Science with a minor in Neuroscience. Kelley dances to give the kids at Gillette a chance to forget about their troubles and have fun, and to give them a chance at a healthy life. She is looking forward to meeting our new leadership team members and promoting Minnesota Dance Marathon around the community! |
Sam Scheck
Director of Sponsorship Sam is a senior studying Mechanical Engineering. Sam dances so Gillette Children's Hospital can continue to go above and beyond in providing care to its patients and a sense of security and reassurance to their families. This year he is looking forward to continuing to expand our organization, and to provide a memorable experience for families at the 'Sota Thon event! |
Kaitlyn Saionzkowski
Director of Communications Kaitlyn is a junior studying Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Neuroscience. Kaitlyn dances for the opportunity to be a light in these kids and their families lives. They are a light in Kaitlyn’s, with their strength and courage and to have the opportunity to give back to them is so special to her! |
Jamie Wahout
Director of Greek Affiliations Jamie is a sophomore studying Criminology and Psychology. Jamie dances because she believes everyone should have the right to good health, and because she loves meeting the kids at the event. She is looking forward to making this year’s ‘Sota Thon bigger and better than ever before! |