Melany Morrison

Team Director

Melany is a graduate from Algonquin College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and a recent graduate from Carleton University with a B.A Honours degree in Psychology.

Melany brings with her a background of experience in the sporting industry starting with Ottawa 67’s cheerleaders. Melany served as a cheerleader for the 67’s from 2003-2005 and was then appointed Assistant Coach and Choreographer for the team from 2005-2008. Melany then moved on to cheerlead for the Ottawa Sooners Junior Football team in 2009 and became the Director and Head Coach from 2010 until present. She was involved in all aspects of the Sooners home game day operations and half time show performances. During the Sooners Football season, Melany overseas and contributes to the design of the cheer uniforms and logos, as well as all activities during the game and out in the community. Melany along with her team of volunteers has planned many of the season fundraisers for the Sooners Cheer Team. Melany has organized and coordinated the Carleton University Summer Fest flash mob and coordinated entertainment for many fundraisers such as the Breast Cancer Association. Recently, Melany was appointed Director and head coach of the new Ravens Rhythm Performance Team at Carleton University. This new team will be dedicated to participating in themed game days and crowd leading at all the Men’s Varsity Basketball games at Carleton.

Future goal: With the hopes of the return of the Canadian Football League to Ottawa, I am constantly working to build my resume in order to, one day, lead and direct the returning CFL Cheerleaders. In the meantime, I am looking forward to the return of Carleton U’s football team, helping fans get a full game day experience with the addition of the new Ravens Rhythm.

Serita Perkins

Team Vocalist

Previous dance experience: I don’t have a lot of dance experience, but will be working with the Ravens Rhythm to gain more technique and performance opportunities. I am a singer and am looking forward to working with the girls this season in a musical aspect.

Interests: Singing, playing piano and guitar, spending time with friends and family, scuba diving, and performing.

Study tip: When studying I always listen to music and work on a lot of vocal repetition

Future goal: I would love for performance to be my career. Otherwise, I want to be a scuba diving instructor and help people to see some of earth’s most natural beauties.

Keonna Dunlap

Previous dance experience: I’ve done competitive hip-hop for 12 years through the Richmond Academy of Dance as well as Core Revelation. I have also taught hip-hop by being the coach of my high school dance team for two years.

Interests: Besides dance I enjoy singing and playing sports such as basketball and field hockey. I also love hanging out with friends and family as well as playing guitar.

Study tip: One thing I’ve learnt while transitioning from high school to university is that time management is an essential part to success. By planning ahead, I am able to avoid last minute study sessions which help relieve stress that university can bring. I personally live by my agenda which helps me be more organized and avoid the contagious disease known as procrastination. Through organization and hard work I am left with an overall better mark.

Future goal: My future goals include getting a double major in Communications and Journalism. Being able to meet new people and express their story through my writing is a great passion of mine. I want to become a print journalist and write for a newspaper or magazine in the future.

Stevie-Lynn Farrell

Previous Dance Experience: Hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, ballet, modern.

Interests: Dance, friends, music, and sports such as volleyball.

Study Tip: I tend to take breaks in between study sessions, it helps to keep me focused and stress free!

Future Goal: I want to travel the world someday, but most important be successful and spend my life doing something I love!

Stephanie Grabiec

Previous dance experience: 3 Years of jazz, 10 years of Hip-Hop, 2 years of teaching Hip-Hop, 1 year as an Ottawa 67′s Ice Girl, 2 years as an Ottawa Sooner

Interests: Dance, cooking

Study tip: If it’s available I’ll use mock tests/exams. When I go to check my work, I make sure it’s correct and I will note what I answered wrong and make sure I read over that material.

Future goal: To be successful in a career I enjoy.

Tiana Williams

Previous dance experience: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and Contemporary

Interests: Dance, Cheering, Volleyball, and, of course, Cheering for the Carleton Ravens!

Study tip: I always make sure that I’m in a quiet spot with no distractions (the library quiet floors are good for that). I also make sure that I have some snacks handy to keep me awake and focused.

Future goal: My goal at the moment is to finish university and receive my degree. Once that’s done I should be able to start the beginning of a new life in the world.

Rachelle Racadio

Previous dance experience: Trained in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern/Contemporary at Greta Leeming and Canterbury High School. Cheer/Dance Teams: The Ottawa– Sooners, 67s, RapidZ, and Sens.

Interests: Dancing, travelling, and having a relaxing/fun time with friends!

Study tip: Attend classes; take notes- highlight PTQ’s (possible test questions) then review… BUT still have FUN, meet new people and live life!!

Future goal: To be happy, never take anything for granted, travel the world, and most importantly be surrounded by family and friends!

Marissa Rowles

Previous Dance Experience: I grew up at the dance studio. From 3-14 I competed in jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, acro and hip-hop. Still dancing – taking technique and hip hop classes.

Study tip: I like multi-tasking and find it easier to focus if I exercise. I either do my readings on a treadmill, or take a few excursive breaks so I can get back to focus.

Future goal: I hope to pursue a career in the television or media industry.

Holly Pigott

Previous dance experience: I’ve danced for multiple sports teams in Ottawa and was lucky enough to go to ProDance 2011 in Miami this year.

Interests: Love to travel and a huge Baltimore Ravens fan. Go Ravens Go!

Study tip: I come up with acronyms to help remember what I studied.

Future goal: My future goal is to work for a well known PR company overseas.