OUR TEAM

Yolanda Yip is a Head Coach for the 2024-2025 season. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Yolanda moved to Ottawa to further her education and completed a Bachelor’s of Science Honours in Neuroscience & Mental Health at Carleton University.

Yolanda’s passion for dance and performance began at the age of two. She trained at various institutions in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Tap, and Chinese Folk Dance. She also has formally obtained and continues to hold her Teacher’s Certificate in Modern Dance under The British Association of Teachers of Dancing.

Yolanda joined the performance cheer world through Ravens Rhythm in 2017. As an athlete and later Dance Captain, she focused greatly on further building their community fundraising portfolio. She then joined Ravens Rhythm as a Guest Coach in Summer 2022 and then became the inaugural Cross Coach for the 2023-2024 season further developing her love for education, mentoring, and creating inclusive community environments. She holds Performance Cheer Coaching Skill Credentials in Pom with the ICU and is in the process to obtaining her certifications in Jazz/High Kick, Hip Hop and Cheerleading.

Zaria Nicholson is the Game Day coach for the 2023-2024 season. She was born in Toronto, Ontario and originally found her love for performance through dance at the age of 12. Zaria went on to compete in Hip Hop and Traditional African Dance throughout high school. Along the way she discovered her love for cheerleading, becoming a competitive stunter for two years before moving to Ottawa to pursue her undergraduate degree. She has graduated from Carleton University with an Honours Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health.

Zaria’s love for cheerleading and performance grew through Ravens Rhythm from 2018-2019! She joined the coaching staff as Assistant Stunt Coach in 2022, holding Cheerleading Coaching Skill Credentials through ICU. She is passionate about the program, and dedicated to the growth and development of Ravens Rhythm athletes. Outside of the cheer performance world, Zaria enjoys open mic nights and is aspiring to publish her second poetry collection!

Ellie has been dancing for 15+ years and is trained in various different dance style’s. She has multiple years of experience competing and teaching dance to all ages. Ellie was the captain of her high school dance team before coming to Carleton in 2019. She has now been on Ravens Rhythm for three years and was also a member of the Ottawa Blackjacks’ Capital Crew dance team for its inaugural season.

Aminah is responsible for ensuring the full team is ready for games and events.

Caitlyn is responsible for ensuring the full team is ready for games and events.

Erin is responsible for ensuring the full team is ready for games and events.

Hannah is responsible for ensuring the full team is ready for games and events.

Maddi is responsible for ensuring the full team is ready for games and events.

Manhattan is responsible for ensuring the full team is ready for games and events.

Our Game Day skills coordinator is responsible for helping athletes achieve new skills with a safe and progressive approach!

Our choreographer is responsible for creating and teaching choreographies & sidelines performed during indoor and outdoor season sports.

Our sports champion is responsible for ensuring all members of the team have an understanding of the rules, regulations, and atmosphere involved in each sport.

Our rookie coordinator is responsible for fostering a welcoming environment for all new team members, as well as establishing a safe & positive space for everyone!

Our social media coordinator films, creates and posts content on all our media platforms to inform, collaborate and show off Carleton’s amazing one and only Pom & Game Day team!

Our reels content creator is responsible for actioning innovative ideas through short-form video content for our social media!