Meet our Staff

Owner/Founder of CheerPro Training

Head Coach 

Tumbling Expert - Levels 1 - 4/5

Cheer Coach Expert 

Master Acro Expert 

Choreographer

Squad Training, Stunting and more.

Crissy Jo has over 20 years of professional cheer coaching experience. Former FCC Staffer and Director, FCC Listed National Choreographer, Two Time FCC Staffer of the Year and Alumni of the University of Alabama. Crissy Jo started this company shortly after retiring from Cheer. Over the years Crissy Jo worked a full-time job in software and technology sales all WHILE coaching cheer/tumbling part time. Through the support of her clients and word of mouth, she was able to grow her clientele and finally open her first physical location (CheerPro Training) in March of 2021. It is her mission to encourage and build up all athletes entrusted to her. 

Head Coach

Judging Director 

Tumble Coach  - Levels 1 -3

Cheer Coach Expert

Acro Expert

 Coach Izola is HEAD JUDGE for 2 of the world's largest all-star cheerleading federations and judges both national and international competitions in her "spare time."  She serves as head judge for several states in their high school regional and state championships.  She is phenomenal at all things cheer.  She is a beautiful Spirit who is a masterful encourager and mentor in building confidence, character, and skills.   

Head Coach

Tumbling Director

Expert Tumbling Coach: Levels 1 - 6

Johnathan has over 15 years of professional experience coaching elite tumbling (Levels 1-6) and all facets of Cheerleading. Coach Johnathan absolutely loves his athletes and will expect nothing but hard work from them. He is very well known in our area as a top-notch coach that gets results from all athletes entrusted to him. We are very blessed to have him on the CheerPro Team.

Head Coach

Chief of Operations 

A native of Hoover, Lexi Conner, is coming back home and will be with us at CheerPro Training while also returning to her Alma Mater, Hoover High School, to serve as their Competition Coach. Lexi began her collegiate cheerleading career at Coastal Alabama Community College. Soon after Lexi earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of West Georgia in Health and Community Wellness back in 2023. While at the University of West Georgia, Lexi was a member of the All-Girl squad from 2020 to 2023, where she assisted the team in winning two National Championship titles. Lexi was also a member of the US National All-Girl team in 2021 and 2023, where she assisted in bringing back the gold in 2023. She spent her summers from 2018 to 2023 traveling the country with UCA as a cheerleading instructor. Coach Lexi is so excited to bring her knowledge and expertise to CheerPro Training. 

Head Coach

Tumbling Levels 1 - 5, Acro, Intro

Cheer Prep

Choreographer

Stunt Coach and More

 Coach Ricia Thomas is a native of Birmingham AL who has enjoyed over 20 years of cheer coaching experience, ranging from sideline to All star cheerleading. Coach Ricia specializes in athlete skill building with tumbling, stunting, jumps, fitness, choreography and tryout preparation. With comfort and expertise in Levels 1 - 5, she is able to train both individual athletes as well as team programs. Coach Ricia is excited to share in the God-filled mission and heart of Cheer Pro and preparing athletes to be their best, on and off the mats! 

New Lead Coach 

Rustem Kilic is an experienced coach and leader with a diverse background in athletics and pastoral leadership. He has served as a high school wrestling coach at Mountain Brook for the past six years, developing young athletes both on and off the mat. Prior to that, he spent two years coaching All-Star cheer and stunt classes in Atlanta and a year coaching at Mountain Brook Gymnastics. Rustem also studied Pastoral Leadership at Highlands College, where he cultivated his passion for mentorship and servant leadership. Having lived in Birmingham for over seven years, Rustem is deeply connected to the community. He is a devoted husband and proud father to a baby boy, finding his greatest fulfillment in leading, serving, and building up both his family and the next generation.