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.

Sarah grew up as a competitive gymnast and trained for 14 years. She competed for 7 years before retiring from the sport and shifting to a coaching role. She coached recreational gymnastics for four years. Upon moving to Ottawa, Sarah joined Ravens Rhythm as a Game Day rookie and returned to adult competitive gymnastics. She has been on Ravens Rhythm for two years and served as a mentor and Captain on the team prior to becoming an assistant coach. When not coaching or cheering, Sarah can be found in the hot yoga studio, enjoying nature, or doing a puzzle.

Our EDI Champion’s role on the team is to help promote a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. Their job is to help the team work together as a cohesive group and continue their journey of learning and unlearning.

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 Executive assistant is responsible for working alongside the director and coaches behind the scenes. They have a very multifaceted role assiting all aspects of the team wherever they are needed.

Our Pom Captains are responsible for ensuring the full team, but more specifically our Pom team is ready for games and events.

Our Pom Captains are responsible for ensuring the full team, but more specifically our Pom team is ready for games and events.

Our Game Day Captain is responsible for ensuring the full team, but more specifically our Pom team is ready for games and events.

Our Cross Captain is responsible for all members who participate in both Pom and Game Day routines.