Pastor David Cotto
Think Tank Inc.
David Cotto was born on October 10, 1951 in Manhattan, NY to Rafael and Ida Cotto. His father was a pastor, church planter and educator with a passion for education and a love for people. His mother was an executive administrator and supermom, who loved reading, singing and preparing exquisite family meals. David was born with Cerebral Palsy, but with a supportive family and by God’s grace, it was never an obstacle to hinder, but just another hill to climb. Drawing from the riches of his gene pool, David is a passionate reader, guitar player and an encourager of people who takes great pleasure in helping others succeed. He spent his first 12 years in New York, the next 12 in Puerto Rico and after graduating with a Masters of Divinity from Anderson School of Theology, served inner city churches in Brooklyn, N.Y., Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, MO, He is presently the Senior Pastor of the Clifton Ave. Church of God alongside his dynamic and beautiful wife of 29 years, Tina M. Cotto. They have two lovely daughters, Tabitha J., an Anderson University graduate and Hannah R. a nursing student at Sinclair Community College. Tina serves as an Outpatient Therapist for women at McKinley Hall. As a part of an Extreme Church Makeover, David and Tina have helped make the church a vital partner in the transformation of our community helping people in recovery get back to God and develop their potential as difference makers on their educational and vocational journey. David serves the Habitat for Humanity Clark County Board of Directors and the Think Tank, Inc. Board of Directors which has led to this opportunity to dance for a worthy cause, walking and leaping and praising God.
Meredith Berzins
Children’s Rescue Center
Meredith is a recent graduate from Wittenberg University and has made Springfield her home. On September 1st, 2011 Meredith stepped into new shoes at the Children’s Rescue Center as one of the Co-Executive Directors. Meredith’s first and real last attempt at dancing was her tap and ballet classes as a grade school student. At this time in her life, she believes she is dancing with God and He is in the lead. Meredith is excited to dance for God and the Children’s Rescue Center at the fourth annual Clark County Dancing with the Celebrities.
Tom Pamer
American Cancer Society
Tom, Board President of Clark County’s ACS Volunteer Leadership Council will be dancing for The American Cancer Society. Tom is employed at a graphic artist at The MacRay Company in Springfield. He and his wife Hillary have been married nine years and have one son. He is a Springfield native and a 1988 Catholic Central High School graduate.Tom brings no dance experience to the table but is always willing to do just about anything to bring awareness to and raise funds for The American Cancer Society’s works for local cancer patients and their families, including research, education, advocacy, services and support groups. He hopes his attempt at dancing brings more awareness to the good works provided by The American Cancer Society.
Jennifer Rousculp
QUEST Inc.
Jenny, Superintendent of Developmental Disabilities of Clark County is dancing for QUEST Inc., a non-
profit that supports individuals served by Developmental Disabilities of Clark County. QUEST Inc. provides employment opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities through QUEST ShredMill, a secure document shredding operation. QUEST Inc. also supports individuals with developmental disabilities in personal growth and citizenship through establishing and maintaining community relations, promoting individuals gifts and skills, and providing opportunities to support community integration to the extent resources grant. Each program is tailored to complement the specific needs, interests and desires of those served. Growing up in a family with a strong musical background, it’s no surprise Jenny’s love for dancing began with ballet lessons as a young child. She currently enjoys jazzercise and bicycling. Jenny has lived in Springfield the past 4 years and has been in the Developmental Disabilities field for 24 years. She believes that supporting individuals with developmental disabilities is not only her life’s work- but her passion. Jenny is dancing to share her passion with others, as well as raise community awareness and support for QUEST Inc.
David White
Springfield Arts Council
David is the Managing Director of the Springfield Arts Council. A graduate of The Ohio State University in Theater Education and he received Master of Fine Arts from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Throughout his career he has served as the Artistic Producer or Executive Director for four professional arts organizations prior to his tenure in Springfield. He also served as the Theater Department Chair of one of the country’s leading performing arts high schools.
As the Executive Director of the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts (MTCA) in Columbia, MO he ran a thriving performing arts center producing an average of 12-events a month, along with a professional classical music organization (the Missouri Symphony Orchestra) which produced a 20-concert summer music festival.
David was the founding Artistic Director for the now 25-year-old professional theater - the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (ETC). During his tenure at ETC nationally recognized playwrights such as Edward Albee, Lee Blessing, and Michael Weller wrote and premiered their work at ETC.
As an educator he developed the nation's first Vocational Education Drama curriculum at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. This junior and senior level program created the professional training atmosphere for young adults to produce and administrate their own theater company.
David is married to playwright and creative writing teacher Nancy White. They are blessed with three children David IV, Rachel, and Jazz; along with three grand children Selah, Benjamin Mark, and David V.
Kenneth Seelig
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Blake is the President of LWS Tax & Accounting Services. As Board President for 2011, he is dancing for Springfield Christian Youth Ministries and has been on the board for two years. Blake and his wife, Tina, have been married for six years and have two children: Landon (4) and Aliya (1). Landon was born with a genetic disorder called Meknes and is his biggest inspiration. Blake’s only dance experience comes from the Soulja Boy dance and interestingly enough has never eaten a hamburger. He hopes to gain the ability to dance so that he can take his wife dancing and teach his daughter. Also, he hopes to share with as many people as possible all the great things SCYM is doing for the youth of our city.