GET TO KNOW THE LADIES BEHIND LEVEL UP

 I’m Amy Bartek, owner of Level Up Cheer Nebraska, and building this program has been one of the most rewarding adventures of my life. I’ve always believed cheer is about more than routines and trophies. It’s about confidence, leadership, teamwork, and creating a place where athletes feel seen, challenged, and supported. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with athletes and programs across Nebraska through choreography, camps, game day training, stunting, and program development.

I’m a firm believer that life is just better with a good spray tan, an oversized energy drink, and a perfectly planned outfit. I may have a slightly unhealthy obsession with finding the newest and cutest athletic wear, and I’ll absolutely justify buying it if it comes in black, gold, or “limited edition.”

My favorite days involve laying by the pool while my kids swim, sipping Prosecco, reading a good book, or sitting at a wine bar with friends sharing a charcuterie board and laughing way too loud. I’m obsessed with wiener dogs, have a mini long-haired dachshund named Pixie, and have an absolutely irrational fear of birds.

 Hi everyone, I’m Ryann Unger, (the girl that’s usually behind the camera). If there’s a fun post, Instagram story, competition recap, or a hype video there’s a really good chance I had something to do with it.

Outside of Level Up, I’m currently in my first year teaching special education at Woodbrook Elementary, which has been one of the most rewarding adventures ever. I’ve always been someone who loves to stay busy, so balancing teaching, cheer, social media, and life with approximately 37 tabs open at all times somehow feels normal to me.

I’ve been part of Level Up since the very beginning — all the way back to the first photoshoot in a cornfield in 2020. I was also on the very first showcase team, and ever since then I’ve stayed involved through social media and behind-the-scenes content. Cheer has truly never left me, and I love that this program has continued to be such a huge part of my life in different ways over the years.

I love finding ways to show the personality and heart behind this program. My camera roll is overflowing with cheer pictures, flyers I forgot to delete, and ideas for future posts that pop into my head at all times.

What I love most about Level Up is how much it truly feels like family. I’m so grateful to help tell the stories behind the athletes, teams, friendships, and moments that make this program so special.

 Hello! I’m Kam Tuttle, Level Up’s Program Coordinator!

Cheer has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I cheered at elite cheer for eight years growing up, where I was lucky enough to become a two time NCA champion and a Summit champion. I was also a member of Elkhorn High’s cheer team, winning state my senior year!

I’ve been with Level Up for a few years now as a member of our summer camp staff and as head coach of our level 2 competition team. This year, I will be taking on the lead of planning and executing our high school camps and clinics, as well as assisting with choreography for high school teams and coaching our level up competition teams.

In my free time I love reading, traveling, spending time by the pool or the lake, or getting into a fun craft! I consider myself an avid lover of all things pop culture, so you can always find me watching movies and tv shows of all sorts or listening to music (specifically Lana and Lorde!) 

 Hi! I’m Ashley Christensen, the new Program Director at Level Up Cheer!

I grew up cheering at Elite Cheer, where I competed at The Cheerleading Worlds four times. I continued my career at Midland University, competing at NCA. I’m especially passionate about stunting and tumbling—the challenge, teamwork, and confidence they build are what I love most.

This summer, I’ll be leading performance camps, competition camp, and our tumbling and stunting classes. I’ll also be heading our showcase and competition program this season, and I’m excited to keep growing Level Up Cheer.

Outside of the gym, I’m a 4th grade teacher at Wahoo Public Schools. Whether in the classroom or at practice, I love helping kids build confidence and step outside their comfort zones.

At home, my husband Nick and I stay busy with our two kids—Skylar (6), who already loves cheer, and Tyson (2), who keeps us on our toes.

Fun fact: I’m usually planning my next trip before I’ve even taken the ones already booked. I’m also a huge book lover, love beach vacations, and enjoy a good margarita by the pool or lake while chasing my kids around in the sunshine. We’re big Disney World fans too—our family has gone five times in the last four years!