Meet Our Dancers!
VOTE BY MAKING A PLEDGE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DANCER BELOW!
Simply Select Your Dancer(s) from the dropdown arrow under "Credit a Team" below.
Cobb Police Officer Miaja Mitchell
Miaja (my-juh) Mitchell is a dedicated officer with the Cobb County Police Department, currently serving in the Community Affairs Unit. A wife and proud mother of two, she is deeply committed to uplifting youth and giving back to her community. She is the Step Team Coordinator for the Cobb PAL Athletic League and an active mentor with the Cobb County School District, Cobb Juvenile Court, and the Power of the Peace Project.
Miaja is dancing to raise funds for the Community Affairs Unit. Among other community driven projects, this unit provides holiday gifts to less fortunate families in Cobb County. Her passion for mentorship and community service continues to make a lasting impact throughout the county she proudly serves.
Professional Partner
Charles Jones
Charles Jones began his dance journey while serving in the Air Force and found the world of competitive dancing with the UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council).
In 1994, Charles made his debut at the London Classic in 1995. After 22 years of service and retiring from the Airforce, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the dance community, achieving significant accolades that highlight his dedication and talent.
He is a four-time UCWDC World Champion and 3-time top pro points Champion. He has also secured three National titles at the ACDA (American Country Dance Association) National Championships. His passion for dance, coupled with his competitive spirit, has not only earned him numerous awards but has also inspired many aspiring dancers in the country western dance scene. Charles continues to be an influential presence, sharing his expertise and love for dance with others.
Cobb Sheriff's Office
Deputy Diane Watts
My name is Deputy Diane Watts, and I was born in Brooklyn New York.  I am 60 years old and have been employed with the Cobb County Sheriff Office for the last Seventeen plus years.  Currently I am assigned to the Community Engagement Unit which is an absolute joy for me.  I am able to enhance the relationships between the Sheriff Office and the community. I work directly with seniors, school age kids, mentoring programs and community-based organizations.
This opportunity has not only allowed me to grow professionally, but to serve the Sheriff’s Office and the community.  During my tenure I have received multiple awards - The Heart Felt Hero Award, Medal of Merit, Law Enforcement Impact Award, and Commendation of Excellence Award just to name a few.   
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 The most valuable reward for me is serving the community and being a part of the Cobb County Sheriff Office Community Engagement Team.  Outside of my work, I have a passion for dancing, fashion shows, exercising and staying fit.  I developed a love for dance at the age of 12 and participated in neighborhood dance groups. Since that time, I have developed a love for music Hip Hop, House, R&B, Reggae and Gospel.   
I am excited to be involved with Dancing with the Heroes. It is a great opportunity to support a great cause. I am dancing to raise funds for the community engagement unit.
Professional Partner
Rachel
Paulding Fire & Rescue
LT. Joey Quadagno
For over 20 years, Joey has answered the call as a firefighter - running towards things that most people run from. Now proudly serving as a Lieutenant for Paulding County Fire, he leads with steady hands, a cool head, and a heart for helping. Whether it's fighting fires or guiding his crew through high-stake situations, he's built a career on courage, dedication, and a few strong cups of station coffee.
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When he hangs up his uniform, he trades in his fire boots for flip flops and spends time with his favorite people: His wife, Kaleigh, and their kids: Cameron, Carson, Caden, and Kinsley.
This year, Joey is stepping (and maybe tripping) into unfamiliar territory - his first ever dance competition! He is dancing to raise funds for the Paulding County Fire and Rescue's Honor Guard! Known for their sharp uniforms, flawless formations, and unwavering dedication they serve in several arenas across the state and beyond! Your pledges will help fund uniforms, equipment, travel, and training - so your Honor Guard can continue showing up with the precision, professionalism, and the passion they're well known for.
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For this event, Joey has swapped fire drills for dance drills and is putting his best foot forward, literally, to help others again. He may not win…but with his heart in the right place and some solid moves, he's sure to win a few dollars, several laughs, and lots of votes.
Professional Partner
Melissa Jones
Melissa Jones is a seasoned Commercial Sales Executive at True Natural Gas, where she has been serving residential and commercial users since 2013. With a focus on helping commercial clients. Melissa specializes in managing natural gas accounts and rate plans to support operational efficiency and savings.
In addition to her business career, Melissa is deeply immersed in the world of dance. She is a co-owner of Atlanta Dance, located on Roswell Road in Marietta, where she helps offer group classes, private instruction, social parties, and event rentals in ballroom, Latin, swing, and more. She currently dances with two professional partners, Charles Jones and Lance Berry.
Melissa holds four world titles in the UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) organization in both partner and line dance. Most recently, she and her partner Lance Berry earned their first world title as a couple in their division in January of this year. A former co-owner of Fit U, a Zumba studio in Dallas, Georgia, Melissa continues to blend her professional expertise, passion for dance, and commitment to community in everything she does—making an impact both in business and on the dance floor.
Paulding Sheriff Office
LT. Rickey Waters
Lt. Rickey Waters has been with the Sheriff’s Office 23 years, serving in many roles including the K9 Unit and currently serves in the Community Relations Unit.
He has lived almost most of his life in the South Paulding area, loves spending time with his family and kids especially days we can go fishing. He prefers being at the beach more than anywhere else in the world.
LT. Waters is dancing for the Paulding Sheriff's Foundation.
Professional Partner
Angie McCanham
Angie is a local realtor, certified residential appraiser, and the heart behind the Mosaic Heart Club—a movement dedicated to turning life’s broken pieces into something beautifully whole.
With over 20 years of experience as a youth dance teacher and seven years as a licensed Zumba instructor, she believes in the power of movement to heal, connect, and inspire. Whether she’s leading a dance, navigating a real estate transaction, or creating spaces for women to shine, Angie shows up with heart, purpose, and just the right amount of sparkle.
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She lives in Paulding County with her husband Rodney and her trusty sidekick, Blue—a handsome six-year-old German Shepherd.
Paulding Sheriff Office
DCF Craig Cross
DFC Cross started his career in Law Enforcement in 2009 as a Detention Officer with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. He worked his way to Uniform Patrol, joined the SWAT Team, where he was assigned to the Sniper element. During Cross’s 10 years at Paulding County Sheriff’s Office he has worked Uniform Patrol, Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic H.E.A.T. , SWAT (Assistant Sniper Team Leader), Juvenile Division School Resource Deputy (SRD) as a Corporal, and has recently been assigned to the K9 Division.
DFC Cross was recognized for his work in the schools where he assisted a young kindergarten student in adjusting to school by walking him to class in the mornings. He was also TIKTOK famous when he assisted another student’s Elf on A shelf find her way home.
Craig is dancing to raise funds for the PCSO K9 Unit.
Father Daughter Dance
Craig and his daughter will end our competition with a number that will get the whole crowed involved! Plan on wearing your dance shoes so that you can join in all the fun!
