Christy Mitchinson Introduction Longtime cheerleading coach with advanced certifications Program director for Sharks Elite Cheer in Warrington, UKMember of the U.S. All Star Federation for Cheer and Dance Teams (USASF) and American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) Experience Christy Mitchinson is a former writer for ThoughtCo who contributed articles on cheerleading for more than two years. Since 2015, she has been a program director and cheerleading coach for Sharks Elite Cheer in Warrington, UK. Prior to this, she ran Knights American Cheer, which she founded in 2008.A longtime cheerleading coach, Christy has also taught gymnastics and several forms of dance. She has experience working with disabled students, including deaf/hearing impaired and special needs students. And she has worked as a freelance choreographer, judge, and competition consultant. Christy is a member of the U.S. All Star Federation for Cheer and Dance Teams (USASF) and American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA). She holds USASF Level 1-5 certifications in Stunts, Tosses, & Tumbling, and has qualified to coach Level 6 Stunts & Tosses.Christy has been writing professionally since 2000, and her articles about cheerleading and general fitness appear on numerous websites, including Chron.com, azcentral.com, Livestrong.com, TheNest.com, and Healthfully.com. Education Christy earned her B.A. in English Language and Literature from The Open University in the UK.Awards and Publications"Cheerleading Games to Play," Chron.com"What Do Guy Cheerleaders Do?" azcentral.com"Relationship Between Heart Rate & Cardiovascular Fitness," Livestrong.com"What Are the Benefits of the Lunge Exercise? TheNest.com"How to Lose Weight for 14-Year Olds," Healthfully.com LiveAbout and Dotdash Meredith LiveAbout, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a reference site focused on entertainment, activities, and hobbies. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.