Meet our Team
Austin Brooks
Executive Director
Austin Brooks serves as the Executive Director for Dallas United Crew (DUC), now beginning his third year with the organization. As the first to hold this role, he has been honored to guide DUC through an exciting period of growth in both rowing and paddle sports, helping shape the program’s vision and expand opportunities for athletes across Dallas. Before joining DUC, Austin and his family relocated from California, where he served as Head Coach and Program Director at UC Irvine. During his tenure, he developed the California Challenge Cup Regatta, creating a sustainable revenue stream to support the long-term success of UC Irvine’s program. With more than a decade of rowing and coaching experience, he brings both expertise and enthusiasm to DUC’s mission of developing athletes and strengthening community through the sport of rowing. As an athlete, Austin had an undefeated collegiate rowing career at the University of Washington, where he also set the current world record in the Varsity 8+ with a time of 5:21.4. He represented the United States at two World Rowing Championships, advancing both times to the A Final, and is a Henley Royal Regatta Temple Cup Champion. Prior to college, he rowed for Newport Aquatic Center as captain, leading the Men’s Varsity 8+ to back-to-back National Championships and two undefeated high school seasons. One of Austin’s goals as Executive Director is to ensure that rowing and paddle sports at DUC are accessible, inclusive, and transformative for athletes of all backgrounds. He has a lifelong passion for the sport and its ability to build character, community, and resilience. Outside of his work with Dallas United, Austin enjoys working out (no surprise there) and, above all, cherishes his time as a loving husband and proud father to his daughter.
Ken Brown
Facility Director
Prior to coming to DUC, Ken Brown did business at Halcyon Boatworks and Marine Construction. That skillset made him attractive to the organization, and eventually started working on the fixed dock associated with the launch dock in 2018. He continued to build and work on many other pieces of equipment with DUC, including the tandem boat that hundreds of new rowers have learned to row on. In his free time, Ken enjoys spending time with his family and morning walks around White Rock Lake with his dog, Tic.
Melanie Kirton
Accountant
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Dylan Chan
Women's Head Coach / Digital Media Coordinator
Coach Chan brings a proven track record of athlete development and competitive excellence. Under his leadership, DUC’s women’s program has achieved national success, including a National Championship in the Women’s Under-17 Double, a 14th place finish in the Women’s Varsity Eight, and a 20th place finish in the Women’s Second Varsity Eight at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships. Known for his athlete-centered coaching philosophy, Chan emphasizes technical precision, race strategy, and a positive, disciplined team culture. Chan continues to build on DUC’s tradition of excellence, preparing athletes not only for racing at the highest levels but also for lifelong success beyond the boat. Prior to joining DUC, Chan spent five years as an Assistant Coach at The Hockaday School in Dallas, helping contribute to four national championships and ten grand final appearances at Youth Nationals. The dynamic staff guided numerous athletes to placements with top collegiate programs. In addition to his role at Hockaday, Chan held numerous roles at Hilti North America in sales, business development, and technical services. Coach Chan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Oklahoma, and grew up in the Dallas area. He is a proud member of the DFW Detroit Lions Fan Club, and occasionally rows his single on Bachman Lake.
Ben Williams
Men's Head Coach / Program Manager
Ben Williams brings a wealth of experience in coaching and athlete development. He served as the Varsity Girl’s Coach at River City Rowing Club from September 2020 to June 2023 and as a Men’s Rowing Coach at Capital Crew from 2015–2016. Ben holds an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Orange Coast College and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Government from Grand Valley State University, where he rowed on both teams and wrote for the student newspaper. He is committed to developing athletes and contributing to the success of Dallas United Crew’s men’s team.
Amber Robidou
Adult Head Coach
Amber, a native of Missouri, grew up in a small town but has always held ambitious aspirations. Originally a competitive basketball player, her athletic career transitioned to rowing after career-ending knee injuries. Since then, Amber has dedicated herself to coaching, fitness, and performance training for over 15 years. Over the past decade, she has established herself as a dedicated indoor rowing athlete, achieving a sub-7-minute 2k erg score and earning recognition in the indoor rowing community. In the spring of 2024, her passion for rowing expanded into on-water competition. In the last year, Amber has served as the Head Masters Rowing Coach at DUC, where she has leveraged her vast coaching experience and deep passion for the sport. Focusing on the development of strong, well-rounded rowers, Amber combines technical expertise with a motivational coaching approach, fostering a positive and engaging training environment. She is dedicated to promoting growth, a sense of community, and challenging athletes to push their boundaries and achieve their personal bests. Outside of coaching, Amber’s greatest love is her family. She is married to Austin, and together they have two young children, Ethan and Jordan. Amber is also a motivational speaker and rare disease advocate, training to compete in the World’s Toughest Row for her nonprofit organization, Rowing 4 Rare. As Head Masters Coach, Amber aims to continue fostering excellence within the masters rowing community, sharing her knowledge, and inspiring athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the water.
Donna Coker
DUC PINK Head Coach
Donna Coker currently serves as the Secretary of the DUC Board. A Dallas native, Donna is a 35+ year resident of East Dallas. As a founding member and the coach of DUC PINK, the Dragonboat team specifically for Breast Cancer survivors, she has been paddling with DUC for over 8 years and has attended festivals locally and around the world representing DUC. Donna has served on the PTA Boards of Lakewood Elementary, Travis TAG and Woodrow Wilson High School and is Membership Chair for the Lakewood Hills Neighborhood Association. She works full-time as a Sr. Executive Assistant for two, highly successful Dallas business owners and investors.
Cristine Kao
DUC Delite Head Coach
Cristine Kao has been the Head Coach of the DUC Delite Dragon Boat Team since December 2020. Since then, the team has continued to grow and change in a positive direction. Her dedication to the sport and to building meaningful connections within the dragon boat community is clear in everything she does. With years of experience in competitive paddling—coaching teams like the Windy City Dragons and PfMB in DeKalb, IL, and helping build paddling programs at Lincoln Park Boat Club—Cristine has the expertise to lead athletes to success and build strong, high-performing teams at every level.
Cherie Farmer
U17 Women's Lead
Cherie Farmer is the head Adaptive and Veteran Rowing Coach and the Assistant Varsity Women’s Coach. She is a highly experienced coach, coaching rowers from middle school to the adult level. In 2023, Cherie proudly led the U15 Women’s crew to a remarkable second-place finish at Nationals. Before rowing, Cherie taught pilates, yoga, cycling, and weight training, equipping her with a strong foundation in athletic training and conditioning. As a certified sports massage and trigger point therapist, she trained in these disciplines and taught courses, sharing knowledge on injury prevention and recovery. Cherie is committed to research-based exercise methods, integrating the latest findings into training regimens to optimize performance and enhance athlete well-being. Passionate about the sport and dedicated to the growth of young athletes, she is excited to share her love of rowing with the young women of DUC. She is grateful for the opportunity to spend afternoons on the water, nurturing both skill and camaraderie.
Flo Elkins
Women's Middle School Lead / RowDallas Lead
Flo Elkins is a Certified Personal Trainer, Indoor Rowing Instructor, and a US Rowing Level 2 Coach. She is also a Wellness Strategist and the Founder of F.L.O. Life Fitness, Wellness & Consulting. Flo’s rowing journey began in 2015 when a personal training client invited her to a Learn-to-Row weekend with Los Angeles Rowing Club. After that first experience on the water, she was hooked. She joined the club, later served on the board as a member advocate, and became deeply involved in its operations. In 2020, during the pandemic, RowLA Program Director Susan Lillestol discovered Flo’s fitness content online. That summer, Flo joined RowLA as a Strength Trainer and later became an Assistant Rowing Coach, working with the Level 1 girls’ team and helping to run the Erg Ed Program in middle schools and high schools across inner-city Los Angeles. Flo moved to Texas in the summer of 2023 and continued her rowing journey and competed in several regattas with a Dallas area rowing club. In 2024, Flo joined Dallas United Crew’s (DUC) Masters team and that summer became an Assistant Coach for the middle school rowing program. She is also the Co-Founder of BachmanROC Rowing Club, which aims to serve as a feeder program for DUC and other Dallas-area rowing clubs. Flo has also coached with Ready Set Row (Alabama) and Craftsbury (Vermont). She is passionate about developing young athletes, using the sport of rowing to instill discipline, confidence, and life skills they can carry beyond the water. As part of the DUC coaching staff, she looks forward to helping structure and grow the middle school program.
Nan Gao
U17 Women's Assistant
Nan Gao’s coaching journey began at DUC after she relocated to Dallas and embraced her passion for rowing as a masters competitor across various clubs. In 2022, she had the privilege of coaching middle school students and eventually transitioned to the women’s team as an assistant coach. Nan discovered rowing during her freshman year of college. Growing up in Mexico City, she had no prior exposure to this sport. Her background includes training and competing in swimming, volleyball, and table tennis at the national and international levels. However, rowing truly captivates her. She likes how the sport uniquely blends mental and physical strength with the essence of teamwork, forging friendships and connections for which she is forever thankful. Nan’s commitment to the sport led her to pursue her Level 2 rowing certification and to coach part-time during the season. She is dedicated to helping her athletes reach their potential on the water and grow as individuals. Her goal is to empower girls to become their best selves as athletes and community members.
Nic Lavandera
U19 Assistant Coach
Nic Lavendera is a Dallas local who has been rowing on White Rock Lake for nine years. After taking a year away from the sport to begin his mechanical engineering degree at The University of Texas at Dallas, he found his way back to rowing through a coaching opportunity at Dallas United Crew.
Luke Songy
U17 Men's Lead
Will Forteith
Men's Middle School Assistant
Paula Miltenberger
President
Dr. Paula Miltenberger is a highly accomplished Licensed Psychologist and the visionary founder of Women’s Mental Wellness. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. Her academic and professional training includes completing an APA-accredited internship and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Women’s Mental Health within the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. With a specialized focus on women’s mental health, Dr. Miltenberger has dedicated her career to addressing the unique psychological needs of women. Her practice, Women’s Mental Wellness, stands as a testament to her commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Miltenberger has a robust background in philanthropic fundraising. She has served on the boards of several notable organizations, including Family Gateway, Suicide Crisis, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Her contributions have significantly impacted these organizations, further highlighting her dedication to community service and mental health advocacy.
Heather Balestri
Vice President
Heather Balestri has a strong background in development and fundraising and is dedicated to helping Dallas United Crew secure the resources needed for accelerated growth. With her expertise, she works to drive the financial support that enables the organization to expand and improve its programs.
Donna Coker
Secretary
Donna Coker currently serves as the Secretary of the DUC Board. A Dallas native, Donna is a 35+ year resident of East Dallas. As a founding member and the coach of DUC PINK, the Dragonboat team specifically for Breast Cancer survivors, she has been paddling with DUC for over 8 years and has attended festivals locally and around the world representing DUC. Donna has served on the PTA Boards of Lakewood Elementary, Travis TAG and Woodrow Wilson High School and is Membership Chair for the Lakewood Hills Neighborhood Association. She works full-time as a Sr. Executive Assistant for two, highly successful Dallas business owners and investors.
Robert Sneed
Treasurer
Robert Sneed serves as the treasurer on the board of directors for Dallas United Crew. As a parent of a former DUC rower who now competes at a D1 college, and a current Masters rower himself, Robert brings a deeply personal connection to the sport. Professionally, he leverages extensive experience as a medical device and contracts sales professional, excelling in negotiating long-term enterprise agreements. Robert's blend of professional acumen and genuine care for the rowing community makes him an invaluable asset to Dallas United Crew.
Katrina Craycroft
Director
With a rich and diverse career spanning over 30 years in the information technology sector, Katrina Craycroft brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dallas United Crew board. A proud graduate of Baylor University, Katrina Craycroft has excelled in various roles throughout their career, highlighting their versatility and commitment to excellence. Katrina Craycroft has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth for the organization.
Stephen Howard
Director
Stephen Howard is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA and is best known for his time with the Utah Jazz. Originally from East St. Louis, Illinois, Howard played college basketball at the University of Alabama as a forward and became known for his scoring and rebounding ability. Howard was drafted by the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards) in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft, but soon found himself with the Utah Jazz. Although his time in the NBA was brief, he played for several teams during his career, including the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and the Jazz, between 1992 and 1996. Known for his versatility, he played both the forward and center positions, offering depth to his teams' frontcourts. After his NBA career, Howard continued playing professionally overseas in various leagues, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and skilled big man. Post-retirement, Howard has remained involved in basketball, including coaching and mentoring future generations of players. His involvement with DUC reflects his dedication to community engagement and his passion for promoting teamwork and athleticism beyond basketball.
Lisa Miller
Director
Lisa W. Miller is a consumer marketing strategist who served on the board for 6 years, rolled off, and is now back on the board. Lisa has helped oversee the marketing and media relations. In addition, she guides community outreach and fundraising to broaden the reach and impact of the program.
David Slear
Director
David Slear’s rowing journey began at DUC, where he served as a two-year team captain, leading his crew on the water. He made history as the first DUC athlete to join the U.S. junior national team, competing as part of the 4- at the 2017 World Rowing Junior Championships. David continued his rowing career at Princeton University for four years, earning two silver medals and a bronze in the First Varsity 8+ at the IRA National Championships. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Computer Science. Today, David works as a Software Engineer at Capital One, applying his problem-solving skills and technical expertise to drive daily software development. With a strong foundation in leadership, technical ability, and mentoring, David brings a well-rounded approach to both his professional and personal life.
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Cynthia Till
Director
Cynthia Till is a Safety Officer at DUC with seven years of experience in the youth program. She is a strong advocate for youth rowing and works to create a safe and supportive environment for young athletes.