Without Limits Team Galaxy - Staff

Kati Hassall - Without Limits Director

​Competition Dance | Hip Hop | Jazz | Tap
Miss Kati started Without Limits in 2017 with one goal in mind - give everyone the chance to dance.
Miss Kati has been a part of the dance world for the past 15 years, serving as a dancer, coach, choreographer, teacher, and studio owner. She has choreographed state-winning dance team routines and solos, and has seen many of her dancers go on to dance professionally. In addition to dance, Miss Kati holds a Master’s degree in Teaching (Special Education), and has been a special education teacher for the last 5 years. She has always had a passion for helping those with different abilities, stemming from her mother being a special education teacher for 34 years, and having an uncle with Down syndrome.
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She is proud to offer Without Limits to the community, and give both athletes and artists the chance to show the world how amazing they are!

Rich Crothers - Special Olympics Athletic Director (SOAD)

Rich retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years.  Rich has worked in federal & local law enforcement from 1999 to present and has been a college professor and instructor at local police academy since 2003.  He has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration and Master's Degree in International Relations.  Rich was a coach at the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games (Gold Medal) and 2006 Special Olympics National Games (Bronze Medal).  Rich has an extensive history in soccer that includes player, trainer, coach, referee and administrator.  He is a nationally registered and certified FIFA coach with more than 30 years' experience at several levels (recreational to college levels) and is a nationally registered soccer referee with 15 years' experience.  Rich's involvement with Special Olympics began in 1987 when he signed up to volunteer in Germany. 35 years later, "It has brought me more joy than I could ever imagine, every one of my 6 children volunteers for Special Olympics.  I have obtained a better love of the game through the eyes of my Special Olympics soccer players.  This love has allowed me to develop an approach of teaching and developing strong fundamental skills of the game but still keep it fun without winning at all cost.  There is not a day that passes I am looking for a way to improve the quality of life for those Special Olympics in my region."

Lisa Elbe - Special Olympics Cheer Lead Coach

aLisa Elbe volunteered to be the Without Limits -Team Galaxy Cheer coach because of her daughter, Kennedy's love for cheer.  After Kati Hassall started SO Cheer in the fall of 2019, SO Cheer had to take a pause due to covid.  Lisa reinstated the Without Limits - Team Galaxy Special Olympics Cheer Team in the fall of 2021 once cheer was able to return from covid.  Her love for coaching and volunteering for Special Olympics Cheer is definitely her passion.  Her background as a dancer, cheerleader, coach and teacher are :  Wolf Branch Cheerleader, Althoff Catholic High School Dance Team member, Founder/coach/captain of the St. Louis University dance team, dance teacher for over 40 years in which many of those years she owned and ran a competitive dance studio in Belleville (Maureen's Dance Studio/Universal Dance Studios), performer in the ballet "Romeo and Juliet" at the St. Louis Fox Theater, performer and choreographer for Nutcracker on Broadway new York, NY, Upward Cheer volunteer coach for 8 years, founded and coached St. Teresa Tigerettes cheer team for Pre-K through 4th grade, Choreographed for St. Louis Football Rams Cheerleaders, Professional cheerleader for St. Louis NFL Cardinals and St. Louis Steamers Soccer Teams, Director Miss Midwest Illinois /Miss America organization. 

Maddie Elbe - Special Olympics Cheer Coach / Golf Coach

Maddie has been involved in dance and studio competition dance her entire life and won many awards including Nexstar's Miss Teen Dance St. Louis.  She was on the Althoff High School Competition Dance Team and also the Althoff High School Varsity Competition Cheer Team.  She was also chosen as 1 of 4 on the Althoff Cheer Team as All American Cheerleader to represent UCA.  Maddie also performed in the St. Louis Muny Opera in the productions of Sound of Music and the Muny's  75th Anniversary celebration show.  Maddie's sister is Kennedy.  She absolutely loves coaching SO Cheer!

Maddie was a Jr PGA competitor and qualified to compete in the Jr. World Golf Championships at Torrey Pines Golf Coure LaJolle.  Maddie played all 4 years on the Althoff Catholic High School's Varsity Golf Team and was also Captain of the Golf Team.  She was a state qualifier all 4 years.  She received a scholarship and played golf for Lindenwood University St. Charles.