Dancing with the Local Stars

A Night to Dance. A Cause to Make a Difference.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Arcada Theatre | St. Charles, IL
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.

Join us for the inaugural Dancing with the Local Stars, an unforgettable evening where local leaders trade the boardroom for the ballroom to raise funds for CASA Kane County.

When our community steps onto the dance floor, children in foster care take a step toward hope.

Inspired by the hit television competition, this high-energy event features live dance performances, audience voting, plenty of laughs, and a little friendly competition—all in support of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Why It Matters

CASA Kane County recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates who stand beside children navigating the foster care system. Your support helps ensure more children have someone fighting for their best interests and brighter futures.

Join Us

Whether you purchase a ticket, donate to your favorite dancer, or become a sponsor, you'll be making a lasting difference in the lives of children in our community.

✨ A Night to Dance. A Cause to Make a Difference.

Ciao! My name is Stefania Berton. I was born and raised in Italy where I figure skated from the age of 4. In 2014 I had the honor to represent my native country at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

I relocated to Geneva, IL in August of 2014 to be with my husband and together we’ve been directing and coaching figure skating at Fox Valley Ice Arena. We are blessed with 3 wonderful children and our community here in Geneva.

Hi! I'm Megan Elsberg. I live, work, and am raising my two amazing kids, Scotty (11) and Nora (9), here in Kane County.

As the Marketing & Events Coordinator at Parent Petroleum, I have the privilege of combining my passion for marketing with fundraising and community outreach, making it especially meaningful to support organizations like CASA Kane County.

While my dance experience is mostly limited to dance parties with my kids, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone for such an incredible cause. I'm honored to be part of Dancing with the Local Stars and hope you'll cheer me on as we dance our hearts out for the amazing children CASA serves! 

Bio coming soon...stay tuned...

Brian Knetl has served as President of Waubonsee Community College since 2023. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, he has held roles as both an administrator and faculty member, fueled by a deep commitment to helping students succeed and communities thrive. 

Brian is actively engaged in the region through service on numerous community boards and advisory groups, including the CASA Kane County Children’s Ambassador Panel, the Valley Industrial Association, the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance, the Aurora Education Commission, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, the Kane County Economic Development Corporation, the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois, and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. 

Beyond the office, Brian enjoys spending time outdoors logging miles on a run, cycling the local roads and trails, or journeying north on a winter camping adventure. An avid reader, he is always tempted by a used bookstore and the promise of finding a hidden literary treasure. 

Brian and his wife, Amy, live in Batavia and are the proud parents of four adult children. 

Hi, my name is Nikki Nelson, and I have been (almost) a lifelong resident of St. Charles. Both, my dad and his mom grew up here, too, and I raised my daughter here, so I guess you could call us lifers. I went to Western Michigan University for Elementary Education and taught for many years, in Texas, at Elgin Academy, Wredling Middle School, and finished my teaching career at Harter Middle School in Kaneland. After teaching, I worked at the St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce for a few years working with local businesses, but as of March of this year I joined the St. Charles History Museum team and am loving it, learning so much about this town I grew up in! This year, I became the St. Charles Women's Club President after two years as their secretary and three years in the group. As you can see, I love this town and nonprofits!
 
I am an east-sider, although I grew up on the west side. I live with my husband, Mike, and our dog, Harley, as we just became empty nesters, with our adult children all out living their best lives. We love boating on the Fox River (where Mike and I met) on summer weekends, attending the St. Charles Park District's Concert in the Park, eating at a variety of local restaurants, visiting the breweries around town, and hanging out with friends. 
 
I am completely out of my comfort zone by agreeing to participate in Dancing with the Local Stars, but I had to because it's for such a great cause and my friend, Brittni from The Dance Lab asked, so how could I say no?!! 

Ron Onesti is the President and CEO of Onesti Entertainment, where he has transformed the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and the Des Plaines Theatre into premier entertainment destinations.

An accomplished producer, restaurateur, and community leader, Ron has worked with legendary performers across generations while also owning several popular dining and entertainment venues. He is a passionate advocate for Italian American heritage, serving as President of both the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

A three-time Emmy Award-winning producer, Ron has also been honored with Italy's prestigious Cavaliere Ufficiale and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Ron is excited to step onto the dance floor in support of CASA Kane County and the children it serves. 

Gabe Perez has worked for the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years and just last August, partnered with his trusty therapy dog, Casper.  This dynamic duo takes the community by storm with their energy and fun-loving spirit.  

Gabe is a family man with his wife and two kids. He likes to unwind on his time off by playing drums or guitar.  As a self proclaimed “funk master”, Gabe is ready to get groovy on the dance floor!

She can design a logo, launch a marketing campaign, foster a puppy, juggle three kids, and run a small business—but ask her to dance in front of a crowd? That's where things get interesting.

Caitlin Slomski is a full-time marketing professional and the owner of True Knack Graphics, where she helps businesses and nonprofits stand out through creative design and marketing. When she's not working, you'll likely find her outdoors, staying active, cheering on her kids, or fostering dogs looking for their forever homes.

A firm believer in giving back, Caitlin regularly donates her time and creative talents to local nonprofits because she knows strong communities are built by people who show up and support one another. Helping organizations tell their stories and further their missions is one of her favorite ways to make an impact.

So why is she competing in Dancing with the Local Stars? Because she wants her children to see that fear doesn't get to make the decisions in life. While dancing in front of an audience wasn't exactly on her vision board, she believes some of life's greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you a little. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and the confidence that comes from taking the leap is something no one can take away from you.

Win or lose, Caitlin is proud to be stepping onto the dance floor in support of CASA Kane County—although her kids may still be deciding whether they're impressed or embarrassed.

Hi! I’m Denise Trimble, and I’ve called Geneva home for the past 17 years. I met my husband, Phil, in high school, and 22 years later we’re still having fun together while raising our three amazing kids—Marla Jane (20), Matt (18), and Samantha (16). We also have a very cute and playful corgi mix, Wesley, who turns one in October.

By day, I’m an emergency department nurse, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, and a clinical nursing instructor at Aurora University. I love caring for patients and helping future nurses find their confidence.

When I’m not at the hospital, you’ll probably find me traveling, baking, gardening, skiing, running, or hanging out with family and friends. I’m hoping to complete my 11th marathon at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this year!

I believe kindness is contagious, laughter is good medicine, and community matters. Supporting CASA was an easy “yes” because I’m passionate about helping others and giving back to the place I proudly call home.

I come to U.S. a long time ago. When i come here, I told my mama why we no do a restaurant and she say ”Wat you crazy. You no how much work it take. Get a job. You work for somebody and dey pay you every week.” 
 
I din’t lissen so what I do, I open restaurant In Da City of Chicago. Den somebody told me to go west young man. So I com here cause I thout it was far enof west. Now dat I’m here I like very much so please make sure I stay. Grazie and have a nice day! 
 
P.S. I know what you think. It’s not my spelling dats bad, but it’s your eyesight dats going. 

Chief Judge Robert K. Villa is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana (LAS '92) and the DePaul College of Law ('95). From 1995-1998, Judge Villa served in the Illinois Attorney General's Criminal Appeals Division as lead counsel on appeals involving statutory and constitutional issues before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the Supreme and Appellate Courts of Illinois and the United States District Courts of Illinois. 
 
After leaving government service, Judge Villa was a litigation partner in the Chicago offices of Dykema Gossett PLLC and in 2007, he founded the Villa Law Firm, LLC in St. Charles, which became Griffin/Villa/Williams LLP in 2011. 
 
Judge Villa was appointed to the position of Associate Judge in April, 2013. On December 17, 2018, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Judge Villa to the position of Circuit Judge and he was later elected as Circuit Judge in November of 2020. He has presided over all manner of civil and criminal cases.  Judge Villa also currently serves the Presiding Judge of the Civil Law Division. 
 
His hobbies are his family and Liverpool FC. 

As a Realtor with @properties in St. Charles, Chris has had the privilege of helping over 175 families and clients buy, sell, and invest in homes throughout the Tri-Cities and western suburbs.  The best part of his job has always been the relationships he has built along the way and helping connect the community with local businesses and non-profits. 

When he's not working with clients, you'll find Chris spending time with his wife, Jeanette, and our two energetic boys, Carter and Conner. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and that same mindset carries into his business and passion for giving back. 

Whether it's volunteering, sponsoring local events, or saying "yes" to opportunities like Dancing With the Local Stars, he's proud to support local organizations like CASA Kane County.  Now, if he can survive learning these dance moves, he might just add "ballroom dancer" to his resume!