Liz Steele

Liz Steele-Winter Guard Ensemble Director

Liz Steele has been with the Columbus Saints Drum & Bugle Corps as the Color Guard Caption Head since 2015. In addition to the Corps, Liz co-founded the Saints Winter Guard program for the 2016 season. Her experience includes marching with the Hamilton TWP High School Marching Band and the Ohio Dominican University Marching Band. Liz also leads the Saints community outreach partnering with local community centers providing after-school guard programming.

Liz holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio Dominican University and is currently employed as a legal professional. Her hobbies include reading, music concerts, theater productions, learning vintage hairstyles, and last but not least, color guard!

 

Johnette Kesterson

Johnette Kesterson

Johnette Kesterson, a dedicated resident of Lewis Center, Ohio, has found her calling in the fields of healthcare and sports. As a medical assistant at Mount Carmel, she contributes to the well-being of her community. Beyond her professional duties, Johnette’s passion lies in the world of competitive guard.

For five seasons, Johnette has been an integral part of the Columbus Saints, serving as the assistant director for the Junior Guard. Her commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a supportive environment has been instrumental in the program’s growth.

When not immersed in her work or coaching, Johnette finds solace in her creative pursuits. Photography and crafting offer her a means of expression and relaxation. Her love for writing and her involvement in developing guard show ideas demonstrate her dedication to the art form.

A particularly enthusiastic advocate for spinning, Johnette shares her passion by teaching this skill to younger generations.She believes that guard is a sport accessible to all, regardless of skill level, and strives to make the Columbus Saints program inclusive and empowering.

 

Corey Stanfield

Corey Stanfield

Corey is the Tech for 2025 Winter Guard season. His past experience includes spinning with Northwest High School Marching Band from 2008 to 2015. As well as Cincinnati Tradition in 2015 and most recently, he spun with the Columbus Saints Drum Corps in 2024.
Beyond the flag and rifle, Corey has a variety of hobbies that he takes part in. He loves spending time with his cat, Dawn. Additionally, He enjoys exotic animal care, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, attending plays to appreciate the performing arts, and hiking in new areas to connect with nature.

 

 

Rylee Birkhimer

Rylee Birkhimer

Rylee Birkhimer is the 2025 Assistant Director for the Saints Winter Guard. Outside of the Winter Guard, Rylee marches with Rhythm IN BLUE and has been the Color Guard Director for Coshocton High School since 2023. She has also marched with Tri-Valley High School’s fall and winter guard programs since the winter of 2016. After graduation, she received her Bachelor of Arts from Muskingum University in May 2024, along with an additional license to teach K-12 Visual Arts.

Outside the world of marching band and color guard, Rylee enjoys spending time with her two rescue cats, Jolene and Ellie. She is passionate about rescuing animals and often participates in raising kittens and helping stray cats find homes. Rylee also likes attending rock concerts and listening to her collection of vinyl records. Her other hobbies include reading, learning about science, and practicing various forms of art, including painting, dancing, and singing, to name a few.

Screenshot

Katie Woolsey

Katie Woolsey

Katie Woolsey has been with the Columbus Saints Junior Guard since Winter of 2023. Her experience includes spinning 3 seasons at Westland High School from 2017 to 2019, a season with Flaggots Ohio in the summer of 2023, and a season with Columbus Saints Winter guard in 2022. Her hobbies includes playing chess, Magic the Gathering, Fortnite, and of course doing guard!