Lisa Krause joined the Jon D. Williams Cotillions team in August 2015 as our Customer Relations Director. In this role she is the primary liaison between the Company, chairwomen, committee members as well as our many valuable customers. She also manages the company's website and registration processes to insure all information is accurate and current.

Previously she worked for 10 years in Denver Public Schools at an elementary school where she helped out in a 2nd grade classroom. Among her gifts is a lot of experience working with parents and advocating for children. We are sure this experience will be appreciated by our Cotillion families and Chairwomen.

Lisa is the proud mother of daughter Kailey, who is a student at Chapman University in California, and son Cooper, who is a senior in high school. Cooper attended our Cotillion program at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. She has recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with her husband, Gary.

In addition, Lisa loves to cook and bake and has worked part-time at a gourmet kitchen store. In that capacity, Lisa has honed her service skills of listening, problem-solving and satisfying the customer. She also loves to bring goodies to the office to share!

Lisa's community involvement includes volunteering with a local food bank and the Bonfils Blood Center.

Chris joined the Jon D. Williams Cotillions team in October 2021 as Administrative Assistant. Chris’ primary responsibilities include interacting with our media suppliers to coordinate the printing and handling of various invitations and announcements, processing donation requests and various other administrative functions. She works closely with all aspects of managing our office.

Chris is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Education and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver in Language, Literacy and Culture. After teaching in the public schools for twenty years, she began volunteering for There with Care, a nonprofit supporting families with critically ill children. This led to a position working there as a Community Space Coordinator for several years.

Chris is the proud mother of two sons: Jackson, who attends Western Colorado University and Warren who is a junior in high school. Chris and her husband Doug recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. While she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors, she most enjoys bringing people together to make whichever community she joins the best it can be.

Jon has developed and directed programs for the Company for over 30 years. As a graduate from the University of Denver, with a major in psychology, Jon applied his education to teaching and marketing early on. During college and upon graduation, he was a noted tennis professional in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Palm Beach, Florida before becoming Vice-President of LJA, a Denver-based marketing, design and advertising firm where he developed comprehensive market strategies and business plans for corporate entities.

When Jon joined the family business in 1975, JDWC was comprised of six cotillion programs with an emphasis on dance instruction. Since his involvement and management, the Company has developed into a multi-faceted, national business with an emphasis on social skills education. The Company has four divisions: JDW Cotillions – Dance & Social Etiquette for children, SEE Survival Etiquette Essentials – Social Skills & Character Training for all ages, ESP Executive Social Presentation – adult training programs on Social & Business Relationships for individuals, groups, colleges and businesses, and NCSE - National Center for Social Education – a social skills training program for certification and licensing.

Jon's instruction has been featured by ABC World News and national publications. He still instructs cotillion classes, in addition to making presentations on social education for schools and businesses. With his wife Moira, he is working on a book titled SENSE & CIVILITY – A Practical Guide to Survival Etiquette Essentials.

Katherine has been a director with JDW Social Education Programs since 1994 and now holds the title of Vice President. Her education in international business from the University of Colorado, and her work as assistant to the Chief of Protocol for Governor Romer during the World Economic Summit of the Eight, have added an international perspective to the organization. Her experiences include travel to six continents and over 25 countries. Katherine also holds a marketing degree and heads up our public relations department and has made regular appearances on news broadcasts and KNUS - Success Radio, a local talk radio program.

As executive director of ESP Executive Social Presentation, Katherine has been speaking and instructing etiquette courses on a national basis since 1997. Recently, her projects include corporate seminars for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Pikes Peak United Way, AAMSE (American Association of Medical Society Executives), BIG (Blacks in Government), Focus Ministries, Marriott Hotels, Wichita State University, and University of Colorado. She was privileged to be the keynote speaker for the Kappa Delta Leadership Conference, National Charity League, Junior Achievement and Leader's Challenge.

LuLu Demitro joined JDWC as an instructor in 2013. Starting in the program as a child, Cotillion has always been an important part of her life and family.  Lulu is thankful for the incredible experiences she has had teaching for JDWC, working with so many students and knowing that what we teach is so valuable to their future. LuLu is excited to continue the rewards she finds in teaching Cotillion programs across the United States.

LuLu's teaching skills do not stop at JDWC. She actively teaches children's musical theater through Boulder Performing Arts (BPA), where she has worked with children from a multitude of backgrounds to help them find confidence on stage. LuLu and her mother, the founder of BPA, strive to help make a positive impact in the community by working with local charities and foundations. Most recently, Boulder Performing Arts has partnered with EFAA (Emergency Family Assistance Association) for the Share the Stage Campaign. 

LuLu is classically trained on piano and continues to enjoy playing music whether it be at home or on stage.

Cella Morales started with JDWC as a Cotillion student at age 11. After the very first class she attended, her parents took her to dinner and she told them that she wanted to become an instructor just like her 2nd grade teacher’s daughter, who was a student assistant at the time. Graduating after 3 years of Cotillion classes, she became a Student Assistant for 4 years, and then a Cotillion Coordinator for another 3 years. In 2016 she became a Certified JDWC Instructor having realized her 14 year ambition. During her Cotillion activities, and after studying Art History at the University of Texas at Arlington, Cella has continued her education in Social Psychology, Cultural Studies, and Art & Design. Cella held the position of President of the Art History Student Union and is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society. She volunteers with many Dallas-Fort Worth area museums in their education and outreach departments. She is also the acting Art Director for JDWC and is active in maintaining its Brand designing its visual content.

Being honored as Miss Alabama USA in 2004 was a personal highlight for Tara. That same year she won the hit show Fear Factor on NBC and appeared as a guest on Larry King Live to share her experiences. As a professional model, Tara’s first career consisted of serving fashion clients like Guess, Jessica Simpson and True Religion. Her broadcasting work allowed her to travel around the world as she hosted shows like the syndicated travel series’ Get Out and Crossing Country.

In 2009, Tara co-founded Model Makers Group, a talent consulting company, and Market Models Group, a modeling agency, both of which are still operating today. In her current role as Director of Development for JDW Cotillions, Tara is working hard to make sure that more students around the country can benefit from social skills education. In addition, she is a certified instructor for JDW Cotillions.

Tara resides in Dallas with her husband and two children. She enjoys volunteering through her daughters’ schools, is an active member of the Cancer Support Community of North Texas, and participates as a member of the Dallas United Pink Dragon Boat Team. She also founded a non-profit to serve women affected by breast cancer, A Model Patient.

Shelley's career with JDW Social Education Programs began in 1991. In addition to leading our Cotillion Division, including marketing and sales, Shelley manages and instructs cotillion and Executive Social Presentation programs nationwide. She is also the lead for corporate research and development.

Shelley is one of the original program developers and presenters for ESP - Executive Social Presentation, helping to create and instruct the required dining and social etiquette training for cadets at the United States Air Force Academy. She has directed training programs for Cain Travel, Friends First, Jackson National Life Insurance, Marriott Hotels, Atmos Energy, SUNY College, Pikes Peak United Way, Sewell Automotive, University of Denver, University of Wyoming, Dawson College Bound and Three Tomatoes Catering among others.

Shelley was born and raised in upstate New York. She attended Marietta College and graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Mother of three, her volunteer work has included Junior League of Denver, Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Open Door and Fort Bend County Women's Center.

Wendy joined JDW Cotillions in 2015 after serving as Chairwoman of the Radnor Hunt Cotillion near Philadelphia for seven years. All four of her children are "graduates" of the Radnor program.

Wendy is a retired Colonel, having served 32 years in the Army. In her last assignment, she commanded a Regimental Regional Training Institute at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Prior to that, she was assigned as the Deputy Commander and Division Chief of the Mobilization Augmentation Command at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Coming from an Army family, her husband is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, her brother is a General, and her second daughter (a former Cotillion Student Assistant!) will be commissioned a 2LT in 2017. This sense of service is what drew Wendy to the JDW Cotillion curriculum of social skills.

A leader in her community, Wendy is deeply involved in many civic and church activities. She is the Chairman of her local Planning Commission, serves on the Historical and Architectural Review Board, and is the Judge of Elections for her township. She has been the Girl Scout leader for all three of her daughters and is a Life Member of the Girl Scouts. She is a Trustee for her church and a member of its preschool board of directors. Committed to making the world a better place and sharing her passion for caring, Wendy has gone on many mission trips within the US and believes that charity, compassion, and selfless service begin at home.

Wendy and her husband have four children, two of whom have been JDWC Student Assistants. She is a marathon runner and enjoys hiking with her rescue dogs, JT and Max.

Elizabeth is an educator at heart whose passion has always been helping others to be the best version of themselves. She comes to JDW Cotillions with years of experience guiding people toward improved health and vitality by raising awareness, expanding education, and collaborating and communicating with business and community leaders. Most recently, she served as Lead Advisor for Health Links, a non-profit initiative out of the Colorado School of Public Health, guiding business leaders in building and sustaining healthier workplace cultures.

Elizabeth is thrilled to join the JDW team as an instructor and believes that the social skills education young people receive through the cotillion programs is more important than ever.

Stephen joined the Cotillion world with a creative skill set that makes education entertaining.

He is a decorated Airman, having joined in 2005 and served on multiple international deployments, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. He performed Inflight Refueling as a Boom Operator on the KC-135. He then went on to instruct Boom Operators in continuous Inflight Refueling, operating with USAF and NATO fighters, bombers, and cargo aircraft.

Stephen graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas, where he studied Chemistry and Biology. During his student tenure, he instructed Organic Chemistry under Dr. Sushama Dandekar.

Stephen’s professional focuses include advising local businesses to expand their impact and advancing the occupational/professional ambitions of his clients and associates.

Today, Stephen resides in Denton, Texas with his girlfriend and two children. He hosts a podcast, is writing his second novel, and is an active member in the local ‘Magic’ community.

McKinley’s love for Cotillion began after the very first class she attended as a student in the 4th grade. After completing seven years of the program, she went on to become a senior student instructor and wonderful role model for our young students. McKinley attended the University of Alabama on a full academic scholarship, graduating with a General Studies degree with a focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.

McKinley attributes much of her success and confidence in life to the skills she gained from Cotillion. For this reason, she is excited to join the JDW team as an instructor and share these skills with the next generation of future leaders.

While attending college, McKinley was active in Best Buddies and the event coordinator for this program. Also active in her Phi Mu sorority, she served on the national leadership committee. She continues to volunteer her time as an advisor for the Phi Mu chapter at CU Boulder.

McKinley is a licensed Loan Officer with Cherry Creek Mortgage. She spends her time listening to podcasts, trying new restaurants, and fundraising for the Denver Ballet Guild, which actively works to promote the art of dance in Colorado through fundraisers and member programs. McKinley is also studying to become a certified herbalist.

Anagabriela ‘Gabrielle’ began her journey with JDWC as a student, and then went on to become a Student Instructor throughout high school and college. After completing her Associates Degree in Communication from the Colorado Early College, she officially joined the JDW team.

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, her family moved and has lived in Colorado since she was seven years old. Being 100% bilingual, she has used her background to work as an Interpreter for children’s therapies. Gabrielle is a natural with children and comfortable speaking in front of crowds. She won the Public Speaking Award and holds pageant titles in National American Miss Denver, International United Miss Colorado, and Miss Royalty America.

Additionally, she has been a guest speaker on local radio networks, podcasts, Christian churches and featured in a promotional video for her college. Her interests include reading the Bible, investing time into her photography business, baking, traveling, spending time with her husband, and family game nights.