The Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors serves as a key leadership group, providing guidance and support for the continued growth and success of the club. Comprised of dedicated parents, professionals, and soccer enthusiasts, the Board works hand-in-hand with coaches and club leadership to ensure the best experience for our players and their families.
With a focus on transparency, collaboration, and innovation, our Advisors play a crucial role in shaping the Academy’s future, driving strategic initiatives, and overseeing club operations. We believe in fostering a community where every player can thrive—on and off the field.Being physically active is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sam Rubinstein serves as the President of the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors. With a background as a Patient Access Supervisor at Mercy, Sam brings exceptional organizational skills and dedication to her role. Although she doesn’t have personal soccer experience, she’s been a devoted soccer mom since 2018, supporting her son Brennon, who plays on the Fulltron team.
In addition to her role as Board President, Sam is the team representative for the Bambinis. A Glendale graduate, she is currently pursuing a teaching degree part-time. Outside of her professional and soccer commitments, Sam enjoys staying active, watching her son play sports, and spending time with her family. As a fan of Taylor Swift, Sam channels her love for the pop star’s positive and resilient spirit to “shake off” challenges and tackle any obstacles with enthusiasm and grace.
Sam’s blend of dedication, personal passion, and a touch of musical flair makes her a dynamic leader for our board and a valuable asset to our club.
Susan Cape is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works in residential treatment with autistic adults and also serves as a substitute teacher at her daughter’s school.
Susan’s connection to soccer runs deep. Her daughter has been playing since the age of three, and this marks her fourth year of club soccer. Susan herself played soccer in college and has volunteered as a soccer coach through the YMCA in the past.
Currently, Susan serves as the Vice President on the Euro Soccer Academy Advisory Board and is the team manager for Wildfire, her daughter’s team.
Outside of soccer, Susan enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, baking and cooking, reading, painting, and spending quality time with family and friends. She has one 10-year-old daughter and two cats. This December, she will be getting married and gaining a 14-year-old stepson. As a fun fact, Susan has a love for lighthouses and giraffes.
Jessica Burns has been practicing law for 21 years, with a strong focus on family law for the past 18 years. In addition to representing clients, she has served as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children. For the past 8 years, Jessica has also been a family law mediator, helping families find resolutions outside the courtroom.
While Jessica doesn't have a soccer background herself, she’s fully immersed in the soccer world through her son, Jackson, who played two years of recreational soccer with the Nixa Community Center and is now starting his third season of club soccer. As Secretary of the Euro Soccer Academy Board, Jessica also serves as the team parent and point of contact for Flash.
When she’s not busy with her professional or soccer roles, Jessica loves to travel, especially on road trips. She's an avid reader and enjoys cooking and baking, always on the lookout for new recipes to try. Jessica spends much of her free time with her kids, whether it’s playing board games, hiking, swimming, or visiting local attractions like Urban Air and Jump Mania. Life is always busy, but never boring.
Jessica also brings valuable experience from her six years on the board of the Ozarks Literacy Council, followed by a few years on their advisory board. Her time there gave her insight into the inner workings of a non-profit, particularly in managing programs, fundraising, and volunteers. Though it was a different kind of board, her involvement added another layer of expertise to her already impressive resume.
Melinda Baker has been the owner and operator of a successful barbershop and salon in Springfield for the past 10 years. With a Bachelor’s in Business from Missouri State University, she brings nearly 20 years of experience in the profession, including organizational skills, bookkeeping, and managing a team of barbers and stylists. Melinda's background also includes expertise in marketing and promotion, making her a natural fit for her role as Treasurer on the Euro Soccer Academy board.
A dedicated soccer mom for over 8 years, Melinda is now in her third year working alongside Coach Alik. Her two children, Knight (10) and Isla (6), have kept her deeply involved in the club soccer community.
Outside of her professional and soccer responsibilities, Melinda enjoys watching her kids participate in all their sports and activities. She’s a die-hard fan of St. Louis City soccer, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the St. Louis Blues. In her downtime, you can find her hiking in Colorado, relaxing on the beaches of Gulf Shores, or rewatching classic 80s and 90s movies with her kids.
Mary Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the proud owner of Gateway Counseling Center, where she dedicates her life to guiding others through life’s challenges. But there’s more to this story, and it starts on the soccer field.
You see, Mary and her husband didn’t just play soccer growing up—they lived it. And now, they’ve passed that passion down to their children, who’ve been playing since the tender age of four. Yes, the soccer tradition runs deep in the Jones family. At one time or another, both Mary and her husband found themselves on the sidelines, not just as parents, but as coaches, shaping the next generation of players.
But that’s not all. Beyond the game, Mary and her family have a love for the great outdoors. Camping, hiking, and spending time at the river is where they find peace—when they’re not cheering for any sport under the sun, that is.
In her quiet moments, when the soccer cleats are tucked away and the cheering has died down, Mary enjoys the simpler things in life. She’s an avid baker, a cook, and a gardener, always finding time to create and cultivate both in the kitchen and the backyard.
Michael Tonarely has worked in homeless services for nearly 20 years, with the last 9 years focused on the data side of service delivery. He currently works with the state of North Dakota and the city of Boise, Idaho, supervising teams and collaborating with community leadership to enhance data quality, expand federal funding, and improve homeless service systems.
Michael's soccer journey began as an adult when his first child was 3 years old. For the past 14 years, he has been actively playing soccer and even helps organize the largest adult pick-up soccer group in Southwest Missouri. His passion for the game has grown alongside his three boys, all of whom started playing club soccer at a young age. While only one of his sons, Sebastian, continues to play organized club soccer with the Cyclone team, Michael and his other two boys still enjoy weekly pick-up games together.
In addition to being a member of the Euro Soccer Academy Board of Advisors, Michael also serves as the team manager for Cyclone, where his son plays.
Outside of soccer, Michael is a dedicated Liverpool FC fan who rarely misses watching a live match. He is also an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys floating, hiking, and camping, often with his wife, Katie, by his side.
Danielle Mann graduated from Missouri State University (then SMSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. While teaching, she pursued advanced degrees through Lindenwood University and is ABD in Educational Administration. After spending several years at home with her children, Danielle now works part-time at OTC-Richwood Valley and collaborates with nine area high schools.
As a soccer mom for nine years, Danielle and her husband, John, have a 12-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter. Their son plays for Ozark Revolution and Ozark Middle School, while their daughter recently made the exciting jump from parks and rec soccer to Euro Soccer Academy, where she plays on the Tsunami team.
Although new to an active role at Euro Soccer Academy, Danielle is enthusiastic about the academy’s growth. She believes that "many hands make light work" and is eager to assist as a liaison for Tsunami parents, fostering communication and collaboration within the academy.
When not on the soccer field, Danielle and her family enjoy spending time at Lake of the Ozarks. The boys in the family love to golf, while the girls enjoy the pool. During the summer, her children also participate in the Junior PGA and the FHCC Tsunami Swim Team. Danielle also serves on other boards, including Ozark West Elementary PTA as Vice President and Ozark Middle School PTA as Secretary. Busy as it is, she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Cindy Woodruff brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the Team Representative for the Storm team. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SMSU, Cindy applies her academic background in her professional role as an Accounting Generalist at Mid Missouri Bank.
Her passion for community service and youth development is evident in her extensive involvement with scouting. For the past 8 years, Cindy has actively participated in family camps, monthly meetings, and fundraising efforts. She has held significant roles such as the Advancement Chair for Cub Scouts Pack 289 and Co-Activities Coordinator for Troop 239.
Cindy's commitment extends beyond scouting. At Christ Episcopal Church, she lends her support by helping with Sunday school, enriching the community with her dedication.
With a decade of involvement in various boys' sports—soccer, baseball, t-ball, and flag football—Cindy has worn many hats, including that of a dugout mom for baseball. She cherishes watching her sons play their seasonal sports and takes pride in supporting her oldest son, who plays the cello and performs in orchestra and competition settings.
Outside of her many commitments, Cindy enjoys watching cooking shows, particularly those featuring Gordon Ramsay, and finds inspiration in the humor and heart of Ted Lasso. Yoga is also a cherished activity for her, offering relaxation and balance in her busy life.
Cindy’s mantra for her boys is simple yet powerful: "Have fun, do your best, and if we are in it, we’re in it to win it." Her dedication to these principles reflects her approach to both life and her role within the Euro Soccer Academy.