Representing Newport, this team brings together a shared love of community, service, and trying new adventures. Shannon Wellsteed is a kindergarten teacher at Yaquina View Elementary and grew up dancing ballet and jazz before stepping into the world of country line dancing for the first time. She enjoys inspiring young learners, reading, traveling, all things Disney, and spending time with her golden retriever. After being invited to participate in Dancing with the Coastal Stars for several years, she is thrilled to finally take the stage thanks to the support of a longtime family friend who agreed to be her partner.
Her teammate, Kayd Mckuhn, a nursing student at OCCC and the reigning National American Miss Oregon Teen 2025, has been performing since the age of six through her years in pageantry. She is passionate about serving her community through volunteer work with Yaquina View Elementary and organizations that support the homeless population, Samaritan House is one of her favorites. When she’s not studying or volunteering, she enjoys reading, traveling, visiting Disney parks, and spending time with her dog.
Together, this Newport duo is excited to take on the challenge of country line dancing, create unforgettable memories, and support Samaritan House’s Dancing with the Coastal Stars. They are grateful for the opportunity to step onto the dance floor, celebrate their community, and prove it’s never too late—or too early—to learn something new!
