By Bella Caggiano 

The highlight of the approach to spring in Norwood is not the longer days and warmer weather, it is the event of the year: Dancing with the Norwood Stars! The event is not until April 18, 8 p.m., at Four Points Sheraton of Norwood, however, the dancers will be holding fundraisers until the big night and Norwood residents will want to know how and how they can participate! Learn about events through the Dancing with the Norwood Stars and individual dancers’ Facebook pages.

Each year, six residents take to the dance floor to take home the coveted Disco Ball Trophy. This year’s dancers are: Sean Barnicle, Dave Campisano, Shelbe Doliner, Amanda Grow, Maddie Rice, and Derek Field. Two winners will be crowned this special evening: an Overall Winner for the person who raises the most money and the Judges Choice for the best single dance. For the past few months, the dancers have been holding fundraisers around town to raise donations for their team to win as the Overall Winner. They have also spent hours practicing with professional dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, in Norwood, to win that coveted Judge’s Choice Award! 

Tickets unfortunately are already sold out, but the event will be broadcasted live through Norwood Community Media (NCM) Check for your local station at norwoodcommunitymedia.org to view through your cable company. 

Meet the 2025 Dancing with the Norwood Stars contestants!

Sean Barnicle

Seam Barnicle is a proud Norwood native and a graduate of Norwood High School, Class of 2005. He has dedicated his career to public service working the Public and Affordable Housing sector since earning his degree from the University of Connecticut in 2009. With 16 years of experience in housing and community development, Sean has served at the Norwood, Wellesley, and Methuen Housing Authorities.

Currently, Sean is the Executive Director of the Norwood Housing Authority, where he continues to advocate for and enhance affordable housing opportunities for the community. In 2024, he was honored to testify before the State of Massachusetts Joint Committee of Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets lending his expertise to critical housing policy discussions. That same year, he was recognized as the MassNAHRO Member of the Year; an award celebrating his leadership and commitment to securing financial, political, and community support for housing programs across the Commonwealth.

Sean is deeply rooted in his community and values family above all else. He and his wife Erin Cronan, are the proud parents of their son, Liam. Sean is also the son of John and Cathy Barnicle and has three sisters, Kate, Megan, and Jaime.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Sean remains dedicated to strengthening housing initiative that support individuals and families in Norwood and beyond. 

Dave Campisano

David is the founder and Executive Director of 22Mohawks, 

 a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to preventing veteran and first responder suicides through the innovative pairing of individuals with dogs. His journey began during his undergraduate studies in finance and continued through his Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from Suffolk University. It was during this time that Dave established 22Mohawks, driven by his deep commitment to addressing the critical issue of suicide among those who have served. Dave’s background is marked by a distinguished career in the US Army, where he achieved Ranger qualification, Airborne status, and led multiple teams during the Global War on Terror. His military service instilled a profound understanding of leadership, resilience, and the importance of support networks—principles that have guided his work with 22Mohawks. After his service, Dave transitioned to a career in wealth management, where he pursued his passion for helping others achieve a fulfilling and successful life. Despite his success in this field, his dedication to supporting veterans and first responders remained unwavering, leading him to channel his efforts into the creation and growth of 22Mohawks. Dave remains engaged in physical fitness and community service when not actively involved in his non-profit. He can often be found running trails, spending quality time with his dog Winston, and volunteering to mentor veterans, guiding them toward finding purpose and fulfillment. His personal experiences and professional background uniquely position him to make a significant impact through 22Mohawks, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Shelbe Doliner

For over 22 years, I’ve proudly served as a paraprofessional at Norwood Public Schools, building strong bonds with my students, who have become my “kids.”

Though born and raised in Millis, Massachusetts, my heart

 Millis, Massachusetts, my heart has been deeply rooted in the Norwood community through my work at the high school.

Supporting students both in and out of the classroom is my passion, whether that be cheering at games, attending cheerleading competitions, volunteering with the Friendship Club, or simply being a trusted, listening ear.

Outside of school, I stay busy working at Needham Golf Club, Paul’s Flowers in Millis, and volunteering with the Millis Lions Club. I also enjoy traveling to NYC to visit my daughter Brie and contributing to community organizations in Norwood and Millis.

I am so excited and honored to be part of Dancing with the Norwood Stars this year fundraising to assist families experiencing medical challenges.

Amanda Grow

Hi, I am one of Norwood’s Selectmen, Amanda Grow. I am so overjoyed to help the Circle of Hope this year as one of the dancers!  It’s such an important cause. I’ll be dancing in memory 

 of my late mother-in-law, Kim, as well as friends Megan and Fran, each of whom fought valiantly against cancer. I miss them and I’ve saved seats at the table for them because I know they’d get a real kick out of seeing me dance.

Most people know me from my blue hair. I like to say that I’m “party in the front business in the back.” See, by day I am the producer of a video game studio where I help teams make games like Dungeons and Dragons online. But since my day job is so fun, my free time tends to be spent on more serious things. It’s my way of giving back. I volunteer with local civic groups like the League of Woman Voters, and pitch in around town with Impact Norwood and the Norwood Anti-Scam Task Force. In 2023, I was selected for an MCSW Commonwealth Heroine Award. I was also chosen for the 82nd Citizens Legislative Seminar. My hobbies include data science, behavioral economics, languages, and constantly teaching myself new digital and energy technologies. So yeah, fun by day, civic duty and excel spreadsheets by night!

I grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where I met Nick, my husband of 20 years (this year). He’s a quality director in the medical device industry, as well as a Mason in town. We moved to Norwood in 2007, for my work and fell in love with the town because of its innovative spirit, rich blend of cultures, and its clearly expressed sense of community. 

It’s my sincere pleasure to dance for a cause that gives to people of Norwood in their hour of need.

Maddie Rice

I am so incredibly honored to be a dancer this year. A bit about me; I was born in Norwood Hospital and raised in Norwood. I graduated Norwood High School 

 community that I am so proud to be a part of! I’m so excited and honored to be a part of this year’s Dancing with the Norwood Stars and be able to contribute to an excellent organization!

Derek Field

Derek is the owner and chief instructor of Field Martial Arts Academy in Norwood, which is going on its 11th year as a Norwood business (14 years total). He is a 6th Degree Master Black Belt in Taekwondo and a gold level certified Black Belt instructor under the Krav Maga Alliance. 

Derek has a passion for helping his students and members 

 empower themselves through training. Kids through adults, he loves to see them become the best version of themselves! He tries to continue being an example himself for his students as he continues to train and challenge himself in various areas of martial arts and fitness. 

Outside of the martial arts mats, Derek loves spending time with his 3 ½ year old son, James and his wife of seven years, Danielle. While the married couple have traveled the world, from Finland, to El Fin del Mundo, James has gotten in on his fair share of rides also! Fun fact, not only does Derek love to dance, he is also not one to shy away from a karaoke machine!