In 1985 she came to Monticello to manage the local Pizza Hut. It wasn’t until that same year that she began learning Taekwondo under the instruction of Jim Lee. When Lee went to Saudi Arabia for the Gulf War, Chelle began filling in teaching his students for him and got her start as an instructor as she had been assisting with classes since 1988. In the meantime, she became a black belt but wanted to wait for his return so he could present her belt. When he did come home he decided to become an independent instructor, leaving the ATA for health reasons, but Chelle wanted to stick with the American Taekwondo Association (ATA), the world’s largest martial arts institution.
Under her new instructor, Ron Turchi, 5th degree of Pine Bluff, she was sister (martial arts terminology) to Reverend Bobby Hawkins, who is her current instructor. He fills in the gaps of her story by saying that Ms. Danley is a third degree black belt and certified instructor and school owner for the ATA. Her accolades are many but he admires her for how she helps her students personally. One student, Rico, she took in and helped finish high school and go to college and he has been successful greatly because of her influence.
Reverend Hawkins says, “She adopts kids who no one else will and does whatever she has to do to help them.”
He’s very glad to have known her all these years. It’s clear that her life is spent helping others achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. Two of her early students are now in med school, reaching their goals! One of her longtime students, Benji Beedle, has taken Taekwondo at Chelle’s school for thirteen years and now assists by instructing classes of his own. She is definitely proud of him and all he has accomplished.
Beginning with just two students, you could say she’s come a long way with about eighty students now, twenty years later! She operates quite a business, Danley’s Taekwondo U.S.A. She laughs when she says, “I’m into the second generation of students now!” and really lights up when telling stories about her students. She loves to see personal triumph and recalls several instances where students have overcome doubt and achieved so much. She remembers a little boy sitting in the car crying at his first class and then two years later becoming a state champion and senior student. Also, a physically small “90 pound woman” who came to class thinking she really couldn’t do much and then breaking a board for the first time leading her to the realization that she can do anything! Taekwondo gives students so much more than physical activity and self-defense. It teaches, or Ms. Danley teaches, confidence, perseverance, self-control, and more. Words are inadequate to describe what students gain by taking Taekwondo.
Speaking of whom she’s proud, Chelle’s family comes first. Taekwondo is work and play for Chelle but for her family is at the top of the list. She has raised two daughters here in Monticello. Her oldest daughter, Fallon, is attending Jefferson Regional Nursing School. Chelle helps her out during the day by caring for two-year-old granddaughter, Madyson. Her younger daughter Brandy is in Conway for work but moving home soon to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Most who know Chelle think that her mother lives with her so that Chelle can take care of her but she set the record straight by saying, “Mom keeps me in line. She tells me where I have to be each day and keeps the schedule straight.” She has been living with Chelle for thirteen years helping while her family and business have grown.
Chelle has decided to stick around Monticello because of the people. She jokingly says, “It’s definitely not because there’s so much to do! They roll up the sidewalks by 6 pm. -it’s the people here around town and my church family that I love!” Whatever the reason, our city is lucky to have Chelle Danley…one Monticello life!
MonticelloLive received 
The MHS Forensic Team qualified six performances for the Tournament of Champions (TOC) held in the spring. Anna B. Barron earned recognition for Debate Speaker Performance as one of the top six finalists. This was an impressive first tournament performance for these debaters.
It is Christmas time in Monticello, and Christmas decorations are up and out for all to enjoy. One house that captures the imagination of Monticellonians this time of year is 502 North Main. Behind the doors of this beautiful home live James and Sue Cathey. This is their story.
The Cathey’s moved to their current home in November 1991. James said that he had "always wanted a house with stairs, basically growing up as a pauper." When the couple bought the house they were newly-weds. James and Sue actually met at the annual 
The Cathey’s are very active in community life. They attend the Wood Avenue ARP Church where James not only plays the organ and piano but is also the choir director. You’ve probably seen them watching parades from the front porch of their home. 
