Meet the IPA Coaches
Krissy Benson
Krissy began dancing at the age of 5. She took classes and competed in ballet, jazz and lyrical. At the age of 17 she was introduced to Aerial Arts and began aggressively pursuing her love for being in the air. In 2010 Krissy Graduated from Northern Essex Community College (NECC) with a certificate in Dance Education, and was offered an opportunity to perform a fabric piece at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston for the National Leadership Conference for College Trustees in representation of NECC.
In 2012 she took a course in Florida for a Certification to teach aerial arts. After teaching aerial for over a year she decided she wanted to further her aerial education and study New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) in Vermont, where she completed many teacher trainings and skills workshops for silks, and static trapeze. She continues to attend retreats and workshops with a variety of coaches whenever possible. Krissy lives in NH with her husband and 2 children, and can be found at the lake waterskiing and ice fishing in her free time.
Jakki Clark
Jakki found her love for movement, flexibility, and inversions as a child through competitive gymnastics. In her teen years, she merged her love for water skiing with the air awareness or gymnastics and became one of the top female wakeboarders in New England! Wanting to share her love for the sport, she taught Wakeboarding along the East Coast as a sponsored athlete. Having always been fascinated by the form and function of the human body, Jakki pursued a career Massage Therapy in 2004. Finding a passion in myofascial release therapy for injury and trauma remediation. Aerial Silks and Trapeze didn't come into view until a massage client, knowing her athletic ability and love for being upside down, urged her to try a beginner silks class. One class was all it took for her to know this is where she belonged. After many years of taking classes, Jakki completed her first training at the Circus Arts Institute in 2017. Since then has continues to train and teach both adults and children on silks, trapeze and Lyra.
Lauren Berry
Lauren has been captivated by the circus since childhood and was introduced to Aerial Arts in 2015. A self proclaimed trapeze enthusiast, she has developed extensive experience in a variety of aerial disciplines, including lyra, silks, sling, and even flying trapeze! With a commitment to both personal exploration and ongoing professional development, Lauren has developed a teaching style that encouraged strength, flexibility, and confidence, while prioritizing injury prevention and proper technique. Motivated by her passion for aerial arts, Lauren is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment where students of all levels can thrive and reach their full potential
Micaela Baney
Micaela’s love for aerial arts began in November 2020 when she discovered the thrill and artistry of moving through the air. She quickly found herself drawn to the strength and grace of aerial silks, as well as the unique challenges of sling, trapeze, and lyra. Her background as a behavior analyst since 2021, with a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis, has given her a unique perspective on teaching. Micaela uses her knowledge of behavior science to support her students' individual journeys, helping them to set and reach their goals in the air, one step at a time. With over 12 years of experience as a tennis coach, Micaela is no stranger to guiding and motivating students of all ages. Her coaching approach combines technical expertise with empathy, fostering an environment where students feel encouraged to grow and express themselves.
Liz McQuade
Liz was drawn to circus through media as a kid, enthralled with the grace, strength and bravery of people who could dance high in the air. An athlete through her childhood and teen years, it wasn't until 2020 that she got to experience aerial firsthand. It was love at first lyra...and silks, sling, and trapeze! As she grew in strength and confidence, aerial became an outlet for self expression and personal challenge, creating a drive for deeper understanding that she holds to this day. In 2022 she was certified through Paper Doll Militia and began sharing her passion as a coach. Her background as a visual artist influences her coaching style, focusing on strong technical understanding and self awareness as springboards for creative pursuit. A firm believer that circus is for everyone, Liz brings an exploratory attitude to aerial, often challenging students to think and move in unique or unscripted ways. She continues to pursue additional certifications, retreats, and workshops in an effort to better serve her students, the community, and her own practice.