Meet The South Dakota Aerial & Arts Staff
At South Dakota Aerial & Arts, our instructors represent the highest standard of professional aerial and bungee coaching.
Our coaching team brings extensive professional performance experience and advanced instructional aerial training, setting a standard of excellence that defines every class, every progression, and every student experience. Grounded in years of hands-on teaching and continued education, our instructors create a structured, supportive environment where athletes of all levels can train with confidence, progress with purpose, and develop the technical foundation required for long-term growth.
Co-Owner | Head Silks Aerial Coach | Trapeze Coach | Performer
Katie Critzer
Katie Critzer, also known as Katie in the Sky, is the Co-Owner and Head Aerial Silks Coach at South Dakota Aerial & Arts and the Founder of the Dakota Aerial Championship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A lifelong gymnast turned aerialist, she began aerial training in 2017 and coaching in 2019. She completed instructor training through the Circus Arts Institute and is deeply committed to high quality instruction, athlete development, and accessible aerial education.
​
In 2020, Katie co-founded Sioux Falls’ first circus performance group, which was recognized as Best New Business by 605 Magazine in 2021. She has performed at hundreds of events across the Midwest and has earned multiple awards for her work as both a performer and leader in the aerial arts community.
​
Katie currently serves as a judge for Aerialympics, USAAO, and Aurum, and is a committee member with the United Circus Arts Network, where she helps contribute to national standards in aerial instruction. She was recognized as one of Sioux Falls’ 30 Under 30 in 2023 and completed the CoStarters program through Start Up Sioux Falls, further strengthening her role as a leader in creative entrepreneurship.
​
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an Advertising Track and an emphasis in Digital Studies and Entrepreneurship from the University of Wisconsin. Katie shares technique focused education and creative aerial pathways with more than 26,000 followers on Instagram and regularly coaches workshops across the United States and internationally. Her performance background spans aerial silks, hoop, trapeze, fire performance, and partner acrobatics. As a coach, she is known for being supportive, motivating, and technically precise, helping beginners and advanced students alike build confidence, skill, and a lasting passion for aerial arts.
Co-Owner | Head Lyra Instructor | Silks Coach | Performer
Ashley Premer
Ashley Premer is the co-owner of South Dakota Aerial & Arts and a seasoned circus and sideshow performer with over 15 years of professional performance experience. Her background includes specialty sideshow and freak show acts, along with extensive training and performance across multiple aerial disciplines.
​
Since 2020, Ashley has professionally performed and coached aerial silks and aerial hoop, with additional expertise in lollipop lyra, aerial doubles, human basing, specialty apparatuses, and fire performance. She is known for her strong emphasis on flexibility, intentional sequencing, and advanced aerial conditioning, designing training that supports both performance quality and long-term athlete development.
​
Ashley is currently leading the development of Sioux Falls’ first progressive aerial hoop program, bringing structured curriculum, technical progression, and performance readiness to the studio’s aerial training offerings. In addition to her instructional and leadership roles, she is a staple performer with South Dakota Aerial & Arts’ performance troupe.
​
Outside of the studio, Ashley co-owns Vibrant Salon and Vibrant Body Arts alongside her husband, Erik, further reflecting her deep roots in creative, professional arts-based businesses.
Kids/Adult Aerial Silks Coach
Aubrey Lipetzky
Aubrey Lipetzky began training in aerial silks in early 2023 and quickly developed a strong technical foundation supported by her background in cheer and color guard. With performance and athleticism at the core of her movement experience, aerial arts became a natural extension of her discipline, coordination, and body awareness.
​
Aubrey brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to coaching, with a focus on clear communication, individualized cueing, and intentional skill progression. She is particularly passionate about performance and competition training, helping students set meaningful goals while building strength, confidence, and creative expression at a sustainable pace.
Outside of the studio, Aubrey is a high school science teacher, a role that strongly informs her structured, analytical approach to instruction. Her ability to break down complex concepts and adapt to different learning styles enhances the clarity and effectiveness of her coaching, creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Strength & Stretch Instructor | Performer
Chris Coughlin
Chris Coughlin is a highly trained yoga instructor with more than nine years of experience teaching and practicing yoga, a background he brought to South Dakota Aerial & Arts. His advanced yoga education provides a strong foundation in flexibility, body awareness, and mindful movement, which continues to inform both his aerial training and coaching approach.
​
Chris began his aerial journey in 2022, with an emphasis in flexibility training. He leads a wide range of workshops, including acroyoga, hand balancing, aerial yoga, and other movement-based disciplines. He is currently focused on developing advanced and dynamic aerial silks doubles performances, emphasizing strength, trust, and technical execution in the air.
​
In addition to his work in the studio, Chris is a high school Spanish teacher and is fluent in Spanish. His professional teaching background enhances his ability to communicate clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and support students through structured, thoughtful instruction.
​
As a performer, Chris has earned competitive recognition for his work, including Best Variety Performance for a duo aerial silks act at OKCBF in 2023 and First Place in Adult Advanced Aerial Silks at the Black Hills Aerial Cup in 2024. His coaching style reflects both his competitive experience and his commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and technically sound training environment.
Kids/Adults Aerial Silks Coach
Courtney Trapp
Courtney Trapp began training at South Dakota Aerial & Arts in early 2025 and brings a strong foundation in exercise science and movement education to her coaching practice. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition, grounding her instruction in evidence-based training principles and safe movement mechanics.
​
Courtney was a two sport Division I athlete, competing in Track and Field as well as Swimming and Diving. Prior to transitioning into photography, she worked as an Exercise Specialist at Sanford, serving as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Her professional experience includes individual and small group training, group fitness instruction, and body composition analysis, all of which inform her thoughtful approach to strength development, injury awareness, and athletic progression.
​
She has trained across multiple aerial disciplines, including silks, lyra, and trapeze, and continues to expand her technical skills through focused training and SDAA workshops. Courtney is First Aid and CPR certified, further reinforcing her commitment to safety and professional instruction.
Courtney’s coaching style emphasizes safe progression, functional strength, and individualized support, allowing students to build confidence and capability within a structured and encouraging training environment.
Kids/Adults Aerial Silks Coach | Performer
Erica Mortensen
Erica has been training in aerial silks since 2020 and began coaching in early 2024. Her instructional approach is informed by more than 15 years of experience as a professional educator, allowing her to coach with clarity, patience, and intentional progression. She is particularly drawn to dynamic sequencing, slack drops, and creative problem solving in the air.
​
In addition to coaching, Erica is an active professional performer with South Dakota Aerial and Arts’ aerial performance troupe, specializing in aerial silks. Her performance experience directly informs her teaching, supporting students in developing technical precision, confident execution, and thoughtful movement pathways.
​
Erica is a certified Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and currently works as an Outreach Consultant for South Dakota Services for the Deaf. She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Deaf Education, as well as a Master’s degree in Deaf Education. She is fluent in American Sign Language with an advanced level of proficiency and is First Aid and CPR certified. Her extensive background in education enhances her ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of learners and reinforces an inclusive, structured, and supportive training environment.
Kid/Adult Aerial Silks Coach | Bungee Coach | Performer​
Grace Outland
Grace Outland, also known as Goose, began training in aerial silks in 2020 and quickly developed a strong commitment to technical growth and performance focused training. She is proficient in aerial silks, lyra, and double hammock, with a particular interest in dynamic movement, drops, and strength-based sequencing.
​
Grace brings extensive competitive and performance experience to her coaching. She has earned First Place in Advanced Aerial Silks at the Black Hills Aerial Cup, Second Place at the Dakota Aerial Championship, Second Place in Intermediate Specialty at the Dakota Aerial Championship, and First Place in Doubles Level Two at the Dakota Aerial Championship. She is also an active performer with South Dakota Aerial and Arts’ professional performance troupe, where she continues to refine her artistry and technical execution in the air.
​
Grace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Allied Health and Humanities and works professionally in an elementary school setting. She has training in special education and is fluent in American Sign Language, allowing her to support clear communication and inclusive learning environments. Her academic and professional background directly informs her thoughtful, adaptable approach to instruction.
​
She has training in aerial arts both within the United States and internationally, including at Northern Lights Aerial Studio, Madison Circus Space, and Flying Fantastic in London. This diverse training background contributes to a broad, globally informed perspective on aerial movement and coaching.
Gym Assistant
Jayce Hanson
Jayce Hanson began his aerial training at Challenge Aerial in Atlanta, Georgia, and continued his development after relocating to Sioux Falls, where he joined South Dakota Aerial & Arts. Since becoming part of the SDAA community, Jayce has demonstrated a strong commitment to consistent training and skill development across multiple apparatuses, attending classes regularly and advancing his technical foundation.
​
In addition to his training, Jayce serves as a gym assistant at South Dakota Aerial & Arts, with a focus on community outreach and studio support. He brings a thoughtful, hospitality-driven approach to the role, contributing to a welcoming, organized, and inclusive environment for students and staff alike.
​
Jayce is particularly drawn to trapeze and continues to expand his aerial skill set through focused practice and mentorship. His long-term goals include continued professional development within aerial arts, with aspirations toward performance and instructional pathways as his training progresses.
Aerial Silks Coach | Performer
Kassie Hemmer
Kassie Hemmer brings a deep appreciation for performance, discipline, and creative movement to her role at South Dakota Aerial & Arts. She began training in aerial disciplines in 2017 and has been coaching since 2020, developing a strong foundation in technique, sequencing, and performance focused movement.
​
Kassie currently teaches Intermediate Aerial Sequencing, where she specializes in intentional transitions, fluid movement, and building cohesive aerial combinations. Her instruction emphasizes control, clarity, and musicality, supporting students as they refine technical execution and artistic expression.
​
In addition to her coaching work, Kassie is an active performer with experience in aerial silks, hammock, and baton, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to both her performance and instruction. She earned First Place in Advanced Aerial Silks at the Dakota Aerial Championship, further reinforcing her performance credentials.
​
Outside of the studio, Kassie is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of South Dakota. Her professional background contributes precision, consistency, and attention to detail to her coaching approach, aligning technical excellence with thoughtful instruction.
Studio Assistant | Aerial Yoga & Hammock Coach
Kayla Mathieu
Kayla Mathieu has been practicing aerial arts since 2017 and coaching aerial silks since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has worked in healthcare for more than 15 years, including experience as a circulating nurse in the operating room. This background provides a deep understanding of anatomy, joint health, muscular engagement, and safe movement. Her instruction is grounded in anatomy informed teaching, with an emphasis on mobility, stability, and sustainable strength to support long term athlete development and injury awareness.
​
In 2026, Kayla began teaching aerial yoga, focusing on gentle flow, joint mobility, balance, and functional strength. She also offers private hammock lessons and will soon begin teaching hammock classes, expanding her instructional scope to support accessible and thoughtfully progressed aerial training.
​
Kayla has served as the Studio Assistant at South Dakota Aerial & Arts for the past two years, supporting daily operations and studio management. In addition to her work at the studio, she provides marketing and business support through her company, Wandering Past Limits, working with creative and wellness focused ventures.
​
Throughout her travels, Kayla has trained at aerial studios across the country alongside professional aerialists, including NECCA, Aerial Athletica, Trapeze Las Vegas, and Aeris Aerial Arts, among others. She has also completed instructor training through the Circus Arts Institute, further strengthening her technical and instructional foundation. In addition to her training, Kayla served as a judge for the Dakota Aerial Championship in 2024 and, in 2025, worked behind the scenes as the Head Judging Coordinator, supporting the organization, oversight, and integrity of the competition.
Bungee Fitness Coach
Kim Aumsbaugh
Kim Aumsbaugh is a Bungee Fitness Instructor at South Dakota Aerial & Arts with a strong passion for movement, motivation, and inclusive fitness. She brings energy, precision, and a positive, structured training environment to every class, helping students feel supported while being appropriately challenged.
​
Kim discovered bungee fitness during a visit to Sioux Falls in 2024 and quickly developed a strong connection to the discipline. After relocating to Sioux Falls with her family, she became an active member of the SDAA community and joined the coaching team in 2025. Her instruction focuses on making fitness engaging, empowering, and accessible for individuals of all fitness levels, ages, and body types.
​
In addition to her work at the studio, Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and teaches elementary school in Sioux Falls. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, a distinction that reflects her excellence in communication, leadership, and student-centered instruction, qualities that strongly inform her coaching approach.
Kids/Adult Lyra Coach | Hoop Performer
Kristen Werpy
Kristen Werpy has been training at South Dakota Aerial & Arts since the studio first opened and quickly developed a strong commitment to aerial arts as both a creative and athletic practice. Lyra is her primary apparatus, and she began teaching classes in Fall 2024, bringing a thoughtful, structured approach to instruction.
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Dance, as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her academic and professional background strongly informs her coaching style, with an emphasis on body awareness, confidence-building, and intentional progression within a supportive training environment.
​
As a competitive aerialist, Kristen has earned multiple accolades, including First Place in Intermediate Adult Silks and First Place in Intermediate Adult Lyra at the Black Hills Aerial Cup. At the Dakota Aerial Championship, she received First Place in the Rising Adult Specialty category and Second Place in Advanced Adult Lyra. Her performance and competition experience directly supports her ability to coach with clarity, empathy, and technical precision.
Kids/Adults Aerial Silks Coach
Rayne Prahl
Rayne Prahl began training in aerial silks in the summer of 2024, initially seeking a new form of movement and quickly developing a strong commitment to the discipline. She is drawn to the challenge of aerial arts and the measurable progress that comes from consistent, focused training.
Rayne currently teaches Beginner Aerial Silks for both children and adults. Her instruction emphasizes foundational technique, safe skill progression, and creating a supportive learning environment where students can build strength, coordination, and confidence in the air.
​
Outside of the studio, Rayne enjoys creative, restorative pursuits such as reading, crocheting, and watching movies, which complement her thoughtful and steady approach to teaching.
Bungee Fitness Coach
Tammy Garland
Tammy Garland brings years of experience as a group fitness instructor to her role at South Dakota Aerial & Arts, with a background in group strength training and Pilates. Her extensive teaching experience informs an engaging, well-structured approach to movement and class leadership.
​
After joining SDAA in 2024, Tammy embraced the challenge of aerial silks and became part of the bungee fitness coaching team. As a bungee instructor, she is known for creating high-energy, encouraging classes that balance fun with effective, full-body conditioning.