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A woman at sunset on aerial silks

Meet Our Instructors

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Mindy Cochran, Founder

Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Aerial Hoop, Flying Pole, Stiltwalking, Cross Training

Mindy holds numerous certifications in aerial and group fitness. She is a dedicated practitioner, teacher, and performer of aerial silks, aerial hammock, aerial hoop, and flying pole. Mindy earned first place as a soloist in Montana’s first-ever pole competition and was a finalist in Montana's Got Talent (performing a duet with Instructor Mariah Gladstone). She began her acrobatics journey at 33 years young, with no prior experience in dance or gymnastics, and passionately believes that aerial arts are movement medicine for all ages!

Read Mindy's full bio here. 

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Chrystal Effertz

Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks, Stiltwalking

 

Chrystal is a high-flying, high-energy aerialist who's been spinning, soaring, and surprising audiences for years. Based in beautiful Montana for the past two decades, Chrystal is not only a seasoned aerialist but also a devoted wife, proud mom, and a favorite local barista.

 

Chrystal has mastered the art of aerial hammock, silks, stilt walking, and a wide variety of flow arts. Chrystal's heart soars highest when she’s teaching. She finds pure joy in helping her students unlock their potential, cheering them on as they rise—literally and figuratively—in the world of aerial arts.​

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Mariah Gladstone

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hammock, Flying Pole

Mariah began her aerial journey in 2015. As a practitioner of the aerial arts, she has studied pole, silks, and aerial hoop, while also teaching herself aerial straps and poi. As a member of the Elevated Aerial Performance Collective, Mariah has performed at music festivals, private parties, and fundraisers. Mariah was a finalist of Montana's Got Talent, performing a breathtaking duet with Elevated Aerial founder Mindy C.

Like our other instructors, Mariah is a flourishing woman slaying goals outside of the studio! Mariah is a graduate from Columbia University with a degree in Environmental Engineering. She is the founder of Indigikitchen (a cooking show on pre-colonial cooking). Mariah has been recognized as one of the top 25 under 25 leaders in Indian County and also as a Champion for Change by the Aspen Institute.

When asked what she wants beginners to know about the aerial arts, she says “Aerial is for everyone! Sure, we come for classes because we love them, but we also gain strength, flexibility, and creativity through our practice! It's such an exhilarating way to workout.” 

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Molly Cummings

Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Stiltwalking

Molly is an experienced aerial instructor with over 8 years of practice and 6 years of teaching. Starting as a complete beginner who lacked upper body and grip strength, she was amazed at how quickly her strength grew through aerial training. Specializing in Silks, Aerial Hoop, and Hammock, her favorite apparatus is the Silks, where she enjoys blending creativity with mental and physical challenge. What began as a fun way to play and move soon became a journey of building strength, flexibility, and confidence. Molly is passionate about helping students at all levels experience the same empowerment she felt, guiding them through the process of reaching their aerial goals while having fun along the way.

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Lune Axelsen

Aerial Hoop, Lollipop, Yoga

 

A lover of movement and art, Lune found aerial arts to be a fulfilling way to blend her passions. As a child, her father introduced her to Hatha yoga, which provided an outlet for physical movement while helping her manage stress and face the trials of life. Along her journey, Lune developed a devotion to rock climbing and became a climbing guide. Soon after she was introduced to the aerial hoop and immediately fell in love. Here was an apparatus that combined movement and art with the strength, flexibility, and focus she’d learned from yoga and climbing, and provided an outlet for self-expression. 

Carrying certifications in XPERT aerial hoop instruction in addition to many years as a certified yoga instructor, Lune brings a unique level of expertise and dedication that you won't find elsewhere in the Flathead Valley. As a lifelong learner, Lune continues to expand her aerial practice - deepening her skills on aerial silks and hammock; and she has fallen in love with a new apparatus - the lollipop (a vertical pole with a hoop attached at the top). Lune also enjoys performing at festivals and events, where she shares the beauty and power of aerial movement with others.

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Catherine Murray

Aerial Hoop

 

Catherine has been passionate about aerial fitness for nearly a decade, specializing in aerial hoop and pole. A longtime Flathead Valley resident, she recently began expanding her skills into aerial silks, aerial hammock, and flying pole. Outside the studio, Catherine works as a software engineer and loves spending time outdoors with friends and family. As a type 1 diabetic, she has navigated many fitness and health challenges, and believes that with community, compassion, and consistent effort, anything is possible. She cherishes the friendships she’s built through her aerial journey and is excited to share her love of aerial hoop with her students.

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Bailey Plympton

Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks, Go-Go Dancing, Stiltwalking, Flying Pole

Bailey is a dedicated instructor, a stunning performer, a cancer survivor, an Epilepsy warrior, and the proud mother of twins. She holds the title of first-place duet winner at Montana’s very first pole competition. When asked if she has anything she wants others to know about aerial fitness, she shared “I fully believe that if I can do aerials, anyone can. I will be forever grateful for the incredible aerial community Mindy founded; and I will continuously strive to empower and support others in the community, as Mindy empowered me.”  Read more about Bailey's inspiring journey here. 

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Meredith Reed

Aerial Hammock, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop, Flying Pole, Go-Go Dancing, Stiltwalking, Fire Dancing

Meredith Reed is a seasoned aerial artist and coach with over a decade of experience in the industry. Originally from Kalispell, Montana, Meredith has spent the last six years in Reno, Nevada, honing her craft and sharing her passion for aerial arts. Now, she’s thrilled to return to her hometown to offer dynamic and empowering aerial classes to the local community.

Meredith’s performance background is as diverse as it is impressive—she has competed in pole competitions in Seattle, lit up stages as a professional Go-Go dancer, and captivated audiences with her skilled fire dances and stunning aerial performances. Known for her technical precision, creative choreography, and infectious energy, Meredith brings both artistry and expertise to every class she leads.

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Meredith
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