Owner/Director, Diana Bernier, began working as an instructor at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy in 2002 while attending the University of New Hampshire. A dual-major in Theater Dance and Psychology, Diana discovered her passion for aerial arts and began training on aerial silks and static trapeze as member of the UNH Dance Company. Her continued education and teacher certifications are done at The New England Center for Circus Arts, in Brattleboro, VT.  In 2006, Diana established a program teaching aerial dance to students at SODA and has been growing that program alongside Kim Mills ever since. In 2022, she founded Aerial Northeast. Diana adores sharing her love for aerials with her students especially her two daughters, Avery and Eliza ♡

Kit (Kiersten) Gould is a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire with her BA in Dance, a minor in Deaf Studies and a MA in Education. She has been dancing for 16 years, studying many styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and some fusions between multiple styles. She studied before college mostly at Gate City Ballet, while also being a junior apprentice for two years at Urbanity Dance in Boston and being a company member of Touché Taps. She grew up attending summer dance camps such as Bossov Ballet, Festival Ballet Providence, and Pantos Project. At UNH she was on the dance company studying under Gay Nardone, Marybeth Marino, Assaf Benchetrit and Susan Endrizzi. She also took part in the aerial program (silks, trapeze, lyra) at UNH and became a teaching assistant for the class during her senior year. Throughout her entire dancing career, she has substitute taught at a variety of dance studios and has choreographed many pieces. Choreography is a huge passion of hers and she looks forward to choreographing on future students! She is now currently teaching 3rd grade in Amherst, NH while still continuing her passion of dance by teaching it after school. She teaches jazz and contemporary at Rise Dance Studio as well as aerial dance at Aerial Northeast. 

Megan Linehan was born into a family of dance and put into dance classes from the moment she could walk. Dancing at Steppin' Out Dance Academy  since 2002, her love of dance took off. Megan took classes for 16 years before graduating and moving on to continue her dance studies at the University of New Hampshire. Over her years at UNH, Megan developed a focus on aerial arts. In 2020 she became a certified aerial instructor through the Paper Doll Militia teacher training program. Now graduated from UNH with a degree in Dance, Megan is excited to share her knowledge and experience with her students and hopes to further her studies and training in dance and aerial arts.

Crystal is a Recreation Therapist that discovered aerial sling, fabric and circus arts as an adult. She enjoys any opportunity to advance her training, teaching experience, and share her passion and enthusiasm with others.  She completed an Introduction to Teaching Aerials training in 2021 through The New England Center for Circus Arts.  In addition to continued training at NECCA, Crystal participates in workshops at Esh Circus Arts.  Crystal is also a hula hoop enthusiast and has Instructor certifications in HoolaFit and HoopYogini. 

Emilie Buchanan grew up in New Hampshire and is currently a student at the University of New Hampshire. She is studying Child Development through the Human Development and Family Studies major, and is also working towards getting minors in both Special Education and Dance. As part of the UNH Dance Company, she performs in many styles including lyrical, tap, jazz, and aerial as well as assistant teaching for UNH’s aerial classes. She grew up doing dance and aerial at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy and in the summer months, she teaches dance at SODA and aerial at Aerial Northeast. Emilie has had a passion for dance ever since she was little and feels fortunate to be able to continue doing what she loves through various performance opportunities and through teaching.

Brianna (Bri) Gingue is a Health Coach with a degree in Exercise Science from the University of New Hampshire. As a former gymnast and dancer, she found her love for aerial with the Theatre and Dance program at UNH. As a sport, she appreciates its mental and physical benefits & challenges as well as a creative outlet.

In her full time role, she’s enjoyed teaching health and wellness trainings including how to eat healthy and exercise safely and effectively. In addition to her aerial classroom experience, Bri is trained through Paper Doll Militia on Fabric and Lyra. 

Micaela’s love for aerial arts began in November 2020 when she discovered the joy of flying through the air. She was captivated by the strength and creativity of aerial silks, as well as the exciting challenges of sling, trapeze, and lyra. With a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and years of experience as a behavior analyst, Micaela brings a deep understanding of how children learn and grow. She tailors her teaching to each child’s unique strengths, helping them build confidence, set goals, and celebrate their progress every step of the way. Before discovering aerial arts, Micaela spent over 12 years coaching tennis, where she developed a passion for guiding young athletes. Whether on the court or in the air, she creates a supportive and encouraging environment where kids can explore, take risks, and have fun while learning new skills.