STAFF

ASHLEY CHEEK, TCRG

Owner & Studio Director

Studio owner, Ashley Cheek began her Irish Dance experience at the age of five with the Cross Keys School of Irish Dance in Chicago. It wasn’t long before she discovered her passion for both dance and competition. At the age of ten, Ashley qualified for her first World Championships and never looked back. Over the course of 13+ years, she traveled to countless local feisanna (competitions), Regional, National, and World Championships competing as a solo and ceili (group) dancer. Ashley began assistant teaching in classes when she was in 7th grade. She realized she not only loved coaching other dancers but also had a natural gift for mentoring. During her dance career, she helped numerous dancers improve their skills, confidence and sportsmanship while also developing friendships.

Ashley retired from her dance career in 2006 when she began her college journey studying mathematics, marketing, and finance. She obtained a degree from Lewis University in Illinois and worked in higher education for four years before returning to teaching dance in Minnesota.

Alongside teaching, Ashley has participated in numerous training activities such as weightlifting, CrossFit, yoga, and running. In addition, she continues to develop her training skills through personal research and clinics such as Target Training. She has developed and implemented strength and conditioning programs for individual dancers and also for group classes. Ashley believes creating well-rounded athletes is essential in helping dancers reach their highest potential in a healthy manner.

Ashley is a certified TCRG with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG) and is a registered member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) and the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Mid-America (IDTAMA).Ashley and her husband Tim have three children: Cora, Maddox, and Tyson. Irish Dance has been a part of their family from the beginning. Cora even attended her first feis as only one-week-old! Developing and growing Ardaigh Suas Academy is a family endeavor that they can all support and pursue together!

LIBBY SIMPSON

Primary Instructor & Choreographer

Libby has been dancing for 17 years and competing for 13 years. She mostly competed in the Cumann Rince Náisiúnta (CRN) organization where she won a national championship and placed 7th at the world championships twice. Over the past four years Libby has been balancing being a full time student at the University of St. Thomas, teaching dance, and competing and performing herself. She recently took the stage for the first time at the Mid-America Oireachtas ASA’s organization (CLRG) and can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings. “I love teaching because I get to see the next generation of dancers and I genuinely love the sport. They keep me dancing and involved in the Irish dance world after so many years.”

JORDAN DAILEY

Primary Instructor & Choreographer

Jordan began her dance journey at the age of seven with the Cross Keys School of Irish Dance in Chicago. After watching her older sister, Ashley, dance and observing classes from the sidelines, she quickly discovered her passion for Irish dance. By age ten, she had qualified for and attended her first World Championships in Belfast, Ireland. Over her 10+ years of competitive dancing, Jordan competed and placed at local feiseanna, Regional, National, and World Championships as both a solo and ceili (group) dancer.

As a former elementary school teacher, Jordan has a deep love for working with kids and helping them grow into confident, capable dancers. That classroom experience shapes how she teaches dance today, with patience, encouragement, and a focus on building each dancer up. She is currently pursuing her TCRG certification through An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha.

Jordan is thrilled to join Ardaigh Suas Academy (ASA) as a virtual instructor, bringing her teaching experience and competitive background to dancers at ASA. Outside the studio, Jordan is a wife and mom to three daughters. She and her family love spending time hiking together. She's always excited to watch her kids pursue what they love, and can't wait to help ASA dancers do the same!

MEGGAN BECKER

Instructor & Beginner Costume Coordinator

Meggan caught the Irish dance bug in 2023 following a parent/child recital and hasn't looked back. Bringing over 20 years of experience working with children in a local school district, she now puts that expertise to work in our studio, including serving as our Beginner Costume Coordinator. As a parent whose three children have participated in classes ranging from pre-beginner through the Champ level at ASA, she understands the program from the inside out. Meggan loves connecting with fellow adult dancers, staying active, and picking up new skills. As an instructor, she’s dedicated to making Irish dance a fun, accessible experience for dancers of all ages and abilities!

LILY CARROLL

Primary Instructor

Lily

DAISY HANEY

Teaching Assistant

Daisy first fell in love with Irish dance as a toddler when she saw Irish dancing at the Irish Fair of Minnesota. At the age of 2 she began her dancing career, started Irish dance at 6, and competing at age 7. She has competed at the Mid-America Oireachtas 8 times and 4 times at the North American Irish Dance Championships. She has danced professionally with several bands including Gaelic Storm, Doolin’, Jig Jam, Ring of Kerry, and Ruckus in the Bearbrush.

Daisy has a passion for sharing her love of dance with others, and strives to help younger dancers climb the competitive ladder from beginner to champ.

GEMMA KILIAN

Teaching Assistant

Gemma is the youngest member of our Teaching Assistant team at Ardaigh Suas Academy of Irish Dance. She began her Irish dance journey in 2023 and quickly progressed through the levels thanks to her dedication, natural ability, and love of learning. A passionate competitor, Gemma qualified for her first World Championships in 2025.

Known for her outgoing personality and positive energy, Gemma loves encouraging younger dancers and sharing her excitement for Irish dance. She enjoys helping others build confidence, celebrate their progress, and discover the same passion for dance that inspires her every day.

ELLE BAMMERT

Teaching Assistant

Elle

ABBY YOUNG

Teaching Assistant

Abby has been dancing for 10 years and competing for the past 7 years. Throughout her dance journey, she has had the opportunity to train at three different studios, gaining experiences that have helped shape her as a dancer. She was honored to receive the Decade of Dance Award this past St. Patrick’s Day and is grateful for the growth, friendships, and memories dance has brought into her life.