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

MEGGAN BECKER

Pre-Beginner/Beginner 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

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.