Kate Finley is the owner and head coach of Lava City Cirque in Bend, Oregon. A former nationally competitive figure skater and coach, Kate brings over two decades of athletic and coaching experience to the aerial world. After discovering aerial silks in 2015, she quickly fell in love with the sport.

In 2024, she grew a small class into a thriving youth program and competitive team that has earned national titles. Kate is a member of the American Circus Educators and the American Youth Circus Organization, with advanced training in both instruction and rigging. She is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where students can grow at their own pace and is SafeSport Certified.

When she’s not in the air, Kate enjoys time with her family, dogs, and plants—always finding joy in helping others reach new heights.

Bethany is the co-owner and coach at The Hive Athletic Arts in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Helena, Montana, Bethany began her performance journey backstage at Grandstreet Theater before moving to Oregon to study at the University of Portland, where she obtained a degree in Civil Engineering and now holds a licence in Civil Engineering.

She discovered her passion for aerial arts in 2012 through A-WOL Dance Collective, where she trained in their pre-professional program, FlyCo, and now serves as the organization’s Executive Director.

As a coach, Bethany brings a blend of artistry, strength, and community spirit to her work. She founded The Hive as a space to share her love for aerial and the performing arts, inspiring students of all ages to connect, create, and fly.

Jen Livengood is the co-owner and coach at The Hive Athletic Arts. She is also co-founder of A-WOL Dance Collective, one of Oregon’s leading aerial arts organizations.

With a background in dance and early training at Pendulum Aerial Dance Theatre, Jen has been a driving force in shaping the aerial arts community since

2003 and aerial dance growth in the Pacific Northwest. As Co-Artistic Director at A-WOL, she has helped develop professional performance companies and education programs for youth and adults alike and co-leads the artistic directing of Art in the Dark each year.

In addition to her aerial work, Jen is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and runs a family-owned sheet metal business. She lives in Damascus, Oregon, where her love of movement, family, and farm life continue to inspire her teaching and artistry.

Oaf is the high-flying, big-hearted mascot of Oregon Aerial Fest. Long before joining the festival team, she was a curious little Sasquatch swinging through the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Always playful and adventurous, Oaf discovered her love for hanging upside down, twirling in the air, and turning forest vines into her very first aerial silks. What began as clumsy curiosity soon became a lifelong passion for movement and creativity.

Now, Oaf brings her boundless energy, imagination, and forest-born flair to Portland—cheering on competitors, inspiring newcomers, and reminding everyone that no dream is too wild and no adventure too big when you follow your love of flight.