Volunteer

Alicia Calderwood is one of the co-founders of Carolina Circus Festival and the festival’s Artistic Director.

She is also the owner of Pura Vida Studio in Cary, NC, and has been training and performing aerial arts for nearly 15 years. Alicia is passionate about sharing movement as a pathway to both physical and mental well-being.

Behind the scenes, Alicia leads with intention, thoughtfully shaping every part of the festival to bring the community together and expand awareness of circus arts, collaboration, and mental health. She is excited to continue growing this vision and what the festival represents!

Carlie Huberman is one of the co-founders of the Carolina Circus Festival in 2020 and the festival's Executive Director.

Carlie is the owner of Elite Arts Physical Therapy in Raleigh, NC with a focus on working with performing artists. She also teaches and performs aerial acrobatics professionally.  Carlie has been doing circus arts for over 25 years and loves sharing her passion with the community by helping run this event each year.

Deanna Howell has been involved with Carolina Circus Festival since 2022!

Deanna has been doing circus arts for over 10 years and loves to teach circus, especially trapeze and hula hooping when she isn't busy raising her 3 children!

Kirsten Barker has been on the CCF board since 2026! 

Kirsten Barker has decades of professional experience leading large-scale initiatives across higher education, technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship - including founding and leading a technology startup - that contribute to her success as a sponsorship chair for CCF. Kirsten came to circus in her early forties and is now an aerialist, choreographer, and instructor with over a decade of experience, she also curates Aerial Elements .

Ashley Gottlieb has been on the CCF board since 2026! 

Ashley Gottlieb has spent three years training and teaching at Pura Vida Studio.  Aerial arts has become an important part of her commitment to mental health awareness—reminding her of the power of connection, creativity, and self-care. As founder and principal of a biotech consulting business, Ashley brings her strategic mindset and passion for partnership building to the CCF board.

Emily Trotta has been on the CCF board since 2026! 

Emily Trotta has nearly a decade of performing experience in aerial silks and sling, and has been a part of Carolina Circus Festival since its very first year. As Fundraising Chair, she is excited to help the community continue to grow by building connections with local businesses and raising funds to support a festival that brings people together, support mental health awareness, and celebrates the magic of circus arts.

Amy Clemmons has been on the CCF board since 2026! 

Amy Clemmons is a professional fire performer and artist based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, with five years of experience in circus arts. As Fire Lead, she is dedicated to facilitating dynamic, visually captivating fire performances for all ages to enjoy. She is excited to showcase the magic of fire and her love of the art this Carolina Circus Festival.

Julie Ragsdale has been on the CCF board since 2026! 

Julie Ragsdale is our Graphics Chair and has been designing our T-shirts since 2022!  Her expertise in graphic design allows the festival to have that professional flare that we all love to see!  Julie performs and teaches aerials at Pura Vida Studio.