Meet our Staff

Gym Manager/Instructor -Cindy has been performing since 2010 in most apparatuses offered at Turners. With a cheerleading and gymnastics background Cindy caught onto training and skills easier than most and has been able to secure her reputation as one of the most technically perfected instructors and teachers of aerial arts. One of our most versatile instructors, Cindy is crossed trained on many things (Ladders, Webs, Trapeze, Hammock, Aerial Silks, Lyra, Fire Eating and Stilts) and also trains younger performers on trapeze, Merry Go Round, Tumble Track and Mini-Tramp. In addition to all of this Cindy is the President of Turners. She continues to improve herself as a performer and instructor by seeking outside training and certifications, soaking in all she can about the circus arts. She is grateful to her husband, Andy Pappano and her 3 children, Ezra, Elliot and Lucia Pappano, who allow her to continue her passion for the arts, while the whole family runs away with the circus. And to the woman of Turners who continually give to the program.

Cindy's right-hand woman - as our head instructor over classes. Jenn started her active lifestyle in 2009 as a runner. After several races, in the summer of 2013, a friend introduced her to Turners. She was hooked from day one and simply couldn't keep her feet on the ground anymore. The non-competitive atmosphere, along with the welcoming and supportive circus family, has allowed her to really grow in her aerial arts. If she is not running around with her kids or at Turner's (sometimes both at the same time), Jenn spends her days working as a massage therapist. She's also an artist and mother to two incredible circus monkeys and one loud and furry shepherd mix. Thanks to her wonderful partner, Ben, she continually strives to learn and build her aerial knowledge for herself and her students. You may still see her feet hitting the pavement, but most times you need to look up to catch a glimpse of her.

Anita has training in aerials for since 2012. She has performed on lyra, pole, polesilks, trapeze, ladders, poi, and character/acting at numerous events, revues, and the last five Turners Circus spring productions. Anita currently teaches Intro to Aerials, Fitness and Flexibility, Pole I, and Trapeze 2 at Turners. She is also the coordinator and co-founder of Turners Clowncare, a volunteer program that brings the circus arts to local nursing facilities.

Anita is a ten-year breast cancer survivor. She just celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary in June 2019, and she has a 16-year-old daughter.

Lauren has been training in aerials at Turners since 2014. She began on her aerial journey after a decade of training in international dance, specifically Middle Eastern and Indian dance styles. She works primarily with silks and ladders and instructs intro to aerials. She is a sophomore English teacher in JCPS and is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology. When not teaching all of the things, she loves on her adorable toddler and occasionally sees her extremely supportive husband.

Terri, mother and school psychologist, is a passionate aerialist and instructor who has trained in various cities with a variety of instructors in the USA for the past five years. She has performed for the past several years at theaters, clubs, bars, festivals, and churches with small circuses, bands, musicians, DJs, magicians, and burlesque troupes. Her specialties in aerial performing include aerial rope, static trapeze, lyra, Spanish web, silks, double trapeze, and pole, but she has also performed tippy lyra, aerial straps, rings, and aerial pole. In addition to instructing regularly, Terri owns XALT, a company that performs and trains aerials, educates others about emotional wellness, and inspires others to live to their mental and physical potential. She has written a book on emotional wellness, Be Your Best Self. Terri is also our head instructor for our annual circus program.

Jessica Forst is an educator of many things. She teaches circus foundations to children, swim lessons, and dance. She choreographs and coaches for Turners annual big circus. She has happily been a member and part of Turners for five years.