Our Board Members
Emily Barber
Emily Barber is an international performer and instructor in the Aerial Arts. Beginning her journey as a self-taught acrobat in 2012, she now sits at the forefront of her field, coaching and judging national competitions. Emily is also the founder of Aerial Aura and dedicates her time to coaching youth at Dragonfly Aerial Co, in Colorado Springs. She is deeply committed to empowering young people, helping them gain confidence and achieve their full potential. Emily eagerly anticipates sharing her passion for mentorship and circus arts with young women worldwide through her initiative, Staging Her.
Lexee Lobeck
Lexee Lobeck began her acrobatic journey at age 5 in competitive artistic gymnastics, dedicating nine years to developing her skills. Her interest shifted to theater during a “Beauty and the Beast” production, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at Wayne State University. Lexee furthered her studies at the Moscow Art Theatre School in Russia, where she learned the Droznin Technique, combining physicality and scene partner connection, and explored partner acrobatics. Post-graduation, Lexee joined Aloft’s Full-Time Training program in Chicago, focusing on handbalancing, double trapeze, and flexibility training. There, she met her future husband, Joe, and eventually moved to Salida, Colorado. Lexee and Joe now own a gym called Elemental 5 where they focus on acrobatics, parkour, and ninja, sharing their knowledge and passion for movement with their community.
Allyson Dunford
Allyson Dunford is passionate about helping people and is thrilled to have the opportunity to do so through Staging Her. Originally from rural southern Colorado, Allyson joined the Navy at eighteen and later completed a double major in History and Political Science while serving in the reserves. Following her military service, she spent nine years working for the Colorado State Judicial Department. For the past two years, Allyson has had the privilege of dedicating nearly all her time to raising her three young children. She cherishes family time, enjoys exploring new interests, hiking, gardening, and traveling.
Sharon Searle
Sharon Searle LL.B. (Hons,) received her law degree from the University of Liverpool in 1997 and has been a member of the Bar of England and Wales since 1999, as a Barrister-at-Law. Sharon has over 15 years of experience as In-House Counsel and the Acting Director with 501(c)(3) non-profits. She is excited to be a part of this amazing organization with such a passionate Board of Directors and visionary plans for expanding the horizons of talented women athletes around the world.
Brandon Robertson
Brandon Robertson is a Trinidad State graduate who has studied and gained job experience in accounting and business management in multiple successful small businesses. Born and raised near the northern New Mexico border he is passionate and driven when it comes to helping others. Through his ventures of teaching in the school system and volunteer work in multiple church programs, he found his love of pushing people towards their hidden, inherent potential.
Joe Lobeck
Joe Lobeck is an eccentric and playful character with a deep passion for training the body through skillful practices like martial arts, parkour, circus arts, and more. He owns Elemental 5, an acrobatics gym in Salida, Colorado, where he is dedicated to building the next generation of ninjas. His extensive experience in circus arts spans nearly 10 years, including traveling through the Middle East to teach circus skills to displaced youth. Joe has clowned in hospitals in Palestine and entertained children in remote regions of Turkey, Nepal, and Jordan, spreading joy and creativity through movement.
A certified expert in social circus pedagogy from CARAVAN, a European social circus program, and AYCO, the American Youth Circus Organization, Joe has taught circus arts to youth around the world. His work merges his love for movement with his commitment to using circus as a tool for social change, leaving a lasting impact on both local and international communities. With a constant drive to support industries related to fitness and movement, Joe continues to push the boundaries of his passion for training and physical expression.

History
Fifteen years ago, when Emily first traveled to the Middle East, she couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in how women were treated—a subtle but undeniable second-class status. As her circus career unfolded amidst travels both for business and pleasure, she witnessed countless instances where women, even within the supposedly egalitarian social circus scene, were brushed aside. They typically received less coaching, were pushed to peripheral roles in performances, and not taken seriously. Connecting with these women, listening to their aspirations and their frustrations, Emily began to ponder her role in changing the narrative. Could she make a difference? Could she empower these brilliant, talented souls to grasp the opportunities they secretly yearned for but hardly dared to pursue? And so, through her experiences, the concept of Staging Her took shape.
Our Mission
Staging Her is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-0784240) dedicated to empowering young women from developing countries through the transformative art of circus performance. Our mission is to provide these women with opportunities to showcase their talents in the United States, fostering personal growth, cultural exchange, and professional development.