Hometown: This is the longest I have lived anywhere so I’ll have to say Phoenix, Arizona.
College attended and degree earned: BFA in Contemporary Dance from North Carolina School of the Arts, MFA in Dance from Arizona State University
Years teaching Pilates: since 2002
Years taking Pilates: off and on since 1993
Trained by: Kane School of Core Integration in NYC, Core Dynamics in Santa Fe, apprenticeship at Moving Breath in Tempe, AZ.
Other related certifications/credentials: Pilates Method Alliance certified, ACE certified Personal Trainer, Certified Massage Therapist
Continuing Education: Pilates, Alignment and Posture, Pilates for Low Back Pain, Unwinding Scoliosis with Pilates, Pilates for Osteoporosis, Pilates for Chronic Pain, Pilates as Treatment of Shoulder Dysfunction, Relax Your Neck and Liberate Your Shoulders, Pilates for Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis, Maximizing Function through Pilates for Neurological Disorders, Pilates for Sacro-Iliac and Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction, The Functional Shoulder: Restoring the Shoulder after Injury and Breast Cancer, Breathing for Full Body Health, Fit Foot Corrector, Understanding the Low Back through Understanding the Psoas, Pilates for Gait, Stand, Walk, Jump and Ski- Pilates Sequences that connect the Feet with the Ground and Spine, The Pilates Arc- A New Frontier
Hobbies: Yoga, hanging out with my two dogs, hiking, golfing, cooking, listening to music, choreographing, and watching movies.
Philosophy statement: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.
Favorite Pilates exercise and why: Legs in straps series, especially when followed by short spine. I love the way in works my core, helps me stabilize my pelvis, and access the mobility of my hips and legs.
How Pilates helped me: Pilates has helped me in so many ways and on many levels. As a maturing dancer, Pilates helps me maintain my functional fitness despite old injuries. My continuing education keeps me inspired and fresh as a mover and as an instructor. It makes me a better dance teacher and choreographer. I truly enjoy practicing and teaching Pilates as it fulfills my creative and movement needs.
Why I enjoy teaching Pilates: It is rewarding to facilitate and witness a deeper sense of connection to the breath and body as well as an increase in confidence, strength, coordination, and flexibility. I really enjoy seeing the effects of Pilates trickle into other aspects of clients’ lives, especially when relief from chronic pain can be achieved.