Instructor
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Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
College attended and degree earned: BA in Modern Dance and Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago
Years teaching Pilates: since 2006
Years taking Pilates: since 2005 (mat since 1981)
Trained by: Katrina Foe through the Physicalmind Institute
Other related certifications/credentials: massage therapist
Continuing Education: Reform the Reformer, Rehabilitation Workshop (C 301), Tower Above the Other Instructors, Barrels of Pilates Fun, Anatomy in Clay, Assisted Stretching, Pilates with the Bosu Balance Trainer, Versatile Rollers, Adding Props, Essential Extras, Teaching Group Equipment, Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff, Fabulous Feet, Hands, and No Problem Necks, Maximizing Your Equipment, Pilates Arc on the Road
Hobbies: hiking, ballroom dancing (especially theater style with the lifts and flips) studying anything related to the human body/mind/spirit, writing, reading, connecting with animals, traveling.
Philosophy statement: When we start applying Pilates to everything that we do, it has the potential to change our life. Pilates helps the body to heal and become stronger and more flexible when its movements are performed mindfully.
Favorite Pilates exercise and why: I love anything that requires inversion, flexibility, coordination, or abdominal intensity. While many exercises do all of this, Squirrel is probably the most fun. It’s a great abdominal exercise and not only do I get to swing but I get to swing upside down! What more could a former gymnast ask for?
How Pilates helped me: As a gymnast, Pilates mat was part of our strength training. It perfected our alignment and form as well as helped heal injuries more quickly. I attribute Pilates with allowing me to compete nationally.
Later on in life I used the whole Pilates repertoire to recover from a back injury and reduce the occurrences of headaches/migraines. As old injuries manage to creep up, Pilates helps them to recover. Pilates has also helped with my form in ballroom and Latin dancing as well as the lifts that are sometimes executed.
Why I enjoy teaching Pilates: I enjoy teaching Pilates for a number of reasons. It’s great to see people leave their lesson feeling better and happier than when they came in. Pilates helps the body move better and more efficiently. By applying how we move in Pilates to our daily life and activities, we increase our vitality and decrease the stress on our bodies. It’s exciting to hear clients say that their golf game has improved, marathons are easier, or that they have more endurance since starting Pilates. Pilates is a wonderful form of movement and I enjoy sharing it with others.
It is an honor to help people who have injuries or conditions that limit them in life. I enjoy being a part of their process as they overcome obstacles, reach new heights, and rediscover their “joie de vivre” (joy of life). It is a gift to watch as pain becomes less and less until it is one day a thing of the past!
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