I have been a Pilates instructor since 2004 but have been doing Pilates since 1999. I started with Pilates as a way to ease stress, get in shape, and help a chronic low back problem. After a year of doing Pilates, I found that my desk job was getting in the way of my health. That is when I decided to change careers.
I began my Pilates training in Los Angeles, CA, under the guidance of Ivon Dahl, one of the early second-generation teachers who blended both contemporary and traditional Pilates with modern science and biomechanics. After relocating to the Northwest, I continued my studies with Master Trainer Elizabeth Jones Boswell, a protégé of Ron Fletcher. In 2009, I pursued my Master Trainer certification with Pilates Sports Center, returning to my foundation of integrating current movement science with Pilates. Although Pilates is by far the tool I use the most, I have studied and taken classes in Yoga, Mindfulness meditation, Qigong, Structural Integration, and Ashiatsu, as well as becoming a Pilates Master Trainer, Burn at the Barre Master Trainer, massage therapist, and Functional Medicine Health Coach.
My process includes educating clients and students, coaching, and mentoring. I incorporate whatever makes sense and works best for my clients. I am a creative teacher, and whether you are learning Pilates, receiving massage, or Health coaching, it always comes back to that Mind/Body connection. As the daughter of two teachers, I focus on guiding and supporting others in their learning rather than relying on rigid instruction, formulas, or routines. I believe that most people naturally want to move and feel well and that doing so helps them align with their core values, bringing a deeper sense of balance and fulfillment in their lives.
In my spare time, I am busy cooking and looking for new healthy recipes. I love to eat and talk about food. I’m also often found outdoors on the trails, taking in the beautiful Northwest. I believe in whole body health that incorporates mindfulness not just in my studio but also in my daily life. I am a mother of two beautiful boys who keep me occupied and remind me daily that life is a song, a gift, and a joy.