I ran away with the circus when I was 15
and have experienced the everyday magic of the world through movement ever since.
Circus artist since 1996, Pilates teacher since 2007, mother since 2011, and curious and expressive human since birth, I bring all that I have to offer to each class. I offer concise explanations in an atmosphere of warmth and self-acceptance to help you move more fully, efficiently and confidently - and to enjoy the process!
I love teaching Pilates because I see the transformative power of movement each class. It is inspiring to watch as bodies gain strength and organization, as feet feel grounded, spines become supple, and as the breath flows more freely. I am in awe at the trust and curiosity students bring. I see how a commitment to our physical health builds resilience and lightens our hearts, making whatever challenges the day brings easier to navigate.
Pilates makes me vibrant and powerful, it lifts my mood and energizes my soul. Not because I am striving to attain a distant goal or to be different than who I am, but because I am using Joseph Pilates’ exercises to attune to my body. When I am in conversation with my body, I approach everything with more clarity and confidence.
I come to each class with renewed energy because I know that “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness,” as Mr. Pilates wrote in his first book in 1945. I welcome you to join me in this journey and this practice.
Through every decade of my life Pilates helps me face the day, whatever it brings.
Pilates
I began at the Pilates Education Lab at Sanchez Street Studios with Carol LeMaitre and Sharon Gallagher in 2006. From 2007-2018 I was co-owner of the Pilates Collective of SF where I worked alongside, and studied with, second generation teacher Jennifer Stacey MS. I completed The Master’s Program and various workshops at The Pilates Center of Boulder from 2009-2013. In 2018 I was part of Cara Reeser’s Heritage Program, learning the work of Pilates elder Kathleen Stanford Grant. I continue to study with Cara. A lifetime learner, I have taken workshops from brilliant folks such as Irene Dowd, Erik Franklin, Jennifer Kreis, Julian Hessel, Mary Bowen and more. I have worked with all ages, all body types and many injuries including pre and post partum, back pain, frozen shoulder, MS, ALS, chronic neck pain, balance, and more.
Circus
I attended the National Circus School in Montreal where I created a solo slack rope act that I have performed on five continents over twenty five years, and thanks to Pilates and my amazing family, continue to perform to this day. I have appeared in two books - Acrobats At Work and Private Acts and in the Discovery Channel’s series Amazing Aerialists. I have performed with many companies including Cirque Du Soleil, Seven Fingers, Pickle Family Circus, Make*A*Circus, and Cirque Eloize. I co-founded local circus troop Sweet Can Productions in 2009, speak five languages and am mother to two boys.
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”- Joseph Pilates