In my 25th year as a certified Pilates instructor and movement educator, I remain continually inspired by the power of Pilates and Pilates-based movement to heal, strengthen, and transform the body.
After dancing professionally, I initially pursued nursing as a stable career path and earned my A.S. degree. In 1999, however, my life took a profound turn when I survived a life-threatening accident that resulted in a broken neck and complex cervical spine fusion surgery. During my rehabilitation at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Dance Medicine Center in San Francisco, I was introduced to Pilates as an exceptionally refined and powerful tool for orthopedic rehabilitation, injury prevention, and whole-body conditioning for movers of all levels—from everyday clients to dancers, athletes, and performing artists.
I went on to complete an advanced teacher training program at Turning Point Studios in Walnut Creek and was subsequently hired at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Sports and Dance Medicine (Dancemedicine) Center. There, I worked for seven years under the direction of founder Dr. James G. Garrick. As a certified Pilates instructor, Dancemedicine Specialist, and physical therapy aide, my work has centered on Pilates-based orthopedic rehabilitation (concurrent with or following physical therapy), injury prevention, and sports and dance conditioning.
I am deeply grateful to have studied with and learned from many masterful movement educators and healthcare professionals, including Mercy Sidbury, Nora St. John, Marie-José Blom, Elizabeth Larkam, Dr. David Kell, Dr. James G. Garrick, Jean-Claude West, Brion Charles, P.T., Kathleen McDonough, P.T., Deborah Rose, Jane Austin, and many others who continue to inspire my teaching. Earlier in my career, I studied at the Alive & Well! Institute of Conscious BodyWork® and NeuroMuscular Reprogramming® and became a Certified Massage Therapist. I attended Saint Mary’s College LEAP program for professional dancers, a journey joyfully interrupted by the birth of my daughter. During my pregnancy, I earned a prenatal yoga teaching certificate under master teacher Jane Austin.
Pregnancy, birth, and motherhood have inspired my work with pre- and postnatal women.
My background as a professional dancer, certified massage therapist, medical assistant and phlebotomist in women’s healthcare has prepared me to work with clients of all ages and abilities. I have had the pleasure of working with students from Marin Ballet, Marin Dance Theatre, San Francisco Ballet School, and Studio ‘B’ in Israel.
Following my own rapid recovery from a total hip replacement in 2018, I am passionate about teaching pre- and post-surgical strengthening to support efficient healing. Working with the senior community is especially meaningful to me, and I frequently support individuals managing chronic back or joint pain related to injury, repetitive stress, scoliosis, or osteoarthritis. Consistent Pilates sessions combined with a thoughtfully designed home program can be profoundly beneficial. I witnessed firsthand how Pilates-based movement greatly improved the quality of life for my father, who lived with Parkinson’s disease and Type 1 diabetes.
Life is short, and I am deeply committed to helping people feel better, move with greater ease, and live more fully in these precious bodies of ours. 🌿
