The Fun & Personal Stuff

What is your absolute favorite Pilates move to practice (and which one do you secretly love to hate)? My favorite exercise is the Cat Walk Over. It challenges everything at once: breath, physical strength, balance, and maintaining opposition in the body, all while moving with control upside down. It requires both power and mindful precision, which perfectly embodies what Pilates is all about.

The movement I secretly love to hate is the Hundreds. Once I get past 60, I really start to feel it! I struggle to keep counting while maintaining a steady breath and a strong, engaged core. It’s a great reminder that even as an instructor, there’s always room to grow.

If your teaching style had a theme song, what would it be?

That’s tough because I can’t narrow it down to just one! It really depends on the day, the client in front of me, and how my own body is feeling. However, I tend to gravitate toward music with depth and emotion rather than just a strong beat. Artists like Pearl Jam are a great example. The emotion in the vocals and instrumentation helps create an intentional, mindful movement experience, which is exactly what I love bringing to my sessions.

What is your go-to post-workout snack or drink? My favorite right now is hummus with thin wheat crackers, paired with fresh strawberries or pomegranate seeds.

When you aren’t on the mat or reformer, where are we most likely to find you?

I’m usually driving my son to one of his activities, working in my garden, or cooking. I love creating a peaceful environment for my family, and for me, the best way to do that is through plants and good food.

What is one fun fact about you that your clients might be surprised to learn?

I trained in ballet from elementary through middle school, and as a teenager, I studied Capoeira, Kempo, Escrima, and Savate. This background in both dance and martial arts gave me a deep appreciation for body awareness and coordination, which heavily influences how I teach Pilates today.

The “Why I Teach” Stuff

What first sparked your love for Pilates? Was it love at first hundred? It was definitely not love at first hundred! The spark actually came when I tried getting back into Capoeira and realized I was struggling with my breath and endurance. I knew I needed something to help me rebuild my foundation, and that’s when I found Pilates. It immediately helped me identify my physical weaknesses and gave me a clear path to improve them.

What made you decide to transition from being a student to becoming a teacher?

Instead of discouraging me, discovering my physical weaknesses made me curious. I wanted to understand why certain movements were so challenging and how to overcome them. I love a challenge, and Pilates constantly pushes me to think differently—not just physically, but mentally, too. I wanted to share that journey with others.

What is the most rewarding part about watching your clients progress?

It’s watching someone transform from the moment they walk into the studio to the moment they leave. Seeing a client arrive feeling uncomfortable and walk out standing a little taller and moving with confidence is incredibly fulfilling.

Over time, I’ve also gotten to know my clients on a personal level. The stories and life experiences they share have taught me so much, making me not just a better instructor, but a better person.

If you could give a piece of advice to someone who is nervous about trying Pilates for the first time, what would it be?

Remember that everyone in the room is being challenged—it’s not just you! Pilates never actually gets easier; instead, you get stronger, more aware, and more knowledgeable with every single session.