I hold certifications in Pilates Reformer & Apparatus with Balanced Body (2024), Matwork Pilates with Body Control Pilates (2023), Essential Science of Heels with Xpert Fitness (2021), and Module 1 Flexibility with Alixa Flexibility (2019). My movement journey began in my early teens, when I first discovered Pilates. Fascinated by the concepts of flowing movement, spinal alignment, creating balanc
e in the body, and strengthening the core muscles, I scoured my local library for all books relating to Pilates and began designing my own practice. I took my first ballet classes over summer breaks while earning a B.A. During the semester I ran on the varsity cross-country team, still keeping up my personal Pilates practice. While earning post-graduate degrees in biblical and theological studies, I stayed active with martial arts, yoga, swimming, weightlifting, cycling, and Pilates. In 2017, I moved to Berlin on a Fulbright scholarship to work on my doctoral thesis. While living in Germany, I discovered a love for contemporary dance, floor dance, and aerial arts. After moving to the UK in 2018, I completed my Ph.D. (Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity, University of Notre Dame) and began taking ballet, Pilates, and aerial Pilates classes with Rachel Harris School of Dance (RHSD). Here I worked as a flexibility coach, and after completing my Pilates teaching certification, began taking on my own Pilates students. I also taught dance classes at RHSD and my aerial studio, Freebird Studio. I returned to the United States in 2023, where I have continued in my teaching and training. I am passionate about the benefits that my classes can bring to everyone, no matter what their movement background, body type, or fitness goals. I wrote my doctoral thesis on the ancient medical understanding of the mind-body connection. Though we would explain this connection very differently, given advances in our knowledge of the human body, the ancients were onto something profound: what we do with our bodies has a significant impact on our mental and emotional state. Conversely, our mental and emotional state have a powerful impact on our physical health. Given this, I believe that healthy, natural movement using good alignment and sound biomechanics will facilitate physical and mental well-being. I hope to help my students on their journeys toward healthier, happier bodies through the joy of movement.
