WHO I AM

I began my professional career as a surgical floor nurse at New York University Medical Center. As my experience, confidence, and skill set grew, I advanced to become an ICU nurse and obtained my Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification. Because of my fascination with the heart and the essence of a human being, I became a cardiac surgery ICU nurse and ultimately a heart transplant coordinator. 

While working as a nurse, I became an avid runner and triathlete. To enhance my training, I studied and incorporated different movement forms including the Lotte Berk method, Barre, and Pilates. With Pilates, I discovered the ultimate combination of exercise, movement, spirituality, and practical applicability that led me to not only obtain my teaching certification through Michele Larsson’s Core Dynamics program, but also to open my own studio and share and teach the method that I had experienced. As Eve Gentry’s foremost pupil, Michele Larsson passed on the direct legacy that Eve had gained at the hands of Joseph and Clara Pilates in the 1930s-1950s. The history, heritage, and respect for the body of work developed by Joe and Clara provided me with a basis for offering my clients tools to improve both their holistic wellness as well as their daily quality of life activities. My interest in more broadly sharing the benefits of Pilates, as well as my belief in the need for safety and quality standardization in the Pilates community, inspired me, with several colleagues, to found the Pilates Method Alliance, for which I served as the founding secretary for several years. 

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I am a Certified Integrative Health Coach trained at Duke University Integrative Medicine; I believe that these skills not only assist me with my own mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, but combined with both my mindfulness studies and Pilates experience, also allow me to pass on the lessons that I have learned as to how to successfully implement healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors. 

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I am currently enrolled in Lesley University’s Master of Arts in Mindfulness Studies program and hope to not only incorporate more specific mindfulness skills within my Pilates teachings, but to also recognize the potential value of using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to help address the ever-growing issues of burnout in the nursing community. I learned the value of mindfulness practice in my own daily life. A lover of dogs, I have two chocolate Labradors and a golden Labradoodle. My daily routine, after my first cup of coffee, includes time spent sitting quietly with Phineas and Oliver, in mindful meditation until it’s time to head to my studio (or until my face gets licked).

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I have raised two remarkable daughters who have grown into independent, strong, empowered young women. Now that both of them are away at school, I spend my free time enjoying life with my wonderful husband.