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Click on the teachers name to see their bio: |
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Abigail Eiland
Pilates Instructor |
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Coming from a background of musical theater and dance, Abigail was familiar with pilates but had never paid it much attention. After her sister suffered a sevre accident she used pilates to rehab herself. Abigail couldn't believe the transformation. She had her first private lesson--and was hooked. She enrolled in the teacher training program at Pilates Sports Center in Encino. She completed her training and dove into giving privates as well as teaching at studios around the southland. Abigail is thrilled to have found a home at BodyWellness and looks forward to using her positivity, energy and creativity to meet each clients needs.
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Alex Newell
Yoga Instructor |
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Alex Newell fell in love with yoga from the moment she stepped foot in her first hot yoga class in early 2007. Before long, she received her 500-hour Yoga Alliance Certification through Sunstone Yoga in Dallas, TX. There, she was a member of the teacher training staff, specializing in teaching advanced anatomy and physiology, in addition to teaching full time. Soon after, she became certified through Power Pilates to teach Pilates mat classes as well. In the fall of 2008, inspired by a thirst to know more about the body and how it works, she began her 9-month internship to become a Muscle Activation Techniques™ Specialist, earning her certification in June 2009. She is constantly expanding her knowledge on the body and its mechanics, through studies into neurophysiology, advanced foot mechanics, and advanced anatomy, and recently began teaching weekend workshops on advanced anatomy and biomechanics as they relate to yoga. Most recently, inspired by a desire to deepen the spiritual side of her practice, she has embarked on a journey towards certification in Anusara Yoga, studying under founder John Friend and senior teachers BJ Galvan, Darren Rhodes, and Christina Sell. By bringing all of these bodies of knowledge together, her unique style of teaching helps guide students into a safe and effective journey through yoga and its many benefits. She looks forward to embarking on this journey with you!
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Amy Aceto
Pilates Instructor |
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Amy Aceto came to Pilates from a background in fashion design and a passion for swimming. She discovered Pilates while searching for a way to address her lower back and neck pain. In 2009, she decided to become an instructor and became certified at Pilates Sports Center through Pilates Studio City in Studio City, CA. Amy has her own line of swimwear, Amy Elise Swimwear, sold in upscale boutiques. She applies her design experience and her creativity to her Pilates classes... making every class unique, fast-paced, challenging and fun!
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Andrea Guardino
Spinning® Instructor |
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As a recognized face in the fitness community, Andrea Guardino's appetite for yoga and spin is infectious. Andrea's playful mixture of challenging classes with her lovable personality is the recipe for a truly inspiring class. A former cheerleader, swimmer and triathlete she now focuses on mind and body. She had participated in many races, century rides and teacher trainings to help you with your body type and temperament. These practices include Vinyasa, Flow, Restorative & Yin Yoga styles. Andrea has studied under yogis such as Rod Stryker, Max Storm, Bryan Kest, Lisa Walford and Jasmine Leib. Having more than 10 years of practice to groups and one-on-one classes, she brings an upbeat energy, offering clear instruction and philosophy that makes for a great combination.
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Carlos Leon
Zumba Instructor
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Carlos Leon, Zumba Instructor, certified by the creator of the world-renowned workout craze ZUMBA FITNESS, Beto perez, is ready to bring fun to your fitness regimen!!! As a personal trainer, Carlos applies his expertise to ensure the safety and proper tailoring of his classes to every student so they get the BEST ‘muscle toning’ and ‘calorie burning’ workout. His passion for dance is reflected in his creative choreography inspired from his years of experience working with Global Motion, a professional dance company formed at Santa Monica College as well as his work in: Folklorico Flor de Mayo and Salsa Team, Ritmo Latino and more. In one hour he will introduce you to an array of World Rhythms that will shake you into shape before you know it. So skip the routine and join the party!!! |
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Chris Reuter
Pilates Instructor |
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Chris Ann was born and raised in Southern California and has been practicing Pilates for more than five years. After seeing the impact and awareness that it has brought to her own body and mind, Chris Ann received a certification from Body Arts and Science International. She is also certified in Pre/Post natal Pilates. Chris Ann strives to help her clients reach their optimal health and fitness goals by meeting their individual needs. Pilates is a passion for her and she believes Pilates is a way of life. Before Chris Ann received her pilates certification she completed her journeyman program at Makeup Designory and has over 8 years of experience as a professional makeup artist in the industry.
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Danielle Licht
Pilates Instructor |
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Danielle is a bright and charismatic teacher. She has her Masters in Spiritual Psychology with a concentration in Conscious, Health and Healing. She is the founder of ‘Enlighten', a business facilitating clients in physical practices and inner wellness and radiant health. Danielle is a professional dancer, and has classical training in jazz and ballet. She currently dances in a modern dance company and is pursuing her own choreography projects. Danielle is also a certified Ashtanga, Anusara Yoga teacher and she earned her Pilates certification through Pilates Sports Center. Her Pilates practice is based in both East and West coast techniques, and she caters uniquely to each client. Danielle is enthusiastic to be part of the BodyWellness team, to provide health, fitness and personal empowerment!
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Devon Spencer-Smith
Yoga Instructor |
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Devon Spencer-Smith was introduced to yoga shortly after receiving a BFA in Illustration at Parsons The New School for Design in New York. Upon returning to her native city of Los Angeles, she found herself working as a graphic designer/ illustrator in the fast paced, day-to-day grind of the fashion industry. Devon fell in love with the sense of freedom and clarity of mind she experienced at the end of each class. Yoga helped allow her to let go of the workings of the day and authentically express her creativity in its purest form. Inspired to know more, Devon trained with Yogaworks in Los Angeles where she received her 200-Hour Teaching Certification. Devon’s classes introduce and deepen students' practice through alignment, breath control, strength building exercises and guided meditation. Offering posture modifications and clear instruction, students of all levels can enjoy her classes. She continues to deepen her practice daily and intends to pursue her 500-hour certification in the winter of 2011.
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Erika Quinn
Pilates Instructor |
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Erika was first introduced to Pilates as a way to complement and enhance her study of classical ballet and modern dance. Years later, after hanging up her dancing shoes, she began taking Mat classes while living abroad as a way to improve her French language skills. Seeing the positive benefits of this form of mind-body exercise and aching to return to a more physical lifestyle, she became increasingly interested in not only taking Pilates classes but also in teaching them.
After relocating to Los Angeles in 2007, Erika decided to begin training to become a Pilates instructor and received her full certification through STOTT Pilates. She is passionate about the amazing effects Pilates has on the body and sincerely believes it is great for everyone -- whether you're a seasoned athlete, recovering from an injury or just in need of a little exercise TLC.
In addition to completing annual continuing education credits through STOTT Pilates, Erika has earned her Pre & Post Natal certification through Fusion Pilates and has completed the Pilates Therapeutics' Specialization in Scoliosis Management. She holds a B.A. from Barnard College in Sociology and Dance and an M.A. in French Cultural Studies from Columbia University.
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Gia Calhoun
Pilates Instructor |
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Gia has been a dancer her entire life. She had a recurring hip injury in high school and couldn't find anything to help it. A dance teacher told her about Pilates, and after the first class she was hooked. Not only did her injury heal quickly, but it also made her dancing stronger because of the focus on core work. Gia continued taking reformer classes through the end of high school and in college. Her senior year, she decided she wanted to learn more and start teaching. Gia received her certification from Diane Diefenderfer in 2007 at Studio du Corps in Costa Mesa, CA. In addition to dancing in various ballet companies across the country, she also has a B.A. in dance from UC Irvine. |
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Jill Hansen
Pilates Instructor |
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Growing up in dance and movement, Jill has excellent first hand
knowledge of the body. Pilates has been her secret weapon to
staying in shape and injury free over the past 10 years.
Classically certified in 2006, Jill's career as a Pilates instructor
took off in New York where she taught for many elite Pilates
studios and fitness clubs. Since then she has worked with
hundreds of people bettering their lives through Pilates in New
York, Waikiki and Los Angeles. Jill is recoginzed for her ability to
demonstrate proper Pilates technique and has been a featured
fitness model for many projects including Pilates Style Magazine.
Jill's parallel career as an aerial performer has taken her around
the world performing her aerial act on fabric and most recently
producing her own circus theatrical productions. When she is
not teaching Pilates Jill loves to fly! Her mission is to guide
people to the correct and most intelligent way to move in a fun
and positive way.
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Leslie Alnes
Pilates Instructor |
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Leslie was first introduced to Pilates and Yoga as part of her training as a dancer. As her practices deepened she was inspired at how effective both were at countering the typical injuries and discomforts of the modern life. Leslie received her Pilates Certification from Long Beach Dance Conditioning and has also Completed Teacher Training in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. She continues to draw upon her experience with Dance, Yoga, and Yamuna Body Rolling, to enhance her teaching and enjoys inspiring her clients to create greater strength, freedom of movement, well-being and confidence. Leslie also holds a BA from of New York University’ s Gallatin School with a concentration in Art and Advocacy. When she’s not teaching some of her favorite activities include Traveling the world and enjoying the company of her friends and family.
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Lynn Anderson
Spinning® Instructor |
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Doctor Lynn Anderson holds a Ph. D. in Health and a Doctorate of Naturopathy. She has been teaching health and fitness for over 25 years. She is a certified ACE fitness instructor, certified cycle instructor and a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has developed two specialty classes, Doctor Lynn’s Anti-aging Workout for Everybody and Aero*boga; both available on DVD. She is the author of numerous books on yoga and health as well as a master aromatherapist. She has lectured extensively including The Television and Movie Study, Deepak Chopra Institute and at various fitness and health conventions.
She is the mother of two grown children and the grandmother of two boys. Married, she resides in Westwood California. For more information visit her website www.doctorlynn.com
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Natalie Mirsky
Founder / Director |
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As a classically trained ballet dancer Natalie Mirsky first utilized Pilates techniques to enhance her own dance training and quickly discovered its superior rehabilitative benefits. She then began formal training in Pilates and was certified in 2001.
Seeing the potential of Pilates for rehabilitation, Ms. Mirsky worked with Physicians and Physical Therapists, helping to heal patients with Pilates techniques adapted for rehabilitation. During that time she was among the first Pilates professionals to work with disc replacement patients during the surgery’s clinical trials.
Gaining recognition in the Los Angeles community for her innovative approach to post-op rehabilitation, Ms Mirsky founded BodyWellness in 2004. The reputation of her work grew and BodyWellness began receiving regular referrals from The Spine Institute at St. John’s Medical Center and The Pain Center at Cedars Sinai. In 2006 BodyWellness became an authorized Medicare and health care provider.
As the Founder and Managing Director of BodyWellness, Natalie achieved the vision of combining traditional Physical Therapy with the unique benefits of Joseph Pilates exercises. This combination proved to be successful in bringing patients and clients to new levels of healing and strength.
Today the focus of BodyWellness is to gather the different styles of Pilates under one roof and to make those styles accessible to a broader clientele, utilizing the style most appropriate to the client’s needs. BodyWellness offers everything from Classical Pilates to rehabilitative forms based on the Pilates method.
Natalie Mirsky holds a BFA in Dance from CalArts, and is certified in Pilates and GYROTONIC®.
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Nicole Sherman
Yoga Instructor |
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Nicole Sherman received her yoga teacher certification on the big island of Hawaii, Kona. A dream and life-changing experience, she experienced her practice on the lava rocks, learning to become grounded and in sync with the earth around her. Nicole was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child, so she has learned to focus her practice on proper alignment and posture. She is originally from sunny south Florida and has a degree from Florida Atlantic University in acting, set design and studio art painting. Combining her artistic abilities and passions into one, Nicole has finally created her own yoga t-shirt company called Honu Yoga. She loves teaching and inspiring others to find the strength, peace and spirit within.
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Rebecca Bennett
Spinning® Instructor |
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Rebecca is a Madd Dogg certified spinning instructor. Formerly an ice skating and gymnastics coach and national competitor, Rebecca knows what it is to train hard. Having worked with a lot with children, Rebecca tends to design her classes with a lot of imagination so that getting fit becomes a hobby, not a chore. As an out-of-the-box thinker, Rebecca's spinning classes are energetic and unique in that her rides are often scenario simulations, incorporating a fun mix of body and mind challenges. She will lead you on not just rides, but journeys, that will inspire your imagination. The sessions are playful and upbeat , so time will fly by while you test your endurance and strength on all levels. You will come out of her class feeling accomplished and positive.
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Regiane Gorski
Yoga Instructor |
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Regiane has studied body and movement since childhood. A previous classical ballet dancer, she found Yoga In the 80's and has practiced ever since.
Born in Sao Paulo Brazil, she has lived in Australia and Maui Hawaii and has currently resided in LA for over a decade.
Regiane is extremely fortunate to have had some of the most amazing Yoga Teachers, including Bryan Kest, Vinnie Marino, Lisa Walford, Shiva Rea and many others.
It is her beloved mentor Annie Carpenter who continues to inspire and
transform her Yoga practice in the most meaningful, sweetest ways. "I am deeply grateful for Annie who has x-ray vision and phenomenal talent, she keeps expanding and somehow I am there to grasp it all, in her presence…"(She has studied with Annie since 2004)
She has completed her Yoga Works 500hr with Annie Carpenter and
Lisa Walford, Shiva's Advanced, Bryan Kest's, etc.
The healing arts are also a big part of Regiane's life. She has studied
with many mentors, shamans, body workers. The anatomy of the body
is an important part of her work and studies. She holds certifications
and licenses as a body worker and in metaphysical studies, also having
as one of her mentors Michael Beckwith.
" I strive for precision in my classes immersed in a delicious flow, I
hope you like to move and explore. Make sure to bring a towel…"
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Regina Wilson
Spinning® Instructor |
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Regina’s roots have grown in Los Angeles for over 10 years. Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she now lives in Malibu with her husband and 4 children. She’s taught Spinning for over 5 years since becoming Johnny G certified. Regina believes that integrating exercise into a busy work and family life is a must and that wherever you happen to be on the spectrum of fitness, showing up for your body is key to improving the quality of our physical, mental and spiritual lives. She encourages anyone to try Spinning. “I always say ‘It’s your ride,’ because although it’s a group class, anyone at any fitness level can partake in the class and benefit from staying on the bike and you will get results that can be seen and felt." Regina always challenges her students while guiding them through a safe, effective and fun workout. Regina enjoys a career as a television editor and voice-over artist while remaining gratefully devoted to her family of 6.
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Starla Osborne
Spinning® Instructor
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Starla comes to BodyWellness with 20+ years of fitness experience. She was personally trained by Johnny G himself, the founder of Spinning. Starla has trained and competed with the best in the industry, including cycling, triathlons, kickboxing, boxing and personal training. She began a second career in 2007, taking her from the fitness industry into the corporate world. Starla's love of teaching has brought her out of retirement to join the team at BodyWellness. Today she is an avid road cyclist both short and long distance. Starla focuses her class on taking the outdoor ride inside!
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Steve Jones
Yoga Instructor
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Born and raised in England, I started traveling at an early age, arriving in Los Angeles over fifteen years ago. My journey into Yoga began with an extended stay at a Buddhist temple in northern Thailand studying Vipassana meditation. After returning to Los Angeles I literally stumbled upon Power Yoga and my journey continued from there. Wanting to deepen my practice I decided to go to India where I spent almost a year studying the many layers of yoga. During that time I completed a 300 hr teacher training course at Yoga India in Mysore as well as a 200 hr Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy course at the Patanjali School of Yoga in Rishikesh. Wanting to add a western approach to my teaching, I completed another teacher training with Rudy Mettia and Travis Eliot of Power Yoga Santa Monica. My classes are intended to be strong, challenging yet calm and gentle, all at the same time. Focusing on alignment and connecting with our breath to help us find meditation while in motion.
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