Club Pilates

Bios

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  Charlie Qureshi

  Instructor

  Charlie is a passionate Pilates instructor with over 15 years experience. She began her love for Pilates as a dance major attending the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. Following her heart to pursue acting, she moved to California and soon after earned her Pilates certification through the PhysicalMind Institute. Now a Master Trainer with Club Pilates, she enjoys guiding others through their comprehensive Pilates training. What started as her back up career soon took over as she realized her calling was to help others to develop intelligent and loving relationships with their bodies. Movement is what moves her! Charlie is here to help you discover the wonders of Pilates and become even better connected with your physical self. She will be by your side every step of the way, providing you with innovative, fun and challenging workouts each time you attend her class!

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  Christine Pfeiffer

  Instructor

  Christine, originally from Boerne, Tx.,has always had a passion for movement and helping others. She has enjoyed exercise most of her life, and in 2014 made training her full time career. Christine is certified with the Pilates Method Alliance, and is also a certified in Pilates for neurological conditions. Her education, experience and passion allows her to use Pilates as well as other methods of movement to help her clients reach their goals. " I find great satisfaction watching someone come to me with a goal, and finding themselves successful and empowered! I enjoy equipping people to engage their bodies in a way that brings new awareness, and encourages them to continue moving forward. It is thrilling to see a client come in with an injury they never thought they could heal, and watching their excitement when they start living pain free!"

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  Ivonete Carothers

  Lead Instructor

  As a multilingual fitness, yoga therapy and Pilates professional since 2000, I create, develop and teach an array of classes and fitness programs to a varied clientele. I use functional based classes that include health and fitness education. My programs are effective, safe, therapeutic in nature and provide both body and mind awareness. My style of training is nurturing and supporting. I empathize and respect the uniqueness of everyone, and relate to the specific needs of individuals from all walks of life. My enthusiastic passion for life and a healthy lifestyle are great motivators for others in their wellness endeavors. I could not ask for a more rewarding career. I have a BA in Human Sciences, Certifications by Polestar Pilates NASM, ACE, AEA, Cooper Clinic, Sundara Yoga Therapy, Pound Fit and Developmental Gymnastics. I have participated in Conferences, workshops and received many hours of training in Senior Fitness, Zumba, Taoist Tai Chi, Nutrition, Step, Bosu Fitness, Kettle Bells, Spinning, Core Training and Partner Dancing.

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  Meredith Popp

  Instructor

  Born and raised in Austin, Meredith was introduced to Pilates in early 2015. She was wanting to start a workout routine that was good to her body, increase flexibility, and to help improve overall strength. After just a few sessions she became addicted immediately! Towards the end of 2015, Meredith was diagnosed with endometriosis and found that Pilates was her go-to exercise program following surgery. In a short amount of time, Pilates helped to heal and strengthen her core while keeping symptoms at bay. During this time, she discovered something that would change her view on fitness: it significantly reduced the chronic pain in her body! In the summer of 2017, she decided to take a big leap and follow her passion (obsession) with Pilates and began teacher training with Balanced Body. Her teaching style stresses the connection between the mind and body with a strong focus on form. She believes a great workout can challenge you, yet also relax you - it can become a very meditative experience! When she is not teaching, Meredith enjoys reading, stand-up comedy and the occasional rock concert! She also loves animals and is constantly spoiling her dog Indiana, and cat Cassie.

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  Lisa Davis

  Instructor

  Lisa, a native Austinite, began as a student with Pilates reformer classes in 2010. After staying home to raise her children for many years, she decided to take her love of Pilates to the next level by becoming an instructor. She began her Pilates certification journey in 2015 with Peak Pilates receiving her Level 1 certification in Pilates Mat and Reformer. She also believes Barre is an excellent complimentary program to Pilates. She received her comprehensive Barre certification through the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association (IFBBA) in 2016. She is also completing her Pilates Comprehensive Certification through Club Pilates with an anticipated completion date in the Summer of 2018. After having surgery, she attended Pilates classes to help regain her range of motion in her shoulder. She believes Pilates helps rehab not only the body but the mind as well. She has been a Pilates student, patient and now an instructor bringing with her experiences gained while transitioning through each of these achievements.

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  Shannen Miller

  General Manager

  Shannen unlocked her passion for fitness as an undergrad at Texas A&M University. Determined to pursue a healthy lifestyle while in college, she became heavily involved in the group fitness program offered at the Student Recreation Center. Shannen began teaching a variety of cardio group fitness classes and soon discovered a love for yoga, Pilates, and barre. She appreciates how these formats encourage functional movement that keep her body feeling good. During her time in the fitness industry, Shannen has received certifications through YogaFit, Schwinn Cycling, Peak Pilates, AFAA, and is a Master Trainer for Barre Above. Upon obtaining her M.Ed. at Texas A&M University Shannen moved to San Antonio, TX where she oversaw the University of Texas at San Antonio group fitness & personal training program, taught multiple group fitness classes per week, and oversaw the hiring and training of all new group fitness instructors at her facility. Shannen has relocated to Austin, TX and is now the General Manager at Club Pilates Cedar Park. She is excited to discover all that Austin has to offer and share her love of fitness and Pilates with the community. When she isn’t pursuing a new fitness endeavor, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling the world.

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  Stella Coffman

  Instructor

  Stella recently moved from Dallas Fort Worth to Austin but is originally from the Mid West. Her primary career has been in medical technology working in hospitals analyzing samples and reporting results for physicians. She became interested in Pilates after sustaining an injury and used Pilates to help rehabilitate her knee. In 2019 she completed Club Pilates Teacher Training and is passionate about helping people learn about Pilates since it has helped so much in her own recovery. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and little fur friends, human friends, hiking, cooking and baking gardening, knitting and sewing and traveling!

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  Dana Hershman

  Instructor

  A recent transplant from the Big Island of Hawaii, Dana is excited to be in Austin and working for Club Pilates. As a dance major in the early 1990s’ Dana discovered Pilates through her dance teachers. Using Pilates as a way to maintain her strength and flexibility. She fell in love with the technique and began her training to be an instructor. With over 25 years as a Pilates instructor her experience and teaching has evolved over the years. Working throughout Southern CA and Hawaii in high end fitness facilities and small boutique Pilates studios her clientele has ranged from elite athletes, prenatal women, business men and women, cancer patients, people suffering from Parkinsons, neurological disorders and stroke survivors. Over the past 10 years her work as evolved into working in the arena of physical therapy allowing her to focus on helping people back from injuries, surgery and other physical issues. As an instructor her goal is to give her clients a focused and progressive workout, by focusing on form, breath, balance and body awareness.

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  Susan Hensel

  Instructor

  In 2016, after working years in the corporate setting, Susan decided she needed to make a career change. It was during this transition that she discovered Pilates and its direct benefits on the mind, body, and spirit. As a graduate of Texas State University with a degree in combined areas of study in both Sociology and Psychology, she's long had an interest in both the community and what makes us unique as individuals. Her primary goal is to motivate and inspire others to realize their fullest potential and she is using her Club Pilates Instructor Certification, so that she can continue to do just that! And fun fact, she loves inspiring quotes.

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  Michiko Myers

  Instructor

  Michiko believes that movement is medicine and practices Pilates as a form of self-care. Her mission is to help her clients move more efficiently and feel better in their bodies. She lives in Round Rock, TX with her husband, two children, and her dog. She enjoys walking and hiking trails with her family, eating clean and practicing Pilates of course! She was introduced to Mat Pilates in 2005 after an injury to her hip and has been practicing ever since. Michiko completed the Comprehensive Balanced Body Education Teacher Training program and currently teaches group classes, private and semi private training.

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  Bonnie Hixson

  Instructor

  In her former career, Bonnie did a lot of traveling and spent way too many hours on airplanes, wearing heels and standing on her feet for often 12 hours in a day. She suffered from constant back and hip pain, and tried everything to find relief. She didn’t know much about Pilates, but when a studio opened just minutes from her house, she reluctantly decided to give it a try! Pilates was a godsend for Bonnie, and after her first class, she was hooked. After three months, she was pain free, and after six months, she knew that teaching Pilates would be her second career – Bonnie 2.0. There’s nothing more rewarding for her than helping others find flexibility, strength, relief and a mental peace despite life’s challenges.

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  Beverly Theodore

  Instructor

  Beverly is a Pilates instructor and physical therapist assistant with a professional dance background. During her dance career in Las Vegas she earned her Pilates certification through The Pilates Studio Las Vegas. After a fulfilling dance career, Beverly transitioned into physical therapy with a focus on geriatrics, orthopedics and healthcare management. As a Pilates instructor, Beverly creates customized Pilates programs that promote movement and proper biomechanics within a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Her programs are specialized for those who are recovering from injuries, illnesses, pregnancies, surgeries and repairs. Passionate about helping others, Beverly’s goal is to help bridge the gap between physical therapy and normal levels of fitness and function for individuals with varying needs. Beverly is excited to help you along your movement and Pilates journey! She will be there to motivate and help you reach your fitness goals through the power of Pilates.

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  Sarah Ladd

  Instructor

  A long time advocate of health and wellness, Sarah knew that she had to learn and teach the Pilates method from the moment she attended her first class! As a Pilates instructor, Sarah takes special interest in rehabilitation and injury prevention. Sarah is also a professional harpist whose performing and teaching schedule makes her very aware of occupational hazards and the need for muscle balance. She is fueled by the desire to help others with their goals and to be their best self.