In my 20th year as a certified senior-level Pilates instructor I'm continually inspired to teach Pilates, the method of movement created by Joseph H. Pilates.

After dancing professionally, I thought that becoming a nurse would be a solid career choice. I received my A.S., but then in 1999 I survived a life-threatening cervical spine injury. After rehabilitating at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital's Dance Medicine Center, I was led to extensively study The Pilates method as an amazingly powerful and refined tool for orthopedic injury rehabilitation and prevention, as well as an unparalleled conditioning program for all levels of movement, dance, sports, and performance art.

I completed an advanced teacher’s training program at Turning Point Studios in Walnut Creek, and then was hired at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital's Dancemedicine Center. For seven years I worked at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Center for Sports and Dancemedicine in San Francisco and Corte Madera, Ca. – Dr. James G. Garrick, Director. As a certified Pilates instructor, Dancemedicine Specialist, and physical therapist aide, my education and experience is primarily in Pilates-based orthopedic rehabilitation (concurrent or post physical therapy), injury prevention, and sports and dance conditioning.

I’m grateful to have studied from and worked with some of the most masterful connoisseurs of the body such as; Mercy Sidbury, Nora St. John, Marie-Jose Blom, Elizabeth Larkam, Jean-Claude West, Brion Charles, P.T., Dr. David Kell, Dr. James G. Garrick, Kathleen McDonough, P.T., Deborah Rose (Director San Francisco Gyrotonic), Jane Austin (Master Yoga Teacher.), and many more who still inspire my teaching so very much. In 1988 I studied with Jocelyn Olivier and David Weinstock at Alive & Well! Institute of Conscious BodyWork® and NeuroMuscular Reprogramming (NMR)® , and became a Certified Massage Therapist. I attended Saint Mary’s College’s LEAP program (working professional dancer’s B.A. program), and was happily interrupted with my greatest teaching of all, the birth of my daughter. While pregnant, I received my yoga pregnancy teacher's training certificate from master teacher Jane Austin.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with students from Marin Ballet, Marin Dance Theatre, San Francisco Ballet School, and Studio ‘B’ in Israel. My past experiences as a professional dancer, a certified massage therapist, and a certified medical assistant in women's healthcare clinics have laid the groundwork for me to work with clients of all ages and physical abilities. I am very inspired to work with performing artists, dancers, athletes, the senior community, and children of all ages. Pregnancy, birthing, and motherhood have inspired me to work with pre-/postnatal women.

Having healed rapidly from my total hip replacement in 2018, I am very enthusiastic to teach pre+post surgery strengthening exercises to insure quick healing from THR surgery. Working with the senior community is a passion of mine, and I long to help people who experience pain and discomfort in their daily lives. I worked with my aging father who had Parkinson’s and Type 1 diabetes. Pilates-based movement increased his quality of life tremendously. I work often with those who experience chronic or acute back and/or joint pain due to injury, repetitive stress, scoliosis or osteoarthritis. Regular Pilates sessions accompanied with a solid individually choreographed Pilates-based home program is life-changing for most.

Life is short, and I am passionate about helping people feel better while we are living in these precious bodies of ours.

—Kimberley Michelle