Club Pilates

Bios

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  Jane Barone

  Lead Instructor

  Jane is a Certified Balanced Body Pilates Reformer, Mat, and Cadillac Instructor, 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher and a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She is extremely passionate about Pilates because of the difference it has made in her own life. With her background in physical therapy, she understands the benefits of Pilates on a deeper level and her classes reflect this by targeting specific muscle groups and balancing with counter stretches. Jane’s focus is to provide a safe, welcoming and fun environment where people love to come and learn and challenge themselves. Her mission is to offer the gift of a new internal awareness of grace and strength while performing daily functional movement and for people to love and appreciate their bodies. Jane has always believed in cross-training and continues to participate in multiple forms of exercise and especially enjoys outdoor recreation. If she had to choose one discipline above the rest, it would be the Pilates Reformer, which she believes is a beautifully engineered piece of equipment.

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  Tina Dimengo

  Instructor

  Tina became interested in Pilates over five years ago when, as a group fitness instructor, she took her first Pilates Reformer session. The focus, control and strong yet graceful movements instantly reminded her of her love of ballet. Before long, she enrolled in Stott Pilatesʼ Teacher Training and earned her Pilates Reformer Certification. Tina is also certified to teach mat and barre classes and is currently expanding her education with the Club Pilates Teacher Training Program. A teacher at heart, youʼll find Tinaʼs style to be attentive, patient and encouraging. Her classes follow a contemporary flow and incorporate fun variations, while challenging both the body and mind. When not in the studio, Tina also teaches knitting and crochet classes, loves to cook and try new recipes, and enjoys time with her family.

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  Maria Witt

  Instructor

  Maria Witt of Berea, Ohio, began movement training 16 years ago, with her dance education at Cleveland Dance Academy where she studied jazz, lyrical, ballet and Pointe. She continued her movement education at The College of Wooster where she learned modern dance and choreographic techniques under the direction of Kim Tritt. Maria graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance at The College of Wooster. During her time at Wooster, she performed, choreographed and designed lighting for many dance concerts. An internship in June 2015 introduced Maria to the world of Pilates. She soon earned her mat and machine certification from Sunday Homitz, LPT at Body Technic Systems, Inc. in Solon, Ohio. Maria attends Walsh University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. Throughout her movement training, Maria recognized how Pilates bridges the gap between her two passions of dance and physical therapy. She is thrilled to share her love of analytical movement and power of Pilates with the community of Club Pilates in Broadview Heights!

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  Renata Brandao

  Instructor

  Renata is a Brazilian Physiotherapist and Licensed Massage Therapist in Ohio. She received her Pilates instructor certification by Polestar Education in 2005, with a focus on Pilates for rehabilitation. Renata is also a certified Gyrotonic Instructor and Yoga Vinyasa Instructor. She is the founder of Studio Pilates Renata Brandao and Flow Pilates Studio, both in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She has been practicing for more than 20 years. As a movement educator, she loves to share her knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. As part of her specialty of treating individuals and her never-ending thirst to improve, Renata has traveled to India several times to train as an Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist. Renata believes in healing through touch and movement. Her attentive presence is known to all clients that come to be treated or taught by her. “If you want to be a good teacher, never stop learning!”

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  Clare Vesecky

  Instructor

  Clare Vesecky is a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher with a friendly, functional and personalized teaching style. She strives to teach each class in a way that leaves you feeling strengthened, stretched and invigorated! Clare began teaching mat Pilates in 2009 and later completed a comprehensive 450 hour training program through Pilates Academy International when she was living in Chicago. She initially was attracted to Pilates after discovering what an effective cross-training method it was for her running. Years later, she found her way back to Pilates after sitting all day at an office job left her feeling sluggish and tight in her back. Pilates revitalized her body and mind and she loves being able to share the benefits of the practice with others through teaching. Clare has completed continuing education in Pilates for scoliosis as well as pre and post natal Pilates, which she put to good use through her own pregnancy and postpartum journey. Clare holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Health from Ohio University. She has also taught Cardiolates®, Zumba®, spinning, cardio kickboxing and suspension training.

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  Colleen Carey

  Instructor

  Colleen is a group fitness class enthusiast and became interested in Pilates in college. She completed her training through Club Pilates and is certified in Mat, Reformer, Springboard, EXO Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Cadillac, TRX, Functional Standing Movement and TriggerPoint. She believes Pilates is great for all ages and fitness levels. In her fun and challenging classes, she focuses on core strength, spine alignment, and breath. She looks to see improvement in each student through safe practices. Colleen is looking forward to continuing her Pilates practice and education. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to visit family and friends and cheering on Cleveland sports teams.

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  Jackie Blades

  Instructor

  Jackie is our General Manager! I'm sure many of you see her at the front desk - she practically lives here :) As a lifetime athlete Jackie danced and played basketball and soccer growing up, eventually focusing solely on soccer. She went off to play D1 soccer at Northwestern, graduating with a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree with a focus in Speech Therapy. Through her athletic life Jackie acquired some back issues which sidelined her ability to run or workout without pain. When a friend introduced Pilates to her she was instantly in love. A work out she could do comfortably AND help her build her back up so she can run again. She received her training in our studio - in Mat, Reformer, EXO-Chair, Springboard, Functional Standing Movement, TRX, Trigger Point, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Cadillac. In her training Jackie has learned how to share her passion for Pilates and how to help others live a more pain free and functional life! When she's not at the studio,Jackie loves to read, share your favorite books with her :)

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  Dawn Lett

  Instructor

  Dawn is a licensed Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant. It is her rehabilitation background that attracted her to Pilates. Dawn feels that Pilates is a safe and effective form of exercise for all levels. She has completed her training through Club Pilates and is certified in Mat, Reformer, Springboard, EXO chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Cadillac, TRX, Functional Standing Movement, and Trigger Point. She loves the core strength and improved posture that she has gained from Pilates in her own life and is eager to share improved function with all of her clients. Her favorite Joseph Pilates quote is, “You are only as young as your spine is flexible”. Join Dawn in her classes to keep your spine and the rest of your body mobile and healthy.

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  Sarah Villanueva

  Master Trainer

  Sarah Holmes Villanueva has been teaching Pilates for the past twelve years and is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Instructor. She received her certification on all Pilates apparatus as well as mat, from Half Moon Pilates (currently The Lab) in Brooklyn, NY. She also did continuing education with Teri Steele in NYC and Lizbeth Garcia in San Diego. Sarah received her MFA in Dance from New York University where she had the opportunity to study pedagogy in various somatic therapies such as Body-Mind Centering, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, and Yoga. She also did a 50 hr Yoga Teacher Training program with Abhaya Yoga, Brooklyn. Her years of dancing professionally and teaching has given her an in depth knowledge of anatomy and proper movement patterns. She ran the NYC Marathon in 2015 and used her Pilates training to prevent injury and gain optimum timing. Sarah works with each client and classes' needs to balance an invigorating workout with proper alignment, as well as, release of pain and tension. She loves working with students of all levels and has expertise in helping them recover from various injuries. She worked for over 10 years at one of New York City's most reputable physical therapy centers, Physio Logic as a Senior Instructor. Sarah is also passionate about helping Moms maintain their strength with Pre and Post Natal workouts that are safe and empowering. Recently, she became a Master Trainer for Club Pilates and is leading Teacher Trainings for the region.

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  Julie Sternad

  Lead Instructor

  Meet Julie! Julie is an ACE AEA Certified Instructor and Personal Trainer, The Arthritis Foundation and Johnny G MadDog Spinning Certified, and Club Pilates trained in Mat, Reformer, Exochair, Springboard, Triggerpoint, Spine Corrector, Cadillac RTC, and Ladder Barrel. Julie's been practicing Pilates for ten years in the Cleveland area. She loves that Pilates brings the mind-body connection, the feeling of being lengthened, and having a tall and neutral spine. She believes Pilates is a huge part of a healthy mind, body, and soul . Pilates came into Julie's life with a two year battle with a devastating cancer diagnosis. "Some days, all I could do was focus on a long spine and engage my abs, and that alone changed how my mind worked. Today, I get great joy when a student tells me, 'I felt muscles I never knew I had!'." Julie grew up in Colorado, where she hiked, fished, and climbed with her dad. She enjoys biking, swimming, gardening, and eating great food! Her life revolves around her family with Sunday dinners and traveling to watch her sons wrestle.

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  Erin Sobecks

  Instructor

  Erin is a native of New York where she trained in the Vaganova method at The New School of Ballet. At Jacob’s Pillow world renowned Jazz Workshop, Erin studied with Lynn Simonson, internationally respected educator of jazz dance & creator of Simonson Technique, Sara Neece former Ballet Mistress of the Frankfurt Ballet, Ann Reinking (A Chorus Line, All That Jazz). Erin danced with The Northeast Ballet Company under the Artistic Direction of Peter Frame (New York City Ballet) and Ballet Mistress Darlene Meyers (Pennsylvania Ballet). She has appeared on the televised ‘WRGB's Melodies of Christmas’ and in performances at the National Museum of Dance in Saratoga. Erin gained Theater Arts and Arts Administration experience at the Albany Park Playhouse where she worked as a performer and later Company Manager. Erin has taught ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap at the Joan Alund School of Dance, The New School of Ballet of Schenectady, The Guilderland Ballet (NY) and Jete and Cleveland Ballet Conservatory (OH). She is a certified Leap’N Learn early childhood dance educator. Erin’s ballet background has given her a deep appreciation for the importance of proper technique and alignment to develop strength and endurance while preventing injury. Pilates can help everyone from novices to seasoned athletes achieve their physical fitness goals. Erin is a warm, approachable, welcoming instructor who is so excited to support you on your Pilates journey. Erin has also worked as a Project Manager at Key and Charter One Bank. She was an eCRM Consultant for eLoyalty (Chicago) serving clients across the US and Canada. Erin lives in Brecksville with her husband, Jeff, children Joshua, Juliana, Ryan and our bulldog, Millie. Our family embraces physical fitness and healthy living…except Millie… who right now is probably sleeping on the forbidden couch…

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  Kathy Kriebel

  Instructor

  Kathy is a lifetime fitness enthusiast, former collegiate gymnast, and certified personal trainer. As a Dancersize instructor she worked with Carol Hensel, helping her promote and release records, one of which went gold. For the past 28 years she has been employed by Wadsworth Family Physical Therapy working directly with physical therapist Dr. Vince Whalen. Kathy feels that the Cadillac is the perfect piece of apparatus and enjoys instructing patients of all levels. She received her training from Club Pilates, certified in Mat, Reformer, TRX, Exo-Chair, Springboard, Ladder Barrel, Cadillac, Spine Corrector and Trigger Points. Besides teaching, Kathy still manages to find time to stay in shape. She loves running and still has a competitive spirit. Passionate about helping children with cancer she has been channeling her competitive spirit into fund raisers such as the 24 mile in 24 hours challenge for pediatric cancer patients and Dragons on the Lake; paddling a 46 foot Dragon boat in a race to support breast cancer. Favorite Pilates quote "Change happens through movement and movement heals" Joseph Pilates.

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  Cindy Mihalic

  Instructor

  Cindy has always been a fitness enthusiast, and was instantly inspired by the inclusivity of Pilates. It truly is a workout for EVERY body. Pilates can help to increase flexibility, core strength, muscle balance, strength and tone, and improve posture through movements created by Joseph Pilates. Focusing on correct alignment, breathing and incorporation of your powerhouse (core), makes Pilates the perfect workout! You can expect overall toning, improved mobility and a sense of being more in-tune with your body. You may even feel less stressed and more focused. She completed Teacher Training through Club Pilates which includes Mat, Reformer, EXO Chair, Springboard, FSM, TRX, Trigger Point, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and Cadillac. Cindy has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ursuline College. And has also studied Interior Design at Virginia Marti School of Design and have been an Interior Designer since 2001. Come join the fun and like Cindy, Pilates will be your happy place too!

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  Jennifer Papanikolaou

  Instructor

  Jennifer grew up in the Cleveland area where she began her dance training. She graduated with a BFA in Dance from Adelphi University in New York where she also danced professionally. Jennifer trained with Romana Kryzanowska, a world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates, at the Pilates Studio of New York. She finished her certification in 1997 and taught private and group classes in NYC, until moving to Los Angeles in 1999, where she continued to dance professionally and teach Pilates. She then joined with a physical therapist in the LA area and helped start up a Pilates program for the physical therapy clinic. Jennifer is also an ACE certified personal trainer. Jennifer moved back to the Cleveland area as a mom of twins and enjoys teaching Pilates to clients of all levels.

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  Laura Wallace

  Instructor

  Laura’s motivation is helping others to keep moving toward their health & fitness goals! Four years ago, Laura left a 24-year long career in retail as a buyer and general manager, followed her heart and became a fitness instructor. She’s since become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Specialist and an energetic group fitness instructor certified in TRX Suspension Training, Barre, TriggerPoint GRID foam rolling and WaterRower rowing. Laura has been practicing Pilates for over 12 years in the Cleveland and Akron area. She is certified in Reformer, Mat, EXO Chair, Springboard, Ladder Barrel, Cadillac and Spine Corrector through Club Pilates. For so many reasons – mind/body connection, core focus, increased flexibility to name a few – Pilates is her first love of fitness. When not at the studio, Laura is a dog walker, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves to travel. Her favorite season is “football”! Be moving, be learning, be living, be present!

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  Victoria Smalc

  Instructor

  Victoria is originally from the Cleveland area, and has recently moved back to Cleveland after living in NYC for 15 years. Growing up as a dancer, Victoria was first introduced to Pilates at the age of 16. After moving to NYC to attend Fordham University, she continued her Pilates private training while also pursuing her professional dance career. Victoria danced, taught and continued training in NYC until her move back to Cleveland. Victoria has taught Barre and Pilates Mat at various gyms and studios throughout Cleveland, and has recently completed the Club Pilates Teacher Training here at Broadview Heights! She is very grateful and excited to be teaching in a warm friendly studio and is looking forward to helping expand the Club Pilates brand throughout Cleveland!

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  Kari Willis

  Instructor

  Kari found her passion for Pilates through her dance background. She loved what Pilates did for her body and mind, and it quickly became part of her everyday routine. She decided to make it her career in 2009, through Balanced Body Pilates. Kari trained in Cleveland, OH with Troy McCarty and in Asheville, NC with Jennifer Gianni. Kari likes to focus on personalizing each individuals experience with Pilates, directing clients to listen to their body as the key for their practice. She enjoys embracing the fundamentals of Pilates and it is represented in her teaching style, which would be a classical style base to remember the nature of the practice, with a contemporary mix for flow, fun and modifications. Kari is also a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor and holds a degree in Business management. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, crafting, and spending time with her family and her dog, Felix.

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  Jessica Kroft

  Instructor

  Jessica grew up in Seville, Ohio and began dancing competitively at the age of 12. She moved to Las Vegas at 18 to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she earned her BA in Dance Performance and Choreography in 2000. While dancing in college, Jessica discovered Pilates and got her comprehensive certification in 2002 from Dolly Kelepecz, who developed the DK Body Balancing Method. Jessica lived and worked in Las Vegas until 2017, teaching at the Pilates by Dolly studios, getting a Geometrix certification, and dancing in pick-up companies, choreography showcases, and with the Nevada Repertory Dance Theater. Her teaching experiences include private studio work, upscale spas, exclusive golf clubs, high schools, and private classes for visiting tourists; in everything from mat classes, reformer classes, small groups, private and semi-private sessions. After returning to Ohio in September of 2017 to be closer to her family, Jessica participated in the opening of the Chagrin Falls Club Pilates where she was the Lead Instructor until August of 2019. She got her TRX certification while teaching there in 2018. She so enjoys having the privilege of bringing Pilates to a wider audience with the Club Pilates team! Jessica also enjoys reading, cooking, drinking good wine, and walking her dog, Wednesday. She has been dancing and choreographing with Cleveland Dance Project for the last three seasons and credits Pilates with enabling her to continue dancing!

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  Abby Gretter

  Instructor

  Abby found a love for Pilates movement after her collegiate cheerleading days and passion for remaining active as a postpartum mama found her with aching knees and chronic back issues. Following her first Pilates class, Abby became enamored with the flow, challenge and restorative body results of the Pilates method. Her renewed athletic health inspired her decision to complete the 450-hour comprehensive Teacher Training program through Pilates Core Integration in 2015. Today, Abby's Pilates clients love her ability to coach connected, mindful classical body movements during fundamental classes while anticipating her infusion of challenging flow sequences at advanced levels. Abby is also a certified Pilates specialist for Neurological Conditions through The Neuro Studio, helping clients with MS, Parkinson’s Disease, and other neurological disorders find the restorative and rehabilitative benefits of Pilates. Abby's excitement to share Pilates can best be experienced through her hands on corrections, intentional cuing and her infectious (and sometimes evil) laugh.