Brent Anderson, PhD, PT, OCS, President and CEO
Brent received his degree in Physical Therapy at University of California, San Francisco in 1989 and his PhD in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami in 2005. His doctoral thesis explored the impact of Pilates rehabilitation on chronic low back pain using psycho-emotional wellness and quality of life measures. He is currently adjunct faculty at the University of Miami, Division of Physical Therapy. In addition, he owns and operates Polestar Physical Therapy and Pilates Center in Miami, FL, which serves as a model for the use of Pilates for rehabilitation.
From his extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent has applied critical reasoning skills and supportive scientific research to Joseph Pilates’ revolutionary mind-body work. He also brings to the Polestar curriculum an investigation of the effects of psychology and energy systems on motor control and motor learning.
James Oschman, Ph.D.
James Oschman is a pioneer in the exploration of the scientific basis for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). He has both the academic credentials and the background in CAM to carry out his explorations. He has published 26 full-length scientific articles in academic journals and 50 articles in CAM journals. In his work, he refers to the same basic science that provides the foundation for modern clinical medicine.
Jim lectures widely on the energetic phenomena taking place in the therapeutic situation. He has developed many scientific insights that can help therapists from every tradition understand and advance their work and explain it to others. His ground-breaking series of articles on "healing energy" published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies were developed into a book, Energy Medicine: the scientific basis, published in the spring of 2000 by Harcourt Brace/Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. This book is giving the most skeptical academic scientists and medical researchers a theoretical basis for exploring the physiology and biophysics of energy medicines. A second book, Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance, was published in the spring of 2003 by Harcourt Health Sciences/Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford.
Jim has degrees in Biophysics and Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. He has worked in major research labs around the world. These include Cambridge University in England, Case-Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, the University of Copenhagen, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he was on the faculty, and the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, where he was a staff scientist. His scientific papers have been published in some of the world's leading journals. To learn about the theories and practices underlying CAM, Jim has both taught and attended classes at various schools around the world, and experienced a wide range of bodywork techniques. This has brought Jim some distinctions, including acting as President of the New England School of Acupuncture, a Distinguished Service Award from the Rolf Institute and the Founders Award from the National Foundation for Alternative Medicine. Jim continues his research and writing in Dover, New Hampshire, where he is President of Nature's Own Research Association. Jim is increasingly being invited to present the concepts emerging from his research to medical professionals at various hospitals and medical centers around the world. He has also become involved in the development and testing of cutting-edge medical devices and other applications of the emerging concepts of energy medicine.
David Greenspan
David spent almost 25 years in the corporate world as a Wall Street first vice president, marketing director, chief operating officer, mergers & acquisitions advisor, author, and entrepreneur.
Shortly after watching the Twin Towers fall on 9/11, at the height of his emotional turbulence, he left New York on a journey of self-discovery. He met Dr. Deepak Chopra at the Seduction of Spirit meditation retreat in Oxford, England who advised him to make peace with his past and taught him to reconnect with his unconditioned self through sutra meditations. A few days later, David arrived in southern India at the abode of a Naadi scroll reader who helped him explore and make peace with his past and future lives.
When he returned to the states, he attended an Ayurvedic workshop where he met Chopra Center co-founder David Simon, M.D., who invited him to balance the two worlds of business and spirit as COO and CMO of Chopra Enterprises and gave him the name davidji.
Within the nurturing environs of the Center, and under the daily guidance of Deepak and David, davidji became a Certified Perfect Health educator, the Center’s lead Primordial Sound Meditation instructor, and a guiding force helping others learn the practical tools to integrate these timeless teachings into their 21st century lives.
Carol Davis, DPT, EdD, MS, FAPTA
Professor Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, USADr. Carol M. Davis is the editor of the book, “Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation, Evidence of Efficacy in Therapy, Prevention and Wellness”, published by SLACK, Inc. now in its third edition. She has also written five editions of the text, “Patient Practitioner Interaction / An Experiential Manual for Developing the Art of Patient Care”, also published by SLACK, Inc. She has practiced physical therapy for over 35 years, beginning her career at the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1969. She completed her Doctorate in Humanistic Studies at Boston University in 1982 and has been on the faculty at the University of Miami since that time, except for a two and a half year position at Boston University from 1985-87. Her manual therapy practice with complementary therapies began in 1989 when she initiated her study of myofascial release with John Barnes, PT. She completed her DPT degree with the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Currently she is Professor Emerita in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and in private practice as a myofascial release physical therapist at Polestar Pilates in Miami.
Libby Weaver, PhD
Holistic Nutrition SpecialistDr Libby Weaver is one of Australiasia’s leading nutritionists who lives in New Zealand. Dr Libby has worked extensively in health retreats as well as in private consultancy with individuals, groups, companies, universities and the media. Dr Libby completed her PhD examining biochemical and nutritional factors in children with autism, the outcomes of which, have affected the way the condition is treated in Australia. Through this work, Libby came to better understand the role various hormones play in influencing our body shape and size, fertility, our appetites, our response to exercise, clarity of thought, sleep patterns and a host of other behaviors. Where an individual has a tendency to gain body fat tells her much about the way to address these challenges with a client. Working in two of Australia’s leading heath retreats sharing these concepts, Dr Libby’s insights were often described as life-changing. She continues to work with a broad range of people from businessmen and women and stay-at-home parents to prominent sportspeople and Hollywood stars. Her work includes seeing clients one-on-one and delivering dynamic, informative seminars that get to the heart of nutritional issues that have the potential to alter an individual’s health future. She writes for many magazines, is interviewed regularly on TV and for radio and she is the author of the very popular book “Accidentally Overweight”.
Sherri Betz, PT, GCS
Polestar Pilates Educator, USA, Owner of TheraPilates, Santa Cruz, CASherri Betz, PT, GCS has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 1991, is a board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, international presenter, Polestar Educator/Examiner, Gyrotonic® / GyrokinesisTM Instructor, nominated for APTA Geriatric Clinical Specialist Award 2004, author of “The Osteoporosis Exercise” Book, 2nd Edition, creator of modified Pilates videos for special populations & is pioneering development in Pilates for Osteoporosis and Geriatrics. Sherri is dedicated to increasing awareness about bone health and serves on the Professional Education Committee of the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education (FORE). Sherri owns TheraPilates® Physical Therapy Clinic, in Santa Cruz, CA and was the Vice-President of the Pilates Method Alliance Board of Directors in 2009.
Alexander Bohlander, PT
Osteopath, HomeopathPolestar Pilates Licensee and Educator, GERMANY
Alexander Bohlander, PT, Osteopath and Homeopath, is one of the first Polestar affiliates and has been a Polestar licensee for many years. For the last three years he has studied Meditation with the Chopra Center and has recently been approved as a Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher. In his three Health Centers in Cologne, Germany he incorporates Meditation as a rich supplement to Pilates, treatments and coaching.
Alice B Denovaro, MFA, Dance
President of Physio Pilates EducationPolestar Licensee and Educator, SOUTH AMERICA
In Brazil, Alice is the pioneer who first introduced and implemented the Pilates Method. She started her Pilates studies in 1989 at California Institute of the Arts, Cal Arts - US. In 1991, she became certified in Pilates by Marie Jose Bloom at the Long Beach Dance Conditioning – CA. In 1998, she became certified by Polestar Education in Post-Rehabilitation and Fitness. Presently she is president of Physio Pilates Education and the Polestar licensee for seven countries in South America. Alice graduated with a degree in Dance from the Federal University of Bahia and a Masters in Dance (MFA) from Cal Arts – US. Alice co-directs four Pilates studios in Salvador, Bahia and teaches at universities, various Fitness, Pilates and Dance conferences, fitness and rehabilitation events and dance festivals throughout Brazil, Europe, South America, North America and Oceania. She has performed with the Balé Teatro Castro Alves since 1984 and has toured around the world as a dancer and soloist of this official state sponsored modern and contemporary dance company. Alice is also a Pilates instructor for the company since 1991 and GYROKINESIS® instructor since 2002. In May 2000, she trained in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® and was certified in 2001 (first generation in Brazil). In May 2010 Alice concluded her Leg Extension training with Juliu Horvath. Alice is a member of the Pain Ambulatory of HUPES – UFBA (Federal University of Bahia), a multidisciplinary group coordinated by Dr. Durval Kreychette. Alice provides Pilates to a low income population with chronic pain.
Amanda Boyle, B PhysEd
Head of Education Power Plate Australia, Master Trainer Power Plate International, Personal Trainer Dip Functional Training, AUSTRALIAAmanda is a total movement enthusiast! Amanda Boyle has been a Master Trainer with Power Plate® and Acceleration Training™ for over 3 years, teaching in Australia, United Kingdom, Europe and throughout Asia. Amanda is excited to collaborate with Polestar Australia and Polestar International for the 2011 Polestar Conference, combining Pilates and the Power Plate to create a whole new method of training - Pilates with Vibration Training.
Kathy Corey
Director of Kathy Corey Pilates, UNITED STATESKathy Corey is a Master Teacher who began her career with the Pilates Technique in 1979. She has been the leading expert in the Pilates community for over 30 years. She is the Director of Kathy Corey Pilates. The Kathy Corey Pilates Certification Program is taught at locations across the United States and her continuing education programs are taught in twenty countries. In 2004, she designed the innovative CORE Band™, which is used in studios around the world. The Core Band™ Mat Class is recognized as an enhancement to the traditional mat exercises.
Since 2007, Corey has been the Chairperson of the IDEA Pilates Task Force. She is on the Contributing Editor Board for IDEA Pilates Today and invited to be profiled as an IDEA Expert.
She is an Advisory Board Member for Pilates Style Magazine and a member of the Board of Advisors for the American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA).
Corey was appointed to the faculty of the University of Alcalá, Spain, the first University to incorporate Pilates into a Master of Science degree program.
PilatesAnytime.com has invited Kathy Corey to be a “Distinguished Instructor”. Pilates Anytime is a global Pilates Studio, created for people all over the world to explore Pilates with highly skilled, well-trained instructors.
Corey is PMA Pilates Gold Certified and she has been selected by IDEA as one of ten people in the world “Who Inspire the World to Fitness,” the fitness industry’s highest form of recognition.
Georgia Oliviera
Technical Director of Physio Pilates EducationPolestar Pilates Educator, BRAZIL
Georgia is graduate of Federal University of Bahia, Brazil in Professional Dance since 1998. She has administered classes in Modern Dance, Classical Ballet and Flamenco Dance at EBATECA and other schools in SSA. Georgia initiated her Pilates studies and the Pilates Method in 1997 with Alice Becker. In 1998, she concluded her Pilates training with Brent Anderson by Polestar Education in both Fitness and Post- Rehab. In 2001, Georgia participated in a Pilates Mat workshops with Lolita San Miguel. She was a member of the Pain Ambulatory (HUPES – BA) a multidisciplinary team working with Pilates for chronic pain with low income patients. In May 2000, concluded her Gyrotonic training with Angela Crowley and certified in 2001 (first generation in Brazil). In May 2002, she concluded her Gyrokinesis training, certifying in February 2009. In 2002, Georgia also participated in the Advanced Spine Polestar course.
Amanda Erlank
AUSTRALIAAmanda stepped into her first mat class 10 years ago and began her voyage of discovery of the Pilates method. She continues to be inspired by the varied teachers and repertoires that exist in this field of movement. Her certification of choice has been with Polestar Pilates. Based in Sydney, Australia, she instructs and mentors in Studio, Reformer and Mat Polestar series. She continues her studies to further develop her understanding of Pilates’ history & philosophy, human anatomy & physiology and how it all combines together to be such an effective means of movement for so many people. Having left the world of corporate demands, Amanda now finds her balance and serenity from teaching and practicing the Pilates way. She hopes to share what she has learned from her myriad of teachers to assist others in sharing the same joy she gets from Pilates.
Amy B. Broekemeier DPT, CMPT
Polestar Pilates Educator, USAAmy holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy and a BA in Psychology from Creighton University, and is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through the NAIOMT. She is a Principal Educator and Examiner for Polestar Education, and is PMA certified. Amy owns Pinnacle Performance in Salt Lake City, UT and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Utah. A 15 year, full-time clinician, Amy brings her rehabilitation expertise to many populations.
Anna K. Tischenko E., PT
Senior Physical Therapist, Polestar Physical Therapy and Pilates Center, USAAnna Katerina is a pioneer in neurological rehabilitation, whose primary objective is to empower each client to achieve his or her personal goals. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to rehabilitation, and consults with neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, orthotists and equipment representatives locally and around the world. Anna Katerina has been practicing in the South Florida region since 1996, and is a loyal supporter of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Shake-a-Leg Organization in Miami, as well as the Fundación Venezolana Pro Cura de la Parálisis and FUVIN Organization in Venezuela. Anna Katerina graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston. She is a guest instructor at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale and a 15-year member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Anna Katerina is currently pursuing her PhD in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami. Her doctoral thesis is designed to explore the development of physical therapist professional behaviors. She has lectured at national and international meetings on the topics of neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord injury and multiple traumas.
Arlette Herzig
Polestar Pilates Educator, SWITZERLANDArlette Herzig is the head of the Swiss Polestar Education Team. She has a background in Physical Education and Sports Science and is an Examiner for the American College of Sports Medicine. She co-owns the Studio Spirit for Pilates and Yoga and a Personal Training Agency in Basel / Switzerland. Arlette is known for teaching creative classes. She will often incorporate sports-conditioning into her classes, which bridges the gap between Pilates and an active lifestyle.
Beth Lepkowski Maloney, PT, DPT
Polestar Pilates Educator, USABeth received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree from the University of Miami in 1999 and most recently her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2006 from Shenandoah University. She worked as a physical therapist and supervisor of the Pilates program at Body Dynamics, Inc. in Arlington, VA until September of 2003 when she opened her own practice. She is now the owner/director of Above & Beyond: Physical Therapy, Pilates, and Consulting, LLC and specializes in Orthopaedic/Manual Physical Therapy, private Pilates training and group classes. Beth has been pursuing continuing education in manual therapy through St. Augustine University and actively presents research on behalf of the APTA Orthopaedic and Performing Arts Special Interest Groups. She is the author of a monthly newspaper column in the Hanover Evening Sun titled “Committed to Wellness”. Beth has been a Polestar Educator/Examiner for the past 8 years and is Research Committee Chair for Polestar Education. She is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance and is dedicated to promoting quality instruction of the Pilates repertoire.
Rael Isacowitz, MA
Founder of BASI Pilates, UNITED STATESRael Isacowitz, MA is a world-renowned practitioner and teacher of Pilates. With over 30 years of Pilates achievement behind him, he is a prominent lecturer and teacher at symposiums, universities, colleges and studios around the globe.
Rael received his Bachelor of Education degree and teaching credentials from Israel's prestigious Wingate Institute, where he subsequently joined the teaching faculty. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Dance from the University of Surrey, England.
Rael’s early Pilates teachers included Alan Herdman, and thereafter several of the first-generation Pilates teachers (known as the Elders). To Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher, Romana Kryzanowska, Eve Gentry and Lolita San Miguel he owes the inspiration and friendship that have guided his career.
Rael has mastered all levels of the Pilates repertoire and is noted in the industry for his unique athleticism, his synthesis of body, mind and spirit and the passion of his teaching. In 1989, he founded Body Arts and Science International® (BASI Pilates) which has developed into one of the foremost Pilates education organizations in the world. At present BASI Pilates is represented in 20 countries and over 100 locations.
Rael has authored the definitive book on Pilates (Pilates, Human Kinetics) with a second, Pilates Anatomy, to be released in 2011. He has published a series of Movement Analysis Workbooks on all the Pilates apparatus, produced DVDs, designed the revolutionary Avalon® equipment and created Pilates Interactive™, groundbreaking and unprecedented Pilates software. He is a regular contributor to several industry publications. Creativity, passion and energy suffuse Rael's work. Teaching Pilates is, for Rael, the ultimate gift.
Blas Chamorro, DO, PEG
Polestar Pilates Licensee and Educator, SPAINBlas Chamorro has been working as a Physical trainer and Osteopath for more than 10 years. In 2003 he became a Polestar® practitioner and since then he’s been very interested in the combined work between active and passive therapies. His Franklin® Method and GYROTONIC® preparation give Blas a wide number of alternatives to achieve his goals with clients. In 2004, Blas opened his first Pilates-based rehabilitation facility and in one year the Studio grew significantly. In 2008, Blas became a Polestar Educator and in the same year he also became Polestar’s co-licensee for Spain and Portugal.
Bob Schroedter, PT, MSPT
Polestar Pilates Educator, USABob Schroedter is a physical therapist with over 8 years experience treating orthopedic patients. He has been an adjunct faculty member for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Physical Therapy Department, and is currently completing work towards his clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Bob has dedicated his professional career towards analyzing and improving movement quality in all types of movers—athletes, performing artists, senior citizens, working professionals, etc. He holds additional certifications in Pilates, GYROTONIC®, USA Triathlon Level I Coaching, and is working on ChiRunning certification. Additionally, Bob travels nationally and internationally as a Polestar Educator. He is the owner of Movement Thru Rehab, a start-up Physical Therapy practice and movement reeducation venture, located within the Miami Beach GYROTONIC® Studio on South Beach.
Catherine Giannitto
DirectorPolestar Pilates Licensee and Educator AUSTRALIA
Catherine Giannitto has many years of training experience, both as a dance instructor (8 yrs) and corporate consultant (13 yrs) but decided to pursue a career in Pilates after sustaining a back injury that required ongoing rehabilitation. She opened her Pilates Studio in the Northern Beaches of Sydney Australia in 2002 and not long after commenced her relationship with Polestar Pilates and is currently the licensee for Australia. Catherine is heavily involved in the Pilates community in Australia, being a committee member of the Pilates Alliance of Australasia. She understands the importance of on-going training and keeping up to date with the latest rehabilitative techniques. She is excited about the Alliance of Polestar Pilates with Power Plate and can’t wait to show you how the blend of both is a fabulous combination. She lives in Sydney and has two young daughters.
Christi Idavoy, MA
Wellness and Fitness ManagerPolestar Physical Therapy and Pilates Center, USA
Christi began her journey in the field of movement at the age of six. She began studying ballet and later moved towards jazz, modern and African dance. As an adolescent and college student, Christi taught group fitness and dance. While her academic career prepared her for a life in politics and diplomatic affairs, her passion for movement as an expressive art form and grounding practice ultimately brought her to become a yoga, Pilates and most recently, a GYROTONIC® instructor. Finding her vocation in service through movement, Christi decided in 2005 to commit whole-heartedly to the field of movement. In 2010 she became the Manager of Fitness and Wellness for Polestar Physical Therapy and Pilates Center in Miami, FL.
Clara Trigo
BRAZIL
Clara F Trigo, majored in dance at the Federal University of Bahia and worked at the University as a teacher for a few years. She has extensive experience with movement techniques like capoeira, afro dance, classic ballet, flamenco, Alexander Technique, GYROKINESIS® and Pilates. She has been working as a Pilates instructor since 1998 and has created her own equipment called the Flymoon for a unique workshop that she developed. She has also worked as a creator-performer with several choreographers and began the art group SUA CIA. Since then she also develops activities on communication and cultural production. She directs and produces annually the TV program SUA DANÇA, in partnership with the TVE-BA. She is the main director of the International Platform of Dance (PID), a body of actions focused on dance development.
Darren Stojanovic, PT
Owner and Director Dynamic Stability Physiotherapy and Pilates P/L, Physiotherapist, Power Plate CertifiedPolestar Pilates Educator, AUSTRALIA
Darren completed his Physiotherapy degree at the University of Sydney in 1992. After working in Tasmania for 3 years, his love for track and field took him to Kenya for a 6 month stay and during this time he had the opportunity to join the Kenyan athletic team as touring physio during 1996 and 1997. After training in Clinical Pilates in 1997, Darren worked at Dance Medicine Australia from 1997-2001, where he worked and trained with Craig Phillips.
In 2001 Darren opened up his own practice in Richmond with Nicholas Allan, to be known as DYNAMIC STABILITY Physio and Pilates Clinic. He completed Polestar’s Rehabilitation Certification in 2003 and trained to be an educator with Polestar in 2004, teaching Polestar courses around Australia and Asia. From 1993-2004, Darren continued to train and race over 800m at national level but finally made the decision to retire from competition in February 2004 to concentrate on becoming a Polestar Educator.
Dav Cohen, MSPT
Polestar Pilates Educator, AUSTRALIADav was first introduced to Pilates exercise in 1992 while working in Los Angeles, California as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. His interest in the movement sciences and rehabilitation led him to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy, which he received from the University of Miami in 1998.
Since then Dav has worked teaching Pilates in a variety of fitness and rehabilitation settings, including Orthopedic Physiotherapy clinics, fitness centers, health clubs and Pilates studios. He has been a Principal Educator and Examiner with Polestar Education since 1997, Director of Educator Development for Australia and New Zealand since 2003 and Director of Curriculum since 2006.
Dav is dedicated to the continued evolution of the Pilates community and is a member of the Pilates Industry Alliance in Australia. Through his work he hopes to help maintain the highest standards of Pilates education and information and create a spirit of unity and professionalism within the industry.
Dawnna Wayburne
Education DirectorPolestar Pilates Licensee and Educator, ASIA
Dawnna's initial Pilates training started as a dance student in London in 1973, with Allan Herdman. She then continued her training intensively in the Pilates field with great original students such as Romana Kryzanowks and in addition to her training with Brent Anderson and Polestar she has worked with master teachers of universal repute many of whom worked with Joseph Pilates himself. Dawnna was the first person to set up a combined GYROTONIC® / Pilates exercise studio in Asia.
As well as spending a considerable part of her time conducting the Polestar and GYROTONIC® training programs in Hong Kong and other cities around Asia, Dawnna runs her own ballet studio which numbers approximately 300 students. She is also instrumental in having organized the Functional Re-Education module of the Dance Degree program at the HK Academy for Performing Arts.
In 2005 Dawnna became one of only 9 GYROTONIC® Authorized Master Trainers world wide at that time, permitted by Juliu Horvath to assist in the certification of future Master Trainers as well as in the Certification of Level One students.
Another field of interest for Dawnna is based on the work she has done with great teachers such as Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and Ruthy Alon who was an original student of Mosche Feldenkrais. Ruthy’s renowned Bones for Life training is one that Dawnna incorporates in her international trainings.
Deborah Thomas
Polestar Pilates Educator, AUSTRALIADeborah Thomas started out dreaming of becoming a principal ballet dancer. After being accepted into the Australian Ballet School at age 15 she completed a year of training before hanging up the ballet shoes. During her time at the Australian Ballet School, she was exposed to the benefits of Pilates for both rehabilitation and general conditioning, and decided that a career down this path would be very rewarding.
Deborah loves her work as a Polestar Educator, it allows her to travel, meet like-minded health professionals and share her knowledge of the body and movement.
Deborah is currently the Director of StudioAlign Pilates Centre in Sydney that’s been successfully running for three years. Whilst juggling the business, Deborah has completed a Physiotherapy degree from the University of Sydney (graduating 2010) and enjoys being able to integrate the benefits of Pilates with the science of Physiotherapy. Deborah is also a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the Pilates Alliance of Australasia and has a Diploma of Pilates and a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport) degree from the University of Sydney.
Frank Felten
Polestar Pilates Instructor, GERMANYFrank completed his Polestar education in Mat and Reformer and is proud to currently be involved in "Springs" - the successful Pilates Center of Polestar Licensee Alexander Bohlander in Cologne, Germany. Frank has had a diverse background as a travel guide, dancer and entertainer, aerobics and fitness trainer, a sales manager, and the director of his own promotion and events agency. After many years abroad, he found his fulfillment in performing and teaching Pilates. A decision from the heart.
Gerard Hinderlich, ATC
Polestar Pilates Educator, USAGerard has been teaching Pilates since 1999 and is a Polestar Educator and examiner. He believes every person has a great purpose to create or discover, which can wonderfully impact and change the world. Gerard acquired his B.S. in Kinesiology from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas and was nationally certified as an ATC in 1997. He relocated to Denver in 1998 where his Pilates path began with Polestar. He continued his training with Rael Isakowitz and Debra Iole. Gerard enjoys continually expanding his intellect into all areas of the Pilates Method, contemporary and classical alike. One of his complementary areas of study is Muscle Activation Techniques, a dynamic muscular assessment system that analyzes and corrects muscular imbalances through muscle testing and manual treatment of necessary muscles. Currently in California, Gerard instructs belief in affirmation and intention, positive action through positive thought and growth of an enthusiastic spirit to enjoy all life’s lessons and blessings.
Helen L. Masin, PhD, PT
Associate Professor, University of Miami, USAHelen L. Masin, PhD, PT, is currently a clinical associate professor in the Graduate Programs in Physical Therapy in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Pediatrics in the Miller School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from New York University, her Master of Medical Science in pediatric physical therapy and education from Emory University, and her Ph.D in Educational Leadership from the University of Miami. Her clinical experience in physical therapy has included hospitals, public schools, private practice, and child development centers. She served as Director of Physical Therapy at the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development for fourteen years. Currently, she teaches in both the entry level doctoral and the PhD programs in physical therapy. She continues her work as a consultant physical therapist at the Debbie School program for children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development Dr. Masin’s professional interests include pediatric assessment and treatment, clinical education, professional socialization, communications, and intercultural aspects of health care. Dr. Masin is certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment in Pediatrics, (NDT), and Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing (SIPT). She is a certified practitioner in Neurolinguistic Psychology (NLP) and has assisted in teaching NLP for Health Professionals as well as for Self Development at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her hobbies include dancing, bicycling, windsurfing and gourmet cooking. She enjoys the intercultural opportunities for learning in Miami.
Isabela Moody, BA
Polestar Pilates Educator, BRAZILIsabela began practicing Pilates in 1990, under the instruction of Alice Becker Denovaro in Brazil. In 1999 she began teaching mat, Allegro and studio classes at the Physio Pilates studios in Salvador, Brazil. She received a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Federal University of Bahia in 2000. In 2002, Isabela headed overseas and went to work as a Pilates instructor in Auckland, New Zealand, where she began formalizing the repertoire of evolved Pilates she came to call “Living Spine Workshops 1 and 2”.
The ‘Living Spine’ repertoire has since been taught in many countries, also through her collaborators; physiotherapist Tayra Melo, choreographer Clara Trigo and dancer Alice Becker Denovaro. Living Spine 1 and 2 is offered as a CEC workshop by Polestar Pilates in South America.
Isabela is currently living in Brazil, working from a home studio where she teaches, researches and continues to develop repertoire and equipment in collaboration with Physio Pilates Equipment (licensed manufacturer for Balanced Body in South America).
Joao Oliveira, BA
Polestar Pilates Mentor, AUSTRALIAJoao has been teaching Pilates since 1999, he joined Polestar in 2001 and has been Mentoring since 2004. He has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and has completed studies in Dance, Pilates, Video and Movement Reeducation. His diverse background has allowed him to bring a unique approach to the Pilates method. Jo states, “Technique is related to practice not to talent. There is no right or wrong, as long as each experience is used to improve the next one, each one has the best body he or she could have and it’s the starting point for any work”. Jo will be teaching two classes at the conference; one designed to give you a great workout and make you feel better, and the other to increase your awareness of the bones and muscles of the pelvis.
Juan Nieto DO
Polestar Pilates Licensee and Educator, SPAINJuan received his Osteopathy degree in 2001. He began his career working with some of the best experts in Europe. After years of intensive osteopathic dedication as a therapist and assistant teacher, Juan started to explore the movement-related sciences as a complement to his treatments. He completed his Polestar Pilates training in 2003 and discovered the potential of the Pilates method as a rehabilitation technique. Since then Juan has been very focused in researching and developing rehabilitation applications in the Pilates environment.
In 2004, Juan opened his first Pilates-based rehabilitation facility and in just one year the Studio grew significantly.
As he goes into the world of movement, Juan is deeply influenced by other techniques: in 2005 he became a Franklin Method® teacher and in 2007 received his GYROTONIC® instructor certificate. At the same time he continues his osteopathic research on paediatrics and pregnancy. In the last two years Juan has been training professional athletes, awakening a whole new interest in functional movement in sports technique and performance. Juan is a Polestar Educator and in 2008 he became Polestar’s co-licensee for Spain and Portugal.
Kimberley Garlick
dip Pilates; cert IV Pilates; Dip Nut; Bhms, Polestar Pilates Educator, AUSTRALIAKimberley Garlick is a part of the Australian Polestar Educator team. Kimberley’s Pilates related background began with full time dancing. She studied sports science at the Australian Catholic University, while simultaneously pursuing her Nutrition Diploma and teaching dance. Kimberley managed Sports centres, teaching all styles of classes and personal training, and ran her own nutrition centre. In 1996 she completed her first mat and reformer courses and began teaching Pilates along with her other classes.
In 2003 Kimberley completed the Polestar Studio training and simultaneously finished a Diploma of Pilates through Sydney University. Since then Kimberley has completed the Polestar Diploma, Certificate 4, Mat and Reformer training.
Kimberley has done many other courses including Myer Briggs Personality Profiling, AcuEnergetics (AcuEnergetics® is a modern healing modality, that integrates Chinese, Judaic, Indian and western healing traditions into an accurate energy medicine) and Life Coaching. She is a Life style presenter for large business firms and has her own studios in Sydney and Byron Bay.
Kyria Sabin
USARecognized as a Master Pilates Teacher and Fletcher Pilates® Disseminator, Kyria Sabin founded Body Works Pilates in Tucson, Arizona in 1993. She is also founder and Director of Fletcher Pilates®, International. A graduate of Duke University, a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher and a Licensed Massage Therapist, Kyria developed the Pilates Program at the University of Arizona School of Dance where she serves as adjunct faculty. She is an international presenter and has served on the boards for Pilates Method Alliance, the University of Arizona Dance Advisory Board and the Foundation for Expanding Horizons.
Laurie Tuchman, LMA
Polestar Pilates Educator, USALaurie Tuchman, known for her creative applications of Pilates repertoire, holds a BA in Dance from Hampshire College. She is certified in the Franklin Method and as a Movement Analyst through the Laban Institute of Movement Studies. As a Polestar Pilates educator, Laurie teaches nationally and internationally. She owns Equilibrium Farm, a private movement studio in South Florida where she works with athletes, pedestrians and equestrians.
Liz Bussey
Polestar Pilates Educator, UKLiz Bussey is an internationally known movement therapist and presenter. She trained extensively with Polestar Pilates Education in the US and Polestar Pilates UK, APPI and the Pilates Institute. She is also an NLP and Reiki practitioner. Liz runs her own Pilates studios in London and in Lewes, Sussex, where she works closely with remedial therapists and lifestyle coaches. Liz has completed Trager level one with Dean Juhan and Part One of the Structural Integration training with Tom Myers at KMI. Currently a Polestar Educator in the UK, Liz is renowned for her innovative facilitation techniques and her expertise as a trainer and communicator. She is currently in training to become a Shadow Work practitioner allowing her to facilitate true mind/body integration.
Maree Seerden
Director of the Pilates Body Studio, Polestar Pilates Licensee and Educator, NEW ZEALANDMaree Seerden is a Polestar Educator and is the Polestar Pilates Licensee for New Zealand. She began her training with Polestar in Australia in 1999, and has been running the Polestar courses in New Zealand since 2000. Maree was introduced to Pilates in 1987, and started teaching Pilates based exercises in 1992 in London at the Body Control studios in South Kensington under the auspices of Gordon Thompson. She is the Director and founder of the Pilates Body Studio, a Pilates conditioning and rehabilitation centre in the heart of Auckland city, New Zealand; the first Pilates studio to open its doors in New Zealand in 1995.
Marion Roehrig
Polestar Pilates Educator, GERMANYMarion is a state-approved gymnastic instructor, dancer, Pilates teacher, and Polestar Educator. Marion studied dance in Hamburg and London and traditional Balinese and Javanese dancing in Indonesia.
In 1998 she began her intensive studies of the Pilates method which for her always connected to development and diversity. Since 2005 she has been inspiring and motivating her students as a teacher and mentor in her own studio, Via Pilates in Berlin. Her sensitive and lively personality make her classes a truly rewarding experience.
Mirko Turla
Polestar Pilates Educator, ASIAMirko Turla is an International Presenter and Instructor Trainer for Pilates, Group Exercise and Water Fitness. He is a regular on the International Fitness Conventions circuit and has presented workshops and master classes across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the USA. Mirko is also a Polestar Educator and conducts training courses internationally.
Nelly Lugo, PT, BS, OCS. CHFS, CPT
Polestar Pilates Educator, USANelly received her degree in Allied Health at Adelphi University in 1988, at which time she completed her certification as a Health Fitness Specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine. She continued her work in the field of fitness for a short spell then sought her degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1992. Her experiences in Bodybuilding, gymnastics, track and field, various forms of social dance, Ballroom, and Taekwondo made it natural for Nelly to work in outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine. She developed her clinical expertise in Dance Medicine, Biomechanical evaluation and orthotics prescription and the Cyriax approach to Orthopedic Medicine. She is an APTA orthopedic certified specialist, and a PMA certified Pilates teacher. She trained and received her level 1 GYROTONIC® certification in 2000. Her earlier Pilates training was under the tutelage of Jan Dunn, Elizabeth Larkam and Brent Anderson and is currently part of Polestar’s team of national and international educators.
Noelle Dowma DPT, BFA
Polestar Pilates Educator, USANoelle began Pilates in 1992 when rehabilitating a dance injury. While acquiring her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Oklahoma, Noelle received her first Pilates certification through the PhysicalMind Institute. She then started to work for Polestar Pilates Center while attending the University of Miami School of Medicine where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. As a Polestar Pilates Educator, Noelle has taught courses across the USA, presented at conferences and was the featured Pilates teacher on the Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise. She currently lives near Kansas City and works as a Pilates, manual therapy, and dance specialized physical therapist and is on the faculty at the Kansas City Ballet School. Noelle is Pilates Method Alliance Certified.
Pamela S. Turner, MSPT
Polestar Pilates Educator, USAPamela has a gentle and intuitive way of working with her fitness and rehabilitation clients and students so as to best achieve their goals using a scientific and ecclectic approach. She holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy and is a Polestar Educator. She has worked in a variety of fitness and rehabilitation settings over the past 11 years, including orthopedic physical therapy clinics, whole wellness centers, and fitness centers. She also holds a certification in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. She has a solo practice within a whole wellness center and works with a team of complementary practitioners in the beautiful mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Samantha Robinson, Msc Exercise and Nutrition
Polestar Pilates Educator, ASIASam began her career studying dance and performance arts in her native Sydney, Australia. She adapted her classical training to the fitness industry, which brought her to seek new challenges in Hong Kong via Sydney and London. Sam is an Educator and Examiner for Polestar Pilates having studied under the guidance of Polestar licensee Dawnna Wayburne. Sam is Head of the Mentoring Programme for Polestar Pilates Asia and continues teaching clients and Polestar students at Isofit Studio, Hong Kong. She uses her dance and fitness background to create dynamic group classes while staying true to the Polestar Pilates Principles. She also holds an Msc. in Exercise and Nutrition, writing her dissertation on “The effects of Pilates exercise”.
Selma Franca
Polestar Pilates Educator, BRAZILSelma Franca received her degree in Contemporary Dance from Universidade Federal da Bahia in 1989. Selma began her studies in Pilates in 1991 with Polestar Licensee Alice Becker Denovaro and completed in 1998. She is also a certified GYROTONIC® instructor, is trained in Ayurvedic massage and is currently studying Physical Therapy.
Selma is the director of the Pilates studio Physio Pilates Canela, at the Tony Granjo Fitness Center in Salvador, Brazil. She is involved with many dance groups in Salvador that travel throughout Brazil and abroad. She has participated in workshops and symposiums on dance and movement techniques. She has taught and choreographed in several dance schools and participated as a dancer and choreographer in shows with well known names in the music world - Sergio Mendes, Daniela Mercury, amongst others.
Serafino Ambrosio
Polestar Pilates Licensee and Educator, ITALYSerafino, owner of two Pilates and GYROTONIC® Studios in Rome Italy, has always been active in the Fitness and Wellness industry. Having completed his Bachelor of Education in PE and Dance in Australia, and having been certified by VICFIT, ACE and PMA, his interest and love for teaching movement and being involved in movement lead him to win titles in Aerobic Championships in Australia and Italy. Currently a Polestar Educator and Licensee for Polestar Pilates Italy, Serafino has travelled the world teaching core curriculum and a variety of workshops in the Pilates Method. He is also GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Certified and has initiated his studies in Thomas Meyers’ Structural Integration.
Shelly Power, BS
Polestar Pilates Educator, USAShelly Power is the co-founder of Polestar Pilates Center Miami, a Pilates conditioning, rehabilitation and physical therapy studio in Miami, Florida. Shelly is a Polestar Educator, has taught for Polestar Education since its inception in 1992 and currently coordinates the Curriculum Committee.
Shelly is certified in GYROTONIC®, having trained with Angela Crowley and has completed the first year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. She has been a member of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) since 1996, and is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance.
Shelly danced professionally for 12 years with the Sacramento-based modern dance company Dale Scholl Dance/Art. She received her BS degree in Dance from California State University, Sacramento, where she served on the faculty from 1992-1998. She studied Pilates and worked as a physical therapy aide with Polestar President Brent Anderson at his clinic, Anderson Physical Therapy, in their native Sacramento for 7 years, and later moved with Polestar to Miami in 1998. Shelly teaches nationally and internationally for Polestar Pilates Education and also administers exams, conducts Pilates workshops and Polestar Mentor and Educator trainings worldwide and brings a unique and fresh approach to the work of Joseph Pilates.
Shinji Nakamura
Polestar Pilates Educator, JAPANShinji is a Polestar Pilates Educator in Japan. He is certified in GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® and is a Dynax Master trainer. He is the owner of the Genki-kobo studio in Japan.
Shinji retired as a professional baseball player in 1980 and has a background in aerobic dance and weight training.
Vanessa Lopsonzski, MPT
Polestar Educator, USAVanessa graduated with her BA in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. During her undergraduate studies, she was introduced to Pilates with an emphasis on rehabilitation. She developed a passion for Pilates and helping to rehabilitate patients which led her to complete her training in Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation.
She received her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from California State University in Long Beach She then moved to the Washington D.C. area, where she is currently a physical therapist for Bethesda Physical Therapy, a Pilates instructor for Core Essentials and an educator for Polestar Education. Vanessa's specialty is out-patient spinal pathologies. Currently, she is obtaining her Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine.
Xiomara Campo
USA
Xiomara Campo is a Pilates instructor at the Polestar Pilates Studio in Miami, Florida. Her classes are energetic and unexpected! Xio has experienced various forms of movement from gymnastics to hip-hop and has taught group classes ranging in age from tots to teens . Currently Xio is under the GYROTONIC® apprenticeship program, and has returned to school to obtain her degree as a physical therapist assistant.