My Planet
I received my Pilates certification from the Ellie Herman Pilates Studio in San Francisco, California. Prior to receiving my certification, I practiced Pilates as a means of gaining strength, improving my posture, and building self confidence in order to pursue my competitive ballroom dancing goals. As a mother of two grown sons, I knew the time had come to pay more attention to my own health and follow my own dreams.

In 1984, I was awarded my Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and found that the therapeutic nature of my work in that field fit well into my current work as a Pilates instructor, especially when applied to assisting clients with specific needs and limitations. For several years, I was on the faculty of the College of Marin in Kentfield, California where I led stroke support groups and conducted speech therapy clinics for stroke victims.

Additionally, I am a certified Acupressure therapist. I have a separate space devoted to providing clients with an opportunity to experience this powerful means of therapy. You can read more about this work of mine by visiting appilates.com/acupressure.html

Besides ballroom dancing, I enjoy walking and hiking, gardening and traveling…all activities, which are enhanced by staying in shape and being strong. My current study of Tai Chi blends in beautifully with my background as a martial artist. And, I hope to maintain adequate balance to stay upright on my Vespa motor scooter! After all, it is the best way to commute.

Pink Ribbon Program
My desire to work with breast cancer survivors came from the awareness that the Pilates repertoire could be used to increase strength, mobility, flexibility and self confidence – just as it does with the general population. By being certified by the Pink Ribbon Program, I felt that my specific training would allow me to work with the survivor to ensure a safe regimen of exercises that would be more specifically designed for her needs.

Now, I have become an Instructor Trainer with the Pink Ribbon Program and travel the United States providing certification courses to other Pilates instructors and physical therapists. For more information on this program and how to register for the Pink Ribbon Certification or to host a certification program, visit pinkribbonprogram.com