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Our attitude creates an atmosphere around us. Our attitude is the result of the way we feel and think. we communicate with our attitude. Create a positive attitude, filled with good feeling, and even just our presence will do wonders in situations...
About Us
Cathy Moses Baldasserini
Cathy received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma. She worked on a Masters in Movement Therapy at Hunter College, and received a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Med degree from Columbia University. She was a full scholarship recipient at several Dance Conservatories in NYC such as Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey.
Cathy, who had an extensive dance background, found her way to Pilates to enhance her instrument to perform. Cathy has been practicing Yoga and Pilates since 1996. Cathy is certified through Physical Mind, comprehensively through Power Pilates, and Gold certified through PMA. She is a member with the PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) and Yoga Alliance and is a member of good standing of American Fitness Association of America. She is also a member of NAPW (National Association of Professional Women.
Betsy Thomas
Betsy Thomas graduated from Columbia University in New York with a Masters of Science Degree in 1983. Since then she has worked continuously as a physical therapist in a variety of clinical settings from hospitals to outpatient clinics. The bulk of Betsy's experience is in the realm of orthopedics. She has worn a number of professional hats including acting as Lead Physical Therapist for the Dallas branch of Kaiser Permanente to acting as an Assistant Professor for the Department of Physical Therapy at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas for several years.
Her journey with Pilates began five years ago with a four hour class instructed by a local physical therapist. Intrigued and immediately sensing a connection with the strength of this exercise format, she went on to complete a 600 hour Comprehensive Certification with the Power Pilates program in Dallas. In her second year as an instructor, Betsy brings with her many years of experience as an orthopedic physical therapist. She is currently registered to complete a second certification in Pilates Rehabilitation with Polestar Pilates in order to further her understanding of optimal exercises for the body human and all of the complex issues that come with living in the current age.
Betsy is married to Phil Thomas, an Associate Research Professor at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She has two sons, Weston, aged 14, and Bennett, aged 17. Also sharing the Thomas household are two dogs, a cat, and a snake (which Betsy doesn't like to acknowledge!) Her exercise interests include roller blading, swimming, kayaking, biking, and of course, Pilates!
Jennifer Milner
Jennifer Stillings Milner is a certified Pilates trainer specializing in dancers and post-injury recoveries, recently moved to Dallas from New York. As a classical ballet dancer, Jennifer danced with several companies across the country before moving to New York to do musical theatre. After a knee injury ended a successful performing career, Jennifer went back to school to get certified in the Pilates method of exercise, which she had found while performing to be an excellent complement to dance classes. Jennifer graduated from the Kane School of Core Integration, studying under the renowned Kelly Kane, and has gone on to form a loyal client base of dancers looking to improve their performance level, people recovering from surgeries or injuries, and people from all walks of life seeking a stronger body and better health.
Jennifer has trained a wide variety of clients, including Oscar winners, Olympic medalists, and world famous dancers, as well as clients seeking to kayak around Manhattan or bicycle through the Alps. In addition to teaching clients at the Kane School and Westside Dance Physical Therapy, Jennifer was also a member of the faculty of the Kane School teacher-training program.
Jennifer studied college anatomy and physiology, massage therapy, physioball with Leslie Powell, pre-natal Pilates with Debbi Goodman, and the Feldenkrais method. She has also taken seminars in Alexander Technique, kinesiology, reflexology, and health and nutrition. This wide and varied health and medical background, along with her dance experience and her own encounters with injuries, gives Jennifer a unique insight and perspective on getting and maintaining a strong, healthy body at peak performance level. She has a strong desire to work with her clients in tandem with physical therapists and other health care professionals to foster an atmosphere of wholeness in the healing process.
Jennifer's approach to physical conditioning is to strengthen weak muscle groups; correct muscular imbalances; build a strong core of support for the body; and lengthen tight muscles to encourage efficient muscle use, prevent injuries, and help encourage long-lasting, better health for the individual. She is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.
Carol Dion
Carol holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance and Choreography from Arizona State University. After college, she continued a professional career as a free lance dance artist in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. A spinal injury led Carol to the Pilates Method. Having discovered the personal benefits “The Method” had to offer, she has spent her career sharing that with others. Carol has been a teacher of The Pilates Method since 1999. She completed her comprehensive certification in 2001 with the PhysicalMind Institute.
Until 2007, Carol had been training at a Pilates Certifying Studio in Tampa, FL. There she was a model instructor for trainees working to certify in the Pilates Method. In 2006, her studies of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® led Carol to become a Certified Level 1 GYROTONIC® instructor with over 300 certification hours completed. Carol also holds a Personal Trainer Certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) since 2000.
Starting with her 1st ballet class at the age of 6, her love of movement has become a lifelong passion. Carol diligently pursued dance throughout her youth and into her adult years. She attended elite dance programs, including North Carolina School of the Arts and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.
Carol moved to the Dallas area in 2007 to get married and has continued teaching ever since. When not doing Pilates, she enjoys off-road biking with her husband and dog Cabi.
Sara Westcoat
Sara is comprehensively certified through Power Pilates.
Monica Kehr
Monica has been practicing yoga since 2001. She is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) and certified in pilates mat through Power Pilates. Her love for yoga is an extension of her many years of ballet training throughout her childhood.
Monica studied modern dance at Indiana University, where she also earned her bachelors degree in nursing. She is currently raising two wonderful children and is working as a nurse at a local hospital.
“I am very excited to bring yoga to others and truly believe it is much more than a workout. The benefits you receive from yoga are amazing. It’s not only the stretching and strengthening but the peace you will find along your journey.”
Tami Mostert
Tami is a professional dancer and Pilates instructor. She began her dance training at Cindy’s School of Dance at the age of 2. She was part of the Encore Dance Company until she graduated from high school where she was awarded many scholarships from conventions and competitions that came to the Dallas area. After high school, Tami went on to Oklahoma City University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Dance Management. Soon after she graduated, Tami worked as a dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines. She also has been a full time cast member for the Mary Kay Industrial in Dallas for the past two summers. Currently, she dances with Grupo Pakal at the Dallas World Aquarium, where she performs Mayan dance ceremonies. She really enjoys teaching Pilates, and strongly believes in the Pilates method and the positive results that come from it. Tami comprehensively certified through Peak Pilates.
Cheryl Esch
Cheryl Esch received her Master of Arts in Dance Education and BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Ohio State University. Cheryl danced professionally in the Pittsburgh area with Mary Miller Dance Company, Judy Steele Project, The Pittsburgh Opera and other independent choreographers. She also directed and founded a dance company called Selah. She has taught for colleges such as; Kent State University, Kenyon College, LaRoche College, Belhaven College and currently for Collin County Community College. She has been teaching in the fitness and dance industry for 19 years. She is a certified Group Fitness Instructor through American Council on Exercise since 1990. She also has certifications in Mat Pilates with PowerHouse Pilates, Pilates Reformer with Balanced Body Institute, yoga with YogaFit, kickboxing with Thomas the Promise and was a certified Personal Trainer with American Council on Exercise from 2001-2005. Cheryl teaches many types of classes including; Cardio dance, Pilates, yoga, step, kickboxing, BOSU, Resist-a-ball, Chisel/strength training and core training for adults and kids. Before moving to Texas, Cheryl was the Youth Fitness Director, for ages 8-12, at The Natatorium in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Currently, Cheryl is working on becoming certified as a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
Belinda Vogel
Belinda has practiced yoga since 2002. She is a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher. She started practicing yoga at an Anusara Yoga studio in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC where she was inspired by the heart centered messages of the practice. When she moved to Allen , TX in 2006 she started practicing at Yoga Balance in McKinney where she enrolled in Classical Hatha Yoga teacher training in 2008. She has also participated in master classes with John Friend and Desiree Rumbaugh.
Belinda believes that yoga is a comprehensive practice providing greater strength, flexibility, stress relief, and sense of connection to one’s self and the world. Her classes focus on alignment, breath awareness, and connecting to the present moment. She is grateful for the inspiration of all her teachers, especially Tracy Carruth, Paula Weithman, Kathy Thompson, Sigal Ayali, and Honey Fries.