In 2000, I embarked on my Pilates path in classical Pilates with Master Teacher Carol Appel. A trainee of Romana Kryzanowska and instructor at the original studio in NYC, Drago's gym, Carol co-established one of the first Pilates teacher training programs in San Francisco, CA. I became a student at Carol's studio to fulfill a course requirement as part of my BA, which lead to an invitation to the studio's teacher training program.
After graduating college, I was focused on pursuing my dream of being a contemporary dancer. To support that lifestyle I had the choice of either accepting the invitation to become a Pilates teacher or work as a server in restaurants. I chose Pilates.
Over the 10 months I trained to complete the 500 hour teacher training, I was astonished at how I was able to retain technique and even feel stronger in dance classes. I was able to drop into advanced classes and dance at a level as if I hadn't missed a beat. This opened my mind to the transformative power of a Pilates practice, and solidified Pilates as the foundation for my lifestyle.
In the five years teaching under Carol’s mentorship, I had the opportunity to explore and refine my teaching of classical Pilates with a wide variety of clients in both one-to-one sessions and group classes. With continuing education courses in Preggo Pilates, Pilates for Osteoporosis, fitness training, and later delving into NeuroKinetic Therapy and Holistic Lifestyle Coaching (CHEK Institute), I broadened my perspective on applications, adaptations, and integrations of the Pilates method.
In the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of learning from legendary teachers and Pilates Elders, including Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher, Lolita San Miguel, and Michele Larsson (a protege of Eve Gentry). I’ve also studied with master teachers like Carol Appel, including Rael Isacowitz (founder of BASI Pilates), Elizabeth Larkam, Sherri Betz, Dawn Marie-Ickes, and Jean Sullivan. Through ongoing learning over years through conferences, workshops, online courses, and seminars I continue to build on my knowledge and refine my teaching.
Some career highlights include working with cast members of Cirque du Soleil during the 2005 Corteo tour in SF and San Jose, CA; teaching pre-natal Pilates, dance, and art classes for the SFUSD Pregnant Minors Program at Hilltop High School in SF, CA; teaching modern dance, ballet, and Pilates at Destiny Arts Center’s after-school program in Oakland, CA; and working with competitive divers at DiveLab in Novato, CA. In 2018 - 2019, I lived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, teaching fitness and Pilates at two exclusive women’s gyms, primarily working with Emirati women.
Returning to the U.S. just in time for the pandemic, I used the downtime to complete an MS in Health and Wellness Management, adding and integrating advanced knowledge and skills in program design and management to my tool box.
Now, over 25 years into my Pilates journey, the practice remains at the core of my physical and emotional well-being. It has supported me through numerous challenges and continues to push me to grow, even as my body changes with time. As a former dancer and now avid surfer, I am grateful to Pilates for maintaining my physical health and ability to pursue my passions.
I am excited to share and guide others on their own Pilates path, helping to discover the transformative potential of this practice.
