Meet Karyn

How my journey began

I was introduced to Pilates as a form of rehabilitation from an injury sustained during my competitive figure skating career. Due to this season-ending injury my Sports Medicine M.D. suggested I try Pilates to assist in my recovery and even “a stronger return to the ice.”

As a nationally ranked figure skater, I had tried a variety of different types of body connection and awareness training without much change or improvement to my sport. Uncertain of this “new” movement exercise and how it would affect my sport, I cautiously followed the advice of the Medical staff and started Pilates with The Dance Medicine Department at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA.

Within weeks I experienced transformations in my strength, flexibility and control which allowed me to return to the ice stronger and more centered.

Amazed at how Pilates was able to change my life, I started observing and assisting the instructors in the Dance Medicine Pilates Rehabilitation Department. Watching these amazing teachers inspire and rehabilitate clients of all ages, abilities and injuries led me to my passion: Pilates.

Upon retirement from competitive figure skating, I began to study and teach Pilates. 

Always curious to know more about body mechanics, movement, anatomy and different methodologies, I was inspired to complete my Master’s in Kinesiology and then another Master’s in Movement Medicine.

I have had the privilege of studying with world renowned Pilates teachers and specialists including but not limited to: Nora St. John, Joy Puelo, Diana Herold, Naomi Leiserson, Cloe Sommadossi, Karen Sanzo, Cameron Angus, and Alan Herdman.

In 2015 I became a Balanced Body Master Instructor under the tutelage of Nora St. John. Over the past years, I’ve had the fortune to present and teach at conferences nationally and internationally, developing anatomy and Pilates workshops of special interest to movement educators and movement enthusiasts.