Kelly Letalien: Studio Owner/Certified Instructor/Teacher Trainer
Kelly is the founder and director of Strong Tower Pilates Studio, a Pilates Core Integration (PCI) teacher trainer, and a Registered Nurse. Kelly spent five years getting the highest quality Pilates training under the tutelage of Michele Larsson and Virginia Nicholas. A Pilates instructor since 2001, Kelly specialized in pre-natal, post-natal and rehabilitative Pilates. Kelly has instructed clients with a variety of issues, including scoliosis, spondolythesis, fibromyalgia, knee and hip replacements, uterine prolapse, and more. In 2008, Kelly opened Strong Tower Pilates Studio, a peaceful environment with state-of-the-art equipment where teachers are proud to work and clients enjoy learning. That same year, Kelly was honored when asked to be a teacher trainer for the prestigious Pilates Core Integration, Inc. training program founded by Virginia Nicholas. Many years as a Labor and Delivery nurse, Kelly is an expert in women's health, and has presented workshops on topics such as, pelvic floor dysfunction, pilates in pregnancy and lumbo-pelvic instability. Kelly has one daughter and attributes Pilates for her own healthy pregnancy, uncomplicated delivery and easy recovery. She is excited to be able to preserve Joseph Pilates' legacy and mentor others, including her own family, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Kelly's education and experience have given her a greater understanding of the human body and a passion in the pursuit of health and wellness for all.
Barbara Upchurch, Student teacher
As a little girl, Barbara enjoyed studying dance and gymnastics. Barbara's passion for being physically active and her eagerness to help others lead her to own and operate a "Slender You" from 1990-1994. In 1993, Barbara opened a competitive gymnastics school in S. Georgia. In the 1st year the competitive team won the 1994 Level 2 AAU State Championship. After rearing and providing a college education for her two children, Justin (28) and Katrina (26), Barbara found a love for yoga. In 2008, Barbara completed a 200 hour yoga certification program at The Center for Yoga which is affiliated with the Yoga Alliance. Shortly after, Barbara found Pilates. She began taking classes at Strong Tower Pilates Studio and immediately loved how Pilates integrated dance, gymnastics and yoga as well as other modalities to the repertoire. The improvement in her core strength and posture lead her to desire to teach Pilates to others. Barbara began the PCI teacher training program in March 2009 and plans to complete the comprehensive certification program in late 2010
Jennifer Mullis, Student teacher
Jennifer is a believer in balancing the body and mind through exercise, positive mental health, and eating well. With a Masters in Clinical Psychology she understands the importance of having a healthy body, mind, and using balance and moderation in life. Jennifer is a native of Georgia who also has a B.A. in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Growing up Jennifer enjoyed dancing, running, and playing tennis. As an adult she realized that many forms of strength building exercises were not the right fit for her and did not relieve the chronic low back pain due from muscle imbalance. Shortly after beginning Pilates the low back pain was gone. Jennifer knew she needed Pilates for overall strength and health. This new passion quickly led her to study the Pilates Method through an apprenticeship with Strong Tower Pilates and comprehensive training with Pilates Core Integration, Inc. Through studying and teaching the principles of Pilates Jennifer is capable of teaching fun and creative classes that emphasize balance, strength, and flexibility. She has instructed people with knee and hip replacements, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and other injuries.
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