INSTRUCTORS
HAVEN CARAVELLI – Studio Owner
Haven Caravelli, born and raised in Nevada County, has been a dancer since the age of two. During her formative years, she danced with several local dance studios and competed in numerous dance competitions around Northern California. Professionally, Haven has taken master classes with Los Angeles based Tremaine Dance Company and nationally recognized Dupree Dance Academy. She has taught multiple forms of dance at Sierra Dance Institute for over 12 years. To better incorporate her love of dance and respect for the human body she was certified with Integrated Teacher Training Pilates in 2005. Integrated Teacher Training is a comprehensive training program using the exercises developed by Joseph Pilates to understand and appreciate movement, with sound bio mechanics. Haven is now a Master Level trainer with ITT and is excited to be the first off site certification studio and educator. Haven is also certified in Bodykey and Master Stretch from Italy with Kelly and Victor Uygan, and Bodycode with founder Pino Carbone. Haven’s extensive training and years of teaching have made her a true healer. She works from the perspective of rehabilitation therapy as well as conditioning the body to be healthy and work more efficiently.
JULIE KOENIG – Pilates and Holistic Health
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Julie Koenig has an Associates of Science Degree from Sierra College, a Diploma in Holistic Health Practice from the American College of Healthcare Sciences and is certified from Integrative Teacher Training Pilates in San Francisco. She has trained under Jean Sullivan, Haven Caravelli, Ashley Beldon and Margaret Tappan. ITT Pilates uses a strong foundation in anatomy and biomechanics to teach corrective and rehabilitative exercises. Your body will be lead back to its proper posture and dynamic neutral alignment through low impact exercise. You will increase flexibility and body awareness while strengthening the core and achieving proper body alignment. Julie has a background in gymnastics, dance, pilates, holistic health and yoga. Julie has a passion for educating others on health and wellness. She believes in integrating a whole body approach to wellness and offers nutritional consultations, specialized diet planning, detox and cleanse programs, diet analysis, cooking instruction, children’s nutrition, herbal products, postural analysis and Pilates training. Achieving solutions for total well-being is a goal to strive for with every client. She is an advocate of comprehensive care and educates clients how to take a collaborative approach to healthcare. Julie is truly interested in supporting her client’s overall health.
“Julie is the best kid friendly Pilates instructor you could ask for. I don’t have to find a babysitter to get fit ever again.” Browne Cureton – Client since 2014
MARISSA HERNANDEZ – Pilates, Dance, Burlesque and Studio Manager
Marissa has 27 years of experience in performance and dance. She has been a teacher since the age of 16. She has managed dance studios and professional companies such as The Movement Alliance Dance Theatre Company. After starting the Bow-tie Beauties Burlesque Troupe in 2012 with Haven Caravelli, Marissa found a love for Pilates. She has completed the ITT Pilates Teacher Training in San Francisco and now manages Center of Movement Pilates Studio. Marissa teaches Pilates Mat classes, Fusion Dance Fitness and works with private Pilates clients.
BETH KOPPE – Pilates and Personal Training
https://www.facebook.com/beth.koppe
Beth, a competitive athlete all her life, enjoys skiing, mountain biking and riding dirt bikes in and around the Tahoe area. Throughout high school and college she played soccer, basketball and track and field. Beth has worked as a snowboard instructor, an outdoor guide, and coached mountain biking for almost 20 years. She competitively raced mountain bikes for 10 years and in 2005 she won the US National Championship in Downhill Mountain Biking.
Eventually accumulated injuries and limited mobility led Beth to discover Pilates. The benefits of Pilates training were immediately beneficial. Beth experienced Pilates from the ground up. She came into the studio barely able to move and through her Pilates training is now more mobile and more physically fit than she has ever been.
Beth is certified as a Pilates Instructor from the Integrated Teacher Training program in San Francisco. She has trained in functional anatomy, postural analysis, mat, and apparatus Pilates. Pilates training can rehabilitate injuries, increase mobility, improve balance, and develop strength and fitness. Wherever you are on the spectrum, Pilates can really improve the quality of movement in your life.
LESLIE RAMOS – Pilates and Massage Therapy
Leslie Ramos is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. In 2006 she graduated with an A.S. in Holistic Health from the International Professional School of Bodywork with over 1200 hours of massage and bodywork training. In March 2012 she received ITT Pilates Mat trainer certification. As a therapist and pilates trainer she strives to improve and maintain a high quality of life for her clients through stress management, pain management, and by supporting her clients wellness goals.
“Leslie takes a personal interest in all of us individually. How Unique!” Murph Mitchell – Client since 2013
DAWN RYLEY- Fusion Dance and Personal Training
https://m.facebook.com/fusionwithdawn/
Dawn has both taken and taught dance for the past 35 years in both private and professional settings. Her true love is choreography so it was a natural progression to combine her passion for dance and choreography to create and develop Fusion, A Dance Fitness Class. As an AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor, blending fitness with dance is the perfect solution. Dawn was born and raised in Nevada County and truly enjoys bringing health awareness to this community and assisting her students in reaching their fitness goals.
“Along with the great work out and sweating that happens, there is also a bond that occurs between all who attend. This class has been a saving grace as an outlet for when life gets crazy or stressful. I know that for one hour, all I have to do is dance and sweat, and I am extremely grateful.” Jerris – Client since 2010
CHANTHOU LAM – Afro Funk/Hip Hop
https://www.facebook.com/chanthou.lam
Chanthou Lam is a human being who is realizing more and more how interactions with the people around her, as well as the connections with the world that surround her is vital to her happiness. She is a mother of three beautiful, bright daughters who consistently keep her on her toes, giving purpose and meaning on a daily.
Before relocating in Summer 2016 to Grass Valley, she was a dance professor for American River College teaching jazz, hip hop, contemporary dance and a HIIT fitness class. She holds a well deserved MS in Kinesiology with a focus on Movement Studies and a BA in Dance and Theatre from California, State University of Sacramento. Chanthou has taught dance at Sacramento Charter High School and the Visual and Performing Arts Charter School concurrently serving as the artistic director for the dance company on campus. During her last year at SCHS, Chanthou assumed artistic direction for the campus’s all girl step team, MISSES, managing performances for both the dance company and step team on and off campus which included festivals, fundraisers, stage productions, downtown business events, and even a mayoral inauguration.
Chanthou continues to train and dance as much as possible with all of the beautiful people in the dance community, including her longtime mentor and professor, Dr. Linda Goodrich in an Afro Caribbean dance company, Sacramento/Black Art of Dance (S/BAD), with Beatriz Godiñez-Muniz in an Afro Cuban Folklorico drum and dance company, Ebo Okokán, and with Professor Lorelei Bayne in a modern/contemporary movement exploration group, Dancers Investigative Group (DIG) and more recently, Samba Lua with Deanna Figeueira. She hopes to offer her own dance classes in the very near future to serve the Nevada County area.
Dance is Chanthou’s way of life. It feeds her soul and would like to thank every single person that has encouraged her to thrive through her craft, especially her husband, Andy Shepard, who has been by her side for nearly 18 years
STACY MALISZEWSKI – Dance
https://www.facebook.com/Little-Movers-142231939751056/
Stacy’s love, experience, and performance in dance for 22 years has played a major part in her life. Stacy has about 9 years teaching experience in several types of dance, including jazz and ballet to children and adults. She also has performance experience with several semi-professional dance troupes in different styles of dance ranging from musical theater, jazz, ballet, modern/contemporary, and burlesque. Stacy has a BA from Humboldt State and while attending, she furthered her experience in dance performance through the Humboldt State dance program and her development of teaching with Ballet Arcata. Stacy will be teaching Synergy Dance, Intro to Dance for adults at Center of Movement Studio which will incorporate basic technique in different styles of dance including: jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, burlesque, and more. Students will develop a beginning base in technique in these different styles while having fun and developing the love and experience in dance.
JENE MORRISON – Aesthitcian
https://www.facebook.com/aestheticsbyjene/
I was raised in Nevada County but have spent the last 15 years practicing Medical Aesthetics in northwest Montana. Growing up as an avid athlete, health and beauty have always been a lifestyle. As I’ve gotten older, injuries have taught me the importance of adapting to the bodies capabilities and the importance of healing. I first found TRX and fell in love with the immediate toning and the focus of core strength. Booty barre came later and again I fell in love with the exercise and its benefits. I am certified TRX instructor and also trained under Tracey Mallet (creator of Booybarre). I hope to be bring my enthusiasm for fitness, health and my extensive knowledge of skin care to Center of movement.
LAURA WAGNER BALCH – Pilates
https://pilateswithlaurawagnerbalch.com/
Laura Wagner Balch was certified with Integrated Teacher Training Pilates in January 2017 after practicing mat and apparatus Pilates with the Center of Movement for fifteen years. An educational researcher and writer by profession (Stanford PhD., 1983) Laura has realized the benefits of Pilates in addressing common ailments of a former sedentary life style and the opportunities afforded by engaging the body’s mind and core to move differently in the world. Her Mat 1-2 class introduces clients to the basic building blocks of Pilates, with both Essential and Mat exercises tailored to address clients’ needs and growth.
SHANNON DAILY – Vertical Fitness
https://www.facebook.com/verticalfitGV/
Shannon has trained on pole, aerial hoop/lyra, Chinese acrobatics, flying trapeze, doubles trapeze, tumbling, and rope. She has also studied several styles of dance, namely ballet and jazz but also belly and hoop dance. Shannon competed for University of Idaho and then later trained at top rated Oregon State in gymnastics. She has taught children gymnastics as well as adult classes in pole fitness and dance. She enjoys sharing her love of movement by teaching and choreographing routines for pole or lyra. She is also available to teach privates or semi-privates in pole, lyra, basic hoop dance, Chinese acrobatics, or stretching. Private Pole parties for soon to be brides or other occasions can also be arranged.
She is the winner of American Pole League Professional Masters Competition in 2018. First place at PSO Golden Gate Masters and Grand Masters Championship Level 4 2018 division. Second place PSO Golden Gate Masters and Grand Masters Level 4 2017. She has performed pole and lyra for various shows in San Francisco, San Jose, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Vallejo, and Redwood City.
Trained Pole Dance primarily with Shelly Lamb, a USPF Pole Pro. Additional instructors and workshops include: Natalie Haskell from Elevated Fitness Studio, Epic Erin, Hana Granados, Sergia Louise Anderson, Phoenix Karzee, Hanka Venslaar, Michelle Shimmy, Samantha Star, Elizabeth Blanchard, Michula Nunez, Miss Filly, and Marlo Fisken.
NICKY MALONEY – Pilates
https://www.facebook.com/nicky.maloney.1
Nicky Maloney has a passion for transformation, healing and personal growth in body, mind and spirit. Nicky is an instructor of ITT Pilates and Inner Radiance Qigong. Working with individuals to help improve their lives, achieve their goals, experience more joy, love, fulfillment, healing, personal freedom and care well for themselves is most rewarding to her. Her offerings incorporate aspects of Spirituality and the Consciousness of Loving which may include prayer, affirmations, meditation and mindfulness practices, guided visualizations and inner journeys and exploration. Nicky is committed to helping others and being of service to the world to create more peace, love and happiness in our community and on the planet.
SARAH HOOLEY – Pilates
https://www.facebook.com/sarah.oneal.549
Sarah Hooley bega
n her education in the body on her 8th Birthday when her parents took her to her first gymnastics lesson. Over the next 10 years she would learn about the body in a very dynamic way eventually becoming a nationally competing Level 10 Gymnast. After she retired at the ripe old age of 18, she started coaching at Miyagi Gymnastics Academy in Auburn, CA where she coached the Competitive Girls Team for another 10 years. Sarah trained with Janice Gagnon of Spirit Winds Thai Massage in Northern Style Thai Massage and is a Thai Massage Therapist. She has over 400 hours of training in Northern Style Thai Massage, Nerve Touch and Thai Foot Massage. Being a competitive athlete was not without its injuries and always seeking to find balance and understanding of the body, she found her way to Center of Movement and began her Pilates journey. Her love of teaching coupled with her love of movement lead Sarah to become a Pilates Instructor furthering her continued exploration of the body. Sarah is a certified Pilates Instructor through Integrative Teaching Training Pilates based in San Francisco, studying under Jean Sullivan and Haven Caravelli. She is certified in Mat and Apparatus Pilates including the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder and Barrel, the Small Arc and the Magic Circle. Pilates has been the missing piece for Sarah and an invaluable tool in her life to heal injuries, recover and find strength after the birth of her daughter, and to gain overall balance. Pilates is a mind, body practice creating stability and mobility in both. Consistency and commitment have been the greatest assets on her journey in the body. Try taking 1 hour a week to take care of your body and you will begin to feel and see a difference. Sarah teaches Mat and Equipment Pilates Classes and Private and Semi Private Lessons.
HAILEY JOHNSON – Buddhi Yoga
https://www.facebook.com/haileysanura
Hailey Sanura has been practicing yoga for 11 years and belly dancing for 10 years. She was overwhelmed with joy when she found Buddhi Yoga as a way to unite her love for yoga, fitness and all kinds of dance and booty shaking. She brings a firey presence to leading group fitness. Motivating students to breathe into the burn and exceed their own mind’s expectations of what they believed was possible before. Her background in massage therapy brings harmony to her teaching style by offering key alignment principles, modifications and encouraging every student to always listen to and honor their own body’s wisdom. By creating this balance in her class she ensures every individual can experience the maximum benefits in any movement or pose.
DEANNA FIGUEIRA & ANJALI FIGUEIRA – Samba
Deanna Figueira has been teaching Brazilian dance for over 20 years. She has studied with master teachers in both Brazil & the U.S, choreographs and directs troupes for children & adults, and teaches and performs at numerous events and venues.Deanna lived in Bahia, Brazil for 11 years where she ran a B&B and taught dance & yoga.Anjali Figueira was raised in Bahia, Brazil, and has danced with master teachers in Brazil and the U.S., as well as her mother, since she could walk. As a Bahiana, she embodies the spirit and energy of Brazilian
KIRKLAN TABER – Melt Method, Certified Personal Trainer, Registered Yoga Teacher 500, Comprehensive Pilates
I love Fitness and helping people achieve their exercise goals. I began working out at 15 with a set of free weights in my parents garage in Auburn, California. As I got stronger I felt the need to be more mindful and flexible in my practice. Yoga and Pilates has given me this connection and I have had the honor of training under incredible teachers in my 24 plus years as I have gained my Certifications in this amazing industry. They are – Beth Shaw, Rose Zahn at Yogafit/Pilatesfit – Healthy Habits, Janine Fondiller, Stephanie Forster and Nancy Myers at Balanced Body University, Sue Hitzmann and her incredible Master Trainers at MELT University.
I love learning and continue my education every chance I get and look forward to meeting new mentors for teaching me more secrets on how to exercise smarter and pass these on to my students.
As an entrepreneur my journey began in 1994 and I opened my own Fitness business (Get Fit LLC dba Kiki-Yo Fitness) My studio was in San Francisco, CA.
I cultivated a safe and supportive environment and gathered a group of amazing Instructors that brought their passion to teaching Yoga, Pilates and Personal Training. Now, at 56 I have moved back to Nevada City and I am starting all over again and excited to bring my teachings to Nevada County. I look forward to witnessing people experience the power of Pilates and the secret to Pain Free Living with adding The MELT Method to their workouts. To me MELT is the missing link I have been searching for to ensure the best workout possible. Join me and see and feel results after one session. See you in class soon.
CASSANDRA KING – Body By Barre
Cassandra was a gymnast and dancer in her youth and has always cherished health and fitness. She fell in love with barre workouts over nine years ago in San Diego after she saw the changes in her body and how much fun she would have in each class. After several years of taking classes everyday, she finally decided to share her love for barre and became an instructor. She continues to love the challenge, the community barre creates, and how she has been able to maintain that “dancer” body over the years. Barre has also given her so much strength she can see it in her
CATHERINE STIFTER – Restorative Movement
http://www.yourmovementproject.com
Catherine is committed to the active life, one that includes the possibility of moving with ease, strength and grace every day. She wants to keep moving as she grows older. In her 60s, she is an avid whitewater raft guide, backpacks and hikes the Sierra and walks daily, covering long distances in minimal shoes and barefoot. She practices what she’s teaching. Catherine is a Nutritious MovementTM certified Restorative Exercise Specialist who has used this method to continue healing from serious injuries (leg fractures, back pain) beyond surgery and physical therapy. She offers a weekly class, monthly focused workshops and personal coaching sessions at Center of Movement. Outdoor training classes offer the opportunity to connect with nature, explore local trails, get stronger (and maybe a little bit dirty) while we build an active community of movers. “You must become aware of all the ways your preferences reinforce the former version of yourself and allow your state of health to perpetuate.” – Katy Bowman, founder of Nutritious Movement Catherine grew up in Minnesota, swimming, paddling, skiing and snowshoeing. She played competitive basketball, soccer and tracker through high school and college. She moved to Nevada County in the 90s, homesteading on the Ridge and was proud to be a Captain on North San Juan’s Volunteer Fire Department for seven years. She is a longtime Tai Chi and Qi Gong practitioner and instructor at Body Balance Academy. Catherine recently retired from a satisfying, 38-year-long career as a public radio journalist.
GABRIEL CESTA – Pole Fitness
Gabriel Cesta has a background in pole dance, gymnastics, and yoga. He began his yoga practice at the age of 8 at his family’s yoga studio. With a mother who teaches Bikram Yoga and a father who teaches both Bikram Yoga and Baptiste Method Yoga, he was inspired to share the many gifts of yoga. In July 2015 he became certified in the Baptiste Method Vinyasa Flow at Power Yoga on Main Street. By August 2015 he was teaching both Vinyasa Flow and Yoga Sculpt. While exploring new practices he fell in love with Vertical Fitness and participated in the 2018 Norther California Pole Presentation. With a deep passion for physical and spiritual growth, he is excited to share Vertical Fitness with everyone.