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
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
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
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
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
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 – Booty Barre and Aesthitcian
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.
RACHEL GRIVAS – Booty Barre
Health is personal and everyone deserves individual attention. Rachel grew up dancing and playing a myriad of sports. In early adulthood, Rachel decided to dedicate her focus on healing her own body through Pilates and nutrition and through this decision she realized her natural capacity for motivating and healing others. Rachel is currently studying nutritional science and anatomy with plans to become a registered dietician. In 2016 Rachel became a certified ITT Pilates instructor, studying with some of the top Pilates Master on the West Coast. Rachel is dedicated to being a leader in the health field and believes that with hard work, dedication and proper support and guidance one can achieve any goal they set out to accomplish.
“Rachel’s classes are a combination of controlled movement and fluidity. Her classes always have the perfect soundtrack. She’s a great motivator and her classes are always as much fun as they are hard work!”
-Jill K “student since 2014”
LAURA WAGNER BALCH – Pilates
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
Shannon has been poling for over four years and has performed in a variety of showcases and is currently training for the Golden Gate Pole Sport Organization competition. She loves to share her passions and has taught pole, gymnastics, lyra(aerial hoop), and hoop dance to all level of adults and children. She has considerable dance experience in Jazz and Ballet and has dabbled in Belly, Modern, Hoop, and Swing Dance forms as well. She has been active in circus before finding pole and is an accomplished flying trapeze artist. She has also trained in Chinese Acrobatics, Lyra, Rope, Russian Pole, Chinese Pole, Spanish Web, Trampoline and Tumble Track.
SUNSHINE OSTEEN – Infant Massage
Sunshine has worked with families for 19 years as a doula, postpartum doula, birth assistant and recently an infant massage educator. She has a passion for helping families transition from pregnancy to parenthood. She believes that each family’s journey is unique and all deserve nurturing support. Sunshine feels honored to be a part of this sacred time as a family welcomes a new being. Educating parents on the benefits of infant massage for baby and family has always been a dream. She was certified through the International Association of Infant massage developed by Vimala McClure. Through her years of experience working with infants and new families she has found that infant massage promotes communication, bonding, relaxation and respect
NICKY MALONEY – Qigong and Pilates
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
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.
XOCHITL HUSTED-Dance
Xochitl is a 17 year old senior and is currently a senior at Nevada Union. She has been dancing since the age of four, attending Sierra Dance Institute for most of her training as well as programs such as Joffrey West Summer Intensive and Long Beach Ballet Summer Intensive. Her favorite styles include ballet, modern, and jazz but she enjoys all forms of dance and movement!
KAREN WOERNER- Dance
Karen began dancing 
when she was in high-school, and developed a strong foundation in ballet and jazz technique under the direction of Yelena Holt. She then discovered her love of Modern Dance by taking classes taught by Lovie Bucknell through Sierra College, and went on to become a part of Lovie’s modern dance company, The Movement Alliance. She has taken many dance classes at both Santa Rosa Junior College and Cabrillo College and was fortunate to have many fine instructors. Among some of her favorite classes were the many ballet classes she had with Olava Menzcowska and the modern classes taught by Sharon Took-Zozaya. She has also dabbled in African, Tap, Hip Hop, Contact Improv and Contemporary Lyrical classes over the years and most recently discovered her adoration for Burlesque dance. She has been singing and dancing with The Bow-tie Beauties for the last several years and has recently performed with the Nevada County Dance Collective as well. She is eager to share her love of movement and performing arts and her knowledge of dance technique with all who will join her!
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.
RACHELLE CATTANEO – Belly Dance
Born and raised in Northern California, Rachelle found home with her family in Grass Valley at 11 years old. She has been dancing and performing since she was a small child, from Ballet to Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop. At 15 years old She took her first Belly-dance class in Nevada City. At age 22 she was teaching children and adults and continued to create and perform choreography. Feeling the need to deepen her study She moved to Maui, Hi to apprentice with Rosalind Modica, a master teacher of Middle Eastern Folkloric and Egyptian Tribal Belly-dance. Rachelle then continued to teach for adults and perform solo & troupe style choreography.
“I have nothing but love for the study of movement and the human body. The reason I love to teach Bellydance so much is because it brings women together of all shapes, sizes and ages to share in a beautiful art form. The history and lore behind Bellydance is compelling and in tune with self acceptance in our body image, which can be incredibly self empowering. Dancing is the one thing that has consistently kept me inspired and feeling alive through all phases of my life. I’m so happy to share that with other people.”
Rachelle has been a Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist since 1998 and continues to practice to this day. Her training started in California and then Hawaii with a total of 800 hours and 16 years hands on experience. She is also a certified Yoga Instructor with 200 RYT graduating from 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ in 2014.
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 Dance.
JOZI GULLICKSON – Dance
Jozi is 17 years old and a senior at Forest Charter. She started dancing at age three with Laura Bishop and has taken classes at Sierra Dance Institute for the past 13 years. Her favorite styles of dance include tap, jazz, and contemporary. She is excited to be joining the wonderful community at Center of Movement!
LISA BARKER – Authentic Movement
Lisa Barker is devoted to- the creativity, the mindfulness, and the permission that flows from an Authentic Movement practice. She holds a BA in Dance from UC-Irvine, and a Masters in Dance Movement Therapy from UCLA. She was a principal dancer with the Laura Knott Dance Company of Boston, and then later in San Francisco, danced with The Tracey Rhodes Dance Company and Dziga Vertov Performance Group. In Los Angeles, she was a founding member of the performance group, “Group 5” – led by, dance improvisation and spoken word master, Simone Forti. Lisa draws inspiration from intensives with Charlotte Selver, workshops with Anna Halprin and Tina Stromsted, and meditation retreats with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Authentic Movement Class is set up as a study group with a series of Introductory Classes followed by an 8 week series. In these classes, a traditional Authentic Movement form is used. The Mover, moves with their eyes closed in the silence of the room where a Witness is present. The Witness observes this dance and makes connections through their own sensory experience. With practice, a relationship develops between the Mover and the Witness. This relationship fosters an awareness of being authentic with oneself while being seen by another. It is a profoundly spiritual practice.