“I am a wife, mother (2 children), physical therapist, Pilates instructor, business owner, researcher, and mentor. I live in Peachtree City, GA and am the local operator of ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio (established June 2005). I graduated from the University of Evansville in May 1998 with my Master’s Degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. I attended my first Pilates continuing education course in June 1998 and fell in love with the work for my own body.
I was a gymnast as a child and the movement made sense to me. In June 2002 I began the doctoral program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (Provo, UT) with the focus area of Orthopedics and Sports Science. The program provided access to wonderful teachers, mentors, and classmates from all over the USA. Through all of my doctoral work, I had continued my personal Pilates practice and decided to pursue a comprehensive teacher training program (the completion of the program counted towards my required practicuum). I was drawn to Polestar Pilates for the rehabilitation background and how the program would enhance my physical therapy practice. I completed the program in May 2005 and completed the Advanced Teacher Training coursework in January 2011.“
What do you love about teaching Pilates and owning a Studio? Where did you take your Training and who was the educator?
KS: I love assisting people on a path of healing. I love seeing the growth of my co-workers as their skill set continues to develop. I took my training in Evansville, IN with Kristen Veltkamp in 2004/2005. I opened up ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio in June 2005.
What are your current Inspirations? What do You love about them?
KS: My current inspiration are my children. They are 12 and 10—evolving as independent thinkers, still reaching out for guidance/assistance, willing to make mistakes and learn from them, willing to challenge the way things are/or appear to be—how can things be different.
Why Pilates? How did you find the practice?
KS: It fits for my body. I was a gymnast as a child and when I discovered Pilates when in my 20’s it was a reminder to me of what my body was capable of doing.
What do you hope to convey in your teaching?
KS: A sense of hope. Movement is medicine.
Where would you love to Vacation to?
KS: My family and I really love to travel. We enjoy cruising quite a bit to explore many areas in one vacation. Our favorite spots: New Zealand, Iceland, Ireland
What is your favorite Quote?
KS: “The healthiest response to life is joy.” Deepak Chopra
Describe your movement style?
KS: I move with purpose.
What is your Favorite Apparatus or favorite way to move? What do you love about it?
KS: Pilates Chair—ability to move in many different orientations to gravity without much assistance. Hamstring III is my favorite as it brings me upside down, back to my gymnast days.
What are you reading or learning about?
KS: The Revolution of Marina K by Janet Fitch. I generally read books that will inform my physical therapy and Pilates profession, but this book has historical accuracies very intriguing.
How does Pilates inform your profession?
KS: Pilates is an integral part of my profession. The philosophies guide everything I do each and every day.
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