Three young School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit students smile while holding hands together in the dance studio. They wear their hair in ballet buns.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Get to know our faculty members at the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit

SCHOOL OF EISENHOWER DANCE DETROIT LEADERSHIP

  • Artistic Director

    Eisenhower Dance Detroit Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, joined the company as a founding member in 1991. At various points in her dance career with EDD, she served as Resident Choreographer, Associate Artistic Director, and Co-Artistic Director. Ms. Pizzo now leads the company into her 6th season as Artistic Director. She focuses on collaborating with the highest quality national and international artists and creating strong ties within the metro Detroit community through the art of dance. Her recent dance for film work, The Five Tangos, inspired by the music of Astor Piazzolla and created in collaboration with the Detroit Institute of Art and Zazu Creative Studio, featured each contemporary tango danced in an iconic Detroit location.

    Ms. Pizzo also believes in educational programming and youth mentorship as key tools to develop community connection. She works to use the art of contemporary dance both as a means to present beautiful, athletic, and engaging repertory and as a vehicle to reflect on and explore issues of social significance. She has set her choreography at Illinois State University, Texas A & M University, and Wesleyan University, along with having staged numerous works by Laurie Eisenhower on companies and universities throughout the United States. Her work has been presented in Tel Aviv as part of Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s production of The Light Show, at international dance festivals in Poland, and most recently on the Inside/Out Stage at Jacob’s Pillow. A native of Clinton Township, Michigan, Ms. Pizzo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Oakland University. In 2009, she received a Distinguished Alumni or “MaTilDa” award from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. She served as a special lecturer in dance at Oakland University for 12 years. Ms. Pizzo set new choreography for Texas Christian University and Texas A & M University in February, 2022.

  • EDD Youth Ensemble Artistic Director

    Judy Milner began her training and career under direction of Clifford Fears, original company member of Katherine Dunham Dance Company as well as Ms. Dunham herself. She also trained with Carol Morisseau of Detroit City Dance Company before receiving scholarship to train at the Ailey School in New York, where she began her professional career as a dancer. Ms. Milner also performed around the world with artists like: Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, The O’Jays & Lavertte, Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Heavy D, Aliyah, Mary J Blige and more recently, Janet Jackson’s State of The World Tour 2018 to name a few. As an Actress, Ms. Milner performed in stage plays, TV & film with artists like: Kim Fields, Charles Dutton, Debbie Morgan, Chip Fields, Glynn Turman, Denzel Washington and Vanessa Williams.

    Ms. Milner has a Bachelors in Dance Education, Masters in Curriculum & Instruction, Doctorate in Organization Management.

    Ms. Milner was Program Director, choreographer and dance teacher at Winans Academy of Performing Arts under leadership of Grammy Award winning gospel artist Marvin L. Winans, AMDA Summer Program, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, The Link School of the Arts, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Black Academy of Arts in Letters, School of Fine Arts Camp and is currently dance teacher/program manager at Silver Creek High School and Artistic Director of Ailey Arts & Education Program with UC Berkley/Cal Performances in CA.

    Ms. Milner has taught and/or Adjudicated at dance competitions like: Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), ACT-SO, NYCDA & Capezio A.C.E. Award Competition.

    Ms. Milner is a member of Dance Alliance, National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), National Liturgical Dance Network & International Association of Blacks In Dance (IABD).

    Ms. Milner has guest taught at Wayne State University, Oakland University, Washington University, University of Michigan, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Western Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, Grand Valley State University, Eastern Michigan University, UC Berkeley, The Link School of the Arts and the Black Academy of Arts & Letters (TBAL). Ms. Milner have trained students who have attended these colleges and others who are currently professional dancers with Alvin Ailey, Ballet West, NYC Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Cleo Parker Robinson, Dayton Contemporary, Paul Taylor, Evidence, Washington Ballet, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

    Ms. Milner is the mother of daughters, India, who begin her professional dance career with New York City Ballet Summer 2017 and Iman, actress, author and director, respectively.

  • School of EDD Co-Director & Detroit Country Day School Program Co-Director

    Meghann Hazelton began dancing at an early age and teaching by the age of 17. Born and raised in Shelby Township, Michigan, she grew up training with Lynda and Dennis Lambert. She graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She danced with Oakland Dance Theatre, OU Repertory Dance Company, and as a guest dancer with Eisenhower Dance Detroit during the company’s 20th Anniversary Season. Ms. Hazelton performed in works by Laurie Eisenhower, Stephanie Pizzo, Thayer Jonutz, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. In 2010, she was honored with the Distinguished Dance Student "Matilda" award. Ms. Hazelton has taken classes in Choreography, Creative Dance for Children, Dance Pedagogy and Kinesiology. She studied the Cecchetti Ballet Method and successfully passed student examinations 1-6. She began serving as CoDirector at the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit in 2018 after being on the teaching staff since 2008. Ms. Hazelton looks forward to sharing her love and passion for dance with the next generation of dancers.

  • School of EDD Co-Director, Detroit Country Day School Program Co-Director & Co-Business Manager

    Amanda Rea-Burnett began her dance training at the age of 5 at Encore Dance Academy under the direction of Jennifer Rickard. Through her years of dance, Amanda has had training by many well known choreographers, such as, Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, and worked under Dennis Caspary for many years. Amanda was a part of CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) at Churchill High School for 4 years. She was in numerous musicals and dance concerts through CAPA, and she choreographed for Les Miserable, A Chorus Line and many dance productions. Amanda was a 5 year company member of the Allure Dance Company in St. Claire Shores. Amanda started her teaching career in 2003, and was a Guest Choreographer in Nashville, Tennessee from 2004-2006. Her Choreography has won numerous overall awards and Best Choreography. Amanda started at Eisenhower Dance Detroit in 2011. In 2017, Amanda became the Director for the Detroit Country Day Lower School dance program where she continues to build the program. In 2019 she became the Business Manager and School Director for The School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit. Amanda is honored to share the knowledge, passion and her love for dance with the next generations to come.

  • Co-Business Manager & Finance Manager

    Christina Tasco, born and raised in Michigan, grew up training with Julie Bonsell, Cornelia Sampson, The Cleveland Ballet, and the Limon Company. She is an alumnus of Oakland University where she attended on both academic and dance scholarships. During her years as a student, Ms. Tasco performed as a member of the Michigan Ballet Theater, Oakland Dance Theater, Oakland Repertory Company, and as an apprentice with Eisenhower Dance. Immediately following her apprenticeship, she was offered a contract as a full company member and danced professionally with EDD for the next six years. Ms. Tasco has been teaching for the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit since 1997. In 2002, she joined the Oakland University Dance Department faculty where she continues to teach as a Special Lecturer. Ms. Tasco received the Most Inspirational Professor award in 2014 and 2015 and was nominated for an Outstanding Teaching Award in 2016. For the past 18 years, she has set her choreography and taught master classes across the United States along with educational residencies in schools districts across Michigan and the East Coast.

FACULTY

  • Lauren Bobo is a freelance dance artist, teacher, and choreographer in metro Detroit. She began her dance training at the age of 14 at Atlanta Ballet’s Center for Dance Education under the direction of Sharon Story and went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography and Biological Sciences from the University of South Carolina. Her passion for ballet and contemporary movement is expressed through her love for teaching and choreography. Her style is heavily influenced by working with and performing works by Maurya Kerr, Brian Arias, Ryley Watts, Alvin Ailey II, Joffrey Ballet School, Jillian Mitchell, Tanya Wydman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis of Wydman-Davis Dance, Madeline Jazz-Harvey, CompanyE, and Arnau Perez, among others. Since moving to Michigan in 2019, Lauren has danced professionally with ArtLab J, ConteXture Dance Detroit, and Detroit Dance Collective. Lauren has a passion for working with students of all ages, striving to help dancers and movers cultivate their own artist voice through dance. Lauren has been teaching with Eisenhower Dance Detroit since 2019 and is looking forward to digging deeper with her students in the 2022-2023 season!

  • Ms. Charvat graduated summa cum laude in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University. While attending WMU, she performed works by renowned choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Anthony Tudor, Lew Christensen, Frank Chavez and Brian Enos. She attended summer programs with New Dialect, chuthis., BODYTRAFFIC LA, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Big Muddy Dance Company and DanceWorks Chicago. In 2018, she received a scholarship to the Lou Conte Dance Studio where she attended weekly class with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago artists and presented her own choreography. In 2019, Tara joined NewDances, a collaboration between Thodos Dance Chicago and DanceWorks Chicago. For the 2019-2020 season, she apprenticed with Eisenhower Dance Detroit performing works by Stephanie Pizzo, Laurie Eisenhower and BAIRA. In Fall 2020, Tara was promoted to Company Member. Throughout her time with EDD, Ms. Charvat has worked directly with choreographers such as Micaela Taylor, Norbert de la Cruz III, Maleek Washington, James Gregg and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasit. She is also a teaching artist for the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit as well as other studios in the metro Detroit area. Along with presenting choreography at Youth America Grand Prix, she serves as the Assistant Artistic Director for the Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble.

  • Director of Operations

    Lindsay Chirio-Humenay graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Oakland University and joined the professional internationally touring contemporary dance company, Eisenhower Dance Detroit in 2012. From 2012-2020, Lindsay had the pleasure of touring, teaching, and performing with EDD. Lindsay teaches company class; educating and training current company dancers in EDD movement philosophies and methods. In 2018, through EDD’s Beyond the Stage Initiative, she was promoted to Company Manager. Lindsay is currently serving as EDD’s Director of Operations. Wearing many hats within the organization, she teaches at The School of EDD and directs several of the projects and programming EDD has to offer. Lindsay’s early training includes workshops and intensive training with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and a ballroom dance apprenticeship at Fred Astaire Bloomfield Hills. She had the honor to perform works by current EDD Artistic Director, Stephanie Pizzo, EDD founder and former Artistic Director, Laurie Eisenhower, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Ron De Jesus, Christian Denice, Edgar Zendajas, Nicolo Fonte, Joshua Manculich and many others. Lindsay has taught master classes and set EDD repertory throughout the country as well as in Israel and Poland.

    Lindsay's teaching focuses on the fundamentals of the EDD technique and philosophies while challenging dancers to push past their comfort zones, take risks and hone in on articulation of movement. Lindsay strives to create an inclusive and warm environment where all dancers can feel comfortable in their own skin.

  • Andrew Cribbett, originally from Thomasboro, Illinois, received a full scholarship to The Washington Ballet in Washington D.C. He then attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts to finish his senior year of high school. He joined Eisenhower Dance Detroit in 2011 and retired as a company dancer and Rehearsal Director in 2021. While dancing with the company, Andrew toured nationally and internationally both teaching and performing in venues as far as Tel Aviv, Israel. He also had the great pleasure of performing original works by Nicolo Fonte, Gina Patterson, Darrell Grand Moutrie, Edgar Zendejas, Joshua Peugh, Ron De Jesus, among many others. Andrew's choreography has received recognition for Top 12 placement at YAGP for solos, small groups and ensembles. Over the years, Andrew has taught and choreographed for several local studios, including The School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit and also trains Olympians in Junior Ice Dance. Currently Andrew is pursuing a degree in Nursing while assuming the role of Assistant Artistic Director.

    Andrew fosters the fundamentals of EDD training, technical skills, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the art form while prioritizing individual growth and maintaining a positive, inclusive environment. Andrew believes in adapting teaching methods to suit the specific needs of each unique individual and how they may require a different approach to fully grasp and apply the information being taught.

  • Event Coordinator & YAGP Director

    Katy Hall graduated from Oakland University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She received the MaTilDa Award for Outstanding Student Service through the Music, Theatre, and Dance program at O.U. She has also choreographed several pieces for O.U.’s dance company, Oakland Dance Theatre. Ms. Hall is a CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) dance alum and has choreographed many pieces for the dance program at Churchill High School since her graduation in 2003. In 2014, she attended the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum conference where she received her certification. She has been teaching for the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit since 2006 and also serves as the Special Events Coordinator, Youth America Grand Prix Director, and Student Ambassador Program Director.

  • Alex Hlavaty graduated with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University in May, 2015. He studied in New York City with Gibney Dance and in Montréal with O Vertigo and Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal before joining Eisenhower Dance Detroit. He is currently in his ninth season dancing with EDD, where he has performed and taught master classes nationally and internationally. He has set excerpts of EDD repertory on high school and university students at summer intensives, workshops, and master classes. Mr. Hlavaty is also an avid choreographer and writer. His choreography has been performed in festivals, intensives, and competitions. He has also created two works on EDD’s professional company. His poetry has been published in the literary journal The Laureate, 14th Edition, and he has written for DancePlug online as a resource for dance students, professionals, and educators. He is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Junior, Senior, and Advanced program, and strives to use PBT fundamentals to bring the best instruction to his students.

    Teaching Philosophy:

    My aim as an educator is to have my students enter my class with a love of dance, and leave with a love of learning. Training in classical dance forms and movement techniques is not only about conditioning the body, but also about learning to become a better life learner. I challenge my students to find their own unique movement language within a class structure that develops consistency, creativity, and risk-taking skills. My classes foster an environment of safety and acceptance that allows dancers the freedom to make errors and learn without judgement. Each student will move forward with the confidence to mold and adjust in any environment to be successful in whatever artistic endeavors they choose.

  • Lisa Johns began her dance training at age 3. She received her early training from Joanne Zavisa at Joanne’s Dance Extension in Canton, MI. After graduating high school Lisa continued her dance training at Oakland University. While studying at OU, Lisa had the privilege of working with many respected choreographers including Meg Paul, Laurie Eisenhower, Stephanie Pizzo, Ali Woerner and Thayer Jonutz. Lisa was the first student to produce her own independent dance concert, and received her BFA in 2014 after receiving the MaTilDa award in outstanding choreography. After graduation Lisa spent time touring with NUVO Dance convention and has since continued to teach dance throughout all of Metro Detroit, being sought out for her specific teaching skills in acrobatics. She is currently working toward her Master’s of Arts from University of Michigan in nonprofit management.

  • Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, Lauren Lamontagne (she/her) graduated summa cum laude in the spring of 2023 from George Mason University, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor in Psychology. She has performed works by Larry Keigwin and Rafael Bonachela (staged by Fiona Jopp). She also performed pieces choreographed by professors Shaun Boyle D’arcy and Lawrence Jackson. She has trained with professional companies and choreographers through summer intensives including New York Dance Project, Perry-Mansfield with Yin Yue, Orsolina 28 Nunes/Flock Creation Program, and Henny Jurriens Studio Workshops. She is joining EDD this season as an apprentice.

    Teaching philosophy:

    When teaching, I seek to create a respectful, inclusive, and educational environment in order to provide meaningful opportunities for students taking a dance class. I want the classes I teach to be a place where students can strengthen their technique and artistry, and have fun doing so! I hope that students can leave my class with tools they learned from dancing that may impact their lives both in and out of the studio.

  • Allison Lincoln is a choreographer, dancer, and teacher. She found her love for teaching and choreographing at a young age, but it was brought to life while exploring movement at college. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance, and is hoping to further her dance education academically. Starting dance at the age of two, her classical ballet training was based in the Cecchetti method, where she completed exams Grade 1 through Grade 4. She was brought up training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Modern; getting to continue an in depth education in all of these styles at the University. She’s gotten to focus on the importance of anatomy, technique, dance history, and artistry. Allison was involved with Dance Masters of America in her early dance years, and understands the importance of challenge and exposure. She is passionate about humanity; creating movement from personal emotions and experiences. Allison was able to choreograph many projects while in school, and now outside of school; choreographing music videos for local artists and working on personal projects. She is choreographing a piece for the Detroit Dance City Festival this fall.

    Teaching Philosophy:

    Exploration will turn into creativity; creativity will turn into passion; passion will turn into art. I believe that creating a supportive, fun and safe environment in class will lead to the most success. Technique and fun can go hand in hand! I seek to challenge and support dancers along their journey to becoming artists.

  • Maddie graduated from Oakland University with her Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance Performance in 2022. While at OU, she had the privilege of training and performing as an apprentice with Eisenhower Dance Detroit during their 31st season with Stephanie Pizzo as Artistic Director, as well as training under Greg Patterson, Christina Tasco, Dr. Liz Kattner, Thayer Jonutz, Ali Woerner, Liz Riga, and others. Most recently, she joined a local company as a company member this past season. Maddie was honored with the Distinguished Dance Student MaTilDa award from the School of Music, Theater, and Dance at Oakland. University, and has presented her choreography in several concerts. Before her collegiate training and professional career, she grew up and trained in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Maddie is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, and works in these roles for various organizations in the metro-Detroit area. She considers herself a student in dance and in life and always looks to learn and grow. Maddie's teaching philosophy is to bring excellence through engaging students in unique ways. She strives to help students recognize their potential and learn how to be smart athletes.

  • Olivia graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor in Business. Throughout her time at IU, Olivia performed works by Cameron McKinney, Elizabeth Shea, Beatrice Capote, Selene Carter, and Evelyn Wang. She has also trained with professional companies and choreographers such as BODYTRAFFIC LA, SALT Contemporary Dance, WhirlWind Dance, and Symbiosis Arts. Olivia is an apprentice with EDD this season and is eager to work with students at the school of EDD as well.

    Olivia aspires to uphold four values in her classes- versatility, artistry, commitment, and inclusivity. She strives for her students to feel comfortable in the classroom but challenged enough to take risks. Olivia strongly values dance as an art form and encourages students to find their personal artistry and passions through movement.

  • Abbey Schrade studied at The School of American Ballet, through the Audrey Rose scholarship, from 2008 to 2013. While there, she performed in ballets by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon and Justin Peck. She also participated in the New York Choreographic Institute, SAB’s Student Choreography Workshop, performances with New York City Ballet, and SAB’s student teacher program. During the summers, Ms. Schrade attended intensives with Joffrey Midwest, Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet Austin. After graduating from SAB, she performed with Ballet Austin's Fellowship Program in Austin, Texas. She also became an ABT Certified Teacher of the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum. In 2019, she graduated with her B.A. in Dance and her B.S. in Marketing from Oakland University where she performed with the Repertory Dance Company and received the 2018 MaTilDa Award for Distinguished Dance Student. Ms. Schrade began teaching at The School of Eisenhower Dance in 2016 and loves to share her passion for ballet with students.

    Teaching Philosophy:

    At the start of the year I ask my students what their goals in dance are and try to incorporate their interests into each lesson. My ballet classes always emphasize the importance of musicality, clean foot work and expressive upper body movement. I also focus on teaching the fundamentals of Balanchine’s ballet technique.

  • Nirvan Singh graduated in 2021 on a full ride academic scholarship where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Business Management minor from Western Michigan University (WMU). During his time at Western, Nirvan had the opportunity to perform in guest works by renowned choreographers including Paul Taylor, Aszure Barton, and George Balanchine, as well as dancing in works by Edwaard Liang, Gustavo Ramirez, and Justin Peck while attending the BalletMet Company Rep Week 2019.

    Following graduation, Nirvan danced as an Apprentice with Eisenhower Dance Detroit and taught at the School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit. Throughout their 31st season, Nirvan had the opportunity to perform in newly created works by choreographers Maleek Washington, Norbert De La Cruz III, WeWolf, and Stephanie Pizzo. He has also performed as a guest artist for Wellspring/ Cori Terry & Dancers. In addition to his performing career after university, Nirvan has taught various styles of dance at Sharon's Dance Studio, Ballet Kalamazoo, School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Detroit School of Arts, and Release Detroit.

    Nirvan's choreographic works have been showcased at Western Michigan University, Detroit School of Arts, School of Eisenhower Dance Detroit, and Ballet Kalamazoo. He has also choreographed numerous solos performed by students for the Youth American Grand Prix in Pittsburgh and Chicago.

    Teaching Philosophy:

    I like to focus my classes around the concepts of personal growth and exploration. Everyone enters dance with different goals in mind, and through class the students are offered various tools/skills that they can take into their everyday lives to benefit their growth as human beings. Embracing the individuality of each student is important to me so they can explore throughout class to find what works best for them. Both of these principles will push the students to engage in dance with an open mind and open heart. If they trust the process, and trust themselves, there is no limit to the possibilities for their growth through dance!

  • Lisa Allai-Stop, originally from the Detroit area, has been a dance educator for over 30 years. She has taught for workshops, colleges, dance festivals and studios locally, nationally, and internationally. Most recently, she has served on the faculty of the Phoenix Tap Festival and the Las Vegas Tap Festival. She is a long time company member of the Detroit Tap Repertory where she performs, choreographs, and serves as the company dance historian. In addition to tap dance, Ms. Allai-Stop has performed with Eartha Kitt and as an extra numerary with ABT’s Detroit production of Romeo and Juliet. She also studies and teaches Polynesian dance and directs a Polynesian performance troupe called The Tropical Wahines.

  • Ms. Wenske began her dance training at the age of 3, including her high school training at Eisenhower Dance Detroit as part of the pre-professional program known as the Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble. After graduating summa cum laude in high school, she expressed interest in teaching and entered a student teaching program with the company in 2021, which then transitioned to substitute teaching after successful completion of the program, to officially becoming a Teaching Artist for the school starting 2023. She is currently attending Schoolcraft College, and will be graduating with an Associates in Science in May 2024, with anticipations to transfer for her Bachelors. Kathryn’s love of teaching stems from her deeply-rooted passion for the artform itself, and hopes to ignite that in her students. She designs her classes to invoke creativity and fun in a safe environment for the students to express themselves. Kathryn is looking forward to not only growing herself this year, but with her students in the 2023-2024 season.

  • Megan White has over 20 years of dance experience in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Pointe. She received her early Vaganova ballet training with Denise Paavola at Paavola School of Dance and Young Peoples’ Ballet Theatre. She continued her training with Cornelia Sampson, Michael Anderson, Debra Dawn, Samantha Shelton and Michael Hicks at Rochester School of Dance and the Michigan Ballet Theatre. Broadening her dance repertory, she moved to Miami to work with the Miami City Ballet to study the Balanchine style at a professional level under the direction of Alexander Carter, Geta Constantinescu, Rafi Maldonado-Lopez, Liz Malm, and Edward Villella. While in Miami, she performed Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Four Ts, Western Symphony, Valse Fantasy, in addition to Raymonda, Open Barre, Carnival of the Animals, Tarentella and Lounge 2200. She has had the honor of working and performing with major dance companies including American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Minnesota Ballet and Miami City Ballet. Outside of teaching, Ms. White has a degree in exercise science and pre-physical therapy. She teaches Xtend Barre and is a certified Pilates instructor.