k Pilates & Karve Studio Mesa AZ

Staff

Kendra Jordan, Founder

Kendra first discovered Pilates as a competitive diver in college. She used Pilates to strengthen her abdominals, and prevent hurting her back when performing the quick, repetitive movements required for the sport. After college, she continued her Pilates studies, devoting her training to the original techniques and principles first created by Joseph Pilates. Kendra completed a comprehensive 9-month program requiring 500 hours of study and apprenticeship in Los Angeles, CA., and further went on to study with Jill Cassady of Absolution in West Hollywood, CA. Both of Kendra’s master instructors were trained by Romana Kryzanowska, one of only a handful of remaining Pilates protégé’s that trained with Mr. Pilates himself in the early part of the 20th century.

Kendra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and a Master of Arts degree in Sport and Fitness Management. She maintains her certifications as an NSCA Personal Trainer, an Athletic Trainer (a profession that deals with the prevention and care of athletic injuries), and is a GOLD certified member of the Pilates Method Alliance. Her extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physical rehabilitation, and injury prevention has allowed her to develop a keen eye when working with her students.

Rene Brackney

Rene Brackney teaches Pilates, Yoga and Core Strength and Stability classes for adults and children. She received her apparatus certification and apprenticeship through Kendra Jordan Pilates, LLC, and she has been teaching Pilates mat classes since 2003. Rene is a certified member of the Pilates Method Alliance as well as the NSCA, AFAA, ESA and Yoga Fit. Rene has been a mentor to other instructors all over the valley as they embark on their own exploration of teaching the classical Pilates technique.

Rene has been a classical student of Pilates and dance inspired movements for nearly two decades and has trained with master teachers on both coasts. Rene enjoys learning, being active and spending time with her husband and two children. She is passionate about Pilates and believes it is something you do so that you can enjoy a balanced, healthy life.

Rachelle Gibson

Rachelle Graduated from UCLA in 1998 as a five-time All-American track and field athlete. Rachelle competed in Discus, Shot Put, Javelin and Hammer events. She is the only person in NCAA history to qualify for the National Championships in all four throwing events.

Because of Rachelle's history as a power-athlete, she had conditioned herself to believe this was the best way to work out. In college she spent three hours a day in the weight room to get stronger and bigger. Rachelle bench pressed 255 pounds, squatted 435 pounds, and cleaned 260 pounds. For a woman only measuring 5 foot 6, this was an impressive feat! Needless to say, when Rachelle was approached with the idea of taking a Pilates class, she considered it to be a "wimpy" form of exercise. But once she began taking private classes, she realized that her view of Pilates was completely innacurate and she immediately became hooked!

Rachelle completed her teacher training program through Kendra Jordan Pilates, and today she enjoys teaching Pilates to all levels of athletes and non-athletes alike. She has two young children, and credits Pilates with her ability to recover from childbirth and pregnancy with ease. She loves to dispell the common myths about Pilates, especially to those that believe it is "wimpy"!

Dawn Chouman

Dawn has led a longtime lifestyle of fitness, from backpacking the Appalacian Trail and Pocono Mountains, to distance running and traditional Shotokan karate. While training for a marathon she started taking Pilates to increase her fitness level. She soon discovered the difference in her body and how much stronger she felt when she was training in both running and karate. Her passion for Pilates grew stronger when Pilates helped her return to her regular running and karate routine after a knee injury. This recovery prompted her to earn her Pilates certification through Kendra Jordan Pilates.

Dawn has trained clients from 16 to 83 years of age, men and women that have never exercised before, pregnant women, women trying to get back in to pre-pregnancy shape, runners, cyclists, swimmers, dancers, gymnasts golfers and even a senior Olympic athlete. Dawn loves helping clients reach their goals, whether it is getting back into shape or making the Kona time cut off for an Ironman competition.

Dawn still enjoys running, swimming, hiking and karate, and is passionate about Pilates. She looks forward to the day she is 83 and is still training. Her exercise philosophy:

“Exercise should make you feel good both mentally and physically. It is essential to do some form of exercise that you like and make it a habit. You will reap the rewards over a long and healthy lifetime.”

Melissa Waldron

Melissa is a sports and outdoors enthusiast who enjoys road cycling, mountain biking, running, backpacking, hiking, and dancing. She has competed in several bike races and numerous running events. Melissa began her mind-body work exploration as a student of Power Yoga for three years, which increased her love of exercise and body awareness.

By chance, Melissa discovered Pilates through a friend and immediately became hooked. She studied under Kendra Jordan and became certified through Kendra Jordan Pilates in January 2006. Melissa is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Susan Hoffman:

Susan has a background in dance and group fitness. Being introduced to Pilates during the 80s by a non-certified instructor, she just "didn't get it". Because she wasn't properly introduced to the true Pilates concepts and principles, she didn't think much of the method at first. After relocating to Phoenix from the East coast, she was looking to shake up her fitness routine. Susan was re-introduced to Pilates by a qualified instructor at k Pilates. She then really started to "get it", and now understands the core concepts and Philosophy of Pilates to effectively perform the method. Susan completed the k Pilates teacher training program and teaches clients with an emphathetic understanding of how difficult it can be to "get" Pilates at first!

Trish Theobald:

Trish has had a passion for dance and gymnastics since she was a child. During high school some of her most cherished memories involved her dance team competitions. Trish's passion eventually led her to participate in the opening Olympic ceremonies in Atlanta, as well as half time shows for the Super Bowl and USC football games. A friend introduced Trish to Pilates mat work while she was trying to regain her figure after three children, and she knew this was the workout method for her. A couple of years later Trish discovered the Pilates apparatus and Karve and it resparked a passion in her she hadn't felt since her dance team days. Her body completely changed, and she felt better than ever. Trish's own personal achievement through Pilates led her to complete her full certification training at K Pilates, where she now teaches clients of all ages and physical backgrounds.

Alli Goozh

Alli’s passion for sports and fitness was rekindled in the summer of 2006 when she set a goal to reclaim her fitness by beginning an aggressive training program. Through reconnecting with exercise, she found Kendra Jordan Pilates and immediately benefited from the impact of core strength training. After several Pilates sessions and Karve classes, she realized that she wanted to not only continue her own training but also help others to achieve their fitness goals. Studying under Kendra Jordan, she completed the training to become a Karve instructor.

Alli knows first-hand how daunting the task may seem to start a new exercise program. Alli also realizes that maintaining physical health and overall mind-body wellness can be equally as challenging. Her passion for teaching Karve stem from her own personal experiences. No matter how long it has been since you've exercised or what physical, medical or personal obstacles seem to be in the way, Alli is proof that you can reclaim your fitness, change your health and thrive on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle!

Alli has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. She received her Reiki Master Certification over a decade ago and is currently studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer.

Adriane Blewitt

Karve instructor Adriane Blewitt grew up in Boardman, Ohio and graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Health from Ashland University. Her athletic experience is nothing short of inspirational. She has competed collegiately in shot put, discus and hammer events and earned 13 All-American honors in NCAA divison II. Among her honors were 7 National Championships and 6 Runner up awards, twice named NCAA Athlete of the year and she still owns 2 of her 3 national records. Adriane continues to train for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China in the shot put event with a current best of 60 feet 1/4 inch.

Outside of track and field Adriane is an active golfer, and sunk her first hole in one in 2005! Overall Adriane enjoys sharing her enthusiasm of a healthy lifestyle with clients as well as being able to identify with obstacles. In 2003 she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy. She is now over 3 years cancer free!




		Staff Kendra \| Rene \| Rachelle \| Dawn \| Melissa Susan \| Trish \| Alli \| Adriane Kendra Jordan, Founder Kendra first discovered Pilates as a competitive diver in college. She used Pilates to strengthen her abdominals, and prevent hurting her back when performing the quick, repetitive movements required for the sport. After college, she continued her Pilates studies, devoting her training to the original techniques and principles first created by Joseph Pilates. Kendra completed a comprehensive 9-month program requiring 500 hours of study and apprenticeship in Los Angeles, CA., and further went on to study with Jill Cassady of Absolution in West Hollywood, CA. Both of Kendra’s master instructors were trained by Romana Kryzanowska, one of only a handful of remaining Pilates protégé’s that trained with Mr. Pilates himself in the early part of the 20th century. Kendra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and a Master of Arts degree in Sport and Fitness Management. She maintains her certifications as an NSCA Personal Trainer, an Athletic Trainer (a profession that deals with the prevention and care of athletic injuries), and is a GOLD certified member of the Pilates Method Alliance. Her extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physical rehabilitation, and injury prevention has allowed her to develop a keen eye when working with her students. Rene Brackney Rene Brackney teaches Pilates, Yoga and Core Strength and Stability classes for adults and children. She received her apparatus certification and apprenticeship through Kendra Jordan Pilates, LLC, and she has been teaching Pilates mat classes since 2003. Rene is a certified member of the Pilates Method Alliance as well as the NSCA, AFAA, ESA and Yoga Fit. Rene has been a mentor to other instructors all over the valley as they embark on their own exploration of teaching the classical Pilates technique. Rene has been a classical student of Pilates and dance inspired movements for nearly two decades and has trained with master teachers on both coasts. Rene enjoys learning, being active and spending time with her husband and two children. She is passionate about Pilates and believes it is something you do so that you can enjoy a balanced, healthy life. Rachelle Gibson Rachelle Graduated from UCLA in 1998 as a five-time All-American track and field athlete. Rachelle competed in Discus, Shot Put, Javelin and Hammer events. She is the only person in NCAA history to qualify for the National Championships in all four throwing events. Because of Rachelle's history as a power-athlete, she had conditioned herself to believe this was the best way to work out. In college she spent three hours a day in the weight room to get stronger and bigger. Rachelle bench pressed 255 pounds, squatted 435 pounds, and cleaned 260 pounds. For a woman only measuring 5 foot 6, this was an impressive feat! Needless to say, when Rachelle was approached with the idea of taking a Pilates class, she considered it to be a "wimpy" form of exercise. But once she began taking private classes, she realized that her view of Pilates was completely innacurate and she immediately became hooked! Rachelle completed her teacher training program through Kendra Jordan Pilates, and today she enjoys teaching Pilates to all levels of athletes and non-athletes alike. She has two young children, and credits Pilates with her ability to recover from childbirth and pregnancy with ease. She loves to dispell the common myths about Pilates, especially to those that believe it is "wimpy"! Dawn Chouman Dawn has led a longtime lifestyle of fitness, from backpacking the Appalacian Trail and Pocono Mountains, to distance running and traditional Shotokan karate. While training for a marathon she started taking Pilates to increase her fitness level. She soon discovered the difference in her body and how much stronger she felt when she was training in both running and karate. Her passion for Pilates grew stronger when Pilates helped her return to her regular running and karate routine after a knee injury. This recovery prompted her to earn her Pilates certification through Kendra Jordan Pilates. Dawn has trained clients from 16 to 83 years of age, men and women that have never exercised before, pregnant women, women trying to get back in to pre-pregnancy shape, runners, cyclists, swimmers, dancers, gymnasts golfers and even a senior Olympic athlete. Dawn loves helping clients reach their goals, whether it is getting back into shape or making the Kona time cut off for an Ironman competition. Dawn still enjoys running, swimming, hiking and karate, and is passionate about Pilates. She looks forward to the day she is 83 and is still training. Her exercise philosophy: “Exercise should make you feel good both mentally and physically. It is essential to do some form of exercise that you like and make it a habit. You will reap the rewards over a long and healthy lifetime.” Melissa Waldron Melissa is a sports and outdoors enthusiast who enjoys road cycling, mountain biking, running, backpacking, hiking, and dancing. She has competed in several bike races and numerous running events. Melissa began her mind-body work exploration as a student of Power Yoga for three years, which increased her love of exercise and body awareness. By chance, Melissa discovered Pilates through a friend and immediately became hooked. She studied under Kendra Jordan and became certified through Kendra Jordan Pilates in January 2006. Melissa is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Susan Hoffman: Susan has a background in dance and group fitness. Being introduced to Pilates during the 80s by a non-certified instructor, she just "didn't get it". Because she wasn't properly introduced to the true Pilates concepts and principles, she didn't think much of the method at first. After relocating to Phoenix from the East coast, she was looking to shake up her fitness routine. Susan was re-introduced to Pilates by a qualified instructor at k Pilates. She then really started to "get it", and now understands the core concepts and Philosophy of Pilates to effectively perform the method. Susan completed the k Pilates teacher training program and teaches clients with an emphathetic understanding of how difficult it can be to "get" Pilates at first! Trish Theobald: Trish has had a passion for dance and gymnastics since she was a child. During high school some of her most cherished memories involved her dance team competitions. Trish's passion eventually led her to participate in the opening Olympic ceremonies in Atlanta, as well as half time shows for the Super Bowl and USC football games. A friend introduced Trish to Pilates mat work while she was trying to regain her figure after three children, and she knew this was the workout method for her. A couple of years later Trish discovered the Pilates apparatus and Karve and it resparked a passion in her she hadn't felt since her dance team days. Her body completely changed, and she felt better than ever. Trish's own personal achievement through Pilates led her to complete her full certification training at K Pilates, where she now teaches clients of all ages and physical backgrounds. Alli Goozh Alli’s passion for sports and fitness was rekindled in the summer of 2006 when she set a goal to reclaim her fitness by beginning an aggressive training program. Through reconnecting with exercise, she found Kendra Jordan Pilates and immediately benefited from the impact of core strength training. After several Pilates sessions and Karve classes, she realized that she wanted to not only continue her own training but also help others to achieve their fitness goals. Studying under Kendra Jordan, she completed the training to become a Karve instructor. Alli knows first-hand how daunting the task may seem to start a new exercise program. Alli also realizes that maintaining physical health and overall mind-body wellness can be equally as challenging. Her passion for teaching Karve stem from her own personal experiences. No matter how long it has been since you've exercised or what physical, medical or personal obstacles seem to be in the way, Alli is proof that you can reclaim your fitness, change your health and thrive on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle! Alli has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. She received her Reiki Master Certification over a decade ago and is currently studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer. Adriane Blewitt Karve instructor Adriane Blewitt grew up in Boardman, Ohio and graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Health from Ashland University. Her athletic experience is nothing short of inspirational. She has competed collegiately in shot put, discus and hammer events and earned 13 All-American honors in NCAA divison II. Among her honors were 7 National Championships and 6 Runner up awards, twice named NCAA Athlete of the year and she still owns 2 of her 3 national records. Adriane continues to train for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China in the shot put event with a current best of 60 feet 1/4 inch. Outside of track and field Adriane is an active golfer, and sunk her first hole in one in 2005! Overall Adriane enjoys sharing her enthusiasm of a healthy lifestyle with clients as well as being able to identify with obstacles. In 2003 she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy. She is now over 3 years cancer free!