Meet Our Pilates Instructors
PILATES INSTRUCTORS
Caitlyn Cade
Equipment, Mat, Pre/Post Natal
Caitlyn has studied, choreographed and professionally performed all forms of dance for over twenty years and has been a student of Pilates and yoga for nearly ten. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University and her Pilates certification from The Kane School of Core Integration in New York City. She believes that body awareness, breath, passion, determination, discipline and joy are essential elements to a productive conditioning session, be it for fitness and strength training, overall toning or injury rehabilitation.
Caitlyn’s goal is to make fitness enjoyable and rewarding for her clients through an understanding of the body’s proper alignment, encouraging them to their optimum fitness potential while guiding them towards a happy, healthy and whole life.
Dorela Cheban
Mat
Dorela is a true believer in the Pilates method and is in love with its mental and physical benefits. Wanting to share these benefits with others, she studied the intensive mat training program with Kelly Kane at The Kane School of Core Integration. Dorela received her certification from The Kane School of Core Integration in New York City in the winter of 2011.
Dorela’s knowledge and passion shows in her class repertoire. She uses different Pilates props to challenge and keep her clients interested. Dorela’s goal is to educate people on how to improve their lives through Pilates, to help and inspire students at all levels reach their true potential. She makes sure to personalize and guide students through workouts that meet their specific needs. She teaches that body awareness, breath, discipline and control are all key elements to successful and enjoyable sessions.
Christie Freeman
Equipment, Mat, Pre/Post Natal, Doula
Christie Freeman first discovered pilates in college where she received a BFA in dance from California State University, Long Beach. After taking a course in pilates from Susan McLain (Former Graham soloist), Christie worked part time in the dance departments physical therapy room which was equipped with a cadillac, wunda chair and reformers. This is where she first realized the benefits of pilates and how much pilates can help the body. Christie suffered from chronic back, shoulder and neck pain due to a car accident. During her time in this therapy room she was able to focus her attention on herself and see the amazing results that can be achieved with a little dedication and the pilates practice.
Christie received her pilates mat and equipment certification from The Kane School of Core Integration in New York. Christie has attended additional workshops in continuation with her Pilates training; Pilates through Pregnancy with Debbi Goodman, MSPT, Pre and Post Natal Specialist Pilates Certification with Carolyne Anthony, Kinesthetic Anatomy and Biomechanics of Motion: Spine/Trunk with Irene Dowd, Relax your Neck – Liberate your Shoulders with Eric Franklin, Hip and Knee injuries with Mark Klion/MD.
After giving birth to her first child in 2004, she became drawn to the journey of birth. Six weeks before giving birth to her second child in 2007 she attended doula training through DONA in search of a natural birth experience and is currently working on completing her doula certification.
Christie hopes that all will love the way they feel as much as she does after an invigorating pilates session whether it is for fitness or injury prevention and recovery.
Melissa Lavin
Equipment, Mat, Pre/Post Natal, Sports Specific
Melissa Lavin is a former professional ballerina, contemporary and flamenco dancer, Her most recent performance was as the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio at the Royal Opera House, London.
Melissa’s entry into the world of Pilates instruction began 7 years ago in London with an introductory course through Good body’s Pilates instructed by Master Trainer Colleen Glenn. She went on to work directly with Zoey Trap, MSc, a leader in Pilates and fitness. Melissa is certified through Peak Pilates, teaching courses in mat and equipment internationally. Melissa has had the opportunity to conduct workshops for Peak Pilates enabling teachers to further their education and keep abreast of the latest Pilates research. Inspired by her 16 month old daughter, Melissa designed a workshop in Pre and Post natal Pilates.
Melissa enjoys the challenge of working with peoples individual needs. Her background in sports therapy leaves her ideally suited to help those who need rehabilitation. She has also had the opportunity to work with top athletes in a variety of sports such as fencing, rugby, cricket, golf, dance and hockey.
Melissa is passionate about Pilates and believes it is beneficial for everyone.
Morgan Refakis
Reformer, Mat, Fit Ball
Morgan Hille Refakis is from Fort Wayne, IN, where she grew up studying ballet, modern, jazz and tap at The Academy of the Fort Wayne Ballet. Pilates was always incorporated into her dance training and she began practicing Pilates in 1999. After delving into the philosophies and structure of Pilates she received her mat certification from Balanced Body University and is now pursuing her Pilates Apparatus Certification. Morgan graduated from Rutgers University with a double degree in Dance and Journalism. Morgan is the manager for the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company and also dances and choreographs in her free time.
Sarah Smith
Equipment, Mat, Pre/Post Natal
Sarah Smith was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX. She attended Texas Christian University where she was first introduced to Pilates. She quickly realized how important Pilates was to her dance training, health and well being. In 2001 she was invited to be a part of the Broaway Theatre Project in Tampa, FL where she was able to train and work with legends such as Ben Vereen, Ann Reinking, Gregory Hines, and Julie Andrews among others. She graduated with a B.P.A. in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University where her passion for tap and theatre dance blossomed. While attending OCU she performed and toured with the American Spirit Dance Company. She moved to NYC in 2004 to pursue a career in musical theatre. She has appeared in Regional productions of “Crazy For You”, “42nd Street”, and “Christmas Dreams.” She was a tap soloist for “The Moveable Feast” and continues to study voice and musical theatre performance with Jen Waldman and Kim Stern in NYC. She received her Pilates Mat and Equipment Certification from The Kane School of Core Integration. Sarah believes Pilates can be used to help achieve a broad range of goals. She is excited to share her love and passion for Pilates with others.
Hanh Tran
Equipment, Mat, Post Natal
Thuc-Hanh Tran (Hanh) received her Pilates Mat and Equipment certification from the Kane School of Core Integration and continues to further her studies through workshops such as those with Pilates Elder Lolita San Miguel and courses at Kinected Center addressing various anatomical issues and injuries. She is able to also draw on years of professional dance experience, having taught BFA students, professional dancers and adult learners at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts as well as children in a range of settings, performed on Broadway in King and I and with modern dance companies including Eleo Pomare and Martha Graham’s, shown her choreography in the US and Asia, and explored movement through an eclectic training. Hanh also brings to her teaching her experience of working in refugee camps as social work aide and health education assistant, acting with Pan Asian Repertory Theatre and mothering two children. She’s happy teaching pilates to all levels because her sense of perfectionism can translate into attention to details while her patience and empathy can encourage and motivate. She looks forward to working with you towards fuller movement possibilities and optimum health.