MERILEE MAGNUSON BLAISDELL

Merilee has been a certified Pilates instructor for ten years. She is also a Certified Fitness Trainer and has a B.A. from St. Mary’s College. She started creative movement lessons at three years old and continued studying dance all through her school years. She received a Joffrey Ballet Scholarship at sixteen and began her professional career as a principal dancer with Ballet Pacifica. She danced in the Corps de Ballet at Radio City Music Hall, and performed in many Broadway shows with roles in “My One and Only,” The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Harrigan ‘n’ Hart.” She originated the role of Sr. Mary Leo in the off-Broadway production of “Nunsense,” and starred as Alice in Wonderland in the touring show “Disney on Parade.” She appeared on television and in films and was a featured dancer in the movie “Mame,” starring Lucille Ball. She has taught dance and exercise at studios and Universities from L.A. to New York and has choreographed shows across the country. Currently she is the Pilates instructor at Champs Charter High School of the Arts in Van Nuys, CA. This is her tenth year working with Zoë.

CHRISTINA ROSE

Christina comes to Pilates with a background in competitive gymnastics and teaching Hatha yoga. She holds a Pilates teacher certification from Power Pilates and Hatha yoga teacher certification through Raghavan Daas and Scientific Yoga. Christina’s passion for teaching Pilates comes from seeing bodies and lives change as a result of practicing Pilates. She loves to help people reconnect with their bodies while building strength and flexibility. Christina also holds a BA in Psychology and is currently working on her Masters in Fine Art at Claremont Graduate University.

ERIC VALDES

Eric holds a teacher certification from Power Pilates. He was initially introduced to Pilates through a knee injury from marathon running and competitive cycling. Since then, Pilates has become a vital part in keeping Eric injury free in all of his athletic endeavors. Eric has studied with Master Teachers Bob Liekens and Susan Moran-Perich of Power Pilates in New York City. He is dedicated to continually developing as a student and teacher of the Pilates method. He looks forward to playing an integral role in the change of your body here at ZOE. Change happens through movement!

THERESA BARNES

A native of South Texas, Theresa received her BA in Dance studies from Texas Woman's University with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy. While at TWU, she enhanced her movement analysis skills through choreography, performance and personal research curriculum. She performed with Muscle Memory Dance Theatre and brought her understanding of movement and health to the stage. She received her Pilates certification through Power Pilates in 2005 and has been teaching private and group classes since. Theresa is now pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California, with expected graduation in May of 2008.

ANDREAS BECKETT

Andreas was born near Munich, Germany. He first encountered Pilates in 1992 when he was recovering from a sports injury. His rehabilitation and training began with Ramona Kryzanowska, protege of Joseph Pilates. Andreas continued training in Munich with Rudi Martinez, founder of Pure Body Pilates, and it was here that he began his career as an instructor.

Andreas' extensive experience in athletics includes being named a six-time National Junior League Ice Hockey Champion (Germany), and winning the World Championship in Swing Dance Acrobatics. After arriving in the United States, Andreas became a professional dancer at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and danced in shows such as "West Side Story", "La Cage aux Folles," "Cats" and "Carousel". He has performed throughout the United States as a professional ballroom and tango dancer, and was a founding member of Antigravity Dance Company in New York. Andreas has taught and coached gymnastics (USA Gymnastics Coach), skating, and dance on both coasts.

Andreas' own rehabilitation and subsequent work with professional athletes, makes his in-depth knowledge of Pilates both professional and personal. He believes that Pilates is absolutely the most efficient and healthiest method of training the human body.

JUNGHEE KALLANDER

Originally from Seoul, Korea, Junghee was certified as a Pilates instructor in 1999 by Romana Kryzanowska at The Pilates Studio, New York. She joined Power Pilates in 2003 and was certified as a Teacher Trainer under the mentorship Director, Bob Liekens. Junghee then returned to Seoul and co-founded Pilates Korea, Classic Pilates and began working as an Affiliate Teacher Trainer for Power Pilates. She has an extensive background as a professional dancer (ballet, modern, jazz, Korean traditional dance) and she performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. Junghee earned a B.A. in Dance Education (Kyunghee University, 1990), an M.A. in Dance/Dance Education (NYU, 1995), and a Ph. D in Performing Arts (Kyunghee University, 2004). She arrived in Pasadena from New York where she was working as a Teacher Trainer for Power Pilates.

MILDRAIDE LAZARRE

Mildraide received her certification through Power Pilates in New York City where she was mentored by Bob Liekens, Master Teacher and Director of Power Pilates.

"For me Pilates is---Like breathing... it's not just an exercise it is a way of life. I teach in a movement based, systematic, integrative style. I strongly believe that everything in life derives from energy; your body is energy. It is from that place that you will move, change and heal your body regardless of who you are and your obstacles."

Mildraide has a B.A. in Liberal Arts (concentration in film) from The New School, (NY). She is also a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (NY) where she studied theatre, dance, Alexander Technique, stage combat and music.

Zoë A Pilates Studio 21 South El Molino Ave Pasadena, CA 91101 626.585 8853