INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Certified Instruction
Pilates Denver offers the finest instruction in the Pilates method of body conditioning. All instructors at Pilates Denver are certified from the most extensive and internationally renowned Pilates Certification Programs offered. Our instructors are trained in the classical techniques of the work of Joseph H. Pilates in addition to contemporary and evolved modalities. With this enhanced education, Pilates Denver offers people of all ages and fitness levels the opportunity to learn Pilates with safety and effectiveness. Each instructor brings their dedication, wisdom, creativity and enthusiasm to their teaching within a non-competitive atmosphere. They are educated in applied anatomy and physiology and also have a deep knowledge of the body through their own movement experiences. They are excited and eager to teach you the most perfect total body workout.
STAFF
Amy de Sa, Owner of Pilates Denver, has been teaching Pilates since 1995. She holds a Comprehensive Teacher Training Certification from the internationally renowned BASI (Body, Arts and Science International) founded by Rael Isacowitz. She also previously received Pilates Certification from the Pilates Studio, Inc. (Pilates Studio of the Midwest) under the personal training and certification of Master Teacher and Elder, Romana Kryzanowska. In addition to teaching full time at her studio, Amy also hosts the BASI certification courses and mentors the students throughout their studies.
As a professional dancer, Amy connected instantly with Pilates. She began her Pilates endeavors in Chicago in 1995 where she received her original certification as well as instructing at and managing a highly recognized Pilates Studio. She continues her Pilates studies and related movement therapies yearly in continuing education workshops and courses. Amy is a member of the professional organization, the Pilates Method Alliance and holds a B.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Psychology from Hope College in Michigan. Pilates became the perfect match and career for Amy, harmoniously combining the body with the mind.
Amy is very passionate about teaching Pilates and educating people about their bodies. Knowing the importance of maintaining the tradition of classical Pilates but understanding the method with a contemporary approach, Amy teaches with deep awareness and sensitivity. She brings a smile and positive energy to every session and class and strives to offer each client a beneficial and enjoyable experience at her studio. Amy opened Pilates Denver in May, 2001.
Britta Olson is a Certified Pilates Instructor at Pilates Denver. She received her training and certification through Power Pilates in Scottsdale, AZ. She taught at The Pilates Center of the Southwest before moving to Denver, CO.
Britta played college golf on scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She graduated with a B.A. in both Communications and Exercise and Sports Science.
During her studies at college, Britta became very interested in fitness, health and Pilates. She experienced how Pilates gave her overall strength, better posture, and a sense of well-being. She enjoyed how like golf, Pilates offered a mind-body connection. Britta is excited to help others experience the positive effects of Pilates.
Carlee Franklin is a Certified Pilates Instructor at Pilates Denver. She received her certification from Body, Arts and Science International (BASI). Originally from Ojai, California, Carlee has a strong athlectic background built through sports and coaching. Volleyball and swimming were a large part of her life through college, where she played on the Humboldt State volleyball team and earned her degree in Recreation Administration and Business. Carlee enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, surfing, yoga and jogging and has found Pilates to be essential for cross training.
She was originally led her to Pilates because of its wonderful benefits and because of neck pain. Since then, she has enjoyed the inner exploration and self assessment gained through her practice. Pilates has taught her to move with ease, creating self awareness and a strong mind/body connection. In addition to improving strength and transforming physique, Carlee also concentrates on posture and correcting negative movement patterns/imbalances by focusing on the core principles of Pilates. Carlee enjoys tailoring programs to clients' unique needs, goals and strengths to create fresh and challenging sessions. In addition to working with adults, she also has a passion for educating children about their bodies and teaches movement through fun and dynamic Pilates workshops that they truly enjoy.
Melanie Meenan is a Certified Pilates Mat Instructor at Pilates Denver. She began her Pilates training as a dance student at the University of Wyoming and has sought the rewards of Pilates for herself and for others since. She has completed Pilates Mat Certifications from Body Arts and Science International and FiTour. She has taught Pilates for two years in Cheyenne, WY and is currently completing the Body Arts and Science International Comprehensive Teacher Training Course. She has a BFA in Dance and BA in Journalism from the University of Wyoming. She completed her MA in Dance Performance at Laban in London, while also performing and teaching dance workshops throughout the United Kingdom and in Amsterdam. Currently she performs with the Hannah Kahn Dance Company in Denver, CO and also teaches dance classes in the greater Denver area and in Cheyenne, Wy.
MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Bernadine Talmadge has been a Certified Massage Therapist for 13 years. She graduated from the Massage Therapy Institute of Colorado in 1994. Additionally, she has completed two years of continuing education programs in Integrative Neuro-Muscular Therapies and is a member of the ABMP, The Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
Bernadine currently enjoys helping clients achieve peak physical mobility through massage therapy. Whether it’s sports massage for the weekend warrior, to stress relief for the harried executive, to pain relief for people suffering from chronic pain. Bernadine can help make a difference for any client looking to find balance in their body.
During her career, she has worked with professional athletes, including members of the Colorado Avalanche, as well as various players from the NHL and NBA. Bernadine has comprehensive training in Medical Massage Therapy. This includes extensive experience with rehabilitation for people with chronic pain as well as people who were injured in sudden impact injuries such as car accidents.
Bernadine’s training also includes backgrounds in several types of massage, including: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuro Muscular, Myofascial Release and Rehabilitation, Limited Joint Mobility, and Trigger Point Release therapy. She has further training in: Clinical Aroma Therapy, Herbology, Lomi Lomi (traditional Hawaiian Massage) and Reiki.