Meet Our Instructors

I care deeply about teaching Pilates the right way, grounded in strong training, thoughtful mentorship, and a real understanding of the body. I've pursued specialized education in neurological conditions, pelvic health, and pregnancy and postpartum exercise, allowing me to work with a wide range of bodies safely and effectively.

I've studied under leading educators including second-generation instructor Troy McCarty as well as pelvic floor specialist, Dr. Sarah Duvall, DPT. As part of the third generation of Pilates instructors, I'm committed to preserving the integrity of the method while integrating contemporary Pilates and modern movement science to support real, lasting change.

My passion is helping people move better, feel stronger, and build confidence. I especially love working with those who feel intimidated by fitness or unsure where to start.

Before opening Charis Pilates, I spent most of my adult life as Navy wife. That season shaped my love for community, resilience, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.

Charis Pilates was built to be more than a studio, it's meant to feel like a haven. A place where you're known, encouraged, and part of something bigger while discovering strength you never knew you had.

Outside the studio, life is full and a little bit loud in the best way. We have three adult kids, a Newfie and 2 pugs. We love riding e-bikes, traveling, and embracing a good amount of everyday silliness.

Dan will be the first to tell you that he didn't even know how to spell Pilates until his wife Kristin discovered it many years ago. Now, somewhere between retiring from a 23-year Navy career and opening Charis Pilates together, it has become a meaningful part of his life.

As a Navy helicopter instructor pilot, Dan spent decades teaching others precision, control, and confidence under pressure. Before Charis opened its second location, Dan began his own journey through the Balanced Body Reformer Instructor Training Program to better understand the work and support the studio's growth from the inside out.

What started as helping behind the scenes with bookkeeping and payroll has grown into a much larger role. Dan now regularly steps in to teach so Charis instructors can take well-deserved time off, ensuring clients continue to receive the consistent, thoughtful experience the studio is known for.

Dan is proud to be part of the Charis community and to support the mission of helping people move better, feel stronger, and stay active for life.

I am thrilled to have joined the Charis team as General Manager and be starting my teacher training shortly! Having grown up playing sports, I've always enjoyed finding new ways to stay active in my adult life, whether that be running, cycling, or boxing, but I could never quite find a sustainable fit for myself. I came to Pilates about a year ago following an injury and was immediately hooked. As a member, Charis gave me a sense of community and a chance to connect with amazing people that extended beyond the workouts. Pilates has become the form of exercise that really resonates within my body and mind. I look forward to every class and love having the opportunity to support our members along their journeys!

I am a San Diego native who has spent the better part of the last decade studying, working, and living in cities across the U.S. and abroad. With degrees in human rights, anthropology, and global media and communications, it's pretty clear I feel passionately about engaging with people. One of my favorite things about Charis is how folks from all different backgrounds and experiences can share space and support each other! When I'm not at Pilates (or talking about Pilates, or thinking about Pilates…), you can find me spending time with my family, immersed in a good book, obsessing over my cat, Poppy, and dancing and singing along to any Taylor Swift song, ever.

Abbe is no stranger to body anatomy after many years as a forensic crime scene animator. In her search for a way to process some difficult situations, she discovered Pilates. Her work involves carrying heavy equipment for crime scene capture as well as hours hunched over a desk. Pilates provided the mind body connection she craved and after over 700 hours of personal practice, she felt a strong desire to help others realize the huge benefits Pilates can offer. Having completed the rigorous training program required to understand and teach effectively, she has been ensconced in passing her skills on. She is ecstatic to be able to share her knowledge with all ages and abilities. A British native, Abbe has a wicked sense of humor and endeavors to bring brevity to every class.

Alison is a passionate Pilates instructor with a love for both fitness and fun! When she's not teaching, you can find her cooking up exciting new dishes from around the world, diving into a good book, or creating content for her social media. She loves spending quality time with her pup on playdates and shares her home with a curious cat. Her favorite Pilates exercise is the Short Box Abs series, especially the side overs, and she can't get enough of the magic of the Pilates ring.

I have been a Pilates instructor for about 10 years. I loved Pilates from the beginning but as I continue to learn more over time my appreciation has deepened. I have learned so much about my own body and how to use Pilates to make it feel its best. I love sharing this passion in my teaching and helping others learn, strengthen and improve.

I discovered Pilates during my freshman year of college at University of California, Irvine. I was drawn to it because of its amazing ability to help me recover from injuries of a lifetime of sports. Over the last 20 years I have gravitated more towards Pilates and its role in rehabilitation. I was lucky enough to start my profession in a physical therapy clinic and take what I learned there and apply it to my privates and group classes. I truly believe Pilates meets people where they are at: physically, mentally and emotionally and allows them to develop a greater mind body connection. I am excited to teach and share this love in every class.

I began my Pilates journey 9 years ago when a close friend recommended it to me. I fell in love with it, and slowly but surely started seeing results. Now, the healthiest I've ever been, I've turned my focus towards helping people make the same journey I did.

We all love feet in straps and you will often hear instructors (especially me) refer to it as the dessert of Pilates and yes I love it too but… I am passionate about the springboard and the TRX. My favorite thing about both of these apparatus's is how easy it is to customize it to your body. Feeling strong today? A small step back will increase the tension and make you work harder. Feeling tired or sore from yesterday's workout? Don't take a day off, take a step forward. Get those sore muscles moving at a gentle pace.

I love being an instructor at Charis Pilates and helping to create a positive exercise environment for everyone to enjoy! Whether you take a step forward or take a step back in your journey, I will be your cheerleader the whole way. Often making bad "dad jokes" the whole class.

Kendall grew up with a passion for horses, competing in the equestrian sport of show jumping. Her riding brought her to California, where she turned her passion for the sport into training horses and competitive junior riders. Kendall began her Pilates journey as a way to aid her as a rider and trainer. She quickly fell in love with Pilates, leading her to pursue teacher training in 2019. As an instructor, Kendall's favorite thing is helping clients find 'ah ha' moments. Whether that be from learning something new, or feeling a new connection in their bodies.

My pilates journey started 15 years ago when I took a mat pilates class as part of a boot camp and absolutely loved it. 6 months later we uprooted from our home in England and moved to California. First priority was to set about looking for a pilates class I could take. I found a studio, took a reformer class and could not believe how amazing it was. I'd never even seen a reformer before. I was hooked!!

I was feeling the benefits in my body and just couldn't get enough so I wanted to share it with everyone. I trained and became an instructor and have never looked back.

I love pilates, I love the journey I see my clients take. Seeing someone gain so much strength, improving posture and feeling fabulous never gets old. I'm so proud to be the person that can help them achieve their goals.

Pilates is truly my passion and teaching it to such a wide variety of people is just the best job in the world!!!!

Mady Landon began dancing when she was just 3 years old and quickly discovered her love and passion for this beautiful art form. She grew up training in various styles and going to conventions where she had amazing opportunities to work with and learn from accomplished choreographers. At the age of 16, she signed with Bloc Talent agency LA where she was given multiple opportunities to work in commercial dance.

Upon graduating high school, she continued to pursue a professional dance career by working with top choreographers such as Lar Lubovitch, Rebecca Lemme, Terry Schulke, Keith Johnson and Charlotte Griffin. She eventually graduated from University of California, Irvine where she got a bachelor in the performing arts and completed a pilates certification at Studio Du Corps under the brilliant Diane Diefenderfer and Laura Hanlon.

After graduating college, she went off to work at multiple studios and physical therapy clinics expanding her knowledge in the different areas and apparatuses of pilates. She is ecstatic to be joining this amazing team of instructors!

My Pilates journey started in the heart of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where I fell in love with the peace the reformer gave me. It helped me build strength, control, and a sense of calm—and quickly became my happy place.

Now I love sharing that feeling with others. In my classes, every movement is guided by your breath, creating a full-body workout that not only strengthens you, but helps regulate your nervous system so you leave feeling grounded, balanced, and strong.

I'm a stay at home mom- turned Pilates instructor. Movement has always been a big part of my life, but years of athletic training left my body out of whack. Pilates has brought balance back to how I move and train.

I'm passionate about helping people feel better in their bodies through thoughtful, intentional movement. I focus strongly on proper form and alignment so clients can move safely, build lasting strength, and get the most out of every exercise. My goal is for every person who walks into class to leave feeling stronger, and more connected to their body. Pilates has been a powerful tool in my own life, and I love sharing it with others so they can experience those same benefits.

When I'm not in the Pilates studio you can find me lifting weights, hiking with my family, taking my goofy dog to the beach, and traveling.

I was originally certified comprehensively in contemporary Pilates in 2015. In 2021, to deepen my knowledge of Classical Pilates, I did an extensive program to bridge into classical Pilates with Jennie Rathke at Studio Flo in San Diego. Teaching Since 2014.

I like to do one or two workshops every year to further my Pilates education. I also take private lessons and self practice.

My classes are thoughtful and technical. I like a sense of logic and purpose when I teach. I make it a point to connect with you, get to know you and care about your goals.

Hi! I'm Red. I have played competitive sports and collegiate beach volleyball for most of my life, but my focus has shifted from an extreme performance mindset to a lifelong healthy foundation. I love to help real people with real bodies who want sustainable results. My Pilates practice is designed for the long game. Whether we're working on injury prevention, building core stability, or we just want to get moving, my goal is to help you meet realistic milestones that keep you in shape for a lifetime not just a season. Expect a session that is focused, motivating, and full of laughs—because getting healthy is fun!

Originally from Australia and have now been living in the United States for the past 22 years.

I tried Pilates 5 years ago after physical therapy for a knee injury. I started taking classes and some private training with amazing teachers and I strengthened my body so I could return to the activities I love, like hiking, swimming and travel. I decided I'd like to teach so I did the work and got certified. I love to share what I know and guide and encourage my clients through their fitness journey safely through low impact safe exercises using the reformer and springboard.

I love what I do and the people I meet at the studio! I'm excited to be part of the Charis team and bring new and thoughtful flows for clients to move through, to strengthen their bodies, to improve balance and posture and develop better understanding of their bodies. I'm genuinely interested in everyone's successes, their progress and their areas of improvement! Sign up and take class with me — I look forward to meeting you!

Emmy's passion for Pilates and her dedication to her clients make her a valued member of the Charis team. She loves helping people discover the joy of movement.