Our Team
Owner
Pilates Instructor
Amanda Watson
Amanda was born in Ventura, California, but grew up in Maryland. She was inspired to become a Pilates Instructor after working in the medical field for years. She loves helping others feel better about themselves and making them feel there best physically.
​She went through an extensive program with Peak Pilates, receiving her certification in Mat, Reformer, Tower, Chair, and Barrel Levels 1 & 2. She continues to attend conferences, and does online training as often as she can. She loves to continue learning to keep things fresh and new.
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Beside her love for Pilates she loves to spend time with her family and friends, hiking, camping, and going to the beach.
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Kelly Alexander
Doctor of Physical Therapy & Pilates Instructor
Kelly is a Physical Therapist and Certified Pilates Instructor who blends rehabilitation expertise with functional fitness training to help clients move better, recover faster, and feel stronger. With a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and certifications in Pilates instruction and Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise, Kelly brings a deep and diverse skill set to every session.
Her approach is rooted in careful movement assessment, precise exercise prescription, and a commitment to creating individualized programs that meet each client’s unique needs—whether the goal is recovery from injury, improved athletic performance, or building lifelong strength and mobility.
Certifications:
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Certified Pilates Instructor — Club Pilates (2019)
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Selective Functional Movement Assessment I & II (2001)
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Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (2022)
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Pilates Instructor
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Renée Burkett
Renée Burkett was first introduced to the Pilates Method as a young dance student, where she had the rare opportunity to learn from a contemporary of Joseph Pilates himself. In those early foundation classes, she not only practiced the Method but also studied hours of archival footage of Joseph Pilates teaching elite athletes, private clients, and aspiring instructors. To this day, she draws on those formative experiences and videos to deepen her teaching, refine her technique, and honor the original intent of the Method.
Renée completed a year-long Method mentorship program, gaining a strong foundation in machine-based Pilates, and pursued additional self-study with Balanced Body. She later trained with and attended workshops by Moira Stott, earning certifications through the Stott Pilates program.
Most recently, Renée achieved her Comprehensive Pilates Certification through the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). In addition to her mastery of Pilates apparatus, she holds advanced certifications in Pilates Mat and Yoga, allowing her to offer a well-rounded, mindful, and movement-rich experience for her clients.
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Natalyia Pappelis
Pilates Instructor
Natalyia is a highly skilled Pilates instructor with over five years of experience teaching both Mat and Reformer Pilates. Certified through the IMX Pilates and Fitness Program, she holds dual certifications and has taught in a variety of fitness settings, working with clients of all ages and abilities.
Drawing on her background as a former professional swimmer and her master’s degree in education, Natalyia creates thoughtfully tailored workout plans that meet each client’s individual needs. Her sessions blend precise instruction with encouragement, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where clients feel supported in reaching their goals.
Passionate about empowering others through movement, Natalyia is dedicated to helping each client build strength, flexibility, and confidence—one session at a time.
Abby Blanchard
Pilates Instructor
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​Abby is a passionate Pilates and Yoga enthusiast with a Pilates Certification through Club Pilates. For the past year, she has been teaching at Club Pilates in Frederick, MD, sharing her love for movement and the transformative benefits of a consistent practice. Abby especially values the mind–body connection and the balance Pilates brings to everyday life.
Outside the studio, Abby enjoys interior design, golf, gardening, fashion, hiking, and tennis. She cherishes time spent with her two boys, Owen and Chase, and their dog, Liberty. Abby looks forward to supporting you on your Pilates journey and helping you discover your own strength, balance, and confidence.
Susan Aarhus
Pilates Instructor
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Susan has been teaching Mat and Reformer Pilates since 2010. What began as a side hobby during her early years of motherhood has grown into a lifelong passion—and an incredible way to connect with wonderful people. She treasures the opportunity to be someone’s first Pilates instructor, watching them fall in love with the method and experience new possibilities in their body. She also enjoys challenging long-time practitioners, helping them push their boundaries and discover fresh ways to move.
Susan values the camaraderie, fun, and shared energy of her classes, and feels honored to be part of each student’s health and wellness journey.
Based in Rockville, Susan lives with her three teenagers and loves being outdoors whenever the weather isn’t “too horribly hot.” You’ll often find her in the water, on a bike, or in the kitchen baking fresh bread.
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Morgan Newbold
Pilates Instructor
Morgan began her Pilates journey in 2020 while searching for a workout that wouldn’t aggravate her sports-related knee injuries. She quickly discovered that Pilates not only eased her pain but also enhanced her flexibility and overall well-being. Inspired by these benefits, Morgan completed her 500-hour comprehensive certification through Club Pilates and now shares her passion with others. She is dedicated to making Pilates accessible to people from all backgrounds and is especially enthusiastic about adding diversity to the community. Known for her creative use of the Pilates Chair, Morgan challenges clients with movements that build strength, stability, and control. Her goal is to help individuals at every stage of life experience the transformative power of Pilates.
Outside the studio, Morgan works as a Data Analyst in the manufacturing industry. She enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends throughout the DMV.