Our Team
Amanda Watson
The Woman Behind the Studio
Amanda was born in Ventura, California, and raised in Maryland. After spending many years working in the medical field, she discovered her passion for helping others through movement and wellness. Inspired to make a more personal and lasting impact, she transitioned into becoming a Pilates instructor, where she could support clients in feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident in their bodies.
​
Amanda completed an extensive certification program with Peak Pilates, earning certifications in Mat, Reformer, Tower, Chair, and Barrel (Levels 1 & 2). She is committed to ongoing education and regularly attends conferences and participates in online training to continue refining her skills and bringing fresh, innovative approaches to her sessions.
Amanda is passionate about creating an encouraging and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to reach their physical goals. Outside of the studio, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, hiking, camping, and relaxing at the beach.​
![Kelly02_ret-WEB[4012].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e62e32_eb2444d9e3d945f1ae78670f6abc08ab~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_260,h_262,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Kelly02_ret-WEB%5B4012%5D.jpg)
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:
-
Certified Pilates Instructor — Club Pilates (2019)
-
Selective Functional Movement Assessment I & II (2001)
-
Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (2022)
​
Meet the Experts Behind Your Transformation
​
Renée Burkett
Pilates Instructor
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.
​
Sibele Pires Ferreira Pilates Instructor
​
Born and raised in Brazil, Sibele developed a lifelong passion for movement through dance and sports. She began studying classical ballet at an early age and spent over ten years teaching and choreographing, earning multiple awards. Her formal dance training includes certification as a classical ballet teacher from the Escuela Nacional de Ballet de la República de Cuba in 1998.
Sibele earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education (1989) and a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology (1994) from the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. After moving to the United States in 1999, she pursued extensive training in Pilates and was certified in 2000 as an Authentic Pilates Instructor by Master Teacher Romana Kryzanowska.
​
With more than 800 hours of comprehensive Pilates training, Sibele has studied with respected Master Teachers including Sari Mejia Santo, Bob Liekens, Inelia Garcia, and Clare Dunphy. She is also certified through the Pink Ribbon Program to work with breast cancer survivors and remains committed to preserving and teaching the Authentic Pilates Method.​​
Susan Aarhus Pilates Instructor
​
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.
​
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.
​
​
​Shiva Saber PIlates Instructor
​
​Shiva has always loved staying active, but it wasn’t until she discovered Pilates that she truly experienced the transformative power of mindful movement. As she deepened her practice, she noticed meaningful changes in both her body and overall well-being—changes that ultimately inspired her to become an instructor.
​
Guiding others on their own wellness journeys is one of Shiva’s greatest passions. She loves helping people uncover their strength, mobility, and confidence through the practice of Pilates.
​
Outside the studio, Shiva is an artist and a proud dog mom. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her family and her dogs—activities that keep her grounded, inspired, and connected to what matters most.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Faland Villard Pilates Instructor
Faland is committed to holistic well-being and has a true passion for teaching. She believes in the power of Pilates to harness mindful movement, promoting balance, strength, mobility, and overall health.
Her classes are designed to be uplifting, challenging, and inclusive, ensuring that every client feels supported while they grow in confidence and ability through movement.
When she's not in the studio, Faland enjoys spending quality time with family and friends or dreaming up her next international adventure.