Get to Know Our Crew.
Each of our instructors discovered Pilates and movement in their own way, creating a process that worked for their unique body. And they all have one common thread —they’re here to help you find yours.
OWNER, INSTRUCTOR
Magen Benedetto
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Flowing through challenges with each rep.
Something you may not know about me
I have a Master's in Print and Digital Media from NYU that, while not applicable to my current career, I don’t regret seeking one bit because it led me to where I am today.
Education
450 Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Playa Pilates
Barrel and spine corrector certified through Balanced Body
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist through Core Exercise Solutions
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Weight training and walking while wearing a weighted vest aka my baby girl in her carrier!
INSTRUCTOR, EDUCATOR
Danielle Pearre
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Compassionate. Purposeful. Holistic.
Something you may not know about me
I have a BA in Anthropology from Cal State Dominguez Hills where I nurtured the observation skills I apply to my teaching today.
Education
450 Comprehensive Pilates certification through Playa Pilates
Continuing education in:
Perinatal Pelvic floor and Diastasis Recti
Intersection of the Core, the Nervous System, and the Brain
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Weight training, hiking and foam rolling.
INSTRUCTOR
Alejandra Santiago
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Layered with a pinch of variation.
Something you may not know about me
I can identify the gender of a fruit fly and tell you approximately how old it may be. I can also dissect it’s ovaries… yes, I use this neat fact when I pick up dudes at the bar. Don’t ask me how it’s going.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Running.
INSTRUCTOR
Michelle Baham, NCPT
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Versatile. Punctual. Prepared. Educated. Thoughtful. Motivational.
Something you may not know about me
I lived in Bermuda for seven years and ran my own fitness business.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
I love active stretching.
INSTRUCTOR
Jules Everson
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Accessible. Intentional. Supportive. Intuitive. Meditative.
Something you may not know about me
I’m a multi-instrumentalist; I can play the flute, clarinet, piano, guitar, and sing. I also know how to read sheet music!
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Walking and dancing with my cats!
INSTRUCTOR
Kristina Halsig
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Breath, Encouraging, Flow, Fun, Strength, Variation
Something you may not know about me
I’m vegan and a health coach.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Lots of walking with my dog.
INSTRUCTOR
Catrice Monson
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Welcoming and fun to grow your practice.
Something you may not know about me
I used to own a candy truck :)
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Right now I walk my 5 pound maltipoo as much as possible :)
Instructor
Robyn Breeding
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Fluid. Uplifting. Engaging.
Something you may not know about me
I decided to leave my profession, with over 10 years of experience, to pursue my passion for movement and helping others.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Dancing, aerial, swimming
INSTRUCTOR
Grace Baen
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Stimulating, challenging, encouraging, surprising and all embracing.
Something you may not know about me
Something that people don’t know about me is I’ve worked for a government program for 15 years that teaches young women about the process of government, how to legislate, debate, and more!
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Dancing!
INSTRUCTOR
Laura Schaffer
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Stability. Balance. Activation. Fun.
Something you may not know about me
In college, I danced and performed in Copenhagen for my ballet teacher's company.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Salsa dancing with my fiancé and taking long walks with my husky Luna.
Instructor
Sid Traina
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Playfully exploring mind and body connection.
Something you may not know about me
I have always had a passion for making others feel seen, heard and left with a smile on their face. I’ve been lucky enough to find multiple avenues that allow me to pursue this passion by working in the arts, mental health, and movement.
Also, randomly breaking out in song… which may be something you already know if you’ve taken one of my classes.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
I love taking my pups on long walks, yoga, and dancing while getting ready for the day!
Allie Miks
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Intentional connection and joyful movement!
Something you may not know about me
I have a black cat named Jiji :)
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Dance (got my BFA in Dance from CSULB), hiking, strength training
Tori Mitchell
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Encouragement to move, feel, and flow.
Something you may not know about me
I love all things nature, especially plants. I’ve worked in botanical gardens, a plant nursery, and I can identify a plant by just a glance. I have my own indoor “jungle” of 15 plants (and growing).
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Walking, dancing, yin yoga, and rollerblading.
Sam Bussard
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Approachable. Mindful. Informative. Inclusive. Challenging.
Something you may not know about me
I was in a Musical Theatre Fitness DVD. It combined so many things I love - Musical Theatre, performing, friends and moving my body.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
Boxing, strength training or HIIT classes. And walking my pup, Kodak!
Sarah Handler
My teaching style in 6 words or less
Motivating, Supportive, and all levels welcome.
Something you may not know about me
I used to work at a rock climbing gym and coached on the kids' recreation team. I've climbed outside in places like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Malibu.
How I move daily (other than Pilates)
I'm currently training for a sprint triathlon, so I'm swimming and biking regularly! I also enjoy strength training, yoga, and hiking.