Christine Ivy
Studio Owner & Instructor; 2nd Generation Pilates Teacher; BASI-Dance Specialization Certified;
B.A. in Dance Science, CSULB; MS in Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation,HSU
Studio Owner & Instructor; 2nd Generation Pilates Teacher; BASI-Dance Specialization Certified;
B.A. in Dance Science, CSULB; MS in Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation,HSU
Balance & Grace Pilates is the result of Studio Owner Christine Ivy's passion for using fitness as a tool to help clients connect with their best and most authentic selves.
Christine is a Second Generation Pilates Teacher and a Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master Teacher. Originally mentored by Karen Clippinger and BASI certified with a specialization in Dance Conditioning, Christine has been training a diverse range of clientele through private, semi-private, and group pilates sessions since 2007. She has a rich background of teaching numerous styles of fitness including Pilates Mat, Indo-Row, Booty Barre, Group Reformer, and Group Fitness.
Drawing upon a background in dance performance and teaching, Christine enjoys working with a wide range of clientele including athletes, pre/post natal, elderly, obese, those with rehabilitation concerns, and those in the trauma community. With a B.A. in Dance, Dance Science from CSULB and a love for biomechanics and anatomy, she is well known by clients for her hawk-eyed ability to read and fine-tune the body as well as for using vivid imagery. Understanding that every body is unique Christine is able to quickly adapt to the needs of clients, regardless of age, level, or ability. She enjoys helping her clients reach goals with specifically tailored strategies. Christine understands that physical fitness is one piece of the puzzle towards creating a balanced life and she encourages clients to enjoy the process while embracing grace along the way.
Past studies include a 2 year Pilates Master Mentor Program with 1st Generation Elder Lolita San Miguel and her subsequent Legacy Educator Training. Between 2016-2019 she trained with Carola Trier's prodigy and "hybrid of the masters", Jillian Hessel. In 2017 Christine completed a year long thesis study of "Trauma, PTSD, & Pilates: Using Contrology in the Understanding & Healing of Trauma" and she enjoys opportunities to share this fascinating topic with the Pilates Community. Christine spent 2019-2020 in the Passing the Torch Mentorship with esteemed Master Teacher Wendy Le-Blanc Arbuckle where she delved deeper into the fields of structural integration and biotensegrity. She has studied in workshops and/or training sessions with Wendy Leblanc-Arbuckle, BASI founder Rael Isacowitz, 1st Generation Elder Mary Bowen, and classic mentor Trish Garland. During 2022-2023 Christine earned a Masters of Science in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation with an Exercise Science and Human Performance Concentration from Hardin-Simmons University. In 2025 Christine is diving into Lesley Logan's year long Elevate program to refreshen her appreciation of the classical repertoire in the aim to continue to bring a vibrant perspective of the Method to her clients. Christine recognizes the importance of remembering our heritage and past while still evolving with the future of body-mind science in the field of Pilates.
At Balance & Grace Pilates Christine teaches Group classes and is available for Private Sessions. Christine is constantly searching out new ways to bring fresh eyes to addressing the body and clients with a whole body approach. As a life long student and an embodied perspective advocate, Christine is excited about helping others become their best selves in every way. At Balance & Grace Pilates clients are able to, through challenging training coupled with empathetic coaching, experience transformative results. It is Christine's goal to see each of her clients discover and recover the best lives they were designed to live!
To request a consultation, workshop, or speaking engagement with Christine, please email the studio.
Christine is a Second Generation Pilates Teacher and a Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master Teacher. Originally mentored by Karen Clippinger and BASI certified with a specialization in Dance Conditioning, Christine has been training a diverse range of clientele through private, semi-private, and group pilates sessions since 2007. She has a rich background of teaching numerous styles of fitness including Pilates Mat, Indo-Row, Booty Barre, Group Reformer, and Group Fitness.
Drawing upon a background in dance performance and teaching, Christine enjoys working with a wide range of clientele including athletes, pre/post natal, elderly, obese, those with rehabilitation concerns, and those in the trauma community. With a B.A. in Dance, Dance Science from CSULB and a love for biomechanics and anatomy, she is well known by clients for her hawk-eyed ability to read and fine-tune the body as well as for using vivid imagery. Understanding that every body is unique Christine is able to quickly adapt to the needs of clients, regardless of age, level, or ability. She enjoys helping her clients reach goals with specifically tailored strategies. Christine understands that physical fitness is one piece of the puzzle towards creating a balanced life and she encourages clients to enjoy the process while embracing grace along the way.
Past studies include a 2 year Pilates Master Mentor Program with 1st Generation Elder Lolita San Miguel and her subsequent Legacy Educator Training. Between 2016-2019 she trained with Carola Trier's prodigy and "hybrid of the masters", Jillian Hessel. In 2017 Christine completed a year long thesis study of "Trauma, PTSD, & Pilates: Using Contrology in the Understanding & Healing of Trauma" and she enjoys opportunities to share this fascinating topic with the Pilates Community. Christine spent 2019-2020 in the Passing the Torch Mentorship with esteemed Master Teacher Wendy Le-Blanc Arbuckle where she delved deeper into the fields of structural integration and biotensegrity. She has studied in workshops and/or training sessions with Wendy Leblanc-Arbuckle, BASI founder Rael Isacowitz, 1st Generation Elder Mary Bowen, and classic mentor Trish Garland. During 2022-2023 Christine earned a Masters of Science in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation with an Exercise Science and Human Performance Concentration from Hardin-Simmons University. In 2025 Christine is diving into Lesley Logan's year long Elevate program to refreshen her appreciation of the classical repertoire in the aim to continue to bring a vibrant perspective of the Method to her clients. Christine recognizes the importance of remembering our heritage and past while still evolving with the future of body-mind science in the field of Pilates.
At Balance & Grace Pilates Christine teaches Group classes and is available for Private Sessions. Christine is constantly searching out new ways to bring fresh eyes to addressing the body and clients with a whole body approach. As a life long student and an embodied perspective advocate, Christine is excited about helping others become their best selves in every way. At Balance & Grace Pilates clients are able to, through challenging training coupled with empathetic coaching, experience transformative results. It is Christine's goal to see each of her clients discover and recover the best lives they were designed to live!
To request a consultation, workshop, or speaking engagement with Christine, please email the studio.
Michele Cazares
PMA and Balanced Body Certified Instructor
PMA and Balanced Body Certified Instructor
A little bit about Michele in her own words:
I was born and raised in Monrovia CA and I am married to my high school sweet heart. I have 3 adult children and am patiently waiting for grandchildren. I have been involved in the fitness industry since I was 21 when I started out as an IDEA group instructor. If you were working out in the late 80’s, I could have been you Aerobic or Step Instructor.
In 2006 I started practicing Pilates while running and training for Marathon’s. Pilates was a perfect fit for me to gain strength and flexibility on my non running days. Little did I know that I would fall in love with, and receive many more benefits from, a Pilates practice along the way.
By 2017 I was PMA certified in Pilates for Rehab. While working in a PT office the last several years I honed my skills to work with injured bodies and pelvic floor deficiencies. I specialize in teaching people how to modify for their body type and how to prevent flare ups from old injuries. I am currently expanding my Pilates practice and expertise by completing the Bridge Program with Balance Body. There are so many layers to this wonderful exercise and I look forward to meeting and working with you in classes or one on one.
I was born and raised in Monrovia CA and I am married to my high school sweet heart. I have 3 adult children and am patiently waiting for grandchildren. I have been involved in the fitness industry since I was 21 when I started out as an IDEA group instructor. If you were working out in the late 80’s, I could have been you Aerobic or Step Instructor.
In 2006 I started practicing Pilates while running and training for Marathon’s. Pilates was a perfect fit for me to gain strength and flexibility on my non running days. Little did I know that I would fall in love with, and receive many more benefits from, a Pilates practice along the way.
By 2017 I was PMA certified in Pilates for Rehab. While working in a PT office the last several years I honed my skills to work with injured bodies and pelvic floor deficiencies. I specialize in teaching people how to modify for their body type and how to prevent flare ups from old injuries. I am currently expanding my Pilates practice and expertise by completing the Bridge Program with Balance Body. There are so many layers to this wonderful exercise and I look forward to meeting and working with you in classes or one on one.
Sara Gonzalez
Balanced Body Certified Instructor
Balanced Body Certified Instructor
Sara Gonzalez’ love for movement began when she took her first ballet class at the age of 4. She immediately fell in love with the art form and continued to train in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and eventually her favorite style, Hip Hop. At the age of 16, she got the opportunity to become an instructor at her home studio, Impact Dance. It was then that she discovered her passion for education. Sara continued to teach dance as she pursued a professional dance career in LA, where she performed in TV shows on Nickelodeon such as Victorious. She also performed on the Disney Channel in shows including Wizards of Waverly Place, Lab Rats, and Liv and Maddie. At the age of 18, she worked as a front desk receptionist at The Body Center Physical Therapy and Pilates. It was there that she began to take Pilates classes and realized how parallel Pilates teachings were with her dance training, which absolutely fascinated her.
At the age of 22, Sara learned that the owner of her childhood dance studio was retiring and was asked if she wanted to buy the business and take over as owner. She knew this would be such a blessing in her life and took the opportunity with open arms and an open heart. Since then, she has been the proud owner of Impact Dance x Wellness in Azusa since 2015. Her love for Pilates was reignited in 2021, when she discovered Balance & Grace and began her training with Balanced Body toward her certification. She is absolutely thrilled to now be working at Balance & Grace, bringing her love for movement and education full circle. Her ultimate goal is to use all the skills she’s learned to help people’s feel their absolute best; physically, mentally and emotionally.
At the age of 22, Sara learned that the owner of her childhood dance studio was retiring and was asked if she wanted to buy the business and take over as owner. She knew this would be such a blessing in her life and took the opportunity with open arms and an open heart. Since then, she has been the proud owner of Impact Dance x Wellness in Azusa since 2015. Her love for Pilates was reignited in 2021, when she discovered Balance & Grace and began her training with Balanced Body toward her certification. She is absolutely thrilled to now be working at Balance & Grace, bringing her love for movement and education full circle. Her ultimate goal is to use all the skills she’s learned to help people’s feel their absolute best; physically, mentally and emotionally.
McKenna Cazares
Stott Pilates Instructor
Stott Pilates Instructor
McKenna Cazares is a STOTT trained Pilates instructor with a BS in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. This combination brings an understanding of both Pilates principles and healthcare to her practice. She found Pilates after a high school volleyball injury that led to an ACL tear. Following surgery, McKenna was successful in rehabilitating her knee with physical therapy, utilizing Reformer Pilates for strength training and increased mobility. Her passion for Pilates grows with every class, proving that even after a decade of practice, Pilates remains consistently engaging and challenging.
Beyond Pilates, McKenna enjoys cooking a wide variety of food and creating new recipes to savor with her family and friends. She takes satisfaction in helping others and empowering them to succeed. Her ultimate goal is not only aiding individuals to feel their best, but also giving them an enhanced sense of well-being. For McKenna, every session is an opportunity to inspire positive change and leave a lasting impact on her clients' lives.
Beyond Pilates, McKenna enjoys cooking a wide variety of food and creating new recipes to savor with her family and friends. She takes satisfaction in helping others and empowering them to succeed. Her ultimate goal is not only aiding individuals to feel their best, but also giving them an enhanced sense of well-being. For McKenna, every session is an opportunity to inspire positive change and leave a lasting impact on her clients' lives.
Bethany Nieuwenhuis
PSC Pilates Instructor
PSC Pilates Instructor
Bethany is PSC trained in Mat and the Reformer. She has a passion for living an active lifestyle, particularly through Pilates. Driven by a desire to stay strong, flexible, and centered, Bethany enjoys the mental and physical challenges that come with each Pilates session. Whether it’s through reformer workouts, mat classes, or exploring new movement techniques, she thrives on pushing personal limits and finding balance in both body and mind.
In addition to her certification, Bethany holds a degree in Merchandise Marketing from FIDM LA. She is a proud wife and mother to two young kids, balancing family life with her commitment to fitness and wellness. Outside of Pilates, she enjoys sourdough baking, playing tennis, and getting caught up in a good book. With a deep belief in the power of movement and creativity to enhance overall well-being, Bethany is passionate about sharing the benefits of staying active, cultivating hobbies, and embracing a healthy, dynamic lifestyle.
In addition to her certification, Bethany holds a degree in Merchandise Marketing from FIDM LA. She is a proud wife and mother to two young kids, balancing family life with her commitment to fitness and wellness. Outside of Pilates, she enjoys sourdough baking, playing tennis, and getting caught up in a good book. With a deep belief in the power of movement and creativity to enhance overall well-being, Bethany is passionate about sharing the benefits of staying active, cultivating hobbies, and embracing a healthy, dynamic lifestyle.
Britney Perkins
PSC Pilates Instructor
PSC Pilates Instructor
Britney is a certified Yoga Alliance and PSC Pilates instructor. Growing up as a dancer she has always been passionate about living an active lifestyle. Fifteen years of studying dance has given her a natural understanding of the body and proper alignment. As a yoga instructor her style is strongly based on alignment, which led her to pilates instructor training with the desire to learn even more about the body. Combining the grounding benefits of yoga, along with the strength building benefits of pilates, is what inspires her teaching today.
Maura A. Riley
BASI Pilates Instructor
BASI Pilates Instructor
Maura received her Bachelor' of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California in 1992. She has been teaching and practicing Pilates across Southern California for almost two decades with a diverse clientele. Maura has been teaching Pilates since 2007, received her NCPT certification in 2010, and as a former professional dancer, she developed a passion for Pilates right away.
Maura loves teaching and seeing her clients reach their full physical potential. "I love seeing my clients smile when they suddenly realize the strength they have gained through this practice." She strives to convey the limitless potential of the human spirit within her teaching method. Pilates has also changed her life in many positive ways. "My students continually challenge me to become a better teacher, I want to live up to it."
With the experience gained through teaching, Maura has gained many friends because of her trustworthiness and encouragement. Because of this Maura's clientele has continued to grow. Maura is also currently on staff at Cal Poly Pomona University with ASI and is proud to have been the first Pilates Instructor to introduce Reformer Pilates Group Classes to the curriculum.
Maura loves teaching and seeing her clients reach their full physical potential. "I love seeing my clients smile when they suddenly realize the strength they have gained through this practice." She strives to convey the limitless potential of the human spirit within her teaching method. Pilates has also changed her life in many positive ways. "My students continually challenge me to become a better teacher, I want to live up to it."
With the experience gained through teaching, Maura has gained many friends because of her trustworthiness and encouragement. Because of this Maura's clientele has continued to grow. Maura is also currently on staff at Cal Poly Pomona University with ASI and is proud to have been the first Pilates Instructor to introduce Reformer Pilates Group Classes to the curriculum.