Christine Ivy,
Studio Owner
2nd Generation Teacher, LSM Pilates Master, BASI certified-Dance Specialization
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. 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 2006. She has a rich background of teaching Pilates Mat, Indo-Row, Booty Barre, Group Reformer, and Group Fitness. She studied intensely with her mentor 1st Generation Elder Lolita San Miguel in her 2 year Pilates Master Mentor Program and has currently maintained an active practice with Carola Trier's prodigy and "hybrid of the masters", Jillian Hessel since 2016. Other studies include workshops and/or sessions with Wendy Leblanc-Arbuckle. Rael Isacowitz, and 1st Generation Elder Mary Bowen.
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. 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!
In 2017 Christine completed a 1 year thesis study of "Trauma, PTSD, & Pilates: Using Contrology in the Understanding & Healing of Trauma" and she is now looking forward to opportunities to sharing it with the greater Pilates Community. Christine has also completed the invitation only Legacy Educator Training for Lolita's Legacy Program. She now has the opportunity to teach, mentor, and coach the next generation of Pilates teachers in a 500 hour Comprehensive Program that fuses classical and current Pilates approaches . 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. With that goal in mind in 2019 Christine began a year long Passing the Torch Mentorship with esteemed Master Teacher Wendy Le-Blanc Arbuckle where she is delving into the fascinating fields of structural integration and biotensegrity and taking a fresh look at addressing the body ( and each client!) with a whole body approach.
For more information on Lolita's Legacy Comprehensive Training Program or to apply to the Program for dates/training:
visit the Certification Page or email the studio, Subject line: Lolita's Legacy.
To request a workshop or speaking engagement with Christine, please email the studio.
Studio Owner
2nd Generation Teacher, LSM Pilates Master, BASI certified-Dance Specialization
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. 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 2006. She has a rich background of teaching Pilates Mat, Indo-Row, Booty Barre, Group Reformer, and Group Fitness. She studied intensely with her mentor 1st Generation Elder Lolita San Miguel in her 2 year Pilates Master Mentor Program and has currently maintained an active practice with Carola Trier's prodigy and "hybrid of the masters", Jillian Hessel since 2016. Other studies include workshops and/or sessions with Wendy Leblanc-Arbuckle. Rael Isacowitz, and 1st Generation Elder Mary Bowen.
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. 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!
In 2017 Christine completed a 1 year thesis study of "Trauma, PTSD, & Pilates: Using Contrology in the Understanding & Healing of Trauma" and she is now looking forward to opportunities to sharing it with the greater Pilates Community. Christine has also completed the invitation only Legacy Educator Training for Lolita's Legacy Program. She now has the opportunity to teach, mentor, and coach the next generation of Pilates teachers in a 500 hour Comprehensive Program that fuses classical and current Pilates approaches . 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. With that goal in mind in 2019 Christine began a year long Passing the Torch Mentorship with esteemed Master Teacher Wendy Le-Blanc Arbuckle where she is delving into the fascinating fields of structural integration and biotensegrity and taking a fresh look at addressing the body ( and each client!) with a whole body approach.
For more information on Lolita's Legacy Comprehensive Training Program or to apply to the Program for dates/training:
visit the Certification Page or email the studio, Subject line: Lolita's Legacy.
To request a workshop or speaking engagement with Christine, please email the studio.
Kelly Reck
Instructor
BASI Certified
Kelly has been dancing for 20 years and has studied jazz, modern, ballet, and tap extensively. For high school she attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts where she furthered her training in dance. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Long Beach State. It was in college that Kelly became deeply fascinated with Anatomy, Dance Science, Biomechanics, Injury Care and Injury Prevention. Kelly has been fortunate enough to study with, and be mentored by, the legendary Karen Clippinger. Kelly attributes her deep passions for Pilates, Anatomy, Dance, Dance Science, Injury Prevention, and helping others to Clippinger. In 2013 Kelly was severely injured in a car versus bike accident, and was left with devastating injuries. After nine months of physical therapy, she began taking Pilates consistently to gain adequate strength and stability in order to dance again. Today she is feeling strong, happy, and extremely grateful to be alive. In 2015 Kelly completed the BASI Pilates certification program with a Specialization in Dance. Kelly has a deeply rooted appreciation of the Pilates Method, and believes that Pilates can do miraculous things for the body, mind, and spirit. Kelly’s experiences as a dancer, and her experiences with life-altering injuries has given her a unique perspective when working with her clients, and has allowed her to empathize and relate to them in a very unique way. Although Kelly has only been teaching Pilates for 2 years, she possesses the knowledge, maturity, and understanding of a seasoned instructor. Kelly feels that one of her main purposes in life is to help her clients gain strength, flexibility, body awareness and self love through their Pilates practice. Kelly has a warm, loving heart, and she finds joy in helping others feel strong, important, loved, and accepted.
Evelynn Korszyk
Instructor
BASI certified
Born and raised an Angeleno, Evelynn has always enjoyed living in beautiful Southern California. After earning a B.A. in Communications & Public Relations from Cal State Fullerton and spending seven years running her own wedding planning & design company, Evelynn discovered Pilates and was forever changed. She fell in love with the therapeutic mental and physical benefits of Pilates which allowed her to escape from the stresses and pressures of daily life. Believing in obtaining a more balanced and peaceful lifestyle, she decided to make a leap and change careers to pursue a Pilates teaching certification through Body Arts and Science International (BASI). Evelynn believes that the mind and body benefits of Pilates are for anyone – from professional athletes to those in need of stress & tension relief. With an impeccable attention to detail and experience working with people from all different types of backgrounds, Evelynn tailors every session according to individual clients' needs. She believes that everyone can benefit from achieving a more active lifestyle and encourages others to feel empowered to enhance their own lives – mind, body and spirit. Evelynn enjoys staying active outdoors, has a fascination for American History and loves to read, Disneyland is her second home, and she adores her family and her Bichon pup.
Instructor
BASI certified
Born and raised an Angeleno, Evelynn has always enjoyed living in beautiful Southern California. After earning a B.A. in Communications & Public Relations from Cal State Fullerton and spending seven years running her own wedding planning & design company, Evelynn discovered Pilates and was forever changed. She fell in love with the therapeutic mental and physical benefits of Pilates which allowed her to escape from the stresses and pressures of daily life. Believing in obtaining a more balanced and peaceful lifestyle, she decided to make a leap and change careers to pursue a Pilates teaching certification through Body Arts and Science International (BASI). Evelynn believes that the mind and body benefits of Pilates are for anyone – from professional athletes to those in need of stress & tension relief. With an impeccable attention to detail and experience working with people from all different types of backgrounds, Evelynn tailors every session according to individual clients' needs. She believes that everyone can benefit from achieving a more active lifestyle and encourages others to feel empowered to enhance their own lives – mind, body and spirit. Evelynn enjoys staying active outdoors, has a fascination for American History and loves to read, Disneyland is her second home, and she adores her family and her Bichon pup.
Lori Navarro
Instructor
BASI Certified
Lori wanted another way of relieving the stresses of being a Surgical Intensive Care Nurse. She was introduced to Pilates in 2004 and fell in love with the method. Wanting to learn more, she received her formal education and training in 2010 through Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI) under the tutelage of Rael Isacowitz, the founder of Body Arts and Science International. A firm believer in Continuing Education, Lori attends yearly Pilates workshops to better educate herself and her clients on the true healing that Pilates can be on the mind and body. She is Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Certified and has multiple certifications in Pre/Post Natal Pilates, Booty Barre, Indorow, MOTR and is also an ACE Group Fitness instructor. Lori is a Lover of Movement and believes there are so many ways of expressing it. Pilates is one of the ways she love to move and what makes her body feel the best. What she especially loves about Pilates is how it combines elements of gentleness and grace with strength and power. Lori enjoys working with a wide variety of clientele and customizes each session to help the individual reach their specific health goals. Lori loves making exercise fun, not work and the words "I CAN'T" slowly disappear from her clients’ vocabulary when it comes to challenging workouts!
Instructor
BASI Certified
Lori wanted another way of relieving the stresses of being a Surgical Intensive Care Nurse. She was introduced to Pilates in 2004 and fell in love with the method. Wanting to learn more, she received her formal education and training in 2010 through Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI) under the tutelage of Rael Isacowitz, the founder of Body Arts and Science International. A firm believer in Continuing Education, Lori attends yearly Pilates workshops to better educate herself and her clients on the true healing that Pilates can be on the mind and body. She is Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Certified and has multiple certifications in Pre/Post Natal Pilates, Booty Barre, Indorow, MOTR and is also an ACE Group Fitness instructor. Lori is a Lover of Movement and believes there are so many ways of expressing it. Pilates is one of the ways she love to move and what makes her body feel the best. What she especially loves about Pilates is how it combines elements of gentleness and grace with strength and power. Lori enjoys working with a wide variety of clientele and customizes each session to help the individual reach their specific health goals. Lori loves making exercise fun, not work and the words "I CAN'T" slowly disappear from her clients’ vocabulary when it comes to challenging workouts!
Antonio Navarro
Instructor
BASI Certified
Antonio is a Certified BASI Pilates instructor who was mentored by the Founder of Body Arts and Science International (BASI), Rael Isacowitz. Antonio graduated from the University of Riverside with a B.S. in Biology, and he is currently pursuing a career in Web Development. Antonio strives to help his Pilates clients, both men and women, achieve their health and wellness goals by building strength, endurance, along with long lean muscles. In his spare time he enjoys playing tennis, hiking and indoor rock climbing.
Instructor
BASI Certified
Antonio is a Certified BASI Pilates instructor who was mentored by the Founder of Body Arts and Science International (BASI), Rael Isacowitz. Antonio graduated from the University of Riverside with a B.S. in Biology, and he is currently pursuing a career in Web Development. Antonio strives to help his Pilates clients, both men and women, achieve their health and wellness goals by building strength, endurance, along with long lean muscles. In his spare time he enjoys playing tennis, hiking and indoor rock climbing.
Janessa Clemmons
Instructor
Long Beach Dance Conditioning Certified
Janessa Clemmons has danced for over 25 years and excels in ballet and pointe technique. Her formal training began at Inland Pacific Ballet under the direction of Victoria Koenig and she has danced professionally with Carnival Cruise Lines, Inland Pacific Ballet Company, and LA Follies. She received her Pilates training under the direction of Kendel Pink and earned her Pilates Certification through Long Beach Dance Conditioning in 2018. Janessa currently teaches ballet and Pilates at Orange County Performing Arts Academy in Anaheim Hills and at Avi’s Dance Project in Corona. She enjoys teaching and sharing her joy for dance and Pilates to all ages and levels. Janessa looks forward to sharing her love for Pilates and can’t wait to start her next chapter with Balance & Grace Pilates!
Instructor
Long Beach Dance Conditioning Certified
Janessa Clemmons has danced for over 25 years and excels in ballet and pointe technique. Her formal training began at Inland Pacific Ballet under the direction of Victoria Koenig and she has danced professionally with Carnival Cruise Lines, Inland Pacific Ballet Company, and LA Follies. She received her Pilates training under the direction of Kendel Pink and earned her Pilates Certification through Long Beach Dance Conditioning in 2018. Janessa currently teaches ballet and Pilates at Orange County Performing Arts Academy in Anaheim Hills and at Avi’s Dance Project in Corona. She enjoys teaching and sharing her joy for dance and Pilates to all ages and levels. Janessa looks forward to sharing her love for Pilates and can’t wait to start her next chapter with Balance & Grace Pilates!
Maura Riley
Substitute Instructor
BASI certified
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 the past 18 years and has been a teaching as a BASI certified Pilates Instructor since 2007 to a diverse clientele. As a former professional dancer, she developed a passion for Pilates right away. She loves teaching and seeing her clients reach their full physical potential. Maura brings joy to life and instills confidence within her manner of instruction. And as Pilates has changed her life in so many positive ways she strives to bring the limitless potential of the human spirit to her teaching methods. With her teaching experience she has earned many friends and loyal clients due to her rare combination of passion, creativity, trustworthiness, resourcefulness, and encouragement. To shed light on what makes her such an in demand Pilates teacher Maura explains, "I love to see my clients smile when they suddenly realize the strength they have gained through this practice. My students continually challenge me to become a better teacher, I want to live up to it!” Because of this and her boundless commitment to the Pilates methodology Maura’s loyal clientele continues to grow.
Substitute Instructor
BASI certified
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 the past 18 years and has been a teaching as a BASI certified Pilates Instructor since 2007 to a diverse clientele. As a former professional dancer, she developed a passion for Pilates right away. She loves teaching and seeing her clients reach their full physical potential. Maura brings joy to life and instills confidence within her manner of instruction. And as Pilates has changed her life in so many positive ways she strives to bring the limitless potential of the human spirit to her teaching methods. With her teaching experience she has earned many friends and loyal clients due to her rare combination of passion, creativity, trustworthiness, resourcefulness, and encouragement. To shed light on what makes her such an in demand Pilates teacher Maura explains, "I love to see my clients smile when they suddenly realize the strength they have gained through this practice. My students continually challenge me to become a better teacher, I want to live up to it!” Because of this and her boundless commitment to the Pilates methodology Maura’s loyal clientele continues to grow.