Kelly grew up on the island of Guam and has been dancing since the age of four. Kelly continued her enjoyment of arts in high school involving herself in musicals, choir, and dance. She completed her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from Loyola Marymount University, which included a comprehensive Pilates program.

Kelly complimented her Pilates education with courses in Kinesiology and teaching choreography to enhance her understanding and connection of the bodies static posture and body in motion both in herself and others. In Kelly's enjoyment of learning Pilates at LMU, she immediately wanted to expand her Pilates education and enrolled in the BASI Dance Specialized Pilates Certification Program led by Karen Clippinger, at California State University of Long Beach.

With Kelly's background in art and formal Pilates education she takes a natural talent to understanding Pilates within (including strength control and balance) which gives her a true knowledge to teach to others. Today, Kelly is extending her knowledge to others both within and out of the dance population "to not only lead one in a challenging workout but to help others create a stronger body awareness and hopes to bring it into her clients everyday life." Sharing with others what I have learned about moving the body physically and energetically is my passion. Honoring individual capabilities and attention to alignment guides me in creating safe and efficient workouts. It is my hope that by encouraging unconditional acceptance of what arises in the moment,students will allow their bodily sensations to “speak” to them and discover the guru inside.

First class was last night with Kelly, a perky youngster with a Marilyn piercing who was receptive to my low back concerns and quick to correct me when my form went astray. She included some excellent oblique work, aimed at lengthening our poor compressed vertebrae and gave me a good tip for improved posture.

“I know it sounds weird, but think of a hook puncturing your low abs and pulling you up straight.” Trying to think of that hook as I sit at my desk today.

Also impressed with Kelly’s online bio which points to a childhood in Guam and an interest in the mind-body connection. A girl after my own heart.

Becky Hutner, August 9, 2011