Since 2013, Spark has provided exceptional Pilates training while creating an environment for learning, laughing and connecting with one another.
Meet the Founder
Movement has been an essential part of my life since childhood. As the story goes, I was 3 years old when I saw the movie “A Chorus Line” and decided I wanted to dance. Shortly after, I was enrolled in dance classes.
I grew up in a military family, which meant moving often; so dance was the one constant in my life. Movement was how I learned to express myself and my emotions.
Some of the most influential people in my life were dance teachers and Pilates instructors whose instruction extended beyond teaching movement. They were compassionate, inspiring and taught me about life.
I danced professionally for small regional ballet companies in Maryland and Florida. Suffering for many years with shin splints, I was encouraged by a ballet teacher to take Pilates for rehabilitation. The Pilates method and my instructor were vital in my recovery, both physically and mentally, which led to my decision to become a certified STOTT Pilates instructor.
I began teaching Pilates in the summer of 2009 and shortly thereafter pursued a specialization in post-rehabilitation and athletic performance. Recognizing the importance of movement and its connection to mental health, I am a Somatic Experience Practitioner in Training with a focus on anxiety, depression and PTSD. I am also a certified Mindful Meditation instructor.
Our Instructors
Melanie
This community has been Melanie Brockmeier Jordy’s home since the day she was born. Growing up in Valrico, her only time away from this community, was when she attended Florida State University for undergraduate and graduate school. After FSU, Melanie moved back to Valrico where she worked as a child therapist and in administration for a boarding school specializing in educating children with special needs. Married in 2006 to her late husband Leon, Melanie has three sons with Leon- Brodie, Carson and Noah. After the sudden death of her husband, Melanie stepped away from her career and started a non- profit Operation Lotus, whose mission is to bring hope to those who have suffered a traumatic experience. Melanie has dedicated the last eight years to Operation Lotus and she feels truly honored to be called upon and trusted during the community’s greatest times of need. Growing up a dancer, Melanie always had a love for movement, but in 2020, Melanie discovered just how powerful movement can be when she discovered Pilates. “Pilates has helped me in ways I couldn’t imagine. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually!” Melanie wants to share Pilates and help anyone in this community feel healthy in all the ways Pilates has helped her. “Finding a home in a studio that shares the same passion in not just Pilates, but the passion of helping and being a part of this community was most important to me. Not only have I found the best mentor in Jennifer, I am so blessed to join the Spark Fitness family and continue to grow and learn together.” Melanie, her husband David Jordy, 3 sons and her beloved dogs will call Lithia home forever and are grateful to work with each of you.
Lisa
Lisa has been active her entire life. Growing up in Rhode Island she walked everywhere she went, even from town to town. It was in the military she found her passion for all things health and wellness. An avid runner and weight lifter during her 20 years of service in the United States Army, the constant pounding along with military training took its toll on her body.
After her military service ended, she looked for alternative ways to continue her passions, but albeit a little bit wiser and gentler. It was then she first discovered Pilates and the positive impacts it had not only in managing pain, but also improvements in mood, body awareness, posture and core strength. However, it was a cancer diagnosis that encouraged her to pursue her practice with renewed commitment and with a determination to share what she has learned with others.
Lisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Health Sciences with a concentration in Exercise Science and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Sports and Health Sciences with a concentration in Chronic Illness.
Angie
Born and raised in Canada, Angelina (Angie) has been a teacher in the health and wellness industry for 25+ years. Angie began her yoga journey shortly after September 11th. As a new Mom of a 1 year old and a military wife, whose husband was part of Canada’s Canadian special forces, Angie struggled with the weight of her circumstances as her husband was deployed. Seeking help beyond traditional medicine, Angie began yoga and it is through her movement practice she began to heal.
Angie is a 200hr Hatha Yoga instructor and a 300hr Therapeutic Yoga instructor. She holds certifications in personal training, group fitness, kettlebell, kickboxing and CrossFit. Angie has focused her teaching on PTSD, trauma, brain injuries and special populations.
