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
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.