Our team

Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the industry, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our clients.

Denise Gurnee

Certified Pilates Instructor
PhD, MSc, NBC-HWC 

The role of mindful movement and the preservation of functional skills including physical, cognitive, and general well-being has always been of interest to me. Early in life, I observed family members participating in sports and exercising into their eighties and mid-nineties. This inspired me to become involved in activities like running, skiing, horseback riding, hiking and other exercise. It also inspired an interest and academic pursuit into the clinical neurosciences.

I was first introduced to the Classical Pilates Method while undergoing rehabilitation following injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Pilates was central to a successful recovery from the injuries that I experienced. Through the process it became apparent that Pilates not only supported, but facilitated body-mind engagement, deep integration, and relief from pain. This experience with Pilates methodology was so impactful that I decided to pursue a career in the practice of Pilates.

A dedicated personal practice was initiated in 2010 where I sought out and trained with several 2nd generation master teachers trained by Romana Kryzanowska, a student of Joseph Pilates. In Spring 2018, I made the decision to enter teacher-training certification and subsequently became a third generation Classical Pilates Instructor through the Pilates Technique Certification Program in Santa Monica, CA. Certification was based on the 5-level system of movement methodology of Joseph H. Pilates. I was trained by Jill Cassady, who was trained and subsequently hired by Romana to work with clients at Drago's gym. In addition to Classical Pilates training, I received training in different yoga practices and breathing techniques both of which I incorporate into sessions as needed or requested. The selected yoga training at the studio is Yin or gentle yoga and includes floor, chair, and wall yoga. All training is individualized and accessible to all levels of skill.

Health and wellbeing are essential components of our lives. I am a Board-Certified Health and Wellness. Coach (NBC-HWC) having successfully passed the national examination through the National Board of Medical Examiners. My training focused on the attainment of health-based goals utilizing a Positive Psychology approach to wellbeing. In addition to Pilates and yoga, health and wellness coaching is available for those who are interested as either an add-on to their program or as a stand-alone.

I have a PhD in psychology of education, a MSc in speech-language pathology and taught university graduate-level gerontology courses focusing on dementia, cognition, and neurodegenerative diseases for 17 years. A life-long interest in the clinical neurosciences lead me to work clinically for 20 years with diverse populations including individuals who experienced stroke, tumor, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders. Working in hospital and community-based neurorehabilitation facilities, the effects of the mind-body connection on functional recovery were apparent. I am passionate about using Pilates, Yoga, and Wellness strategies to help people of all ages maintain functional abilities and experience a good quality of life.

Jill Eisma

Master Pilates Instructor
CPI, NCPA, PMA

Beginning in my early years I have always been drawn to activities that develop strength and balance through movement. It’s how I first found ballet; but after years of dance I found myself dealing with chronic pain and back problems. They kept me from doing activities I loved and I was dedicated to finding a way to get back to them. That’s when I discovered Pilates! It quickly became a way for me to build strength, balance, and a supple body, which were all key to resolving the pain I was experiencing on a daily basis.

My dive into Pilates began in 2008. I was guided by a teacher who took the time to help me understand the exercises and how they would help me work towards accomplishing my goals and doing the things I love. Through the years I have been lucky enough to work with a range of masterful teachers. They all helped me realize the journey I wanted to take and the instructor I wanted to become. With their guidance I joined their ranks in 2017 and became a third generation Pilates instructor through the world renowned Pilates Center of Boulder, CO. I have completed over 1,400 hours of training under Rachel Taylor-Segal and Amy Taylor-Alpers and obtained the Advanced Teacher Training certificate. I am a Nationally Certified Pilates instructor through the National Pilates Certification Program, formally, known as the Pilates Method Alliance.

I love Pilates not only because it has helped me but because I have seen the positive effects it has had on friends and other practitioners throughout the years. It is good at reminding us that if our bodies aren’t aligned, if our muscles aren’t balanced and working together, we can work hard and yet do nothing but cause more pain, more stress, and more imbalance. It makes us step back and focus on the key elements of movement and strength. I’ve seen over and over again how even after just a few short months of practicing Pilates my clients are able to go to the gym again or run again. They feel good picking up their child or simply bending down to tie their shoes. Their day-to-day lives are enhanced through the power of Pilates.

As we work together to find the best approach for you, the term Compassionate Body Pilates will likely come up. I believe that we can develop strength more effectively through a compassionate approach, especially when we’re dealing with injury or chronic pain. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be and I endeavor to help you learn how to work with your body, not against it! Nothing means more to me than seeing my clients make remarkable changes and hearing how Pilates has improved their lives.

All of the exercises I use can be adapted for each individual’s body and ability. We will find a pace and routine that works for you! I offer fun and challenging sessions while helping you reach your maximum potential. My small class or private lessons will allow me to tailor sessions specific to you! 

Pamela Zeff

Pilates Instructor
Master's Degree

My journey with Pilates began over twenty years ago as an individual looking for a new way to develop and improve on my tone and core strength. Through the years I have tried almost every form of exercise and as I’ve matured I’ve continued to return to Pilates as a way to keep me fit and enhance the aging process.

I believe Pilates is for everyone, regardless of experience, age, or size. I have seen it energize people and make them feel stronger, even after a single session. As a daily or even weekly routine this can provide mental and emotional benefits beyond the obvious physical ones.

As my own relationship with Pilates has progressed I have found joy in sharing it with others. In order to continue to grow and provide the best possible instruction I am currently working towards my certification as a Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI) with the world-renowned The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado, which I look forward to completing in the Spring of 2022.

In addition to that I have completed a “Senior Fitness” certification program and also have my Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. Utilizing those credentials I have worked with individuals for over 20 years on creating positive, lasting changes involving nutrition and exercise.

Pilates is for everyone, for every body, and I look forward to working with you on your own journey with grace, purpose, and intent.

Sundial Pilates

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