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Classes are taught by PHI, Stott, CenterWorks & Polestar Instructors and Practitioners who are professionally trained to help clients achieve proper form & techniques while utilizing Pilates Equipment and performing mat exercises.
Pilates Performance and Rehab's Polestar trained practitioners also educate each client on Pilates principles and exercises while assessing each individual's movement patterns and needs.
For those with advanced medical concerns, specialized programs can be coordinated with our Polestar Rehabilitation Practitioners and Doctors of Physical Therapy, who are clinically trained to recommend an appropriate Pilates plan, specifically designed to address each individual's goals and needs.
Pilates is often recommended by the medical community for neuromuscular, orthopedic and pain management clients.
Desima Dawdy, A.A., B.S., A.C.E. completed her four year course-work, observation and apprenticeship hours in Chicago, Denver, Miami, and Kansas City, training with Polestar Master trainers. Desima is a Polestar Certified Instructor and Mentor for Polestar Education's Allegro Reformer and Polestar’s Comprehensive Studio/Rehab Hybrid Series. Polestar is the leader in providing rehab-based training for Pilates and neuromuscular re-education programs.
Desima has had the opportunity to receive training from Master Trainers Dr. Brent Anderson, Elizabeth Larkham, Dav Cohen MSPT, Gerard Hinderlich, Sheri Betz PT, Laurie Tushman, Dr. Noelle Dowma, and Dr. Tamara Neff. Desima has also had the honor of attending classes and/or workshops with four of the five living elders (i.e. Lolita San Miguel, Mary Bowen, Ron Fletcher, and Kathleen Stanford Grant), who were trained directly and studied with Joseph Pilates.
Desima serves as a mentor/assistant for Polestar Education; Body Mind Spirit Expo, Santa Clara, CA; and is a member and volunteer for the Pilates Method Alliance. Desima specializing in clinical Pilates programs for clients with fibromyalgia, scoliosis,myofascial pain, osteoporosis, low back care and SI dysfunction. She also has experience training professional and student dancers and athletes to enhance athletic performance and injury prevention.
In addition to Pilates, Desima teaches Viniyoga (modified) and has received certification and/or training through SAFAX Yoga, Cycle Reebok, Nautilus Headquarters, Reebok University, Fitball, American Council on Exercise (ACE), SCW Aqua, and the Arthritis Foundation. She has also taught a wide variety of health, college physical education classes, and wellness programs since 1983. Desima has also been a nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year by Club Industry Magazine.
Desima is the director of Pilates Performance & Rehab and teaches and trains clients at both the Topeka and Lawrence locations.
Tamara Depew, DPT, BA received her Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Tamara is a Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner and has been involved in Pilates since 2000. She is dedicated to the future of pilates and is a Polestar Pilates Mentor. Tamara has extensive experience working in physical therapy clinics and Pilates studios, where she utilizes her skills to educate and rehabilitate patients. Tamara has presented on fitness, Pilates and rehabilitation to the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association, Kansas Parks and Rec and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Tamara worked at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland and The Rehabilitation Institute in Kansas City where she obtained vast knowledge on neurological rehabilitation. She also has specialty experience in women's health, and pre-post natal Pilates.
Ashley Sandefur, B.S., earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy at the University of Kansas, where she also studied Dance. Ashley has received her certification from PHI (Powerhouse) Pilates and has trained under Desima Dawdy, Polestar Certified Pilates Practitioner, and Tamara Depew, Polestar Certified Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Ashley trains rehab based clients, athletes, and dancers. She also teaches Pilates Mat and Pilates Apparatus for small groups and accepts clients for personal training at the Lawrence location.
Sara Felt
Certified Pilates Instructor, Centerworks Pilates Institute
BM Violoncello Performance, University of Kansas
Sara was introduced to the Pilates work in the mid-1990’s as a music student looking for an effective cross-training method to help her body keep up with the physical demands of being an orchestral cellist. She became a dedicated Pilates student when the method helped her recover from an overuse injury that left her unable to perform for several months. Inspired to share Pilates’ work with other instrumentalists, she began teaching in 2004. She has since worked with many professional and student musicians and has received research grants and presented lectures on injury prevention for instrumentalists at the University of Kansas.
In addition to musicians, Sara works with a diverse clientele that includes athletes, dancers, pre/post-rehabilitation patients, and men and women of all ages and abilities.
Sara serves as lead trainer of Pilates Performance & Rehab’s Lawrence studio. She completed her comprehensive teacher education through Centerworks® Pilates Institute, is a licensed provider of the Ron Fletcher Towelwork® and Barrework® and is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance and IDEA. She has attended numerous continuing education courses with Dianne Miller, Aliesa George, Polestar Pilates and Feldenkrais educators. Sara has also had the great privilege of attending workshops with first generation teachers Mary Bowen and Lolita San Miguel.
Megan Waltner, CMT, received her Massage Therapy certificate from the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in Tempe after over 800 hours of training. She specializes in Trigger Point Therapy and Deep Tissue Massage. Megan is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She is accepting new clients in Topeka. Megan has completed Polestar Educations Comprehensive Studio/Rehab Hybrid series taught by Dr. Noelle Dowma. Polestar is the international leader in Pilates rehab-based education.
Cat McMahon, CYT 500, has been practicing Iyengar yoga for 15 years. She has logged more than 2,000 teaching hours over the past 10 years. Cat has studied with senior level instructors Judith Hanson Lasater, Aadil Palkhivala, Angela Farmer & Victor Van Kooten, Dean Learner, Norman & Laura Allard, George Purvis, and Laurie Blakeney.
Cat's small group yoga training programs are designed to tone and strengthen muscles and improve balance and poise. Detailed alignment principles and a wide variety of props are utilized to help clients develop functional efficiency, a greater range of motion and comfort. Breathing exercises are also incorporated to help calm the nervous system and the mind.
With humor and attention to detail, Cat provides fun beginners programs, challenging advanced training and specialty workshops.
Beth Kossoy, M.S., R.D., is a certified Stott Pilates instructor in mat and reformer. She has been teaching mat classes for over four years and incorporates the stability ball, fitness circle, arc barrel and flex band into her workouts. Beth also instructs clients individually or in groups on the reformer and continues to take new clients. Beth enjoys teaching clients of all ages and fitness levels.
Beth has been a Registered Dietitian since 1979, with a Masters Degree in Nutrition since 1991, and has worked in many positions in the health care industry.
Jen Nichols, B.S., is certified in Pilates Reformer by PHI (Powerhouse) Pilates and in Pilates mat by Personal Best Pilates. She has a B. S. from KU and has a strong background in both dance and yoga. She has completed Polestar Educations Comprehensive Studio/Rehab Hybrid series taught by Dr. Noelle Dowma. Polestar is the international leader in Pilates rehab-based education. Jen is accepting new clients of all fitness levels in Topeka and specializes in Pilates for dancers on both mat and reformer.
Lea Huntington, A.C.E., is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Clinical Exercise Specialist. Lea received her Pilates Reformer training from Power House Pilates and also studies with Tamara Depew, Polestar Certified Rehabilitation Practitioner. Lea's clientele includes athletes and pre- and post-rehabilitation patients, as well as people with limited mobility.
Lorna Jarrett, CPTA, NSCA completed her pre-physical therapy studies at Johnson County Community College and received her Physical Therapy Assistant certification from
Kansas City, Kansas Community College, and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Friends University.
Lorna is certified by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Lorna is an experienced NSCA certified personal trainer, and a member of the National Strengthening and Conditioning Association. She has also trained and is certified in Pilates by Personal Best Pilates, is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance, and is currently expanding her training to become a Polestar Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Lorna specialty is Pilates based rehabilitation for orthopedic conditions, and has apprenticed or trained with Dr. Noelle Dowma, Dr. Tamara Neff, Tracey Barrows, Desima Dawdy and Aliesa George.
Lorna is accepting new clients in both Lawrence and Kansas City.
Beatrice Sawyer is a certified and experienced PHI Pilates Instructor who teaches both private and small group mat and apparatus classes. Beatrice is currently expanding her Pilates training with a goal of becoming a comprehensibly trained Polestar Studio Practitioner. Bea has a strong family heritage in equestrian training for hunters/jumpers and riders, and has blended her knowledge and experience to specialize in Pilates for equestrians.
Alba Blocker, BSW, is a devoted mom and wife who has been practicing Pilates since 2004.
Alba received certification in Pilates Mat with Small Apparatus through SCW and PHI (Powerhouse) Pilates. She also has taught Pilates Mat for City of Topeka Parks and Recreation as well as at Wood Valley Racquet Club and Fitness Center. She is an apprentice with Desima Dawdy at Pilates Performance and Rehab.
Alba has also earned certification in SCW's Kids in Motion program and the Arthritis Foundation. Alba is accepting new clients of all fitness levels and will be specializing in programming for children adolescents, seniors, and weight loss.
A native of Puerto Rico, Alba is fluent in Spanish and English.
Megan Casey is a 2008 graduate of Washburn University with a BA in psychology. Currently, Megan is pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine at the University of North Texas. Megan has been actively involved with pilates since 2002; she hopes to continue participating in Pilates while in Texas.
Beth Kensinger was born in Maine, but spent most of her childhood in St. Thomas, USVI. She studied English and History at Williams College in Massachusetts, where she met her husband, David, a Topeka native. The Kensingers lived in Washington, DC, until 2004 when they were expecting their second child and wanted to raise their family in a smaller community (and closer to extended family). Beth is a stay at home Mom to three children, and has been taking yoga classes at Pilates Performance & Rehab for almost four years. Beth is excited to be teaching and subbing after successfully completing Yogafit level one training. Beth also leads Kids' Yogafit style classes at Topeka Collegiate School.
Tammy Miller-Peterson graduated from Topeka West High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene from UMKC. As an athlete and dancer, Tammy has a background in gymnastics, ballet, tap, belly dance, Latin, jazz and ballroom dance and has been active in the Topeka Bike Club, softball leagues, Adult USTA Tennis, Tae Kwondo,as a Cho Don Bo, black belt prep, weapons and mixed martial arts, and also swims competitively in Sunflower State Games.
Tammy received her Pilates training through Balanced Body University, and her yoga and advanced yoga training with NETA . She is certified by NETA to teach group exercise, and as a personal trainer. She is also an experienced Zumba, stability ball, water aerobics, step aerobics, Turbokick, total body conditioning, boot camp, Bender Ball Pilates, Silver Sneakers, and Indoor Group Cycle instructor. Tammy is CPR certified, and is currently completing Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Studio/Rehab Training with Dr. Noelle Dowma and is an apprenticing with Desima Dawdy, Kim Hoobler, DPT, and Jen Nichols. Tammy is accepting new clients, and is specializing in Pilates for dental professionals, martial artist, tennis players and swimmers, along with sports conditioning and injury prevention for all athletes.
Tammi Zimmerman is a licensed massage therapist and energy practitioner.
She is a graduate of the Massage Therapy Training Institute (MTTI) of Kansas City, Mo, and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB).
Her training includes: Swedish Massage, Muscle Release Technique, Reiki I & II, Prenatal Massage, Elderly Massage, Chair Massage, Sports Massage, Reflexology, and many others. Knowing a variety of natural health modalities allows Tammi to choose the techniques that best meet clients individual needs.
“After working with such great teachers at MTTI, I am confident in my massage skills which allow me to assist my clients in their bodywork needs. Everyone has a unique sense of being guided to seeking better health. I appreciate each and everyone who comes seeking my expertise. I am grateful for my clients who have helped my business continue to grow for the last our years!”
She is accepting new clients in Topeka.
Natalie Hoskins, B.A., NCBTMB, NASM CPT, NASM CES, received her Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She received her original training for massage therapy through the Johnson County Community College. Natalie has been licensed in Missouri and nationally certified for over 10 years; she is passionate about the initiation and management of physical wellness. While striving to identify possible origins of kinetic dysfunction, her aim is not to eliminate stress but to help maintain comfortable living in spite of it. Her work focuses on identifying the multiple lifestyle choices, habits, and postures that lead to pain and discomfort, and she is never satisfied with short-term solutions. Massage helps to lengthen overactive muscles and bring oxygen and nutrients to all tissues, encouraging a proper alignment of the skeletal structure and improved efficiency in the body’s overall function. In Natalie’s opinion, however, massage is inadequate in providing the individual with sustainable results.
It is because of this belief that Natalie has trained to certify as a NASM Personal Trainer and a NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist. It is her intention to couple fitness with massage, because fitness training gives the individual agency to strengthen the weak and underutilized muscles, creating a balance that can endure life’s physical burdens. Flexibility, strength and stability are the components needed, along with good nutrition, to make physical wellness a reality.
It is Natalie’s goal to continually seek education and to be up-to-date with advancements in wellness, so that she may be better able to educate others, enabling them to initiate and manage their own personal wellness.
Come see Natalie at our Lawrence location.
Stacey Ary received her massage therapy certificate from the renowned Cortiva Institute in Tucson, Arizona. Following her year of education, Stacey became certified through the NCBTMB and started a practice in Little Rock, Arkansas. She specializes in deep tissue, trigger point therapy and myofascial release, and also has extensive experience in bodywork with runners and other athletes. Now living in Topeka, Stacey is accepting new clients. She can be reached at 785-580-3311 and on Facebook at Blue Canary Massage Therapy.
Affiliates
Noelle Dowma, DPT, received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Miami School of Medicine. She is PMA Pilates Certified™, and serves the Kansas City area as a Polestar Pilates Principal Educator. Noelle has a strong background in Performing Arts. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Ballet Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma, and has worked as a physical therapist for the Miami City Ballet, and many Broadway shows. Noelle is currently is on staff at the Kansas City Ballet School. The staff at Pilates Performance & Rehab is blessed to have Noelle as an educator and continuing education provider. Noelle also conducts Injury Prevention Workshops for Dancers and Performing Artist for all PPR's locations.
Topeka Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian
Amber Groeling, RD, LD received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in dietetics; she completed her internship at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL. Amber’s areas of expertise include weight management, heart health, diabetes, and healthy cooking. She is certified in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. She is a member of the Lifestyle Improvement Coalition, the American Dietetic Association, and is the marketing chair for the Kansas Dietetic Association. Amber enjoys spending her free time with her husband and daughter.
Kristy Shields is a certified and licensed Occupational Therapist. She has been practicing as an OT for the past 9 years in Acute Care, Home Health, Skilled Nursing and Outpatient Services. She is also a certified fitness professional in both AFAA and Yogafit. Since 2001, Kristy has taught at Bally Total Fitness instructing several popular classes. Kristy merged her passion for helping people, and her love of fitness, at the Polestar Rehab/Studio Pilates Education and Training Courses. Her journey has been incredible. Kristy was an apprentice instructor at the Pilates Performance & Rehab's Lawrence location, and has also recently opened her own private Pilates studio in South Johnson County. She would not have been able to do this without the support and knowledge she has learned from all the Polestar Educators in the area. She wishes to Thank Desima for all her help in achieving her dreams.
For more than four years, Tracey Weibel, MS, LAT, ATC, Polestar Certified Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner and Educator, led the rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and emergency care for Celine Dion and her cast of 50 dancers in Las Vegas, making sure the entire cast was on stage performing at their best. Tracey expertise is in educating both dancers and athletes about anatomy, physiology, the mechanisms of injury, biomechanics, and injury prevention.
"Tracey has been a tremendous help to me," said Celine Dion. "In addition to working with me on training and conditioning, she's always there in times of need to monitor my physical condition, administer first aid, and to make sure that I'm in the right shape to perform at my peak."
Tracey currently lives in Louisiana where she is both a new Pilates Studio owner, and mom she has passed her passion for the Pilates Method to her Kansas family and friends at Pilates Performance & Rehab.
The primary Continuing Education Provider for Pilates Performance & Rehab is Polestar Education.
Polestar is an international community of research-oriented movement science professionals, transferring advanced knowledge to our clients to improve health and well-being, through the application of Pilates and various methodologies of movement science.
Polestar Vision - Impact the world through intelligent movement, which fosters awareness of self and community.
Polestar History - Polestar Education was founded in Sacramento California in 1992 by President Brent Anderson PhD, PT, OCS and co-founder Elizabeth Larkam MA, Feldenkrais Practitioner.