Hi, I’m Leslie…

I discovered Pilates quite accidentally many years ago. While I was a student at Fordham University teaching high-impact fitness classes in a NYC gym, I stood outside the studio while the class before mine was being held. I was fascinated while I watched the exercises being carefully cued and instructed with a focus on precision, controlled movement patterns and great sensitivity to the body. I instictively knew that I was missing out on something important while continuing to engage in workouts that were punishing on my joints and physically exhausting in the name of fitness.

What I love about Pilates is that it will always meet you right where you are. If you want super challenging athletic workouts it will allow for that. If you need something restorative, Pilates will offer you the best way to restore strength, stamina and flexibility of any workout out there. Over the years I have become more aware of the way stress, injury and trauma are stored in the body. In my work as a trauma therapist I have extensively studied the work of Bessel van der Kolk and became certified in trauma informed movement.

I believe that all structured fitness programs should be trauma informed, therefore all of my sessions incorporate sensitivity to the unique needs of your body. Pilates and mindful movement can be enormously beneficial to help calm the nervous system and reduce stress. I’ve discovered firsthand that the mental health benefits that you get from Pilates are as signficant as the physical benefits when you cultivate your personal Pilates practice.

Professional Training

Comprehensively Certified - Peak Pilates with Pamela Garcia/Senior Master Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine (CPT)- Certified Personal Trainer

Yoga Alliance (RYT-200 and Trauma-Informed Yoga)

Somatic Healing Certified- My Vinyasa Practice with Michelle Young

Pilates Pink Ribbon Program

MSW - Fordham University - New York, New York

EMDR Trained - The Center for Insight and Mindfulness