Susan Gagnier C.P.I., Owner/Director - Susan has completed a rigorous certification program of Authentic Pilates™ with over 800 hours of one-on-one training and instruction. She was taught by Romana Kryzanowska protege, June Hines, M.F.A., B.F.A. and several other fine instructors, all of whom are dedicated to preserving the integrity of Joseph Pilates's method.

     Committed to being happy and healthy, Susan has an extensive background as teacher and instructor in fitness. As a 4th degree Black Belt and Chief Certified Taekwondo Instructor, disciplined fitness is a way of life for her. Her dedication won her the Taekwondo America Instructor of The Year Award in 1996. 

     In 2006, Susan furthered her training and skills by successfully completing her certification as a personal trainer with the American Fitness Professionals Association. She strongly believes that all forms of movement and exercise can benefit from Pilates training. 

     In 2007-2008, Susan attended and completed a rigorous study of contemporary style Pilates with Body Awareness, Atlanta, Georgia.

     With training in both Authentic classical and contemporary style Pilates, Susan utilizes the best of both styles to design a fitness program that best fits the needs of her clients.

     Whether her client is post rehab and still in need of some therapeutic help, or is in generally good shape and just wants to feel better, Susan creates the work-out program that allows her client to develop optimal strength and flexibility.

     As the founder/owner of Pilates of Amelia, Susan feels she has been blessed to work with a staff of professional, dedicated instructors. 

 

Gena Cooley C.P.I. - Gena completed her Body Awareness Teacher Training program in 2008. She has a background in the healing arts as a Reiki Master since 1996, and Massage Therapy since 2001.  Pilates is the first fitness program she found that fit her passion for bio-mechanics of the body. She loves the study of movement and balance and loves teaching this to clients. Pilates is a way for Gena to teach people of their power with-in. Her background in massage therapy and physical fitness brings a unique talent and skilled awareness as a Pilates Instructor.

 

Janet Burns-Price C.P.I. - Janet completed her Body Awareness Teacher Training program in 2008.

 

Julie Maley, L.M.T. - Julie has been a Massage Therapist since 2005. She has 7 years of experience prior to that as a Holistic Nutritional Counselor utilizing the Mind/Body Connection as the key to health. She has also completed two herbal internships and an internship in Indigenous Ways. Julie does Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Lomi Lomi, Hot Stone Therapy, Life Energy Balance, Muscle Response Testing and Bar Therapy.

Fl. Lic. # MA48272

 

Sam Vadnais, Receptionist/Office Manager - Sam has studied Pilates since February 2004 and has worked as receptionist since December 2005. Along with Pilates, she studies dance and yoga. Sam graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in May 2007. She is currently enrolled in college working on the prerequisites for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Sam is always happy and able to answer any of your questions about Pilates and our program here at Pilates of Amelia as well as give you a tour of the studio and show you all of our great equipment.

Vicki Cooper, Receptionist - Vicki's roots go deep into the sandy soil of Florida and though she was born on the west coast of the state, she has called Fernandina home since the age of 10. She and her husband, John, spent 20 years in the Air Force and upon retirement, they moved back home to set up a potter's studio. They both had their hands in clay for about 10 years, but when John went to work as the administrative assistant for Living Waters, they both retired their wheels. Vicki has always loved to exercise, and for years you could find her at the local gym. She quit all that when she discovered the benefit of the strengthening and stretching exercises that are at the core of Pilates. Both she and John take full advantage of the beauty of where they live, fishing when they can and gardening always.

 

 

 

 

 

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