Meet The Dark Horse Team

Are you interested in starting a Dark Horse Pilates lesson program?

Our DHP Affiliate Teachers around the country are eager to help get you started. All studios are fully equipped with Gratz Pilates apparatus and we offer private and semi-private sessions and small group classes. We are a boutique Pilates endeavor and we bring you the best body education on the market, with an emphasis on mastery.

All of our teachers listed below carry the Dark Horse Pilates Affiliate Certification.

Master Teacher, Founder Dark Horse Pilates

Janice Dulak
Ocala, FL

Janice began studying Pilates with Romana Kryzanowska in 1990. Certified as a Pilates instructor in 1993, she became one of Romana's hand picked Teacher of Teachers in 1999.

Affiliate Teacher

Michele Cimini

Scranton, PA

I am truly passionate about teaching Pilates the way it was intended to be taught. My goal is to empower you to feel this amazing work in your body and carry it with you throughout your day.

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Senior Teacher/Mentor, DHP Co-Program Director

Monica Hoekstra

Charlotte, NC

With 20+ years of experience teaching and certifications in both classical and contemporary Pilates, Monica is proud to offer the commitment of excellence set forth by Dark Horse Pilates.

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Affiliate Teacher

Jean Klein

Sound Beach, Long Island, NY

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, I had an interest in health, fitness and tai chi. I became a certified Romana’s Pilates Instructor, but by studying with Janice, I truly understood Pilates to be a complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.

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Affiliate Teacher

Bridget Mason

Wilton, NY

Bridget, RPI certified, owns Fountain Pilates and has been teaching for 10 years. Prior to that, she was the national fiction buyer for Borders Books and continues to freelance write and edit.

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Affiliate Teacher

Dru Parker

Gastonia, NC

As a former science teacher, Dru brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the studio. She offers a learning environment where students of Pilates gain a true understanding of the work.

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Affiliate Teacher

Daniella Valverde

North Scottsdale, AZ

Daniella was certified from Romana’s Pilates. She lives in Scottsdale, AZ and teaches out of her home studio, HeartCore. She loves helping people that are dealing with an injury, recovering from surgery or want to feel better.

on the web

Affiliate Teacher

Heide Geiger

Commerce Township, MI

Heide is the owner of Destination pilates, LLC. In 2006 she completed her STOTT* Pilates certification level II and received her Romana’s Pilates* Level V Instructor certification in December 2019.

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Affiliate Teacher

Ashley Jarvis

Holly Springs, NC

Ashley has been a Pilates instructor for over 15 years. It is her greatest privilege and passion to help individuals improve their health and vitality.

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Affiliate Teacher

Karen Leopardi
Stockbridge, MA

Karen was certified by Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Mejia Santo in 2009 at TPNY. She is currently working with Janice Dulak on a certification in Pilates for the Dressage Rider as an Associate Instructor.

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Affiliate Teacher

Sherri Miller

Cary, NC

In 2008 Sherri started teaching Pilates and continued with Romana’s Pilates. Sheri has worked with a variety of clients ranging from those suffering from chronic pain to athletes.

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Senior Teacher/Mentor, DHP Co-Program Director

Lisa Pellow

Pittsburgh, PA

Lisa, owner of Touchstone Pilates, Pgh, PA, is a teacher trainer certified in 2006 via Romana's Pilates .She maintains a philosophy of providing a safe, challenging, and fun experience and a desire for a lifetime of fitness.

on the web

Dark Horses in Training

Intern

Hannah Carder

Pittsburgh, PA

Intern

Carrie Gutierrez

Pittsburgh, PA

"I'm training with Lisa Pellow, owner of Touchstone Pilates, in Pittsburgh, PA. I love teaching Pilates because it helps people feel better, live pain-free, and move with confidence. My goal is to meet everyone where they are, offering challenges that empower them to move more powerfully and embrace life with renewed energy."

Teacher Crossover Trainee

Rachel Morgan

Charlotte, NC

I am training under Monica Hoekstra at Absolute Pilates in Charlotte, NC. Consistent Pilates practice has improved the way I move and feel. I love watching clients find joy and confidence in movement while training their mind and body with Pilates.

Intern

Marcela Day

Pittsburgh, PA

"I am training under Lisa Pellow of Touchstone Pilates Pittsburgh, PA. I love teaching pilates because I enjoy helping people of all ages and abilities develop their strength and posture."

Intern

Jill Nolan

Pittsburgh, PA

"I’m training at Touchstone Pilates, Pittsburgh, PA,with Lisa Pellow. I love teaching Pilates because the same fundamental concepts hold true for every client regardless of their level of experience. Learning to use the transverse abdominals to open and round the spine can be life changing for a client."

Teacher Crossover Trainee

Kim Vasquez

Charlotte, NC

I've been teaching Pilates for nine years, and my passion for helping clients move better continues to grow. I joined the Dark Horse Pilates Teacher Training Program to deepen my understanding of how to make the Pilates repertoire accessible to individuals at every stage of their fitness journey and to empower clients to move with purpose, control, and efficiency. For me, it’s not just about the exercises—it’s about teaching people how to move well for life.