Alana Sussan
Owner and Instructor
Alana fell in love with Pilates in 2012 and has been practicing ever since. It was the first type of movement not only that she enjoyed, but she also really looked forward to every moment she could spend in a Pilates studio.
After many years of being so dedicated to her own practice, Alana really wanted to take it to the next level. It was then that she became certified through Pilates Sports Center, where she completed the full comprehensive teacher training certification program. Later she took a big leap of faith, leaving one business behind to follow her passion and open Pilates Sculpt.
Alana’s favorite thing about Pilates is the awareness that it brings to your body, allowing you to engage and control your muscles more effectively for a deeper connection to exercise leading to enhanced results. If you take any of her classes, you will constantly hear her relay the importance of body alignment, isolating muscle groups and finding stability in your body to control the exercise. She just wants you to feel the connection, because if you do, you will feel amazing!
Sheri Dee
Instructor
Sheri started her Pilates journey while working long hours at a desk job and commuting in traffic. Ten years ago, one of her cousins suggested she try Pilates. From the very first class she was hooked. After a few years she decided to get fully certified as a Pilates Instructor through Pilates Sports Center in Encino. She enjoys taking workshops to continue her own personal Pilates journey and to add to her teaching skills. She believes the set-up of each exercise is just as important as the movement.
Sheri wants you to feel good, get a great workout, and not have to think about anything else other than your mind-body connection and self-care. Sheri has learned movement is medicine and that Pilates can shift your entire sense of well-being. Pilates is a process, practice and a way of life!
Michele Cazares
Instructor
In 2006 Michele started practicing Pilates while running and training for Marathons. She found that Pilates was a perfect fit for her to gain strength and flexibility. Little did Michele know that she would fall in love with and receive so many more benefits from a Pilates practice than she could have imagined. Michele saw so much value in her own Pilates practice that in 2017 she became PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) certified in Pilates for Rehab. While working in a physical therapy clinic she honed in on her skills to work with injured bodies and pelvic floor deficiencies. She specializes in teaching people how to modify for their own body type and how to prevent flare ups from old injuries.
Michele really thrives teaching beginners and clients with body limitations. Her teaching style has been influenced by her work at a PT clinic. However, she can still give a killer toning and sculpting Pilates class that will not only give you a great workout but will also leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated.
Michele recently expanded her Pilates practice and expertise by completing the Bridge Program with Balance Body in 2022. There are so many layers to this wonderful practice and she looks forward to meeting and working with you in classes or one on one.
McKenna Cazares
Instructor
McKenna Cazares is a STOTT certified Pilates instructor along with a BS in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. This combination brings an understanding of both Pilates principles and healthcare to her practice. McKenna found Pilates after a high school volleyball injury that led to an ACL tear. Following surgery, McKenna was successful in rehabilitating her knee with physical therapy, utilizing reformer Pilates for strength training and increased mobility. Her passion for Pilates grows with every class, proving that even after a decade of practice, Pilates remains consistently engaging and challenging.
McKenna focuses on keeping the body active and strong in order to prevent injuries. She takes satisfaction in helping others and empowering them to succeed. Her ultimate goal is not only aiding individuals to feel their best, but also giving them an enhanced sense of well-being. For McKenna, every session is an opportunity to inspire positive change and leave a lasting impact on her clients’ lives.
Jenna De Mase
Instructor
In 2003, Jenna began her Pilates journey under the training of Master Pilates Instructor, Kim Lee. A pioneer of the Pilates movement in Los Angeles, in the early 1970s, Lee created his own methodology known as Pilates Zen. From age 19 to 21, Jenna dedicated herself to her vigorous training with Lee, who would later become her mentor.
With a profound respect and undeniable addiction to the graceful yet challenging movements, and the discovery of delicate nuances in each pose, Pilates proved to be endlessly stimulating.
Seeking a deeper understanding led her to study with STOTT Pilates for her certification. She spent 10 years honing her craft. She radiates an enthusiasm and passion that is palpable. Stylistically, she is led by her intuition. She possesses an ability to attune to any body, knowing exactly what is needed for balance and fluidity.
Her curiosities later lead her to pursue a career in the wine business for 10 years, followed by a stint in advertising as a copywriter.
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Chris Ann Diaz
Instructor
Chris Ann was born and raised in Southern California, the center for all things health and wellness. This has motivated Chris Ann to take fitness seriously. She took interest in Pilates for its amazing benefits. Chris Ann has personally done Pilates for the past 17 years and 15 of those years she has been an instructor. She was professionally trained through BASI, including a certification in pre/post-natal. She loves helping clients reach their goals and creating fun and challenging classes.