Katherine became certified in 2009 through Body Arts and Science International in Pilates and Dance Conditioning. Having graduated from Cal State Long Beach’s Dance Science, where she had the privilege of studying under the close tutelage of Karen Clippinger, her passion for movement stems from her dance background and interest in human anatomy. Seeking to deepen her knowledge as in instructor, she also became a Certified Personal Trainer in 2012 through American College of Sports Medicine. Since being at The Pilates Place since 2009, Katherine strives to honor the teachings of Joseph Pilates and his Contrology method while staying current with contemporary research of the Pilates and physical fitness world.
When not at the studio, Katherine’s biggest joy in life is spending time with her husband and daughter. In her ‘spare’ time she loves to read, ride bikes with her family, and continue to learn about the human body and its’ endless capabilities.
Boroka received her Pilates certification from Body Arts and Science International (BASI), with a dance specialization. With an M.F.A. in dance from the University of California- Irvine, and a dual B.F.A. in Dance and Film Communications from Fordham University/The Alvin Ailey School in New York City, Boroka’s knowledge of the moving body is vast. Her mat classes, reformer classes, and private sessions aim to challenge each client individually, at their own level, to bring awareness to their body and make real-life connections to the movement in Pilates. Boroka’s diverse teaching experience has provided her with extensive knowledge of props and modifications to build strength in areas of weakness and injury. Boroka promotes Pilates as a way to re-center and find balance in the body and mind, as well as a means to develop musculature for efficient movement in both everyday life and physical activity. After her initial certification, she is continually expanding her knowledge of Pilates and the body by taking workshops with acclaimed teachers, such as Rael Isacowitz, Karen Clippinger, and Jillian Hessel.
Outside of Pilates, Boroka continues to perform, choreograph, and create film and photography work. She recently started her own dance company/artist collective, Re:born Dance Interactive, through which she explores the emotional and social contexts surrounding her in interactive, multimedia performance settings. Boroka loves people and finding connections to them through conversation and art. In her little time off, she loves being spontaneous, watching foreign movies (such as Cinema Paradiso), being outdoors, dancing, cooking, and just sharing her passion for life with her family and friends.
Niki became Certified in the Pilates Method in 2002, by Diane Diefenderfer at Studio du Corps. She is also Mat certified in BASI by Rael Isocowitz and has attended several Pilates Method Alliance conferences, gaining additional training and became a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher. Niki teaches all formats of Pilates: group, mat and privates. With thousands of teaching hours during the past 14 years, she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for fitness and her passion for Pilates with every student, paying attention to detail and quality of movement in order to build a strong, flexible body.
Niki became a MELT Method Instructor in April of 2011; in 2012 she completed 7 days of MELT NeuroStrength training as an advanced instructor and is bringing this easy to learn technique of self-massage with small balls and a soft roller, to all of Orange County with over 8 classes a week. She has continued with training in MELT for Pilates, using a soft half roller to better access the deep core. She has also been a TA for Sue Hitzmann, the MELT Method Creator, for 4 recent workshops. After earning a B.A. at CSULB and working full time, she became a Jazzercise instructor, teaching fun and effective dance classes for almost 24 years. She brings this wide-ranging background and her love of being fit to her Pilates and MELT instruction.
Hobbies are teaching, snow skiing, taking care of two kitties, a puppy dog and a wonderful husband. Summer visits to Big Bear and constantly learning and adding to teaching repertoire.
Elena is a southern California native who began her love affair with movement whiletaking gymnastics at the tender age of 4. A few years later she transitioned into dance. She recently graduated with honors from the Dance Program at CSULB and it was there that she discovered Pilates as a natural adjunct for dancers. She went on to complete her BASI Pilates with Dance Specialization studies under noted master trainer Karen Clippinger.
She is very excited to be a part of The Pilates Place.
Danae McWatt grew fond of Pilates through her extensive training as a dancer in high school and eventually college. After graduating from California State University, Long Beach with a bachelors degree in dance science, she decided to pursue a career in dance and began dancing with professional companies in the L.A. area. After a couple years, she decided to add Pilates permanently in her life. McWatt completed her Pilates certification with Body Arts and Science International (BASI) with a specialization in dance under the well-respected and internationally renowned Karen Clippinger. During McWatt's certificate completion, she was fortunate enough to assist Clippinger in the Pilates based classes at Cal State Long Beach. Her passion for helping people via movement was what inspired her to teach both dance and Pilates. McWatt is excited to put her knowledge to use and continue her growth as an instructor.
Katie completed her teacher training for Pilates with a dance specialization from Body Arts and Science International in 2014 under the direction of Karen Clippinger. It was her extensive dance background that influenced her love for the human body.
Upon graduating in December of 2016 with a degree in Kinesiology emphasizing in Exercise Science, Katie plans to continue her schooling by receiving a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Aside from teaching Pilates, Katie has worked as a Physical Therapist Aide at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group since January 2014.
When she finds time in her schedule Katie enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.
Melody received her Pilates mat certification in 2013 through BASI after falling in love with Pilates during a dance summer intensive. She found that Pilates helped immensely in recovering from a dance-related injury, and hopes to help others find improved health and wellness through this method.
Melody went on to pursue a comprehensive Pilates certification with Dance Specialization under Karen Clippinger, while also pursuing a degree in Kinesiology Exercise Science at Cal State Long Beach. She has had the opportunity to assist with Clippinger’s classes, and to take many courses that broadened her knowledge of the human body and health considerations.
Outside of teaching, she loves to perform, listen to music, and spend time with family. Melody is thrilled to join the community at The Pilates Place.