Melissa Hudson Bell has developed a serious love for Pilates. She began her studies in 2001 after completing college and venturing out as a professional dancer and choreographer. She found that Pilates vastly improved her movement ability and even helped reverse her chronic back pain. Melissa worked as a physical therapy aide at a clinic that used reformers for rehabilitation and, after witnessing Pilates' effects, she decided to get certified by Synergy Fitness. Melissa loves to do work on foam rollers and was recently introduced to Somatic Movement principles, which she now incorporates into her Pilates practice.

Melissa brings many years of teaching experience with her to Core Pilates on 17th. Prior to her certification, she taught martial arts, cardiokickboxing, dance, and even ball bounce fitness classes! Until just recently she could be found teaching at UC Riverside while working towards her PhD in Critical Dance Studies. Melissa believes strongly that her role as an instructor is to meet you where you are -- and then to provide a comfortable space, clear directives, and lots of support to help you get where you want to go. Whether you are a dancer or dentist, bridge builder or banker, pilot or pregnant mama, Melissa is excited to help you enter into Pilates in a way that will work for you.

Megan Lewis is a Boston University graduate with a BS in physical therapy since 1990. She has over 19 years of experience in outpatient orthopedics and has spent the last 10 years using the pilates equipment and concepts to treat orthopedic injuries as well as pre- and post-natal, scoliosis, osteoporosis, and clients with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson's disease. She received her Pilates certification from the Physical Mind Institute with well-known teacher and educator, Madeline Black. In May, she will become certified through the Pink Ribbon Pilates-based rehab program for post-op breast cancer survivors. Megan is excited to be able to work with all of these clients who have wanted to do Pilates for physical therapy rehab.

Megan is a member of the San Francisco Triathlon team for her third year and is training with Michael McCormick for Ironman Coeur D'Alene in  Idaho on June 27, 2010. She is also a Level I USAT coach and would be glad to help triathletes in their pursuit of the ever growing sport of triathlon.

Dr. Kirsten Hill founded Dance With Life Chiropractic Family Wellness Center in 2007with the goal of helping people rediscover health, wellbeing and a passion for life. As a licensed chiropractor since 2004, Dr. Kirsten has a gentle approach to hands-on care that facilitates deep healing and transformation by restoring balance in the spine and nervous system.