Specializations

• MS, Parkinsons, Ehlers Danlos syndrome, stroke and other neurological conditions and auto-immune diseases

• individuals undergoing cancer treatment and cancer survivors

• pre and post natal individuals

• injury rehabilitation

Certifications

• The Pilates Standard Teacher Trainer - 2019

• Redcord Active Certified - 2017

• MATRX Hand & Foot - 2013

• Power Pilates Comprehensively Certified - 2011

• JL Body Conditioning Pilates Certified - 2003

ADVANCED TRAINING

• currently undergoing a mentorship with The Neuro Studio

• The Pilates Standard LEAP with Bob Liekens

• Force and the Nervous System - Neuro-Logic Training: Pilates

• Pilates for Neurological Conditions

• Pilates for Neurological Conditions - Advanced Course

• Pilates for Cancer and Auto-Immune Conditions

• AMN - Applied Movement Neurology

• MAT Mastery Level Courses

• RTS - JumpStart, Trunk, Upper & Lower Limbs

• numerous courses in Anatomy & Pilates Cont Ed

• BFA in Dance with double minor in Exercise and Health Science and Fitness Instruction

Alma has been practicing pilates for 34 years and teaching for 18. While training with San Francisco Ballet, Alma used pilates to build strength for her ballet practice and, later, to rehabilitate injuries.  Building on her experience in ballet, she studied pilates under the late Julian Littleford, adapting his methodology into her own teaching. In addition to her mentorship with Julian, Alma is Power Pilates certified, and a Pilates Teacher Trainer for The Pilates Standard.  Alma's approach to pilates is that every student is different and has unique needs.  Her teaching style touches on both the classical and contemporary work.

Alma studied and received certification in Muscle Activation Techinique (MAT) under Greg Roskoff, founder of the MAT method, and has taken all mastery level courses as well as MATRX Foot and Hand.  Her thirst for knowledge and curiosity regarding human anatomy and biomechanics led her to take other mastery courses such as Resistance Training Specialists (RTS) and cadaver lab.  Her education in anatomy and biomechanics has taught her to respect the boundaries and limitations of the body and to know when it is appropriate to progress a client to a more intense workout.  

Over the last few years, Alma has recognized that more and more clients were being diagnosed with neurological disorders, resulting in a more specialized approach to their movement therapies. In 2019, she began an internship with Meghann Koppele of The Neuro Studio to further her education and better understand these populations.

Having co-owned another studio, Alma saw a need for something different.  Kinesis has unique appeal, with diverse modalities - an approach that respects classical pilates but also incorporate adaptations that give clients what they need to improve, heal and rehabilitate their bodies.

Whether you are a new or seasoned client, Alma's thoughtful and effective approach offers something for everyone.