Meet the Team
Meet our team of dedicated Pilates experts, each highly skilled and certified in various fitness disciplines.
Kristen Concannon
Pilates & Yoga Instructor/ Studio Manager
Teaching Pilates since 2013, Kristen is Nationally (NPCP)certified under Balanced Body Comprehensive training. She has trained numerous instructors over the years, showcasing her commitment to sharing her expertise. Kristen's fascination with human anatomy adds depth to her classes, emphasizing not just muscle engagement but also balance and stretching of opposing muscles.​ She is equally passionate about teaching athletic classes and about rehabilitation, drawing from her own injuries & experience in a PT center. She considers the Pilates practice as the optimal way to maintain a strong and balanced body, Her classes are characterized by creativity, with a constant infusion of new moves to challenge and transform the body, mind, and spirit.
Beyond the studio, Kristen indulges in an active lifestyle, enjoying travel, yoga, barre, golf, hiking, SUP, snowboarding, gardening, and spin.
Being a libra she is fond of balance in life!
Karen Johnson
Pilates Instructor
Karen is a Stott trained and certified pilates instructor who has been practicing pilates for over 15 years. Karen was hooked from her first introduction to pilates during a reformer session in a tiny gym closet.
Karen finds that Pilates facilitates a great mind-body connection, emphasizing strength and flexibility, while simultaneously being low impact on one’s joints. Karen believes that Pilates not only works to tone and strengthen your core, but also helps to support and lengthen your spine.
Karen and her husband are empty nesters who reside in Laguna Beach with their two long haired dachshunds and their rescue cat. Karen loves to travel and take adventures in their camper van. She hiked Half Dome in Yosemite and was able to check that off her bucket list last year!
Karen finds the benefits of Pilates are endless and loves sharing that joy with her students. She is excited to be a part of the awesome team at CDM Pilates!!
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Renay Sherril
Pilates Instructor
After working as a Group Fitness Instructor and already having an interest in Pilates, Renay felt drawn to becoming a Pilates Instructor. She earned her 500 hour Comprehensive Certification with Club Pilates and Group Fitness Instructor Certification with ACE. Her favorite part about teaching Pilates is interacting with people to work towards goals, while supporting their needs! When not teaching Pilates, you can find Renay at the beach, on nature hikes, cooking, and discovering new activities
Krissi Ahrend
Pilates Instructor
​In 2022 I embarked on a transformative journey into the world of Pilates with comprehensive training, discovering its profound impact on both body and mind.Originally from Meridian, Idaho, I began taking Pilates classes when I moved to Orange County and immediately fell in love. I ventured into instructing, eager to share the newfound benefits with others. My passion for Pilates extends beyond mere exercise – it's a holistic approach to wellness that I enthusiastically bring to every session. Join me in unlocking the potential of mind-body harmony through the practice of Pilates, where my journey as an instructor in Orange County continues to evolve and inspire.
McKenna Whitley
Pilates Instructor
A powerhouse with a diverse background. From professional soccer player to a decade-long fitness model, McKenna’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering faith and tight-knit family of six sisters fuel her drive to continually elevate herself and uplift those around her. Growing up immersed in sports, McKenna developed a fervent passion for pushing her boundaries. Recognizing that true strength extends beyond the physical, she’s dedicated to instilling a mindset of resilience in every class she teaches. With McKenna, it’s not just about sculpting muscles; it’s about fortifying the mind and spirit, empowering you to conquer life’s challenges with unwavering determination.
Step into McKenna’s class, and you’ll emerge not only physically stronger but also mentally fortified, equipped to face whatever obstacles life throws your way
Kate Lyon
Pilates Instructor
Kate, a proud Orange County native with a diverse background! Kate's journey began in volleyball, where she learned valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership. With a foundation in food science, she understands the vital connection between food and fitness.
Driven by a personal quest for self-improvement, Kate turned to Pilates to manage her scoliosis. The transformative impact on her life sparked a desire to share the joy and benefits of Pilates with others. Kate is comprehensively trained. Kate's focus is on improving posture, building strength, and sculpting Pilates bodies.
Beyond her fitness expertise, Kate is a music enthusiast who believes in setting the perfect tone for a great class. Her positive energy radiates in every session, leaving a lasting impact on her fortunate clients. Catch Kate's uplifting class every it's an experience you won't want to miss!
Talia Brennan
Pilates Instructor
Talia, a native of Boulder, Colorado, discovered her passion for Pilates at the age of 7 during reformer classes with her mom. After a decade-long break, she returned to Pilates following an injury that interrupted her regular workout routine. With a B.S. in Applied Human Physiology and a minor in dance. Talia crafts classes that blend rehabilitative and preventative movement with creativity. A music enthusiast and adventure seeker who appreciates silly jokes, Talia guarantees a fun, effective, and judgment-free reformer dance party in her classes
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Allison Clutterbuck
Pilates Instructor
Allison currently resides in Costa Mesa, where she first started practicing Pilates back in 2015. After a partial Achilles tear in 2019, Pilates was a critical part of her recovery protocol and has remained a constant ever since! Taking that interest to a higher level, Allison pursued her comprehensive certification with Precision Pilates Training in Fall 2023. Allison believes Pilates is for everybody and that daily movement is imperative to mental and physical wellbeing. While she focuses on the fundamentals of movement, she’s sure to keep you on your toes with a spicy flow
Nealie Nisonhoff
Pilates & Snowboard Instructor
Nealie is an adventure queen who loves Snowboarding, Water Sports, Pilates & Barre. She began her Fitness career as an Instructor teaching Aerobics and Dance and Earned 4 Certifications through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America then moved onto Snowboarding where she earned 3 Certifications through Professional Ski Instructions of America. She found Pilates and fell in love with the practice mostly because of the restorative nature and how it has helped so many people dealing with all types of injuries. She feels that the practice helps builds strength, balance, stability, mobility and flexibility through slow and controlled movements and a Mind / Body connection. She earned her Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Club Pilates!
Jenn Goralski
Pilates Instructor
​Jen began her Pilates journey in 2005 when she encountered a challenging back injury while pursuing her love for showcasing dogs. At the recommendation of her chiropractor, Jen turned to Pilates as a low-impact workout to strengthen her core and enhance flexibility. This proved to be a transformative solution, addressing her alignment, back issues, and mental fitness. Eager to share what saved her, Jen is passionate about staying on the cutting edge of the latest techniques, education, and community in Pilates and became Nationally Certified (NPCP).
Outside the studio, Jen is a sports enthusiast, engaging in activities such as golf, tennis, and cheering on her favorite teams. With years of personal expertise and a vibrant spirit, Jen brings her comprehensive training to the studio, enriching the Pilates experience for all.
Jessica Koch
Pilates & Barre Instructor
Jess is a Newport Beach native with a passion for Pilates!
She graduated from FIDM in 2014 with a degree in Marketing, and has been an amazing barre instructor since 2016. She is also a proud wife and mom to a beautiful 2-year-old girl.
Pilates became her go-to workout during her pregnancy—it was the only exercise that felt comfortable yet challenging. Postpartum, she dove right back in and it worked wonders for her balance, strength, and mental health. This journey inspired her to get certified and help others discover the magic of Pilates.
She has completed Comprehensive Pilates training from Precision Pilates, balanced body repertoire and is Barre trained and is thrilled to bring safe, effective, and fun Pilates classes.
Gabriella Rosellini
Pilates Instructor
Gabriella is a certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor whose journey with Pilates began in childhood, working out to VHS tapes with her grandmother. This early exposure made Pilates her go-to workout, a passion she now brings to each class she teaches.
Gabriella strives to create a warm and supportive environment in her sessions, with a strong emphasis on building confidence among her students. She believes that practicing Pilates together fosters a powerful sense of community and personal growth.
Outside of Pilates, Gabriella enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé and playing with her three little nephews. As the youngest of four siblings, her family life is rich and vibrant, often a topic she loves to share. Her hobbies include knitting, spending time at the beach, and hosting dinners with friends.
Clarissa Valerie
Pilates Instructor
Based in Orange County, has always been inspired by the power of movement. With a background in dance, she discovered Pilates in 2018, sparking a deep passion for wellness and enhancing her overall well-being.Known for her love of creative expression, Clarissa brings innovative class plans that blend classical and contemporary Pilates seamlessly. Expect classes that are both challenging and rewarding, focusing on proper form and muscle activation.
With her Type-A attention to detail, every client receives personalized guidance, leaving you feeling empowered and connected to your mind and body. Outside the studio, Clarissa stays active with walks alongside her corgi and fiancé, playing tennis or pickleball, exploring new cafés, and traveling. Her adventurous spirit is shaped by her upbringing across Indonesia, Australia, and the U.S
Tina Blackburn
Pilates Instructor
Tina is a certified Balanced Body Pilates Reformer and Mat Instructor who recently relocated from the stunning island of Oahu, Hawai’i. Her Pilates journey began six years ago as a passionate student, which later inspired her to become an instructor. Tina proudly served 7.5 years in the United States Navy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017.
Her classes are designed to create a space for you to breathe, center yourself, and discover a deep core connection that engages your entire body.
Outside of the studio, Tina loves surfing, diving, running, and, of course, hot girl walks! She enjoys spending her days at the beach and catching the sunset.
Rachel Palajac
Pilates Instructor
Rachel’s journey in fitness began as a competitive soccer player, but it was in college that she found a new passion for yoga. She loved how yoga encouraged breath work and helped her tune out the noise, focusing entirely on movement. This path eventually led her to discover Pilates, where her passion for wellness deepened even further.After college, Rachel was ready to take on a new challenge: becoming a Pilates instructor. Drawn to the supportive Pilates community, she completed her instructor training and is now thrilled to be sharing her journey with others. Rachel is dedicated to helping her clients reach their wellness goals while discovering the joy of mindful movement.
Kylie Swenson
Pilates & Yoga Instructor
a powerhouse of passion, expertise, and dedication to holistic wellness. With a diverse background and an unwavering commitment to helping others, Kylie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every class she leads.
Certified in multiple disciplines, including Pilates, yoga, aerial instruction, and Reiki healing, Kylie’s journey into movement and mindfulness began after a life-altering back surgery. Faced with physical pain and rigidity, Kylie turned to the healing power of yoga and Pilates, discovering a newfound sense of freedom and tranquility through disciplined movement.
With over 14 years of experience teaching yoga and fitness classes, Kylie’s approach is both empowering and heartfelt. She creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students of all levels can thrive and grow. Whether you’re a seasoned in Pilates or yogi or a complete beginner, Kylie’s classes are designed to meet you where you are and guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Outside of her dedication to movement and mindfulness, Kylie is also a storyteller at heart, having earned her MFA in Writing for the Screen and Television from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Her passion for creativity and self-expression shines through in everything she does.
When she’s not guiding students through empowering yoga flows or inspiring Pilates sessions, you can find Kylie immersed in nature or lost in the creative process of writing.
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