Introductory Mat Class – This class is perfect for those with little or no Pilates experience. Guests are welcome to join this progressive introduction to the Pilates mat exercises. Learn the fundamentals of Pilates and learn the benefits of Pilates movement from a functional standpoint.
Intermediate Mat Class – Guests some familiarity with Pilates mat work will enjoy this class. This mat class includes all of the basic Pilates exercises with more flow. Intermediate exercises and variations are offered for those seeking more challenging options. Small props such as magic circles, balls and bands may be included in this class to enhance the experience.
Pilates Beginner Reformer – Guests with little or no Pilates experience are welcome in this introductory reformer class. Clients will learn some of the basic reformer exercises in a safe but challenging class with emphasis on form and proper execution of the exercises.
Pilates Level 2 Reformer – This class is for guests who have been on a Pilates reformer. The class includes the basic reformer exercises with some variations, and level 2 exercises are offered for those seeking more intensity.
Pilates Introductory Tower – This class is designed to introduce guests to exercises utilizing the Tower – the roll back bar, the arm springs, the legs springs and the push through bar will all be included. Previous Pilates experience is beneficial for those interested in joining this class.
Pilates Level 2 Tower – This class incorporates all of the tower apparatus – roll back bar, push through bar, leg springs and arm springs – and is designed for guests who have previous Pilates experience. The class includes the familiar exercises as well as a few variations for a complete workout.
Susie Golebie is a Pittsburgh, PA based Pilates instructor who has been sharing her passion for Pilates since 2010. She is comprehensively trained (Power Pilates 600-hour program), nationally certified (NCPT); and has participated in more than 100 hours of workshops and intensives. Susie considers her Pilates training a life long journey of education, movement, and sharing the Pilates method. Whether individuals and groups are beginners or experienced Pilates practitioners, Susie tailors the session to their needs. She enjoys building relationships to help clients achieve their goals — sessions include lots of hard work with some laughter as well.
Connie Lagerhausen has been an aquatic fitness professional, swim coach and swim instructor for over three decades and has been certified in all areas of aquatics which gives her a well-rounded background in swimming and aqua fitness. Connie specializes in aqua aerobics, aqua running, aqua yoga, endurance swimming, aquatic personal training, private adult swim lessons, and more recently aqua cycling and paddleboard fitness and yoga. She has recently relocated after 29 years in Arizona to Wisconsin where she spent the last several years developing unique adult aquatic swim and fitness programs and is now helping to develop similar programs for the YMCA at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc, WI. Certifications include: AEA, 200 RYT, Aqua Yoga and EBFA Barefoot Level One specialist. She has presented numerous continuing education workshops for FitnessFest, AquaCon, SCW Mania and IAFC.
Steve Ross is a nationally recognized Grandmaster and expert in self-defense, martial arts education, and creative leadership, with over five decades of experience empowering individuals and building transformative programs. As Founder and President of the United State Tang Soo Do Association and Owner of the Orange County Academy of Martial Arts, Steve has led award-winning initiatives that promote safety, discipline, and personal development.
Los Angeles-based choreographer and instructor Aakansha Maheshwari created BollyPop with the intention to spread happiness through dance. Growing up in India, Aakansha trained in various Indian dance forms – from ancient classical dance from the temples to gypsy folk dance of the snake charmer community. Aakansha has spent years training with the masters and brings different styles together in her program, BollyPop, which is currently offered in California, Utah and India! She has choreographed for The Academy Museum, Clippers games, LA Kings games, and her business was recently selected as one of the six Asian businesses in Los Angeles to be featured in a Google commercial. Aakansha works with a few non-profit organizations in India and spends time with children in the underprivileged communities, teaching dance and music. Her devotion towards her art is solely for the purpose of spreading happiness.
At the age of 19, Stephanie Herman became George Balanchine Principal Ballerina, working with Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov on some of the world’s most prominent stages. Further training in New York City included the disciplines of Pilates, the Gyrotonic Expansion System®, yoga and more.
Pianist Natalie Dalschaert has performed on television, coached actors and has been a production musician for the shows Star Trek: The Next Generation, Perfect Strangers, JAG, Wings, and Song of the Lark. Ms. Dalschaert has performed on many concert series with her husband, flutist Brice Martin. Performances include the Sundays at Four radio broadcasts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Redlands Bowl, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Tech and for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee concerts. A lover of musical theater, Natalie has been musical director and pianist for numerous shows with the Los Angeles Youth Theater. Additional concerto performances include appearances with the Chautauqua Festival Orchestra and the Toulouse Orchestra in France. Natalie is a sought-after pianist and accompanist for recitals, competitions, master classes and social events. Natalie has an active teaching studio and is a member of the Music Teachers Association of California. A number of her students have won concerto competitions and MTAC festivals. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Juilliard School in New York and her Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California, where she received the Koldofsky Memorial Scholarship.
Brice Martin’s formal training includes degrees from The Julliard School and the University of Southern California. He is an active studio musician and plays for film, TV and commercial soundtracks. He has played for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Grammy Awards Orchestra, Star Trek: Voyager, and the Wonderful World of Disney. Brice is also a composer and has written music for film and television. He specializes in woodwinds and has a large collection of exotic woodwinds from around the world.
Brahmani Liebman MSEd ERYT is co- creator of Journey Into Yoga Teacher Training RYS and retreats as well as the CD Journey Into Yoga: Awakening the Spirit. On faculty of the Kripalu Yoga School of Yoga, she brings over 40 years of studies and experience teaching classes, training teachers, and leading worldwide teacher trainings and retreats. Strongly influenced by her studies in Yoga, meditation, Buddhism, the integrative healing arts and where they intersect informs her life & teaching as she invites her students to use these wisdom traditions to live their true, authentic life. Believing in people’s ability to access healing and inner knowing, Brahmani offers tangible and sustainable ways to live a spiritual life.
Alex Freuman, MS, BA, is a high school STEM teacher who holds a BA in mathematics from Oberlin College and an MS in mathematics education from Hunter College in New York City. At Oberlin, Alex was a founding member of the Juggling Club, where he honed many circus skills, including fire juggling, fire eating and balancing tricks. Also, a long-time chess and puzzle enthusiast, Alex coaches the chess team at Nyack Highschool (Nyack, NY), is faculty advisor for the Nyack Highschool Puzzle Club, is the founder and President of the Rockland County Chess Club, and is a certified US Chess Tournament Director. His current United States Chess Federation (UCSF) rating is 1900, and he hopes to break 2000 before his children beat him to it. Alex is passionate about creating community and fostering multi-generational connections through the joy of chess.
Tamara Duker Freuman, MS, RDN, CDN is a New York-based registered dietitian, author and America’s Trusted Digestive Nutrition Expert. A nationally-known authority on nutrition therapy for digestive diseases, Tamara is a member of New York Gastroenterology Associates, a private Manhattan-based practice. She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University and completed her training at Mount Sinai Medical Center. In addition to her clinical work, Tamara is a high-profile nutrition writer whose advice on healthy living and dietary management of digestive disease is read by hundreds of thousands of people each month via leading online media platforms. She has been featured in leading TV, print and radio/podcast media, including TV’s Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan, Inside Edition, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, Prevention, Women’s Health, The Huffington Post, CNN.com, SELF.com, and Business Insider. She is the author of the acclaimed book, The Bloated Belly Whisperer(St. Martin’s Press, 2018).
Meet Buddy Macuha, the ultimate movement wizard! With more than 30 years of experience under his belt, he’s a pro at everything from yoga to HIIT classes. Based in the sunny city of Los Angeles, Buddy wears many hats: he’s a life coach who inspires folks to chase their dreams, a pickleball guru spreading joy and skills on the court, and a sound healer who uses his special empathic powers to help others find their zen. He’s excited to be back at Rancho la Puerta sharing all of his passions with the guests!
Georgia Freedman Junker discovered the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education through her own journey of healing from chronic pain. This transformative experience —and the refinement of her movement patterns and self-awareness — inspired her to become a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner. She is especially drawn to the Method’s potential for rehabilitation, injury prevention, healing from trauma and nervous system regulation.
Kitty Franklin, a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher since 2004 and lifelong practitioner, conducts classes at all levels at the BKS Iyengar Yoga Center of San Diego. Her instruction is characterized by precise guidance and careful observation, with a focus on enabling students to benefit from their yoga practice regardless of age, flexibility, or experience. Ms. Franklin views yoga as a tool for personal development while promoting inner peace and harmony with all living beings.
Jessica Colvin, MSW, MPH is a national leader in the school wellness movement, with over 25 years of experience supporting the health and well-being of youth. As the founder of SWELL – Schools Well, she has helped design and launch more than 90 school-based Wellness Centers across California and beyond, creating spaces grounded in student voice, wellness, and belonging. Within this work, Jessica has developed the Wellness Toolbox – a framework that invites youth and adults alike to recognize and name their emotions (“name it to tame it”) and build personalized tools for coping, emotional regulation, and self-care. Some of these tools include mindfulness, movement, and connection – and for Jessica, one of her most meaningful wellness tools has always been art. When she’s not working with schools, Jessica can often be found teaching arts & crafts workshops – a passion she’s pursued for over 30 years, blending creativity, mindfulness, expression, and play. She believes art isn’t just a hobby, but a meaningful way to support emotional well-being and reconnect with joy – regardless of experience level.
Lauren Streicher, MD, is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. She is a Certified Menopause Practitioner of The Menopause Society, serves on the Editorial Board of the journal Menopause, and is a Senior Research Fellow for the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She is the best-selling author of multiple books including 
