Meet our Instructors!

Originally from Wales, UK, Karen has lived in a number of countries and continents, but is now settled in Grass Valley. Karen originally discovered Pilates because of a back injury, but quickly came to appreciate all the benefits Pilates brings to our overall health and fitness. After a long career in the classroom teaching all ages from kindergarten to college students, Karen began her second career teaching Pilates. She completed her NPCP training and took subsequent specialized classes in movement mechanics. Karen brings her own brand of enthusiasm to the classes she teaches, along with her desire to help others experience the benefits and functionality of Pilates. Karen teaches all forms of Pilates and has a small studio in her home. Having recently moved from Truckee to Grass Valley area, Karen was delighted to find Heart and Soul and is excited to both take and teach classes at the studio.

Mia has been a bodyworker for nearly 30 years and a Pilates Instructor since 2010. She’s passionate about supporting folks to love and enjoy their bodies. As of summer 2024, She is the lead instructor at Tensegrity U- a bodywork community helping people heal through structural, functional and relational integration. Some things she loves to focus on are spinal mobility, balance and anything that supports aging gracefully with strength and ease. She’s currently fascinated by working with women, especially in the postpartum season and those who've experienced ruptures through the medical industrial complex. She continually follows her curiosity and learns new methods to explore the endless fascination of the human body and its movements.

Jessica has been practicing body movement since 2009 where her love first appeared in the form of yoga. After many years practicing yoga, she was introduced to pilates in 2017 and has experienced a total evolution in her body. She attended BASI Mat & Reformer Pilates training in 2024 and is working toward becoming certified. She emphasizes the importance of stability in the body for healthy aging and well being. Jessica grew up in this community and loves Nevada County for its stunning beauty, range of holistic and movement practitioners, artists, makers and the Yuba River. Among these artists and makers, you might occasionally see Jessica modeling for local brands. Her best form is sun soaked after a day at the Yuba with her dog, Jonesy. 

Lauren started practicing Pilates to help recover from a running injury. She fell in love after finding that Pilates not only helped with injury recovery, but also improved her general mobility and strength, which had diminished and become unbalanced from years of marathon training. Lauren completed the BASI Pilates Mat & Reformer Teacher Training Program in 2024 and is working towards her Pilates teaching certification. She is enthusiastic about helping people meet their mobility and fitness goals at whatever stage they are in.