Pies and Lattes

Jessica Valant | Pilates biz models, goat yoga, and imposter syndrome

In this episode, Nikki chats with Jessica Valant about what she's learned from running Momentum Fest for the past two years. They discuss: - How Jessica's own experiences and challenges have inspired her current perspective of teaching movement - Jessica's thoughts on creating a business model that makes sense for you and why it's okay to change your mind - What Jessica is excited for at Momentum Fest this year Then Jessica turns the tables and interviews Nikki, where they discuss Nikki's thoughts for taking action even if you suffer from self doubt + her thoughts on how to move past imposter syndrome. About Jessica Valant: Jessica Valant, MSPT, PMA-CPT, is a licensed Physical Therapist, Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, continuing education provider, proud mama and movement lover. She believes when people feel strong and free in their own bodies it can lead to a ripple of more kindness and love in the world. Jessica is recognized as a leader in the Pilates industry due to her extensive experience, continuing education courses, women’s health expertise, successful online Pilates studio and popular Youtube channel. Her work has been featured in Pilates Style Magazine, Shape Magazine and Thrillest and she has been named a YouTube Creator on the Rise and Pilates Anytime Next Instructor Competition Finalist. Jessica and her husband, Brian, founded Momentum Fest in 2017 in order to create an inclusive, loving and fun place for all people to celebrate movement together. Jessica can be found atwww.jessicavalantpilates.com [http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/], on social media @jessicavalantpilates or at home in Denver wrangling two young kids.

Trina Altman | Creative connections in interdisciplinary movement

In this episode, Nikki chats with Trina Altman about how she finds inspiration looking outside of the yoga and Pilates box. They discuss: - Trina's strategies for avoiding burnout and minimizing travel stress - Why Trina looks outside of the modalities that she is teaching for inspiration and education to be a better teacher - Trina's podcast recommendations About Trina Altman: Trina Altman, BS, PMA-CPT, E-RYT 500. She’s the creator of Yoga Deconstructed® and Pilates Deconstructed®, which take an interdisciplinary approach to foster an embodied understanding of yoga and Pilates and their relationship to modern movement science. Trina created and taught a Pilates Deconstructed® course for physical therapists at UCLA and was part of the faculty for the Brain Longevity® conference at UCLA. Her work has been published in Pilates Style, Yoga Journal and Yoga International. Her book, Yoga Deconstructed®: Transitioning From Rehabilitation Back Into The Yoga Studio is slated to be published by Handspring Publishing in December 2019. For more information on Trina and her live + online classes and courses, visittrinaaltman.com [http://www.trinaaltman.com/].

Amy Taylor Alpers | Finding inspiration in the origin

In this episode, Nikki chats with master Pilates teacher and co-owner of the Pilates Center Boulder Amy Taylor Alpers about where she finds inspiration in her teaching. They discuss: * Where Amy finds the why to stay grounded in her teaching * Amy's tips for preventing burnout and staying engaged in the work * Amy's perspective of movement and how it relates to the origins of what Joe Pilates created About Amy Taylor Alpers Amy Taylor Alpers went to The Juilliard School for dance, danced with the Garden State Ballet, and received her BA and MA in Dance from New York University. She began studying Pilates with Romana Kryzanowska at the original Pilates Studio in New York City and received her Pilates teaching certificate from there in July of 1989. Along with her sister, Rachel Taylor Segel, she established The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO in 1990. One year later they founded The Pilates Center Teacher Training Program. Amy has taught workshops all around the United States, as well as in Canada, Paris, London, and Israel. With her sister, Amy also co-authored The Everything Pilates Book, published in 2002. She was a Board Member of the Pilates Method Alliance from 2001-2004, and served on the committee to develop the PMA National Pilates Certification Exam. To learn more about Amy and her work, visit https://thepilatescenter.com/ [https://thepilatescenter.com/].

S5. Ep 10: Grace Hurry | On Instagram and career transitions

In this episode, Nikki chats with Pilates teacher Grace Hurry about her experience with Instagram and transitioning from being a professional ballet dancer to a Pilates teacher and studio owner. They also cover Grace's tips for keeping a realistic and positive perspective when navigating social media and why she thinks it's important to take time to unplug from the online space. About Grace Hurry Grace is from the UK and first fell in love with movement when she started ballet at the age of 2.  At age 11 she was accepted to full time ballet school where she was lucky enough to be introduced to Pilates, which became an integral part of Grace’s dance training and career. In 2010 Grace transitioned from professional dancer to ballet and Pilates teacher, and became certified through the Royal Academy of Dance, the Pilates Method Alliance, and Body Arts and Science International (BASI) Pilates in the UK. She later competed the Mentor and Master programs with Rael Isacowtiz in California. After 3 years of teaching in the Cayman Islands, Grace now lives on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands and co-owns a Pilates studio there. She also guest teaches and hosts Pilates retreats internationally and is a member of the BASI Pilates faculty. She is so excited to be returning to Momentum Fest for a second year!

S5. Ep 9: Chantill Lopez | Embodied teaching and the vagus nerve

In this episode, Nikki chats with Pilates educator Chantill Lopez about her strategies for embodied teaching and creating a safe and warm environment for students. They also discuss the role of the vagus nerve in managing stress and its effects on how we experience movement. About Chantill Lopez Chantill is a movement explorer, educator, and mentor and has made a 20-year career teaching Pilates; it still makes her smile. Her work focuses on teaching from the whole-person and whole-body perspective, drawing from brain-based learning frameworks, motivation and communication science, somatic and humanistic psychology, and other emerging models such as the polyvagal theory. Chantill is the founder of the education company,Skillful Teaching [http://www.skillfulteaching.com/], the creator of the Thinking Pilates Podcast and author of the book “Moving Beyond Technique”. She is also the creator of one of Pilates Metrics’ original movement libraries and a featured presenter for Fusion Pilates EDU. Chantill lives and teaches in Sacramento, CA.