Since 2002, graduates of the Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program can be found teaching Pilates worldwide. Many graduates have established successful Pilates careers. In addition to teaching, some are studio owners, conference presenters, teacher trainers and Pilates bloggers.
The first main thing that stands out to me from my training experience is the positive and supportive learning environment created by Excel. I did some of my apprenticeship as an independent study and often had the luxury of working one-on-one with Kerry or Lesa as I progressed through my year of training. Lesa and Kerry strive to create excellence in their teaching and they demand a lot from you but they are also patient, nurturing, and kind.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but the second thing that stands out to me about Excel is that they deliver a training program that is Pilates in its purest form. They encourage you to look deep within the traditional method itself for skills and connections in the system…
Read the full interview with Excel Pilates Teacher Training alum and Graduate Feature Andrea Maida here: here
| TTP Graduate List by Year | TTP Graduate Testimonials |
|---|---|
| 2002 Kate Biller Kathryn Eddy Jessica Gowen Mangino Michelle Mendelson Noelle Richmond 2003 Heather Haynes Andrea Maida Kristina Milionta MacPherson Louise Papile Lynne Paraggio 2004 Alexandra Adams Amanda Smith Breon Michelle Donnelly Jessica Peppler 2005 Emily Barnes Sarah Malzone Jennifer Politte 2006 Jennifer Graban Melissa Hoch Rowell Megan Thompson 2007 Bess Chambliss Kate Henery Jeffries 2008 Simona Andre 2009 Alicia Canterna Cheryl Poelma 2010 Keri S. Carroll 2011 Daniela Greverath 2013 Susan Reynolds 2014 Ashley Adams 2015 Leah Van Buren 2016 Caraline Annichiarico Stefanie Covey Jacqueline Emanuel 2017 Renee Farnie Janice Marks 2018 Victoria Azor Gail Kelsey Laurelle Lo Brittany Martino Amanda Turner 2019 Diane Adams-Strickland 2020 Rachel Peterson 2023 Julia Bozzolo Ryan Aghabozorg Katie Muldoon Erica Dretzka | I researched a plethora of teacher training programs before finally enrolling in the Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program at the NoVA studio. Knowing that I would be studying under Alexandra Adams sealed the deal. The education I received under Alexandra exceeded my expectations. Not only did I receive comprehensive tutelage in the methodology of classical Pilates, but Alexandra ensured that I was fluent in functional anatomy and the history of Pilates. Yes, the year-long process was very demanding, but I was able to complete the program as a mother of two young children. Everything I learned while enrolled in the program has made me confident enough to teach a variety of clients with varying needs. Additionally, the studio’s clients and instructors were very accommodating when it came to my observation and teaching hours. After I graduated from the program and began teaching, someone stated that they saw some of Alexandra in my teaching; in my opinion, there is no higher compliment than that. If you are contemplating teacher training in the Pilates method, just stop right here…it is the best program! – Diane Adams-Strickland My apprenticeship in the Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program at Excel Pilates NoVA was ideal. Studying under the tutelage of Alexandra Adams, one of the most qualified classical Pilates teachers in the Washington DC area, I knew I was learning from the best. Although the Teacher Training Program was very demanding, I truly enjoyed it. The way the program was structured allowed me to complete it while having a full time job and other commitments. After graduating from the program, I had a deep knowledge and understanding of the Pilates Method and felt confident to teach a variety of clients with different body needs. In my opinion, the Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program at Excel Pilates NoVA is second to none! – Victoria Azor The Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program is a classical program with roots tying directly back to Joseph Pilates, as most of the faculty are second generation instructors. The fully comprehensive program encourages interfacing with current students and both new and seasoned instructors, further leading to variety, growth and professional camaraderie. At Excel Pilates NoVA, Alexandra is a patient and flexible instructor who devotes her busy schedule to the training and development of enrolled apprentices. She is also a great role model for anyone considering their own studio someday. Can’t recommend it enough. – Gail Kelsey Excel Pilates’ TTP program is a physically and intellectually challenging experience from start to finish. No hours are wasted — from the beginning, you get real teaching experiences, almost limitless opportunities to improve your own practice, and access to some of the best teachers in the business. On top of all the substantive learning — from anatomy to classical Pilates to real-life teaching challenges — Excel provides the most supportive learning environment. Like almost all students who go through the program, I’ve had past careers in other disciplines but never have I had the pleasure of training and learning alongside professionals who really want their students to achieve. The cooperative atmosphere is beyond compare. -Laurelle Lo One of the best years of my life was studying under Kerry DeVivo and Lesa McLaughlin in the Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program. Their extensive program completely immersed me in Pilates, something that I didn’t know I needed but would soon come to learn I couldn’t live without. As an introverted person, I did not realize how passionate I could be at teaching until I found something I believed so deeply in. As a ballet dancer, my peers and teachers physically saw differences in my body after training in Pilates and I owe it all to the Excel Pilates Teacher Training Program. Studying, observing, and training at Excel Pilates Annapolis breathed new life into me and I am so thankful for fortunately stumbling upon 2nd generation teachers that devote their time and work to staying true to Joesph Pilates’ original method. -Caraline Annichiarico |