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VICTORIA JEANNETTE TOBIA
Studio Owner and Head Certified Pilates Instructor
Vicki has been a fitness professional for 25 years (since 1983). She
grew up in Northern Michigan and received her BFA in Dance from the
University of Michigan. While dancing in New York City she worked as a
personal trainer and eventually started her own in-home training
business, VJT Fitness. Vicki discovered Pilates while in
rehabilitation for a chronic hamstring strain and consequently added
Pilates to the services she offered. She was first certified in Stott
Pilates and
began teaching mat work in 1999. She completed all of her equipment
certifications in 2005. She received her Advanced Mat Certification
from Power Pilates this year in addition to all of her other
certifications. Vicki attends continuing education conferences in New
York City on a regular basis. She is also a certified Health/Fitness
Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine.
Vicki lives in Ivoryton with her husband Sean Sunkel and their two
young boys, Liam and Aidan.
MARY BOWEN
Guest Instructor, Pilates Elder
Mary Bowen,
Pilates Elder and Jungian Psychoanalyst, is one of only five remaining
teachers who studied directly with Joseph and Clara Pilates. Mary
brings a lifetime of Pilates experience to her monthly workshops at Essex Pilates!
JANET BROWN CONNOLLY
Certified Pilates Instructor
Janet is Power Pilates®
certified. Janet has been practicing and teaching Pilates for 3 years.
Janet’s point of view: “Pilates is movement from the inside out, and
the strength, balance and flexibility I have personally achieved has
improved every aspect of my life. I am eager to share my knowledge to
help others do the same.” Janet teaches Basics Beginner and Beginner 1
level mat classes. Janet lives with her husband Gerry in Madison.
CAROLLANNE CHRICHTON, LMT, AyT
Certified Yoga Instructor
Carollanne received her first Yoga Teacher Certification from
Kripalu
Yoga
Center
in 1978. Since then she has continued Yoga Teacher Trainings with
Richard Freeman, Erich Schiffmann, Donna Farhi, Sarah Powers, Cheri
Clampett, Paul Grilley and Arturo Peal. Carollanne is also a licensed
massage therapist in private practice full-time since 1989. She is a
longtime student of Ayurveda, the holistic healthcare system from
India.
Carollanne
was interim manager of the Santa Barbara Yoga Center in Santa Barbara
CA, and a contributing editor to Joseph LePage on the "Integrative Yoga
Therapy" Training Manual. The featured presenter in 3 training
videos/DVD's, and author of "Earth Medicine and Healing Stones", she is
respected as both a bodywork and yoga therapy instructor at the
national and international level. Massage Magazine called Carollanne
“…one of the nation’s top body therapists.”
LIZA DOUSSON
Certified Yoga Instructor
After 12 years of personal yoga study, Liza Dousson left the corporate world to further
explore her passion for yoga. In 1999 she began studies with Tracey Rich and Ganga White,
Erich Schiffmann and Patricia Walden -- and taught yoga in group classes, in corporate
settings and privately in Boston, MA. When the opportunity to travel to India appeared, she
promptly accepted. What started off as a 1 year journey became 7 years of traveling and
living in India and South East Asia. The profound cultural immersion imbued by those
countries and accompanying life lessons have deepened her study and practice of classical
hatha yoga, yoga therapy, Thai massage, meditation and Qi Gong. During visits to the USA
Liza regularly assists resident and visiting teachers including Sudha Carolyn Lundeen,
Angela Farmer and Paul & Suzee Grilley at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox,
MA.
CELESTE ETLINGER
Certified Pilates Instructor
Celeste has been studying and practicing Pilates for over four years and is certified by Stott Pilates® and Power Pilates®.
Like all Essex Pilates instructors, Celeste teaches the classical mat
techniques of Joseph Pilates using the highest standards of educational
practices and a commitment to safety and excellence. She also has a
strong knowledge of human anatomy, a certification in CPR, and a
bachelor’s degree in adult education. Celeste teaches Beginner through
Intermediate level mat classes. Celeste lives in Norwich with her
husband Shawn.
LESLIE UNGER
Dance Instructor
Leslie has recently returned from 9 years performing, choreographing,
and teaching Dance in Europe where she was the resident choreographer
for TOYS MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS in Berlin, Germany. Prior to living in
Europe, Leslie was on the faculty for 9 years with the HUBBARD STREET
DANCE CHICAGO/Lou Conte Dance Studios. In CT she recently Directed and
Choreographed EVITA at the Ivoryton Playhouse. Leslie is currently on
staff at the HARTT School, and Eastern CT Ballet. She is also the
resident choreographer for Valley Regional High School. Her
impressive list of performance, directorial, and Choreography credits
are too long to list here, but let's just say we are lucky to have her!
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