Our Teachers
Our Teachers are experienced and exceptional. What that means:
• We have a good eye to identify, assess and address structural issues, and the skill to articulate what we see in a way that makes sense.
• We are able to work with any body: athletic, frail, handicapped, shy or outgoing, young or old.
• We are positive and encouraging. We know that no matter where you begin, we will move you forward.
Susan Salk
Director and Teacher
From the age of 18, Susan was a student of Modern Dance icon, Bella Lewitzky. She continued to study with her through several careers and for over 20 years.
Intending a very different professional path, Susan left Pre-Med studies and followed her heart to pursue a career in Modern Dance. With a degree in Choreography and Performance from UCLA, Susan danced with two Los Angeles based companies and worked (as most dancers do) in the Arts; grant writing, fundraising, producing dance and visual arts.
Anxious to get out of an office and still drawn to understanding the body, Susan began her study of therapeutic bodywork. She is certified in Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Watsu, Reiki, and Myofascial Release. Susan was a bodyworker for 10 years. That time was a profound education in how the body and nervous system work. Something was missing…
“As a student at UCLA, First generation Pilates master teacher, Ron Fletcher taught a workshop. Then one of my colleagues introduced me to the pilates apparatus. It felt good, it made sense and I began my serious study of the pilates method.” Susan continued her study with Ron Fletcher and others while doing bodywork at Two Bunch Palms. She uses this expanded understanding of the body in her teaching.
“With the blessings of my mentor, Ron Fletcher, I went from student to teacher. What was missing as a bodyworker was giving the gift of understanding your body mechanics. Pilates gives you the awareness, ability, and strength to move well. My goals as a teacher: to share the benefits of conscious movement, troubleshoot patterns that lead to chronic pain, improve physical/mental capabilities and teach you to apply this method to everything you do. You will develop awareness, strength, and will have the tools to form new, healthy postural habits.
“I am constantly learning and observing; each person teaches me something new.”
I am blessed to have these fine teachers working with me:
Stephan Miermont
Teacher
Stephan has a unique approach to the pilates method. He is a former Cirque du Soleil artist, performer, choreographer, and is a choreographer/coach for Olympic Synchronized swimmers. He has 25 years experience and expertise in health, sports and fitness. In 2004 he developed a fitness regime that he calls Pylametrix which he teaches in addition to pilates. We are excited to have him teach at Pilates Palm Springs. His teaching is athletic, precise, challenging, and suitable for any level; from Seniors to elite athletes. He is available for home visits and pool exercise.
Jason Goldberg
Teacher
Jason received his pilates certification through Brent Anderson and Polestar, International; known for their therapeutic and rehabilitative use of the Pilates method, their selective admissions process and their rigorous curriculum. Jason graduated from their Mentor program in 2017.
An investment banker in his pre-pilates life, Jason was drawn to pilates as a student to address a back issue, to increase his physical awareness, and develop his connection to breath and mindfulness. He says, “It became part of my DNA”. Jasons understanding of the musculoskeletal system is evident in his teaching and is coupled with his ability to connect, to understand, and communicate with, a wide range of clients at various levels, ages, and physical abilities. He compares teaching to investment banking; identify, plan, revisit; adaptability, fluidity.
Honey Frid
Teacher
Honey Frid has been a dancer, choreographer and movement educator for over 30 years and her love for movement is reflected in her passionate teaching style. She completed her Pilates training in 1999. Since then Honey has trained and been certified in many movement modalities and methods and has traveled to New York, Israel, London and California, training with the world’s finest Teachers and creating a unique teaching style that encompasses her many years of study. For the past 8 years Honey has been growing her extensive knowledge of the Garuda method under the creator James D’Silva. Honey is one of the first trained Garuda teachers in North America. She is certified in Garuda Mat, Garuda apparatus, Garuda foam roller, and Garuda chair. Honey strives to help her clients feel excited about movement, most importantly her mandate is for each individual to discover a deep connection and awareness of their own body.
Brian Murphy
Teacher
Brian Murphy is a professional ballet dancer for over 30 years and a comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor on all apparatuses for over 25 years. Brian credits the Pilates Method for keeping him injury free while being a high performance dancer. Pilates has had such a powerful impact on Brian’s life that he feels compelled to inspire others through the Pilates Method. His passion, infectious nature, and extensive knowledge has earned him multiple opportunities such as conducting Certification programs, educating PT’s and Athletic Trainers how to incorporate the Pilates Method in their practice, speaking and providing seminars in University settings, providing ongoing workshops for students and dancers, and more. We are happy to have him teach for us January to May.