Strong Body Pilates is run by forever students who believe that learning never ends.
Our teachers are trained by Joe Pilates' student Jay Grimes or other renowned teachers in the field. We have a unique way of helping clients get into their bodies and avoid diluting the method with other movement styles. We bring positive attitudes and all the Pilates tools to create enduring transformation.
MEET OUR TEAM
NICOLE BRIGGS
SENIOR TEACHER / OWNER.
Why I do and teach Pilates.
Nicole has a keen eye for movement and a talent for helping active professionals stay strong and pain-free. She works closely with those who are committed to their well-being—individuals who may experience discomfort from aging, past injuries, or the demands of daily life but refuse to let it slow them down. Through careful observation and personalized guidance, she ensures every session leaves you feeling better, moving with ease, and building resilience for the future. With her support, you will develop the strength and confidence to stay active and live life on your terms.
Nicole still trains as a student taking lessons and workshop, to further her knowledge of the method, to bring the best to her clients. She has used Pilates as her surgery and cancer recovery program.
Nicole is an alumnus of Vintage Pilates’ THE WORK™, a world renowned graduate program, led by the former Jay Grimes who brought more than 50 years of experience. He is considered a 1st generation teacher because he was trained by Joe Pilates himself. Jay worked at Strong Body Pilates for several years, until his death in 2024.
Nicole worked at Vintage Pilates from 2015 – 2018 where she was fortunate to work with students from all over the world.
Before Nicole opened her studio in 2011, she taught at several Pilates studios in Los Angeles, worked with patients at a Physical Therapy clinic as an aide and Pilates teacher, taught dance in California and the Washington. D.C. area, and coached girls’ competitive gymnastics in the D.C. Area (where she was born).
Nicole was originally certified in 2005 by 2nd generation instructor, Jill Cassady (who trained with the late Romana Kryzanowska, another 1st generation teacher). Nicole was an assistant instructor for 4 years in Jill’s program, now called Pilates Technique Certification, Inc. She started taking Pilates in 2002, as a gift from her boss at a Chiropractic office, in San Francisco. It was the best gift! Nicole had daily low back pain, a weak center, and “cheated” at her posture. Today Nicole is in the best shape of her life, with no pain and better alignment.
Nicole holds a B.A. in Dance from UC Irvine, and she studied Kinesiology in the M.S. program at Cal State, Northridge. Nicole is a Certified Weight Loss Specialist through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and was a personal trainer through NASM.
TERESA BROWN
TEACHER
When you work with Teresa, she promises some sweating, maybe laughing, but most importantly that you will leave feeling great. Teresa makes learning Pilates fun. Her jovial personality and musically inclined interactions (thanks to her previous profession as an opera singer) makes for a lively environment. She loves working with the very beginner, those who have fallen off the fitness wagon, and athletes who want to have longevity in their endeavors.
Teresa was blown away by the many positive changes Pilates made in her life, after a fairly short period in time. She felt stronger, more centered, and knew she wanted to share this with others.
Teresa is a certified Classical Pilates teacher through Strong Body Pilates and continues her advanced training through Vintage Pilates. Teresa received her first Pilates certification through Pilate-ology.
Teresa loves music, books, laughter, and good food, especially with friends.
YULIA KORIAGUINA
TEACHER
Yulia will keep you moving, but takes the time to help you go deep. She has a gentle authority and thinks anything is possible. She sets expectations to maximize progress.
Yulia draws from her background as a former athlete and dancer to inspire her work.
Certified in 2012 at the Pilates Sports Center (PSC), Yulia has since cultivated her skills through various experiences, including her time as an assistant at Pilates Anytime. There, she deepened her knowledge and refined her dedication to the Pilates method. Currently, she is a Pilates instructor and teacher training educator at Equinox.
Yulia’s movement journey began at the age of seven. Her accomplishments include performing with the Moisei Ballet Company, Riverdance: The Show, Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity, and teaching dance to children in Los Angeles.
JAY GRIMES, IN MEMORIAM
FIRST GENERATION MASTER TEACHER
Sadly, Jay passed away in July, 2024. He was a major inspiration to us and we will miss working with him, learning from him, and attending social events together. Here’s to Jay!
A bit of his biography is below. Click here to view Jay’s obituary.
Jay began his studies with Joe Pilates in the mid-sixties, and after Joe’s death continued with Joe’s wife, Clara, for another 10 years until her death. Jay began teaching in the original 8th Avenue studio in New York and has taught all over the world. Jay danced professionally, ballet and Broadway for 18 years, and never had an injury. This he attributed entirely to Pilates.
Jay was valued in the Pilates community for his experience, humility and integrity in maintaining the work of Joe Pilates. Over the years Jay’s clients have ranged from stars of Broadway and Hollywood, music and opera, to politicians, businessmen and housewives, and Olympic athletes.
KATHLEEN MANGAN
GUEST TEACHER.
Kathleen’s warm encouragement and vibrant personality help her clients push through the toughest parts of their workouts. She is compassionate and able to pivot with ease, adapting to her clients’ needs in the moment.
Kathleen's Pilates journey began in 2008 under the mentorship of Shari Berkowitz at Power Pilates, and since then, she’s had the privilege of learning from some of the most respected names in the industry, including Jay Grimes, Carrie Samper, Bob Liekens, and Juan Estrada.
Kathleen combines her extensive dance background with her education and understanding of anatomy to expand her Pilates world. She created a specialized Pilates for Dancers course for the Crossroads School for the Arts and Sciences in Santa Monica.
Kathleen’s experience spans years as both a manager and Lead Pilates Teacher Trainer for Equinox in Los Angeles and New York City. She’s also taught at esteemed institutions like UCLA and St. Vincent Medical Center. Most recently, she co-hosted the “Connections Pilates Getaway,” an athletic and transformative retreat in the breathtaking Hawaiian landscape!
Dedicated to advancing her knowledge, Kathleen holds certificates in Pre and Post-Natal Pilates, cadaver anatomy through FAMI in NYC, Buff Bones, a Pilates-based program focused on bone health, and “Weekends with Jay”, Vintage Pilates, 2022. She also has a B.A. in Women’s Studies from UCLA.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll find Kathleen tapping with the Honey Taps dance troupe or working on earning her Private Pilot’s License. Her approach to teaching reflects the individuality of each client, understanding that we are all multi-layered. Her goal is to help each person unlock their unique potential—while having fun along the way!
ABOUT JOSEPH PILATES
By Permission: © I.C. Rapoport
Joseph Pilates was born in Mônchengladbach, Germany around 1880. He was a frail child, and as he grew older, he realized the body needed to be like a well-oiled machine. This meant having a proper diet, plenty of sleep, enjoying the outdoors (and sometimes the finer things in life), being aware of posture, and of course, exercises. He loved boxing, skiing, and the human form. He was a model for anatomy books. When World War I broke out, Joe Pilates was shipped to an internment camp on the Isle of Man. There, he developed exercise programs for inmates and used beds with springs as apparatus. This was the birth of Contrology (or Pilates, as we know it today).
In 1926, Joe moved to New York and opened a studio. He used his specially developed apparatus to improve each body. Many dancers sought his help to overcome injuries, and became better dancers. He helped business men, mothers, opera singers, actors, and many more.
Joseph Pilates died at the age of 87. His wife, Clara Pilates, continued teaching at the studio until her death in 1977. Pilates’ teachings continued through several of his students (now called Elders (or 1st generation teachers). The method practiced today that is true to the original teachings is called Classical Pilates. It includes hundreds of exercises done on the mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Electric Chair, and many other pieces of apparatus.
Affiliate Program
with Balanced Body
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