All instructors at Core Pilates on 17th can design workout programs for a wide range of clients from prenatal/post-rehab, fitness enthusiasts, to elite athletes and dancers. The studio is handicap accessible.
Brooke Leary
Senior Instructor
Pilates Academy International Certifying Instructor
Certified in STOTT PILATES™ and Polestar Pilates
The Center for Women's Fitness:
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified CARDIOLATES® Instructor
brooke@corepilateson17th.com

During her off-time Brooke enjoys spending every moment outside—from rock climbing to surfing, she takes her high energy and enthusiasm into everyday life. Brooke strives to bring this same energy, educated body awareness, and love of physical movement to each client.
Kelly Bowker
Senior Instructor
Certified through Pilates Academy International
The Center for Women's Fitness:
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist
kelly@corepilateson17th.com
Laura Blakely
Senior Instructor
Certified through Polestar Pilates
laura@corepilateson17th.com
Laura Bradley
Senior Instructor
Certified through BASI Pilates
The Center for Women's Fitness:
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist
laurab@corepilateson17th.com
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring, and cooking. Laura is so grateful to have found Pilates, and loves to share the strength and benefits of its’ practice with her students.
Melissa Bell
Senior Instructor
Certified through Synergy Fitness
melissa@corepilateson17th.com
Melissa brings many years of teaching experience with her to Core Pilates on 17th. Prior to her certification, she taught martial arts, cardiokickboxing, dance, and even ball bounce fitness classes! Until just recently she could be found teaching at UC Riverside while working towards her PhD in Critical Dance Studies. Melissa believes strongly that her role as an instructor is to meet you where you are -- and then to provide a comfortable space, clear directives, and lots of support to help you get where you want to go. Whether you are a dancer or dentist, bridge builder or banker, pilot or pregnant mama, Melissa is excited to help you enter into Pilates in a way that will work for you.
Julia Abel
Certified Instructor
Integrated Teacher Training Certified
julia@corepilateson17th.com
Julia was introduced to Pilates as a means to emphasize proper body mechanics and strengthen her own muscular endurance. She found that it helped to stabilize and strengthen her deep core muscles while adding grace and stamina. Julia brings an energetic and motivational quality to her sessions. She helps her clients to understand and realize their bodies’ full capabilities and enjoys watching them improve their Pilates skills. She believes physical movement is the means to a healthy and fulfilling life, and to achieve this, she stresses the importance of proper body alignment.
In her free time Julia enjoys hiking, running, swimming and bicycling. She believes that being outdoors is beneficial for her overall wellbeing. Julia also loves to entertain. She takes pleasure in creating healthful meals to share with friends.
Melinda Kausek
Certified Instructor
Pilates Academy International Certified
The Center for Women's Fitness:
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist
melinda@corepilateson17th.com
Melinda started falling in love with Pilates while she was completing her BA in English (with a self-declared minor in Argentine Tango) at Reed College. PE was requirment for graduation, so dabbling in various dance and movement classes seemed the best way to go. Things got more serious a few years later when she used Pilates to prepare for a Tango Cabaret performance. Within a month of a more disciplined practice, she noticed that her mild, but chronic low back pain disappeared and her dancing was both stronger and freer. What really sealed the deal for her, however, was the encouragement of her first teacher to pursue her certification.
It was a long, winding road, but Melinda finally received her Pilates Academy International certification in June 2009. She has continued to broaden her knowledge base by becoming a Certified Pre/Post Natal Pilates Specialist and by completing Lizz Roman’s 12-week Pilates Rehabilitation Intensive. Credentials aside, Melinda strives to share her passion for Pilates and it’s ability to increase strength and ease within the body – whether it’s through intense workout or a gentle, rehabilitative session. Her keen eye for alignment, patience, and humor help her tailor sessions to each client’s individual needs and goals. When she’s not teaching Pilates, you might find Melinda on the dance floor, playing guitar, or just exploring the city.
Sergio Novoa
Certified Instructor
Pilates Academy International Instructor
The Pilates Coach Mini Ball Certified
Pilates Institutes of America Mat Certified
Balanced Body Reformer Certified
NASM - Personal Trainer Certification
sergio@corepilateson17th.com
On his off time, Sergio likes to get involved in the community. You will find him participating in all sorts of chariable events, such as AIDS/LifeCycle, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Race for the Cure, Aids Walk SF and many more. Last year he and his team of twelve members road their bycicles from San Francisco to Los Angeles and raised over $50,000 to fight AIDS. With such a diverse background, Sergio takes an approach to fitness that is both thoughtful and energetic, thorough and fun. He is very excited about joining our team at Core Pilates on 17th and he is looking forward to working with all of you.
Tara Geear Clark
Certified Instructor
Pilates Academy International Certified
The Center for Women's Fitness:
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist
tara@corepilateson17th.com
Kelli Zehnder
Apprentice Instructor
Pilates Academy International Trained
The Center for Women's Fitness:
Certified Pregnancy Fitness and Postpartum Rehabilitation Specialist
kelli@corepilateson17th.com
A practicing yogi and former dancer, Kelli leads an active lifestyle and brings these elements into her teaching style. She believes that Pilates can be practiced by men and women of all fitness levels, and enjoys working with clients to achieve their potential, respecting wherever they presently are. Pursuing her deep commitment to women's reproductive health, Kelli received her Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness Specialization through The Center for Women's Fitness, so she can help women gain strength through knowledge of their own bodies in every stage of life. Playfulness, anatomy, biomechanics, poetic imagery, and a sense of humor all come together to make Kelli's lessons an empowering and revitalizing experience. Kelli looks forward to working with you on your current fitness goals and future aspirations.
Kristen Philipkoski
Apprentice Instructor
Trained through Balanced Body and Pilates Academy International
kristen@corepilateson17th.com



