Strong Body Pilates is run by forever students who believe that learning never ends.
Our teachers are trained by Joe Pilates' student Jay Grimes and 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
Nicole focuses on balancing the body to be aligned, strong, and flexible. She uses the amazing apparatus Joseph Pilates developed to give what the body in front of her needs. Nicole is an alumnus of THE WORK™, a world renowned graduate program, led by Jay Grimes at Vintage Pilates in Los Angeles. Jay, who brings more than 50 years of experience, is considered a 1st generation teacher because he was trained by Joe Pilates himself. Nicole worked at Vintage Pilates from 2015 – 2018. Nicole still trains as a student, to further her knowledge of the method, to bring the best to her clients.
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.
KEION MORADI MEANS
SENIOR TEACHER / OWNER
Keion is the co-owner of Strong Body Pilates, where she is committed to preserving and perpetuating the authentic Pilates method. A proud graduate of THE WORK™, a rigorous and highly selective continuing education program for elite Pilates instructors, Keion honed her craft under the expert guidance of program director and first-generation Pilates master teacher, Jay Grimes, alongside the esteemed Sandy Shimoda, owner of Vintage Pilates.
Recognized for her exceptional skill and dedication to the discipline, Keion was handpicked to join the expert teaching faculty at Vintage Pilates, where she passionately shared her knowledge until fulfilling her goal of studio ownership in 2019. With her unwavering commitment to excellence and her deep-rooted respect for the tradition of Pilates, Keion continues to inspire and empower her clients on their journey to optimal health and wellness.
Keion first turned to Pilates in 2004, as a long-distance runner looking to build strength and prevent injury. Her sedentary job as a writer had also started taking a toll on her posture and overall wellness. Upon experiencing the all-encompassing benefits to a regular Pilates practice, Keion became a lifelong devotee. In 2010, she transitioned to teaching.
Keion completed her original certification under the tutelage of second generation teacher, Risa Sheppard. A happily married mother of two, Keion also holds an MA in English literature and composition and serves as a lecturer in the English department at CSUN.
TERESA BROWN
TEACHER
Teresa walked into her first Pilates studio seven years ago and was thrilled by the many positive changes Pilates made in her life. She never felt stronger, more centered, and knew she wanted to share this with others. Teresa thinks making your body stronger is serious work but that it should be fun as well.
When you work with Teresa, she promises some sweating, maybe laughing, but most importantly that you will leave feeling great. She loves working with the very beginner, those who have fallen off the fitness wagon, and athletes as well.
Teresa is a certified Classical Pilates teacher through Strong Body Pilates, a Jay Grimes lineage training. Teresa received her first Pilates certification through Pilate-ology and is excited to be continuing her education through the Strong Body Pilates Classical Pilates program.
Teresa is a former professional opera singer, loves music, books, laughter, and good food, especially with friends.
JAY GRIMES
FIRST GENERATION MASTER TEACHER
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 since taught all over the world. Jay danced professionally, ballet and Broadway for 18 years, and never had an injury. This he attributes entirely to Pilates.
Jay is 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. He currently provides ongoing training to instructors, conducting workshops and master classes around the world. To see where Jay is teaching workshops and classes away from the studio, go to vintagepilates.com
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.
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