Originally from Southern California, Michelle Perks has been teaching in the fitness world since the age of 15. Growing up in a dance studio, she has taught dance, yoga, and Pilates throughout her life. As a professional dancer, she has understood the importance of movement, cross-training, and injury prevention. In 2007, Michelle was certified through BASI. She also holds certificates through Polestar, and is NCPT certified. Michelle is currently the Regional lead instructor for Club Pilates in Las Vegas. She is also a Master Trainer for Club Pilates, and has worked as an educator internationally, primarily in Latin American countries. Michelle’s experience ranges from working extensively with the senior community through Sun City recreational facilities as well as teaching pilates for Cirque Du Soleil. Working with athletes in an effort to maintain mobility and strength. Michelle’s other accreditations include certification in Yoga, Barre Above, Trigger point therapy, and TRX. Michelle recently embarked in the GYROTONIC® world. She has completed her Level 1 Foundation course and is excited to continue on. Michelle is happy to be a part of the Riser fitness team, and looks forward to helping mentor and assist new teachers embark on their teaching journey! ------------------------------------- Sarah Jane was born and raised in Wuppertal, Germany. In her early teen years, she relocated to Los Angeles, California with her family. Being a competitive skier as a child and playing various competitive sports growing up, Sarah has always had an interest in the movement. She found her Pilates & Yoga Practice in 2006 as a way to manage her school/work/play balance while finishing her degree in Los Angeles. Sarah currently holds degrees in Philosophy and Communications. After deciding not to pursue her Juris Doctor, she decided to share her passion for movement with others with the goal of becoming a Master Trainer. Sarah has since completed certifications in full Pilates Apparatus, Pilates Mat, Yoga-RYT200, Lagree Method & Schwinn. She continues to attend workshops, bridge programs and also studies anatomy, body mechanics, and human movement. Sarah currently teaches in Los Angeles, Bel Air & Las Vegas Her teaching style can best be described as: Knowledgeable, Mindful, Detailed and Welcoming As far as her classes are concerned her Philosophy is “Everyone is different- don’t compete with anyone but yourself. Listen to your body, honor your body and respect its limitations. Movement and wellness are just as important for the mind as they are for the body so make sure you’re good to yourself, you’re present and most importantly you have a good time in class .” Sarah hopes that students walk away from her sessions feeling better from the inside out. She invites you to join her and hopes to leave a lasting impact on the mind/body on and off of the mat and the reformer.