Owner, Michelle Pritchard danced professionally in New York City and Los Angeles for ten years before returning to her hometown, Rochester NY, in 2007. She has worked in the fitness industry for over ten years as a personal trainer, yoga instructor, golf conditioning instructor, adjunct professor of dance, and Pilates instructor. Michelle holds an MFA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach and has taught Pilates and dance at SUNY Brockport, Loyola Marymount University, Orange Coast College, St. John Fisher College, the Nazareth Academy, La Dance Workshop, the Harro East Athletic Club, the Country Club of Rochester, and the Rochester City Ballet among others.

Michelle is certified to teach Pilates by the Kane School of Core Integration in New York City and by Body Arts Science International in Costa Mesa, California. In California, Michelle also studied Pilates with Karen Clippinger and earned a specialized Pilates certification for dance conditioning.  Michelle is also currently working on a third Instructor certification by Balanced Body.

'I really look forward to my Evolution Pilates time with Michelle.  It just feels good-physically & mentally.  I always leave a session feeling better than when I arrived.  Actually, most clients I've seen at Evolution Pilates finish their sessions with smiles.  Also, although I'm 70, my regular Pilates work with Michelle is making my 'every day' better- with improved flexibility, strength, and balance.  Thank you Michelle!'  - Marcia Armitage, client since 2009

Contact Michelle here: michelle@rocpilates.com

Instructor, Jenny Showalter

Jenny Showalter has been working in the fitness industry for the past 8 years as a certified Pilates instructor, personal trainer, and registered somatic movement therapist.   She is Artistic-Co Director of Treeline Dance Works based in NYC, having presented choreography internationally and nationally, and is a member of the Bill Evans Dance Company.   Recently relocating from Indiana where she was Assistant Professor of Dance at Ball State, she is excited to be returning to the Rochester area. Showalter holds an MFA in Dance Choreography and Performance from The College at Brockport and a BS in P.E. Exercise Science from Western Illinois University.

Instructor, Nikki Blanding

Nikki Blanding has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Springfield College.  She is a Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and she is Certified by Stott in Mat Pilates and Balanced Body for Reformer Pilates.  Nikki began teaching at Evolution Pilates in the  Summer of 2010. 

'I have been working in the Health and Fitness industry since I graduated college in 1992. When taking a break from Personal Training, I found pilates and fell in love! Not only did it help with some chronic back pain, but I was able to take my own fitness to another level.' - Nikki Blanding

Instructor, Kirstin Howard

Kirstin Howard has been dancing for 15 years.  She completed her BFA degree in dance at Hamilton College and is finishing up her Master's in Performance & Choreography at The College at Brockport.  She has taught at local studios in Utica, NY along with chroeographing for high school musicals for 7 years.  Kirstin continues to travel to Utica during the summer to teach jazz and tap dance to students 7yrs - adult.  She is enjoying her newfound passion in Pilates instruction.  Kirstin is a proud mom of a 10 yr. old boy.  Kirstin has learned Pilates as an apprentice under Michelle Pritchard and also through Balanced Body Reformer Certification Courses.

Instructor, Kelly Harrigan

Kelly Harrigan is finishing up her final year at Nazareth College where she will receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.  Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia College and State University.  Kelly is certified to teach Pilates Reformer by Balanced Body.
 
Prior to joining Evolution Pilates, Kelly worked as an AFPA Mat Pilates instructor since 2006 and as an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer since 2007. She worked for the corporate office of Home Depot doing corporate fitness. Kelly has also worked in many outpatient and inpatient hospitals and clinics.  Kelly’s goal is to create a fun, safe, and exciting Pilates experience that will satisfy each person’s specific needs. Kelly is an active member of American Physical Therapy Association and American College of Sports Medicine. 
 
In her spare time, Kelly enjoys hiking, running, shopping, yoga, Georgia football games, and hanging out with friends and family.