Meet The Team

Ashley’s journey reflects a deep commitment to blending movement, science, and the arts to help others heal and thrive. With her background in Exercise Science from K.U. and dance, she has cultivated a unique approach to movement that integrates the technical understanding of biomechanics with the expressive beauty of dance.
Her professional path began in physical therapy, where she gained hands-on experience through shadowing and internships, including a role at Bird Physical Therapy in Lawrence, KS. After stepping away to focus on her family, she transitioned into Pilates, finding it to be the perfect medium to merge her interests in movement and rehabilitation. She studied under the first Polestar-certified instructor in Kansas, eventually becoming an instructor herself in 2002.
Ashley’s teaching credentials are extensive and include a comprehensive education from Balanced Body, as well as certifications in Fletcher towel, barre, floorwork, HARDCORE barre, the Franklin Method, CoreAlign, and more. Her diverse training allows her to address various movement needs and adapt her approach to each individual's unique body and goals.
A passionate advocate for Trauma-Informed Care, Ashley has worked with professionals in law and healthcare to integrate trauma-sensitive approaches into movement practices. Her belief in the holistic benefits of movement for the mind, body, and soul shapes the way she teaches and connects with her clients. She is dedicated to supporting people through movement, helping them find strength, healing, and balance.
 

Joni received her Comprehensive Pilates training through Polestar Pilates Education.

The Polestar curriculum, designed by physical therapist and Orthopedic Certified Specialist Dr. Brent Anderson, is based on a scientific foundation of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor control. It integrates scientific research findings in the areas of orthopedics, sports medicine and movement science.

Joni is also an instructor for TRX Suspension training and CoreAlign.

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Joni has an extensive background in fitness and sports performance with over 30 years of teaching experience.
Joni started Pilates rehabilitation after a leg injury in 1999 where she was able to fully understand the multiple imbalances that can come with sports training and the overuse and abuse theory that causes problems for many athletes.

Joni offers private lessons and small group personal training in Topeka, as well as specialized injury prevention programming for all types of active lifestyles and sports.

She can be reached at jonijwells@gmail.com

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Katie Tryon has been helping others find their own love for movement since 2006. In 2010 she completed her STOTT Reformer and Mat Pilates verifications. And has been growing a passion for Pilates ever since.

“I love when a client walks in with a back issue or muscle instability but walks out confident that I can help give the tools they need to walk taller and more confidently.” 

Having used Pilates as a way to rehab her own back injury, Katie knows how much success any person can have with a little dedication and patience. 

“We aren’t here to see results overnight, but if we give it some time and effort clients and even myself are amazed by the stability, core strength and longevity Pilates offers those who give it their best shot!” 

Katie has experience working with the young, the young at heart and special populations including Prenatal clients as well as those who have recently been cleared for movement following hip/knee/joint replacement. 

Katie can be reached at katiemarye.tryon@gmail.com

Jen Nichols is comprehensively trained through Polestar Pilates Education, an internationally recognized program focused on whole body wellness, healing through movement and mind-body-spirit connection. With a background in dance and a deep understanding of movement, Jen designs her classes to promote strength, flexibility and balance while emphasizing proper form and technique.

After having her first son, Jen decided it was time to follow her passion for teaching. Jen’s love of Pilates grew out of her love of dance, as they share many of the same principles of movement. Her journey began at Pilates Performance and Rehab in 2007, where she taught reformer, mixed apparatus, mat and yoga. After several years and following the birth of two more babies, she decided to take time off to focus on her family. Time has flown and now her oldest is off to KU, and with her younger chicks not far behind, she has decided to return to PPR to continue her teaching career. 

Jen’s passion is to bring out the potential in every student by building strength, confidence and pride in oneself. She is most gratified when her students tell her how they have applied their newfound strength, balance and mindfulness in everyday life.

Contact Jen at Chessa93@yahoo.com

Dynamic alignment and dynamic mobility are compromised often by our western civilization. As a Pilates coach, health educator and Physical therapist assistant, Lorna’s passion is developing Pilates based programs and educational materials that promote mental and emotional wellness, and physical fitness.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS), CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSE: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA/ Outpatient) National Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Graduate, TheraPilates ® Pilates for Osteoporosis, Pilates for MS & Neurological Disorders. Certified Personal Trainer (10 years), National Strength and Conditioning Association.  American Institute of Balance-Vestibular Rehabilitation (5 years) COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: Clinical Director- Special Olympics (Fun Fitness Physical Therapy Screenings), American Physical Therapy Association (PTA Council Rep, Health Promotion and Wellness).

To reach out to Lorna email at jarrett.lorna@gmail.com

Kathy is a retired physical therapist who practiced for 42 years and was undeniably one of the best of the best. She graduated from Kansas State University and KU Medical Center with primary interest in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine. She practiced for 21 years in collaboration with orthopedic pioneer and Desima's mentor, Dr. Phillip Baker, founder of Kansas Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

She became familiar with Pilates when she assumed the role of Clinical Manager of Rebound Physical Therapy's Satellite Clinic, which was originally located in, Absolute Fitness, where Pilates Performance & Rehab originated in 2000. When both facilities relocated to temporary accommodations due to construction delays, she, worked side by side with many Pilates staff in a co-op space. Kathy saw the profound benefits of Pilates Apparatus and Methodology and began incorporating fundamentals of core strengthening and muscle balance into her practice. The staff and clients of PPR also greatly benefited from Kathy's expertise and patient care. Kathy has now ventured into a new wellness role and has completed the certification course in CoreAlign® training. She has enjoyed this functional progression of her interest in Pilates. Kathy has a long-standing concern for decreasing core strength and balance deficits in the general and aging population. Kathy will be focusing on Fall Prevention and Gait Training with weight bearing exercises and strengthening of the core muscles facilitated through the CoreAlign®.

Kathy and her husband live in the country with their three lab puppies and enjoy time with their children and families, including three beautiful granddaughters. Kathy can be reached at kamselig@gmail.com