Let’s start with the basics—where are you originally from, and what brought you to this area? How long have you been living here?
I’m originally from Danville, Pennsylvania; a small rural town in central Pennsylvania. I moved to New Jersey to pursue a unique teaching opportunity after graduating from West Chester University with a Bachelors of Science in Health and Physical Education. When that job ended, I decided to stay in New Jersey until I landed in Verona where I opened my own personal training studio and stayed there for 6 years. During that time I met the love of my life and while I was pregnant, we decided to move to Denville to have more land and nature in our lives and have been here since.
Tell us about your family! How many kiddos do you have, and what ages/stages are they in?
My son, Jetson, is just over 6 months old and is a happy and thriving little guy. His personality is really starting to show as he loves to giggle, talk, and engage with everyone he meets. He also loves exploring his new world, especially on hikes when we go with our dog Bodhi. On these adventures, Jetson loves looking at the trees and after a while takes his best naps with the fresh air and sunlight providing all the vitamin D he needs to stay healthy and strong.
So what exactly is the Rebel Core Method?
The Rebel Core Method is a modern twist on classical pilates. In our classes we utilize an Xformer and kick it up a notch as students move with intention focusing on alignment, breath, and body awareness. It’s a chance to connect with your inner self as an instructor guides you through the experience with step by step instruction, hands on adjustments, and the encouragement to push through the hard parts when your brain tells you to stop. You will feel strong, capable, and empowered after each class. You can expect to build deep core strength, sculpted muscles, and improve your posture and balance in each class. All of our classes focus on a full body workout lasting 45 minutes.
What inspired you to become a lead at Rebel Core?
I joined the Rebel Core family when they opened their first location in Roseland (2024) and fell in love with the community. I wanted to continue to grow with them. Around the same time, my father passed away unexpectedly and being around positive, uplifting people was very important to me. This community helped me get through one of the most emotionally challenging times of my life. I knew I wanted to become an instructor after the owners, Steph and Bill, encouraged me to take my first pilates class. They knew I had been a personal trainer for over 12 years and loved being in the fitness industry. I never thought pilates would be my “thing,” but after my first class I became completely obsessed. I got an incredible workout that woke up muscles I’ve never felt before, along with the motivation and enthusiasm I need to push past my self limiting beliefs. I remember messaging Stephanie and Bill and after first class, letting them know that I was 1000% on board. I was part of the first team to get certified to become a Rebel Core instructor, leaving a job of 10 years behind and haven’t looked back once.
What classes do you offer at Rebel Core Cedar Knolls?
At Rebel Core we have a variety of classes. Modern pilates, Rebel Strength which utilizes kettlebells as well of the Xformer, and Essentials, which is a great option for beginners as the class pace is a little slower to focus on form, proper alignment, and slower transitions. We have something for everyone! This community is an all inclusive one. My personal favorite is the Rebel Strength. I love pairing strength training utilizing kettlebells with resistance training utilizing the Xformer.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to moms who are considering pilates classes but aren’t sure when or where to start?
My advice for anyone wanting to try pilates is to not over-think it. No matter what fitness level you’re at, our instructors are well equipped to always provide modifications, hands on adjustments, and challenges for those wanting a little extra burn. And believe me when I say, everyone is in their own world while in class. No one is looking at you and judging you. If you decide you need extra support with a modification you seamlessly take it as the instructor cues the whole class. We all come to this community at different phases in our fitness journey. As instructors we meet you where you’re at, fitness-wise, and help you push yourself to the next level with safe, smart movements.
As a Mom and a business owner, what has been the biggest challenge in juggling both roles — and what’s helped you stay grounded?
What has kept me grounded with being a mom and the Studio Lead at Rebel Core is finding a positive outlet. I practice what I preach, so you can find me in my colleagues’ classes Rebel’ing right next to our members. If I’m not in a pilates class, I’m lifting weights, hiking, or doing something active outside. Being active and using my physical body to do hard things has always grounded me throughout my life, and it still grounds me to this day. I was in pilates classes up until I gave birth to my son. I believe that pilates helped me have a beautiful natural water birth. During labor I felt strong and capable, so much so that I’ve become a Doula since giving birth to my son in July 2025. My goal as a doula will be to encourage my clients to stay active and inform them of the benefits of incorporating pilates into their routine. I know of at least 5 mamas that have taken pilates classes throughout their entire pregnancy and they all mention how pilates helped build their core and taught them how to breath correctly which all help with their delivery and recovery after birth.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Go hiking in Hedden State Park along the stream with our dog Bodhi.
2 – Favorite coffee spot? The Spot in Randolph – so good!
3 – Favorite lunch place? Saigon Subs in Morristown for their Green Papaya Salad with Lemongrass Chicken
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Our favorite farm to visit is Alstede Farms for their petting zoo.
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Zuegma in Montclair for some great Mediterranean
6 – Favorite boutique? 23 South in Morristown has some really cute gifts
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub for a rustic setting in a beautiful town
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Bagel Nosh for the egg bagels and Florentine omelet
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Forte in Randolph, try the Thai Chicken Pizza or a grandma slice
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Denville Dairy and hope they have the vanilla peanut butter oreo!
This interview was done in partnership with Rebel Core, You can book a class ONLINE HERE and be sure to follow them on social media below:
