TEAM
Susan Tasker
Owner Principal-Lifestyle Pilates
After a automobile accident in 1996. Susan resorted to chiropractic, physical therapy and acupunture. These all seemed to temporarily help. In 2001 Susan took her first Pilates class and it was the first time in years that she was able to sleep thru out the night, without pain. There was no looking back, she was pain free and full of energy and has not been back to her chiropractor since. Susan became a certified Pilates instructor in 2004. Over the course of 11 yrs., she has added 5 Reformers, Trapese Table, 3 EXO Chairs, Ladder Barrel, CoreAlign, BOSU, TRX, 3 Power Plates, Pre-Post Natal Certified. Susan has added a Ceragem (massage) bed, to helpo her clients with pain. Susan continues to take Continuing Education Courses to not only expand her own knowledge but to also ensure that she is cutting edge for her clients.
Susan's experience includes working with renowned trainer, Brent Barker, owner of LaForme and with personal trainer, Jake Leon. She has worked at the Camelback Marriott, the Sanctuary Resort and Spa, and continues to offer classes at Arrowhead Country Club as well as her Central Phoenix location at 1321 E. Northern Avenue and in the Northwest Valley at 4424 W. Kristal Place.
Susan is involved in a number of philanthropic initiatives including the Wounded Warriors Project, and is a consistent donor to various charitable organizations in the Valley.
Certifications:
Pilates, Power Plate, Cross Fit instructor, TRX, Healthy Mom Pre- and Post-Natal
Julie Valenzuela
Instructor
Julie is an experienced and energetic health and wellness professional. Having been a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for over twenty years, Julie’s versatile background is what makes her a well-rounded Pilates instructor. Since obtaining her bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology from the University of San Francisco and her Master’s in Exercise in Wellness from Arizona State University, Julie has had the opportunity to bring her expertise to various fields of health and wellness including rehabilitation and physical therapy, fitness club management, and wellness program coordinating. She continues to inspire others to meet their professional fitness and wellness endeavors as an adjunct faculty for Paradise Community College, University of Phoenix, and Bryan University.
While diverse in her own education, Julie’s passion is with Pilates and the principles that Joseph Pilates created. “Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness” is the opening statement in Pilates’ writings on Contrology. Julie believes that a fit body contributes to a sound mind. Being able to perform movement with intention while improving one’s own strength and flexibility is at the core of each workout. Julie is committed to optimizing all clients to the best of their abilities through Pilates! On a personal note, Julie lives in Phoenix with her husband and three children. While life may be busy managing the daily family operations, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and writing. Yoga is a daily activity, and of course, Pilates is practiced a few times a week to keep the body (and mind) balanced!
Jhessika Mendez-Sahagun
Classical Pilates Instructor
Jhessika earned a degree in Architecture and holds a Certification in Classical Pilates, which makes her an Architect of the Body. She earned her certification through the Pilates Center of Las Vegas, under the direction of Elena Bartley, 2nd generation of Joseph Pilates. Jhessika is a 3rd generation teacher and can train advanced students to obtain their teacher certification program.
Jhessika is trained in Mat work, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Stability Chair, Spine Corrector, Barrel and accessories. She has 10 years of advanced student, teacher, yoga practitioner and aerial dance skill sets.
Bilingual English-Spanish sessions while she had her studio in Lake Chapala, Mexico. (International Experience) Drawn to Pilates by a back injury, Jhessika has experience working with injuries and the methods most suitable for rehabilitation. Jhessika also works with pre and post natal students helping them reach their goals.
Dedicated and passionate about her clientele, is the best way to describe her, she aims at keeping the body limber and strong. Jhessika helps students get the proper alignments and benefits of the method, in their pursuit to better understand and control the wellness of their bodies, thru the practice of the Pilates Method.