Embarking on a Fitness Journey Rooted in Rehabilitation and Evolving for All.
Vanessa Mayer
Certified Pilates Instructor
VM Pilates owner, Vanessa, is a passionate Pilates instructor on a mission to make the transformative benefits of Pilates accessible to everyone, regardless of age, shape, or fitness level. Her journey into the world of Pilates began with an intensive certification in the Satori method of reformer Pilates under the expert guidance of Jake Holmes and Moji Austell at Pilates of La Jolla.
Through her own personal experience of motherhood, including two C-sections, Vanessa has developed a deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of the human body. Pilates played a pivotal role in her recovery, helping her regain core strength and rehabilitate her body. This experience inspired her to become pre- and post-natal certified, reinforcing her belief that, with the right tools and guidance, our bodies are capable of incredible recovery and transformation.
Vanessa’s approach to Pilates goes beyond just physical exercise; it’s a holistic journey that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. She creates an inviting, supportive space for individuals to explore their fitness potential through private, paired, and group sessions. Each class is thoughtfully designed to challenge and support participants, meeting them exactly where they are in their journey.
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: Pilates is for everyone. With the right techniques and mindset, anyone can experience the profound benefits of strengthening not just the muscles, but the ligaments, tendons, and core. Vanessa’s goal is to guide her clients toward a stronger, healthier, and more balanced life—one that honors their unique body and its potential.
Empowering every body and soul through the transformative strength and serenity of Pilates, I believe that our unique paths to wellness should be as inclusive and adaptable as we are.
—Vanessa Mayer
Embark on a profound wellness journey, uniquely attuned to you, under the astute guidance of our experts.
Meet Laryssa Hackbarth, a passionate and experienced Pilates instructor with a unique journey into the world of mindful movement. Armed with a BA in Visual Arts from UCSD, Laryssa discovered her true calling in Pilates after exploring the realms of personal training and group exercise instruction.
Laryssa's dedication to her craft goes beyond the basics. Attending yearly workshops, she actively seeks continuing education in various Pilates styles, always hungry for more knowledge to elevate her skills as an instructor.
Her transition to Pilates was a natural progression from a background in dance, finding solace and purpose in the graceful and intentional movements of this transformative exercise method. Unlike the weights and bustling gym atmosphere, Pilates became her sanctuary.
Since 1998, Laryssa has been sharing her love for Pilates, specializing in both reformer and mat exercises. For her, it's not just about the physical workout but fostering a strong mind-body connection that transcends into her clients' daily lives. Every client is a unique individual, and Laryssa takes pride in tailoring workouts to meet their specific needs, ensuring a personalized and empowering experience.
With a commitment to helping clients strive for their best selves, Laryssa Hackbarth embodies the essence of Pilates – a journey of continuous growth, mindful connection, and the unwavering belief that there's always more to learn.
Meet Curtis Walker! He is a dedicated personal trainer, sports performance coach, Pilates Instructor, is and passionate advocate for holistic wellness. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Newburgh, NY, Curtis has been a prominent figure in the sports, health, and fitness industry since 2006. With a robust background in sports performance, youth fitness, and adult fitness, he has devoted his career to helping ordinary people unlock their full potential through comprehensive physical and mental training. Over the years, Curtis has guided thousands of individuals towards achieving their fitness and sports goals, making a significant impact on their lives and well-being.
Meet Mikayla Nielson, she tried a variety of workouts and Pilates was the only one that made her feel really good in my body. “I have scoliosis [and] I always walked away from workout being in pain and Pilates took that away!” She teaches contemporary Pilates with a classical mindset because “I think it’s so important to give credit where credit is due.”
Mikayla loves trying out other workouts and her my new obsession is aerial yoga and bungee Pilates. She spends her free time walking her dog and just exploring her city. “There is always something fun to do especially with good company.”
Meet Chloe Wright! She is a certified Pilates Method Alliance instructor with a foundation rooted in 18 years of classical ballet training. She discovered Pilates as a means to enhance her dance performance and soon embraced it as a daily practice for functional movement and pain management.
Chloe completed her teacher training through Pilates Sports Center in Los Angeles and holds a B.S. in Kinesiology with a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration from San Diego State University. Her combined expertise in movement science and Pilates has allowed her to work effectively with a diverse clientele, including rehabilitation patients, athletes, dancers, and individuals with neurodegenerative conditions.
Chloe is committed to helping clients develop strength, flexibility, and a deeper mind-body connection through informed, intentional movement.
Meet Sharan Kalkat! Sharan is a certified Balanced Body Pilates instructor with experience in both classical and contemporary Pilates. She has received the bulk of her training at EPY Pilates in Sacramento and EHS Pilates in San Francisco. Her own Pilates journey began in 2021, after she sustained some neck injuries following a car accident. Immediately, she felt the “spark” in her body; Pilates was more than a form of movement, it was a mind to body connection that facilitated healing and strength. She works with a whole range of injuries, immobilities, and body types. “This practice is for everyone,” she says and she is excited to meet and grow alongside all her new clients.
