THE TEAM

Jessica Gowen

• VP Performance Development

• Pilates Instructor & Teacher Trainer

• Licensed Gyrotonic Instructor & Master Trainer

Jessica Gowen leads the performance side of Activcore as Vice President of Performance Development. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

Jessica’s mind-body wellness journey began in Washington, DC, in 1998, where she took Pilates at Excel Movement Studios while working at a public policy oriented publishing firm. After experiencing the method's transformational effects, she left the policy world to teach Classical Pilates.

Jessica discovered the Gyrotonic method in 2004. She loved how it complemented her Pilates training and challenged her to take her work – both as practitioner and teacher – to a deeper level. She has completed certifications in Gyrotonic teaching, Gyrokinesis teaching and all of the specialized equipment. She is certified in both systems by the method's creator, Juliu Horvath. She is also an Authorized Gyrotonic Expansion System Pre-Trainer and a Master Trainer.

A passionate entrepreneur, Jessica has owned her own studio and implemented teacher training programs in Pilates, the Gyrotonic method, and Core Suspension. She joined Activcore in 2021 to further develop professionally as an industry leader in the Atlanta area, and to grow her online performance offerings on a national scale. 

Jessica believes continuing education is crucial to every Pilates and Gyrotonic Instructor’s growth. She has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses around the country, covering a spectrum of subject matter including working with post-rehab clients experiencing back and shoulder pain, refining her use of voice and touch, teaching Pilates to pregnant and postpartum women, modifying exercises for those with osteoporosis, and challenging elite athletes with the Gyrotonic method.

Jessica is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Allegheny College, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science in 1997. She holds a Master of Public Management degree from the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland at College Park. A Decatur native, she lives in Ormewood Park with her husband and children.

BLAKE DALTON

• Senior Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

• Personal Trainer

Blake Dalton is an experienced performance specialist, Pilates Instructor, and personal trainer who delights in the study of movement and how he can use his practice to improve the lives of others. He works at Activcore in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Blake started his journey into movement climbing trees, running trails and stomping in creeks. His love of movement brought him to the study of martial arts and modern dance. It was here Blake discovered his second love the love of teaching and sharing. He draws upon these origins to help make good hard work more accessible and fun for everyone. Pilates, Redcord, and kettlebell training created new pathways to grow further and build bridges to help others find the joy and strength living in their bodies.

‍Blake is honored and invigorated to be a part of the Activcore team, turning the hopeful into the possible and triumphant. He is thrilled to be surrounded by high caliber individuals searching deeper into the integration of the mind and body.

‍EDUCATION:

• University of Georgia, Bachelor of Arts

• Pilates Method Alliance, Certified Pilates Instructor

• Redcord Norway, Certified Redcord Active Specialist

• National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer

Clare Gordon

• Senior Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

• Teacher Trainer

Clare Gordon is a performance specialist at Activcore with certifications in Pilates, Pilates Teacher Training, and Core Suspension. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Clare discovered Pilates practice in 1999. She quickly realized how effective the practice was and began her teacher training with Romana Kryzanowska in Sydney, Australia in 2000. She completed her certification and has been teaching Pilates since 2002. Clare is Power Pilates and Redcord certified, and continually participates in training workshops to deepen her knowledge of the body.

‍Clare truly believes in the benefits one can reap from Pilates and Core Suspension, and she employs her expertise to her varied clientele. She strives to personalize every client's workout specifically to their body, whether that be for back pain, neck issues, prenatal and postpartum work, or simply getting fit. Through the use of precision and flow, Clare challenges her clients to ensure that they leave each session feeling energized and exercised.

‍Outside of the studio, Clare shares her life with her husband and two daughters. She loves her neighborhood farmer's market, dinner parties, and spending time outdoors.

Darcy Pyle

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

Darcy Pyle is a performance specialist at Activcore with certifications in Pilates. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Darcy began her personal Pilates practice in 2002 and earned her comprehensive certification in 2004 with Power Pilates. Since that time she has been dedicated to exploring the progressive layers of Pilates and is devoted to personal and professional growth.

‍Darcy feels that Pilates balances her life and helps her do everything better. She strives to provide her clients with a stable base and challenges their abilities by building on the method.

‍Darcy has been a resident of Atlanta since 1975 and earned a Bachelor of Art degree from Auburn University in 1989. She currently lives with her husband.

Darlene Haywood

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

Darlene Haywood is a performance specialist at Activcore with certifications in Pilates. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

Darlene has Beginner, Intermediate and Advance Level Mat certifications and a full 500-hour Classical Pilates Apparatus Certification. All achieved under the teaching, guidance and leadership from Juliet Harvey, President of Beacon Pilates, Beacon N.Y.  

She recently has become a resident of Georgia. Prior to her relocation Darlene taught at Beacon Pilates, The Pilates Studio at Allsport, APG Pilates and facilitated Pilates Adult Education Programs at Marlboro Elementary School in Hyde Park N.Y.

Currently, Darlene has partnered with Athleta, Atlantic Station in Atlanta occasionally providing mat classes to Athleta’s Fitness Community.

Darlene is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition with undergraduate and graduate certificates in Health Coaching endorsed by the American Association of Drug less Practitioners and the State University of New York, Purchase College. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership, Mercy College. 

Darlene utilizes her skills and talent to empower, motivate and inspire her clients to push beyond their limits to achieve a lifetime of health and wellness.

EMILY CHRISTIANSON

• Senior Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

• Redcord Active Specialist

• Licensed Gyrotonic Instructor

Emily Christianson is a performance specialist at Activcore with certifications in Pilates, the Gyrotonic Expansion System, and Redcord suspension. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

Emily Christianson has been a lover of all things movement-related since she began taking dance classes at the age of three. After graduating from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with double majors in French and English and a minor in Dance, Emily moved to New York City to pursue in-depth dance training and performing opportunities. While living in New York she began practicing Pilates mat exercises regularly and studied Pilates privately with a friend who was working towards her certification. Through regular practice of the Pilates method, Emily was able to manage her chronic lower back pain and musculoskeletal imbalances resulting from scoliosis.

Shortly after moving to Atlanta in 2006, Emily became a certified classical Pilates instructor through the Power Pilates program at Studio Lotus. During her Pilates apprenticeship, she was introduced to the Gyrotonic Expansion System and immediately fell in love with the organic three-dimensional movements and breathwork of Gyrotonic Method. She completed her Gyrotonic Level 1 certification in 2009 with Master Trainer Bradley Kreamer. Since then, Emily has also studied with Master Trainers Juergen Bamberger, Jessica Gowen, Dawn Strom, and Kathy Van Patten and completed certification courses in the Leg Extension Unit, Jumping Stretching Board, and Archway.

Emily practices yoga and meditation and dances professionally in Atlanta. She has two young children who help her keep her sense of humor and perspective. Emily considers herself a student first, and teacher second, and cherishes the opportunity to learn from her clients and fellow instructors. She strives to create a supportive space for all people to heal, empower, and express themselves through movement.

GEORGIA DALTON

• Performance Specialist

• Licensed Gyrotonic Instructor

Georgia Dalton is a performance specialist at Activcore who enjoys helping dancers and other active populations stay healthy and strong. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Georgia graduated from The Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ballet and Outside Field in Marketing. She went on to dance professionally with The Boston Ballet for two seasons. In 2020, Georgia moved to Atlanta to join The Atlanta Ballet and is currently dancing as a Company Artist for a third season. Georgia trained under Gyrotonic Master Trainer, Jessica Gowen, and received her Gyrotonic certification in 2022. 

‍In pursuit of a professional ballet career, Georgia’s life naturally became centered around health and wellness. Constantly looking for new forms of cross training to supplement her ballet technique, she discovered the Gyrotonic Expansion System while dancing with The Boston Ballet. She immediately recognized the benefits of the exercise thus sparking a desire to learn more and be able to share the gift of this movement with others.

‍Being able to work one-on-one with your instructor is an aspect of Gyrotonic classes that makes it so unique. In her sessions, Georgia loves customizing a workout tailored to each client’s body and wellness goals. She is particularly passionate about applying her extensive knowledge of classical ballet technique into her Gyrotonic sessions with dancers. 

‍Georgia joined Activcore in 2022 after completing her certification, under Gyrotonic Master Trainer Jessica Gowen. It was a perfect fit. In addition to working at Activcore and dancing ballet, Georgia enjoys being out in nature and connecting with family and friends.

JEFFERY DUFFY

• Performance Specialist

• Licensed Gyrotonic Instructor

Jeffery Duffy is an experienced Gyrotonic Instructor and professional dancer who enjoys working with athletic populations at any level. He works at Activcore in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Jeffery is a native ATLien. He grew up playing sports, and funny enough, he approaches dance and movement with an athlete's mindset.

‍Jeffery graduated from The Juilliard School with a BFA in Dance and a competitive Entrepreneurship Grant. Then he went on to dance professionally with Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago where he received a Princess Grace Fellowship. While dancing, he also ran his Gyrotonic practice out of the Chicago Center For Body Movement which is under the ownership of Davi Edlebeck.‍

Following his time in Chicago, Jeffery began the First National Tour of HAMILTON. While touring, he took the initiative to connect with Gyrotonic Master Trainers from all over the country, while also continuing his training. His Gyrotonic practice has been critical in maintaining a healthy mind and body throughout his career. 

Jeffery always wanted his talents to benefit more folks than himself in the most real way. Throughout his career, he has overcome injuries and discovered new pathways to movement that are predicated on healing and overcoming physical challenges with no lag in explosiveness. He closely followed his healing process and spoke at length with Orthopedic Surgeons, Physical Therapists, Acupuncture practitioners, Reiki masters, etc.

Jeffery educated himself on the latest observations in neural plasticity and recognized a lot of similarities in his own healing. This offered him a well-rounded and unique perspective when it came to helping his clients. One thing we all share is MOVEMENT. After thumbing through different modalities of healing and cross training, he was introduced to the Gyrotonic method through a training program at the Juilliard School. With a few sessions under his belt, he continued to excel in his craft, and injuries became few and far between. If it could help him, he could inspire others. And so he did.

‍Jeffery's approach is “easy like Sunday morning.” He wants his clients to feel like they can accomplish anything (which they can with a little effort). The only way to maximize that potential is to create a calm healing environment. From there, he challenges the clients to reach for a few more reps and discover a deeper sense of movement, beyond the superficial. By the end of the session, he likes to leave his clients with a better awareness of their own bodies, and a clearer path for them to heal themselves. 

‍Jeffery works well with most folks regardless of their background. His target populations are athletes at any level, and older males looking to move easier in daily functional activities.

‍When not teaching, Jeffery enjoys live sports, live art, cooking, traveling, and being with his family.

KHETANYA HENDERSON

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

Khetanya Henderson is a performance specialist with advanced training in Pilates, Personal Training and Group Fitness Classes. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University. Her mission is to empower the mind and body to bring you closer to your super-powered human self.

‍Khetanya’s call to fitness started with her joy for movement, expression and athleticism. She believes that your life's purpose is powered through movement. This purpose birthed Movement Strength Training, where she offers both Virtual and Live classes in Pilates Mat and Reformer, Strength and Cardio as well as Personal training. Her Fitness career began in New York City and continued to blossom in Los Angeles, California where she trained Powerful individuals like yourself! If she is not sweating it out with you in the studio, you can catch her challenging her clients on Glo, Popsugar and Movement Strength Training's virtual platform.

‍Khetanya studied Dance at The Ailey School in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and Theater from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. She also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting Performance from the University of Connecticut.

‍Khetanya is trained and certified in formats such as Dance Cardio, Trampoline, Sculpt, Pilates MAT, Pilates Reformer, HIIT, TRX, Barre, and Boot Camp. In her classes, you can expect challenging and fun sequences that will build strength, endurance, and longer muscles.

‍Khetanya's Mantra: We get stronger together, every day

Kimberly Cook

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

• Teacher Trainer

Kimberly Cook is a performance specialist at Activcore with certifications in Pilates, Pilates Teacher Training, and Core Suspension. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

Kimberly developed her strong sense of discipline from extensive studies in dance and earned a Juris Doctor degree. As a Pilates and Core Suspension instructor, she combines her discipline and zeal for movement to help clients develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Kimberly earned her Advanced Teacher Training diploma from The Pilates Center's intensive Bridge Program, as well as completed her Host Advisor training, in 2017. These achievements qualify Kimberly as a masterful teacher of teachers and a pillar of growth for Activcore's trainees.

Kimberly has taught and performed in numerous venues across the United States and internationally, including the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the Independence Day Celebration in Washington, DC. Kimberly also works with Donna Richardson Joyner in leading fitness workshops internationally and nationally in schools, churches and health organizations.

LILLIE JOHNSON

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

Lillie Johnson is a performance specialist at Activcore with certifications in Pilates. She works at the Activcore studio in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Lillie is an Atlanta native, born and raised in Decatur, GA. She left Atlanta for several years to pursue acting in New York City, where she graduated with highest honors from The New School University with a BA in Theater and Hispanic Studies. Lillie enjoys learning about people and their stories, beyond the world of acting. Her interest in people naturally led her to studying Pilates because of the one on one interactions with clients. Lillie completed her training at the world renowned Pilates Center in Boulder, CO.

‍Lillie’s own experience of chronic pain and injuries, and the healing she gained from practicing Pilates, gives her a desire to use Pilates as a tool for other people’s healing journeys. She will never forget how relaxed and strong her body felt after her first Pilates lesson. Previously, the idea of living without chronic pain seemed unthinkable. Her love of being a Pilates client grew into a desire to become a certified teacher. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing a client transform. Her background in the arts helps her find creative ways of working with people. She wants each client to feel their absolute best so that they can lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

‍Outside of Pilates and acting, Lillie is passionate about travel and has traveled the world on her own. She also enjoys hiking, camping, meditation, and improv comedy. Since 2007, Lillie has been on the board of directors for a leadership training summer camp for teens in Colorado, Nova Scotia, and France. She finds great delight and satisfaction from mentoring young people and being in the great outdoors.

MARY PATTERSON

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

Mary Patterson is particularly passionate about how movement can heal the mind and body. She works as a performance specialist at Activcore in Atlanta, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍An intuitive and empathetic teacher, Mary calls upon her eclectic mix of training and experience to help each client leave feeling grounded, strong, and balanced. She is inspired by many modalities and lineages, and regularly studies with Cara Reeser, a master second generation Pilates instructor who learned from Kathy Grant, a student of Mr. Joseph Pilates.

‍Over the course of a 12-year professional career performing on Broadway, Mary found herself in and out of physical therapy offices quite regularly dealing with various injuries and imbalances. After a PT suggested Mary practice the Pilates method to help heal a debilitating hip injury, her love for the method was born. Not only did her hip pain disappear, but her entire body felt better than ever before. She completed her first Pilates certification through Equinox in 2018 and has been teaching Pilates ever since.

‍Mary is now a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT). She is also certified to teach Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin Yoga. Her teaching style is at the intersection of functional movement and deep relaxation techniques.

‍Also a passionate Arts educator and advocate, Mary teaches at the Alliance Theatre and founded an arts organization, Bridge Arts Project, to mentor young artists. She is also a passionate animal rights advocate, and she loves to explore vegan restaurants around Atlanta as well as practice cooking delicious plant based meals at home.

‍In her free time, Mary likes to be outside with her partner Cary and their long-haired chihuahua, Massimo.

NANCY NESBITT

• Performance Specialist

• Pilates Instructor

• Personal Trainer

Nancy Nesbitt is a highly-educated, well-rounded performance specialist and certified Pilates instructor who has a passion for helping her clients achieve their fitness goals through a blend of Pilates, Redcord, and other specialized exercise modes and movement techniques. She works at Activcore in Atlanta, Georgia, located just 2 miles from Emory University.

‍Nancy began athletics at an early age, participating in ballet starting at the age of 5 and gymnastics at the age of 13. As an adult she taught group fitness classes and worked with clients one-on-one as a personal trainer. Nancy finds that the most rewarding part about teaching is watching her students' physical and mental transformations through exercise. The most simple of movements executed with mindfulness can bring about the most profound sense of accomplishment, and Nancy strives to ensure each client receives this.‍

EDUCATION:

• Attended the University of California, Berkeley

• Pilates Method Alliance, Certified Pilates Instructor

• Gold Certified Pilates Method Alliance - Certified Pilates Teacher

• Redcord Norway, Certified Redcord Active Specialist