Director of Strategy & Team Leadership, Master Pilates Instructor & Yoga Instructor

TRAINING: Exercise, Sport, Health and Education BS, Balanced Body Master Instructor, STOTT Pilates, YTT 200 hour, Niche Movement Education Workshops: Every Breath You Take, All Around the Arm, Oh How Many Feet, Knee, Hip, and Pelvis, Three Spines

Jaclyn's journey into the world of Pilates began after college when she stumbled upon a studio that would forever change her life. Instantly captivated by the fluidity and precision of Pilates, she immersed herself in its practice, eventually becoming a Balanced Body Master Instructor and obtaining certifications in STOTT Pilates and YTT 200-hour yoga training.

In 2017, driven by her passion for sharing the transformative power of movement, Jaclyn founded Niche, a haven where people of all backgrounds and fitness levels could explore the joys of mindful movement. Rooted in integrity, intention, and presence, Jaclyn's teaching approach goes beyond mere workouts; her classes are immersive experiences designed to challenge, inspire, and transform. With meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to proper form and alignment, she empowers her students to discover greater strength, flexibility, and self-awareness.

For Jaclyn, teaching Pilates isn't just a profession—it's a calling. It's a means of connection, community-building, and empowerment. Through Niche, she has cultivated a supportive environment where individuals can come together to uplift one another, both physically and mentally.

In 2020, Jaclyn embarked on another significant endeavor, creating a Pilates instructor training program. Launched in the summer of 2021, Niche Pilates Instructor Training has equipped a diverse range of students, from novices to Doctor of Physical Therapy graduates, with the skills and knowledge to spread the benefits of Pilates. Graduates have since gone on to establish their own studios, deepen their practice, and contribute to the Niche community as valued team members.

Director of Operations, Certified Instructor, Niche Instructor Trainer

TRAINING: Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), Balanced Body Reformer Certified, Movement Principles, and Anatomy, Sculpt + Core Mat Pilates. Niche Movement Education Workshops: Every Breath You Take, All Around the Arm

Joelle joined Niche in October 2019 when she relocated to Richmond. Throughout the years Joelle’s role has continued to grow with the business. She started at the front desk and has now jumped in with Jaclyn to make Niche (and all of its ventures) her career path. Joelle loves Niche because of the beautiful space and communal vibe. Joelle is the glue that holds us together. Studio and Company wide organization, client services, program development, and operations. Outside of all things Niche, Joelle enjoys running, hiking, and paddling down the James. She loves being outdoors exploring and appreciating all that nature has to offer.

Instructor Manager, Niche Instructor Trainer, Certified Instructor

TRAINING: YTT 200 hour, Niche Foundations and Reformer Certified, Niche Mat Pilates I & II

Caroline moved to Richmond, just after graduating college. She was lucky enough to move just a few blocks away from Niche, where she found the community she was looking for in her new city. After her first class she immediately fell in love with contemporary Pilates and all Niche had to offer. She soon enrolled in the Niche Instructor Training Program.

Carolines passion for teaching has evolved into her passion for working with other instructors as they find their confidence and voice in their own teaching style.

When she is not at Niche, Caroline is likely cooking her kitchen or walking around Richmond trying new restaurants!

Master Instructor

TRAINING: Polestar Comprehensive Mat/equipment certified, Stott Pilates Mat and Reformer Certified, Pilates Method Alliance certified, Balanced Body Anatomy in 3- Dimensions certified, Kinesiology MS.

SPECIALTIES: Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Postural Concerns, Osteoporosis, Spinal Stenosis, Disc Herniation, Scoliosis, Balance

Karen’s background in movement dates back to her childhood years studying dance with a focus in Ballet. Multiple injuries lead her to the Pilates method and ultimately pursuing numerous certifications and continuing education coursework. Her fascination with human movement inspired her to return to graduate school where she earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus in rehabilitation.

Karen is no stranger to the local Pilates community as she formerly owned and operated Core Pilates of Richmond and served as adjunct faculty at the VCU Department of Dance and Choreography. Her expertise working with clients of all ages, musculoskeletal issues, and fitness goals is extensive. Karen is also a local RVA artist who displays her work in restaurants, medical offices, community centers, and public libraries.

Marketing and Community Coordinator

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: Niche Foundations and Reformer, Niche Movement Education Workshop: Every Breath You Take, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)

Maddie is from Goochland, Virginia and stayed local when she went to school at Virginia Commonwealth University. At VCU, she studied Health Science with a minor in Psychology combining her interest in physical and mental well being and how the two tie together. Driven by her curiosity and dedication to promoting wellness, she then embarked on a journey to become a certified health coach and received her board certification.

After graduating, Maddie chose to remain in Richmond and was on the search to find an exercise studio that prioritized community and offered the intentional movement she craved. That's when she stumbled upon Niche! She fell in love with Pilates and jumped at the opportunity to enroll in Niche's Instructor Training program to further her practice.

Now, she balances her time teaching Pilates and contributing to marketing efforts at Niche. As a full-time member of the Niche team, you can expect her to see her teaching Taylor Swift pop up classes, getting content around the studio, and always having a coffee in hand.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: Comprehensive Pilates Training through Pilates Academy International. Reformer, Mat, Barrel, Chair and Cadillac. Certified in Reformer 1&2, Mat 1&2, Pilates Suspension Method. Registered Nurse, BSN, CCRN, MBA.

Originally from Tampa with New York roots, Nadine moved to Richmond with her family in late Summer 2023. She came here as a newly certified Pilates instructor and quickly sought out Niche. After taking her first class at the studio, she knew this was the place for her.

Nadine was first introduced to mat Pilates by her dance teacher in the early years of high school. Since then, her practice has evolved into a career. She started out as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor while competing along-side Tri-Fitness and National Physique Committee athletes. Her passion for health and fitness is lifelong and she is beyond excited to share her knowledge and experience with the Niche team and their amazing clients.

With a background as a registered nurse for over 15 years, working in multiple states and various departments, Nadine is also a proud military wife and mother of two loveable young girls. When she is not doing all things fitness, you can find her traveling, gardening, trying new restaurants and most of all spending time with her family.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: YTT 200 Hour, Barre, STOTT® PILATES: Reformer and Mat Certified, NICHE Foundations and Reformer, 15,000 Teaching Hours

Certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor

TRAINING: 200 hr Yoga Alliance Teacher Training, Pure Barre training and Lotte Berke Method of Barre, Stott Pilates Intensive Mat, Advanced Mat, and Intensive Reformer, Niche Instructor Training

Mackenzie started taking Yoga in 2004 under the guidance of her aunt, Jennifer Rose Smith. She discovered Hot Yoga and loved it! She quickly found Ashtanga Yoga under the guidance of Rob Miller and she dedicated herself to this practice. She traveled to Mysore, India in 2004 to study under Pattabhi and Sharath Jois. Mackenzie has been teaching yoga for 20 years. She enjoys all kinds of yoga and currently focuses on Vinyasa, Deep Stretch, and Deep Release.

Mackenzie has been practicing Pilates on and off for years, and under the encouragement of Kimber McQueen of Balance Pilates, she decided to take the Instructor training for Mat and Reformer. She loved it! She finished her Mat training at the beginning of 2020 under LeeAnn Silvey and she finished private Reformer training with Kimber in the spring of 2020. She also completed Niche Instructor training in 2023 to combine a variety of classical and contemporary exercises. You may see both styles and a yoga influence to incorporate lengthening in Mackenzie’s classes.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: Niche Foundations and Reformer, Barre Instructor, former company dancer with Richmond Ballet, current company dancer with Conflux Dance Theater, Niche Mat Pilates I & II

Julie hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, but has lived in Richmond for all of her adult life. She first began practicing pilates at age twelve as cross training for ballet, and credits the strength and muscle articulation knowledge gained through pilates as the catalyst for her advancement into the world of professional dance.

After teaching barre classes for ten years, Julie fell back in love with reformer movement and completed Niche Instructor Training in 2022. She loves Niche’s philosophy of inclusion for all bodies, ages, and skill levels, as well as its vision for providing classes that are challenging yet kind to the body. Julie is a mom of four young children and has a special place in her heart for pregnant and postpartum mamas.

When she’s not at the studio, Julie spends her time caring for her kids, rehearsing and performing with Conflux Dance Theater, freelance writing, and sipping on moderately priced bourbons with her husband George.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: 450-Hour Pilates Certification from the Pilates Center in Boulder, CO

Molly is a proud Richmond native, is fueled by her love for dance and fitness. Her journey into Pilates began in 2020 amidst her studies in Dance Performance & Choreography and Journalism at Elon University. Embracing Pilates as her pandemic passion project, Molly found joy in learning, training, and honing her teaching skills, sharing her expertise eagerly with friends and family. Post-certification, Molly began teaching Pilates and various fitness classes to faculty, staff, and students at Elon.

Following her graduation, Molly's path led her to the welcoming community at Niche, where she found a home dedicated to making Pilates accessible and enjoyable for Richmond residents. When she's not guiding clients through transformative workouts, you can find Molly working as a performer at Busch Gardens Williamsburg or delving into the world of digital marketing at Merakke Studio in Richmond, VA.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: STOTT Pilates Level I Certified Instructor, CORE Athletic Conditioning and Performance

Sara is from Seattle and loves spending time outdoors biking, skiing, and hiking. After a back injury sidelined her from the active lifestyle she loved, she discovered Pilates, which gave her back what she thought she’d lost. Her desire to share that with others fuels her passion for teaching Pilates.

Sara came to Richmond to attend law school at the University of Richmond when she discovered Niche. After taking her first class, she knew that Niche was something special and began teaching Sundays during the school year. Sara enjoys helping clients learn about their bodies and figuring out how to live pain free so that they can continue to do the things they love for the rest of their lives.

When she’s not teaching Pilates, Sara is usually busy with her studies, but she loves staying active, enjoying a perfect cup of coffee, and traveling.

Apprentice Instructor

TRAINING: Niche Foundations and Reformer

Amber grew up in Southside Virginia and initially moved to Richmond for college. She was introduced to Pilates (and Niche!) in December 2019 and immediately noticed an increase in strength and stability through her own practice. She also appreciated the focus on mindful movement and making modifications as necessary.

Amber believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness and loves the opportunity to share a form of exercise that has provided her with so many benefits with others.

When not at Niche, Amber works full-time as a project manager in clinical research. Her free time is spent performing stand-up and improv comedy, and volunteering with local Trap Neuter Release (TNR) efforts.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: NICHE Foundations and Reformer, Richmond Ballet Professional Dancer

Sabrina's interest for movement started at a very young age in the ballet studio. She seamlessly integrated Pilates into her extensive ballet career, experiencing its transformation benefits firsthand. Now, with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for holistic well- being, Sabrina is dedicated to sharing the joy and empowerment that Pilates brings to all.

After years of benefitting from the Pilates herself she decided to look into starting her instructor training to help others. In the summer of 2021 she discovered Niche’s training program and was fascinated by how much more she could learn. Sabrina is inspired by Niche’s team of instructors that have a wealth of knowledge to learn from.

Sabrina is also a mother and understands the unique journey of postpartum and pregnancy fitness. Having returned to dancing after welcoming her baby, she is passionate about empowering other mothers. She looks forward to supporting and helping mothers feel their best during pregnancy and beyond.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: NICHE Foundations and Reformer

Sarah recently returned to Richmond after a three-year adventure in New York City. Navigating a new city and excited to try new things, Pilates became a newfound obsession, first mat and then the reformer. Over 28 years in Richmond, she has experimented with fitness from outdoor bootcamps, rowing on the James, weight training, yoga and many more but believes that Pilates has made the greatest impact on her strength and confidence.

Happy to discover Niche upon her return and inspired by the energy and opportunities to build upon what she learned in NYC, Sarah enrolled in the Niche Instructor Training course in February 2023. She loves this newfound way to help people feel strong and enjoys the creativity that is enabled by the reformer and collaboration with the talented team at Niche.

Sarah is a non-profit consultant and strategist having built a career with many of Richmond’s favorite nonprofits. She is also mom to two-grown children and now she and her husband balance life between the Fan and a cottage in Maine.

Certified Instructor

TRAINING: Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) Trainee, STOTT® PILATES: Reformer, Mat, Advanced Mat, Stability Chair, Balanced Body Movement Principles, Sculpt + Core Pilates

Katie is from Alexandria, VA but moved to Richmond in 2005. She loves Niche because of the calming and positive vibe. Her teaching style focuses on full body sequences with added challenges, and a few laughs along the way. She likes trying new exercises at any chance possible and helping clients to feel comfortable no matter their skill level.

Interested in a Zoom private on your reformer or ours? Katie is happy to offer Reformer or Mat privates via Zoom!

Certified Yoga Instructor

TRAINING: YTT 200

Laura first moved to Richmond for college and fell in love with the city so she never left. She loves how Richmond is full of outdoor activities and fitness enthusiasts. She once joined a group and biked from Richmond to Williamsburg. She has done white water drafting and SUP yoga in the James River.

Laura has always had a passion for any and all physical activity. Once a long distance runner, she turned to yoga as a running recovery but quickly became very involved. She loves how strong, balanced, and centered yoga makes her feel so she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training in November of 2023.

As a full time nurse, Laura knows the importance of self-care and life outside of work. Outside of nursing and yoga, she enjoys traveling, reading and cooking.

Certified Yoga Instructor

TRAINING: RYT-200 hr

Morgan recently returned to her roots in Richmond after a transformative decade in Boston, ready to embrace the next chapter of her life and settle back home closer to her family.

Morgan was a competitive soccer player through college, she retired from the sport riddled with joint issues from countless ankle sprains, torn ligaments, and stress fractures. Undeterred, she sought solace in rigorous exercise, clinging to the familiar feeling of being an “athlete”. In 2016, she rolled out her mat for the first time with very little expectation and that same day she enrolled in a Yoga Teacher Training course that started a few weeks later. Her breakthrough moment was finding an exercise that was gentle on her body, yet powerful and complex. Life was altered.

Yoga gave Morgan confidence, strength, purpose, a creative outlet, and community - she teaches to provide space for others to experience the opportunities that come from mind and body movement.

Morgan works full-time for a Boston-based Biotechnology company as their head of talent acquisition. She loves people and is passionate about working in oncology and rare disease. Alongside her career, Morgan has embraced motherhood having had her first baby in 2023. When she isn’t working or at Niche, she’s exploring the city with her husband and son.

Certified Yoga Instructor

Training: YTT 200 Hour

Laura is a Richmond-native, fitness instructor, and graphic designer. She found her love for yoga and pilates during her time at James Madison University where she taught group exercise classes and earned her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. The coordination of breath with movement, and the intention behind it is Laura’s favorite thing about yoga and pilates classes because it allows you to be fully present in the moment and do something beautiful for your mind and body.

As a plant mom, Laura loves the soothing and natural vibe at Niche and feels right at home instructing in the mat studio. When Laura is not teaching yoga or pilates you’ll find her out and about the city with her dog, Ivy, trying new restaurants, taking walks and enjoying some sun and fresh air!

Apprentice Instructor

TRAINING: Niche Mat Instructor Training I & II, Niche Foundations and Reformer

Savannah relocated to Richmond from New Jersey six years ago to pursue her education at VCU. She majored in fashion merchandising and was a member of the Division 1 Women’s Lacrosse team. Graduating in May of 2022, she chose to remain at VCU to pursue her master’s degree in marketing, fueled by her love for Richmond.

Following her retirement from athletics, Savannah sought a new fitness routine. She discovered Niche and quickly developed a passion for pilates and its encompassing atmosphere. Pilates has not only enhanced Savannah's physical well-being but has also strengthened her mental health. After joining the CET team for a few months, Savannah felt compelled to delve further into pilates by undertaking Mat Pilates instructor training. With her background as a lacrosse coach since high school, and a two-year captain at VCU, instructing came naturally to her. She is passionate about inspiring and helping others, aiming to empower them to feel as confident, strong, and healthy as she does through pilates.

Data Analyst

Anfisa moved to Richmond from Northern Virginia. She was looking for a community where she could be herself and move her body - that’s where she found Niche. Her favorite part of working at Niche is listening to inspiring clients stories and how they got into Pilates. Anfisa is a full time student at Arizona State University, so during her free time you can find her at Roastology sipping on The Evergreen while working on homework or reading a book.

Assistant Manager

Jennifer is originally from El Salvador, but she moved to Richmond as a kid, since then she moved to Houston in 2021 and found a community within the restaurant industry. After being diagnosed with PCOS she found Pilates and decided to move back to Richmond in 2023 to pursue them more while being closer to family, to learn not only about her body but to help others with the same condition. Jennifer specializes in customer service, social media, and managing. She is interested in expanding her knowledge in Pilates and becoming an instructor in the near future while continuing to help create a friendly community and enhance guest experience at Niche. In her free time, you can find her at Black Lodge, Ironclad or cooking for her friends and family!

Client Experience Team Member

NaTia is from South Carolina. She moved to Virginia in 2020 and finding a Pilates Studio was one of the first things on her list! Niche was the first studio she walked into and has become one of her many favorite spots in Richmond to relax and unwind. She was introduced to Mat Pilates during a semester course at college and fell in love with the end results. Feeling taller, stronger and balanced just to name a few! Having the desire to feel that way again and help others do the same, NaTia joined the Niche Pilates Instructor Training. She is currently working on completing her hours! Her favorite part about Niche is the welcoming environment and the encouraging atmosphere that is provided daily to our clients. Outside of Niche you can find NaTia exploring a neighborhood park, trying out a new recipe, or enjoying any of the local restaurants and coffee shops just a walk away.

Client Experience Team Member

Anna grew up in New York and lived there her whole life until moving to Virginia earlier this year. She found Niche soon after moving, and is immensely grateful to have found such a warm community of women who have similar passions and interests in movement and inclusivity. Anna is new to pilates, and she is loving every minute of it! She is specifically interested in the rehabilitation benefits of pilates, for mind and body, as she is currently working on her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.

When not at Niche, you can find Anna exploring Richmond, studying at a coffee shop, or going on walks with friends.