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.

Instructor Lead & 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. Caroline joined Niche Full Time in 2021. When not teaching group classes, Caroline enjoys working with clients 1 on 1 to help them grow and achieve their goals. You can expect to see Caroline in our group classes frequently, she loves connecting with the community and supporting our instructor team. Caroline has channeled her passion for teaching into guiding and empowering fellow instructors as they develop their own unique styles. As the Lead Instructor and Niche Instructor Trainer, Caroline is passionate about supporting, educating, and empowering new and experienced instructors.

Outside of Niche, Caroline enjoys exploring Richmond's trails, trying new restaurants, and honing her skills in the kitchen.

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), Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).

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. Maddie is the driving force behind our Niche social media, newsletters, and blogs. Additionally, she serves as Niche's community coordinator, helping to plan exciting events at the studio. She is currently studying to receive her Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) certification to best assist pre and postnatal clients in private sessions. 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 & Education Coordinator

TRAINING: NICHE Foundations and Reformer, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), 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.

Education Marketing Coordinator & 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.

Business & Data Analyst

Anfisa, based in Northern Virginia, is a traveler who explores new places frequently. She is an ASU alumna with a Bachelor's in Business Data Analytics. Her journey at Niche began as a Client Experience Team Member, where her enthusiasm and connection with the team quickly became evident. She then transitioned to a Marketing role, but her true passion for data led her to become a Data Analyst, thanks to the support and flexibility of the team, particularly owner and founder Jaclyn.

In her current role, Anfisa is instrumental in ensuring Niche's success. She manages comprehensive backend tasks, producing weekly, monthly, and yearly reports that provide critical insights into the Niche's performance. Her ad hoc research and analysis support strategic business initiatives, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Anfisa monitors key performance indicators (KPI) such as attendance, utilization, and marketing campaign effectiveness. Always on the lookout for innovative solutions, she led the research for Niche's new scheduling software, BSport, showcasing her forward-thinking approach and dedication to continuous improvement.

In her spare time you can find her at a local coffee shop drinking matcha and reading a self help book

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Certified Reformer Instructor & Certified Yoga Instructor

TRAINING: RYT-200 hr, Niche Foundations & Reformer

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 discovered Yoga which soon led her to Pilates. Her breakthrough moment was finding an exercise that was gentle on her body, yet powerful and complex. Life was altered.

Pilates has given 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.

Mat Pilates Apprentice & Certified Yoga Instructor

Training: YTT 200 Hour, ACE Certified Group Gitness Instructor, Niche Mat Apprentice

Laura is a Richmond-native, fitness instructor, and graphic designer. She found a love for 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 pilates 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 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!

Certified Mat Pilates Instructor

TRAINING: Former dancer with Richmond Ballet, Niche Mat Pilates I & II

Hannah is a Virginia native, originally from NoVA. Her relationship with Pilates began as support for her dance education in middle school. Hannah’s ballet journey took her from coast to coast, eventually landing her in Richmond. The utilization of Pilates was present in most of her training curriculums, sparking a love for the exercise form and a dream to teach it someday.

When she was 19 years old, Hannah was diagnosed with C-PTSD. This shifted the way she thought about the connection between the physical and mental, as the presence of major physical symptoms were becoming increasingly apparent as a result of her mental health. Pilates became one of many tools she used to help heal and understand her body and mind as one unit, in addition to therapy and training her service dog, Pippin.

After 13 years, Hannah decided to take a step away from full time dancing, majorly to pursue her Pilates instructor certifications. Sabrina Sabino, another Richmond Ballet dancer and Niche Instructor, recommended Niche’s teacher training programs. She completed the Niche Mat Pilates Certification in September of 2024. Her love of teaching and choreographing dance translated directly into a passion for teaching Pilates, and she is very excited to pursue her reformer training starting in October!

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

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: Certified Personal Trainer (ACE); Niche Foundations and Reformer

Melissa is a fitness enthusiast whose goal is focussing on women’s pelvic health through pilates and corrective exercise.

After rediscovering Mat Pilates in 2019, she has personally experienced the benefits of increased flexibility, mobility and core strength that are at the heart of pilates. Melissa became a Certified Personal Trainer in May 2023, but sensed that might just be the beginning! Adding Reformer to the mix, she’s excited by the infinite possibilities to help women of all ages on their wellness journeys, to achieve a lifetime of fitness through Pilates.

Outside of Niche, Melissa and her husband enjoy all things food and nutrition, hiking, cycling and gathering with family and friends.

Client Experience Team

Grace joined Niche Pilates Studio while searching for a new fitness routine after retiring from collegiate athletics. Originally from NOVA, she moved to Richmond in 2019 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was a member of the VCU women's lacrosse team. Grace graduated in 2023 and immediately pursued her passion for marketing at the VCU Brandcenter, where she is set to graduate in spring 2025. Her love for Niche’s supportive and inspiring atmosphere makes her a valuable part of our team.

Client Experience Team Member

Anna has been at Niche for over a year as a member of the Client Experience Team. Originally from New York City with Irish roots, she hopes to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the front desk, so that clients feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they arrive.

Outside of her role at the studio, Anna enjoys taking classes. She’s seen how Pilates can improve strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, and loves helping others experience the same benefits.

Alongside her work here, Anna is a graduate student studying Speech Pathology. She finds that Pilates and her studies complement each other, offering deeper insight into how body awareness and movement contribute to overall health, both physically and mentally.

Anna is always happy to assist with any questions, book your next session, or guide you through the studio’s offerings, ensuring you have the best possible experience during every visit.

Client Experience Team

Kayla is originally from Northern Virginia but decided to move to Richmond to find a sense of community. Upon first entering Niche, Kayla fell in love with the beautiful aesthetic and the warm environment. Kayla is new to Pilates, but is enjoying the opportunity to explore all of the classes. She loves that Pilates gives her the opportunity to work on balance, posture, and core strength. Kayla is a licensed master esthetician, currently specializing in waxing. In her free time, she loves to read and go to concerts with her friends.

Client Experience Team

Bella, a native of Richmond, Virginia, discovered her love for movement through ballet from a young age. Eager to adopt a new routine reminiscent of her dance background, it only seemed right to try pilates at Niche. From the moment she stepped into the studio, Bella felt welcomed by the instructors and captivated by the communal ambiance that filled Niche's atmosphere. Despite being a novice in pilates, Bella quickly found herself enamored with its dynamic nature and the profound impact it had on her body and mind.

As a pre-nursing major at VCU, Bella harbors a keen interest in applying her understanding of anatomy to her Pilates practice. She sees a beautiful synergy between her academic pursuits and her newfound passion, recognizing the potential for her knowledge to deepen her appreciation for the intricacies of movement and muscle engagement.

Outside of Niche, Bella can be found strolling through the Fan district, baking a new treat for her friends, or exploring all the restaurants Richmond has to offer!