HEATHER LEWIS
Heather has been studying the mind-body connection through the teaching and/or practice of dance, movement and fitness for 25 years. What began as a physical pursuit and love for the art of dance has evolved into a larger awareness of the importance of healthy balanced movement practices for all populations. This kind of health carries the individual into a more full life experience, whatever their path.
Heather holds a masters in fine arts in dance from Arizona State University, and she was trained in the authentic Pilates method in New York City at the original Pilates studio built by Joseph Pilates, our founding father. Heather has completed the Power Pilates bridge program and holds the Core Align certifcation 1-3. She has studied with Tom Myers (KMI anatomy trains) in anatomy and kinesiology has continued her advanced training in dance, yoga, and Pilates in programs throughout the country.
Heather has owned and operated Maximum Pilates since 2007. Before that, she danced professionally with A Ludwig Dance Theatre, Dancer’s Workshop Jackson Hole and Center Dance. She also co-founded Flux, a dancer’s co-op . As an instructor, her clients have included competitive athletes, dancers, swimmers, cyclists, marathon runners and people of all ages with a variety of injuries and physical limitations.
“My passion is observing the many ways this deepening awareness changes people’s lives and enriches their personal health–physically, mentally and emotionally,” Heather says. “Even as my experience grows and deepens as a teacher, I feel every day that I am very much a student of the work. At the studio, we have successfully moved through spine and neck pain, back injuries,scoliosis, disc injuries and replacements, hip and knee replacements, knee rehab, shoulder and wrist rehab, foot and ankle pain and injuries, and pre- post-pregnancy health goals. My passion for gathering knowledge about the way the human body changes my life on a daily basis. I love watching the lives of my clients change as they pursue the practice of Pilates and wellness.”
DONNA KRAMER
Donna Kramer is a nine-year advanced practitioner drawn to Pilates by a back injury. She has been practicing with Heather Lewis for five of those years, recently completing beginning teacher training and now accepting clients for those are new to Pilates. Donna is a native Phoenician and holds a B.A. in Communications from Arizona State University and is a certified Martha Beck life and personal growth coach.
CARMELLE MALKOVICH
Carmelle has more than 25 years of dance experience and has taught and choreographed on many levels for more than 10 years. Her dance background and a prior injury led her to Maximum Pilates where she has remained a client and is thrilled to be teaching MaxBarre, a combination of ballet, pilates, and resistance training, at the studio. Carmelle loves teaching and helping her clients and students achieve great results in a positive and fun atmosphere. Carmelle holds degrees in Public Relations and Advertising from Northern Arizona University and is currently a Senior Public Relations Specialist for St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.