Our Instructors

Davidson Reid

With almost 20 years of Pilates experience, Davidson brings a wealth of knowledge to Studio Lotus as its Owner and Teacher Training Co-Director. Davidson was first exposed to Pilates as a teenager in Atlanta as part of his early dance training, and continued to study the technique upon moving to New York at age 17 to pursue a career in classical ballet. Highlights of his career as a performer include dancing with the Joffrey Ballet, and touring Europe and South Africa with West Side Story and A Chorus Line. After spending 18 months in South Africa, Davidson returned to New York and continued to study Pilates with a variety of teachers, including Peter Vaillancourt, Peter Roelle and Phoebe Higgins.

As a Pilates instructor, Davidson combines an astute eye for detail and the biomechanics of movement with a profound understanding of the Pilates method to provide a demanding workout. As a Power Pilates Senior Teacher Trainer, Davidson travels and leads Power Pilates certification programs and continuing education workshops throughout the U.S. and internationally. Since Studio Lotus became the first Power Pilates’ Affiliate Training Center in 2002, Davidson has provided teacher training to more than 600 instructors in Atlanta. From Beginner Mat to Comprehensive Training, his goal in any program is to not only teach the Pilates method in its classic, undiluted form, but to teach teachers to be the most successful Pilates instructors they can be by providing them tools to inspire their own classes and clientele.

Davidson’s deep belief in Power Pilates comes from his years of experience in helping his clients transform their own bodies. In turn, he brings that insight and passion to teacher training as he helps to develop some of the most talented new generation of Pilates instructors. Davidson is PMA Pilates certified and lives in Decatur with his wife, Danielle, and his son, Matthew.

Anne Brendle

Anne Brendle received a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Florida State University in 1998. She subsequently moved to New York City where she completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training in 2001. Anne taught in the Power Pilates New York studios where she developed a loyal client base, including celebrities Hilary Swank and Keri Russell. She has been featured in Women’s Health and Fitness Magazine, US Weekly and Elle Magazine. Anne is also a Russian Kettlebell Instructor, trained through Kettlebell Concepts in 2005.

In 2003, Anne was invited to become a Power Pilates Teacher Trainer, and has since traveled the country teaching Pilates certification programs and continuing education workshops. She joined Studio Lotus as a Senior Pilates Instructor and Co-Director of Teacher Training in October 2005. Anne is known for her extensive Pilates vocabulary on all the apparatus, as well as her approachable teaching style. Throughout the teacher training process – whether it spans one weekend or one year – she strives to help each person find their unique voice.

As an instructor, Anne believes that Pilates is an ever-evolving practice that must change and grow with each client, while remaining true to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates. She is particularly skilled at ‘the art of verbal cueing’ as she finds just the right words to help her clients reap the maximum results from the method. Anne is PMA Pilates certified and is a full-time instructor at Studio Lotus.

Wendy Latorre Adams

Wendy was introduced to Pilates mat classes when she was fifteen-years old and a pre-professional student in Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance Education. Pilates kept her strong and free from pain during the rest of her dance career, which continued until her early twenties as she performed with the Washington Ballet, the Atlanta Ballet, and Encore Dance Theatre in Athens, Georgia. After the birth of her daughter and ensuing abdominal surgery, Wendy started working on the Pilates apparatus in 2004 at Studio Lotus and quickly decided to pursue teacher training through Power Pilates. She completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus in June 2005. Additionally, Wendy took her belief in the healing power of massage to the next level by attending the Academy of Somatic Healing Arts (ASHA) where she became a Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist in September 2005. Wendy is convinced that the combination of Pilates and massage can keep one balanced, strong, and out of pain. When not in the studio, Wendy loves spending time with her husband, Michael, and her beautiful daughter, Maya.  She teaches at Studio Lotus.

Jojo Butler

Jojo earned her BA in Dance/Theatre and a Diploma in Education from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. When her international travels led her to England, she auditioned for Carnival Cruise Lines and worked for four years as a Dancer, Dance Captain and Aerial Artist. She began correspondence study to teach Pilates Mat to her fellow dancers after a work-related back and shoulder injury led her to the method and its immediately tangible results. Jojo moved to Atlanta and now dances with Full Radius Dance. She chose to fully develop her education through Power Pilates Comprehensive Training, which she completed in September 2005 at Studio Lotus.  She is a caring and empathetic teacher with a keen eye for analyzing human movement. She puts beginners at ease with her humor and sensibility, while always challenging and motivating clients of all levels.  Jojo teaches primarily at Studio Lotus at Atlanta Ballet and is PMA Pilates certified.

Regina (Gigi) Christler

Gigi received her BFA in Dance from Adelphi University. She has performed with various dance companies in New York, Boston and Atlanta, and has taught all levels of dance from pre-school to college. From 1985-1990, Gigi was the Assistant Director of the Cle Douglas Backyard Dance Theatre in Boston. Additionally, she has taught and choreographed for Spellman’s Dance Extension Program. She became a certified Pilates instructor under Master Teacher Romana Kryzanowska and Senior Instructors/Teacher Trainers Sari Pace and Juanita Lopez in 2000. Gigi continues learning by taking continuing education courses in order to better help clients empower themselves through Pilates. Her proudest accomplishment is raising an intelligent, beautiful and creative daughter who keeps Mom on the move. Gigi teaches at Studio Lotus.

Adria Chuhay

Adria brings a strong background in dance to her Pilates instruction. In fall 2008, she entered her fifth season as a full-time member of the Georgia Ballet. She has also performed as a member of Nevada Ballet Theatre, Columbia City Ballet, and as a featured guest artist of the North Atlanta Dance Theatre. In addition to performing, Adria has taught many forms of dance and movement throughout her career, including coaching a student to finalist in the highly competitive Youth America Grand Prix 2004. She completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus in May 2004. Adria has an excellent eye for detail and enjoys bringing clients of all levels to the next stage in their workout. She teaches at Studio Lotus and is PMA Pilates certified.

Clare Gordon

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Clare came to Atlanta after graduation from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997 with a dual degree in Psychology and Communication Disorders.  Working in high-tech public relations, she began her Pilates practice at Studio Lotus in 1999.  After the tech bubble burst in 2001, Clare found herself living in Sydney, Australia; she continued her Pilates practice and began her classical method training under the program run by Master Teacher Romana Kryzanowska.  Back in the states, Clare completed this certification in 2002 at the affiliated training center in Atlanta.  Teaching at Studio Lotus since January, 2002, Clare also completed the Power Pilates Comprehensive certification in the fall of 2008 in order to further strengthen her teaching and knowledge of the Pilates method.  She received her ActivCore training and certification during the summer of 2010, and continues to deepen her understanding of the method and enhance her own practice and teaching skills by participating in workshops and continuing education courses.  Clare keeps varied clientele moving with her strong voice and flowing teaching style. She is a full-time instructor at Studio Lotus and is PMA Pilates certified.

Adrienne Holland

Adrienne earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire in 1996 and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Georgia in 1999. A native of New York, she currently lives in North Atlanta with her husband, Jon, and their two children, Kate and Will.  After the birth of her daughter in 2002, Adrienne became a devoted student of the Pilates method.  Through consistent practice of classical Pilates at Studio Lotus, her post-baby body was quickly transformed.  So enamored with the changes in her own body, she chose a different path from her previous studies and completed the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus in June 2005.  Known for providing a demanding workout, Adrienne strikes an ideal balance between precision and flow.  The mother in her enjoys watching a client grow and blossom in their own practice, while the teacher in her continues to move a client beyond what they think is possible. Outside of the studio, Adrienne enjoys spends time volunteering at her kids’ schools, playing tennis, reading and spending time with her family. Adrienne is PMA Pilates certified and teaches at Studio Lotus.

Shannon McBride

In 1997, Shannon began a career as a marine scientist working with endangered sea turtles. The downsides of solitary life on a boat motivated her towards a career change to chiropractic. She graduated from Life University in 2001 and has been practicing ever since in a high-volume office in Norcross. When patient adjustments led to persistent lower back fatigue, Shannon began training at Studio Lotus. Experiencing amazing results in her own body, she became hooked on the method. Having completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus in August 2005, Shannon incorporates Pilates into her chiropractic practice, helping her patients achieve strong, healthy bodies. Likewise, Pilates clients and fellow instructors reap the benefits of her chiropractic knowledge. Shannon teaches at Studio Lotus.

Nancy Nesbitt

A mother of three girls and a grandmother, Nancy has worked for IBM for 36 years. She has been involved in the fitness industry since 1987 as both a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor for Step, Resist-A-Ball, Yoga and Spinning. She added Pilates to the list of her fitness instruction credentials when she completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus in February 2003. Nancy enjoys teaching all levels of clients in a flowing style, with a focus on detail that helps them truly feel the work in their bodies. She celebrates clients’ accomplishments, experiencing the joy of growth and improvement with them. Nancy teaches at Studio Lotus on Saturday mornings and during weekday evenings at Studio Lotus at Atlanta Ballet. Nancy is PMA Pilates Gold certified.

Maika Ramos-Prieto

Born in Spain and a professional dancer for almost 25 years, Maika has performed as a soloist with some of the most prestigious companies in Europe, including the Hamburg Ballet, the Dusseldorf Ballet, the Monte-Carlo Ballet, the Cullberg Ballet and the Rambert Ballet. She credits Pilates for helping with her countless dance injuries, and providing her the strength and flexibility to perform at such a high level. Upon moving to Atlanta with her husband George, whom she met in Germany while dancing and married in August 2004, Maika sought to further her Pilates training at Studio Lotus. In August 2007 she completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus. She also received her Russian Kettlebell Certification in January 2007. Maika brings high energy to the studio and teaches with an extremely positive attitude. Maika is a full-time instructor at Studio Lotus.

Kim Barber

Kim was born and raised in Atlanta.  A dancer for over 20 years, she received her training with Dan and Company Studios, Gary Harrison, Melita Brock-Warner and Jimmy Locust.  She has performed with The Atlanta Jazz Theatre, Bo Wagner Dance Theatre and was a member of the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team from 1991 to 1996.  During this time, she also attended Georgia State University, receiving her BS and MS in Mathematics in 1993 and 2000 respectively.   After working in the mortgage industry for 15 years, Kim was ready for a change.  With a fitness background and a love of helping people, she decided to begin the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training Program at Studio Lotus and Kim completed the program in May 2009.  In her spare time, Kim still loves to dance.  She also enjoys backpacking with her husband, Todd, and their two dogs, Millie and Charlie.

Melissa Castro

Originally from Costa Rica, Melissa received a BA in Dance from the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica in 2004.  In 2002 she joined the local studio and dance group Abend and shortly after became teaching assistant and assistant choreographer to her teacher, Costa Rica´s contemporary dance pioneer, Cristina Gigirey. Gigirey’s renowned work allowed them to collaborate with national dance groups in Mexico and Canada, where they presented La Casa de Bernard Alba to a standing ovation in the 2006 World Dance Alliance Convention in Toronto.  Melissa continued to teach dance until she and her husband, Ignacio, moved to Atlanta in 2008. Her love for physical movement and health made her decide to complete the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training Program in June 2009, and her certification in ActivCore in August 2009 at Studio Lotus.  Melissa enjoys embracing new challenges and believes that ‘when you move, you are truly alive.’

Lakisha Cheek

Originally from upstate New York, Lakisha came to Atlanta to study at Clark Atlanta University.  In 1996 she received her BA in Music with a concentration in voice.  She married her college sweetheart, Jarrod, in 1998 and made Atlanta her permanent home.  With a background in track & field as well as weight lifting, Lakisha began to look for an alternative workout routine that would reduce tight, bulky muscles.  Discovering mat Pilates in 2002, she was overwhelmed by her changing body.  She became mat certified in Spring 2003 and in February 2009 completed the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus.  When not teaching, Lakisha loves being a wife and mother.  She enjoys reading, going to the theater, watching movies and just being out and about in town.

Lynn Deal

Lynn received her BA in Early Childhood Ed. from UNC-Greensboro and her Masters in Education from Appalachian State University. After transitioning her career to Sales & Marketing with Eastman Kodak Company in 1985, Lynn continued to pursue her lifelong passion for health and fitness. Being an avid runner and triathlon participant, Lynn became certified through USA Track & Field as a Level 1 Coach in 2000 and and became certified through AFAA as a Personal Trainer in 2002.  Her passion for Pilates translates directly to her teaching style with a sincere desire to provide a personalized, challenging workout for her clients.  After taking her first Pilates Mat Class in 2004, Lynn became an advocate of the Pilates method and successfully completed all three levels of Power Pilates System Training in February 2007.  Her passion for Pilates is reflected in her teaching style with a sincere desire to provide a personalized, challenging workout for clients.  In her spare time, Lynn enjoys running, cycling and spending time with her boyfriend, Mitch, and her niece and nephew, Casey and Cody.  Lynn teaches at both Studio Lotus and Studio Lotus at Atlanta Ballet, and is PMA Pilates certified.

Rachel Diehl

After graduating in 2006 from Bryan College with a BA in Psychology, Rachel moved to Atlanta where she worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Georgia, helping women overcome multiple types of addictions.  Having enjoyed Pilates over the years as an addendum to her extensive ballet training, she discovered the Power Pilates method at Studio Lotus and how it develops a wonderful balance of strength and flexibility.  Combined with her love for people and movement, it was only natural for Rachel to become an instructor as she saw Pilates physically heal the body while providing a challenging workout.  In April, 2009 Rachel completed Power Pilates Beginner and Intermediate Mat Certification  and the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training Program in the Fall of 2009.  During the summer of 2010 she received her ActivCore training and certification.  When not at the Studio, Rachel can be found spending time with her husband, Keelan, or volunteering with the children’s ministry at her church.

Joyce Nash

Originally from Conyers, Georgia, Joyce took her first Pilates class at the age of 12. While studying modern dance at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 2004, Joyce became a true student of the practice in order to strengthen a chronic shoulder problem that several doctors were unable to help her with.  Before returning to Georgia in 2006 and dancing with Full Radius Dance, Joyce danced professionally in North Carolina with the Asheville Contemporary Dance Theater, taught and choreographed for several companies.  Joyce completed the Power Pilates Beginner Mat Certification in the summer of 2007 and in January 2009 completed Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at Studio Lotus.

Kim Place

Kim began practicing Pilates in 2005 at Studio Lotus. While building strength in all the right places, she realized it also helped her unwind and control her stress. Completing Power Pilates Comprehensive Training in spring 2008, Kim is extremely excited to share with clients what she has learned. Through a challenging and fun workout, it is Kim’s goal that each client walk away from their session feeling strong, stress free and rejuvenated. Prior to teaching Pilates, Kim worked as a professional musician and paralegal. Her hobbies include music, theater, hitting the streets and race track in her Mini Cooper, and spending time with her newborn son, Gabrielle. Kim teaches at Studio Lotus at Atlanta Ballet.

Kate Twitchell

While living in Portland, Oregon, Kate began her personal practice of Pilates in 1998. After moving to Atlanta in 2001 and exploring various Pilates studios, Kate discovered Studio Lotus and the Power Pilates method. The method’s emphasis on a balance of flow and precision immediately resonated with her, and she began the Power Pilates Comprehensive Training Program in 2005.  Teaching at Studio Lotus since 2008, she strives to bring the balance of flow and precision into her teaching.  When Kate is not in the studio, she is chasing after her daughter, Stella, and sneaking in time to read.

Lissette Valdes

Originally from Miami, Lissette moved to Atlanta in 1996.  She received a BS in Neuroscience from Georgia State in 2006.  Originally a client, Lissette was the inaugural participant in The Joseph H. Pilates 30-Session Challenge at Studio Lotus. Amazed at the dramatic transformation her body experienced in only ten weeks, Lissette realized that she not only wanted to be a committed student of Pilates, but also an instructor.  She completed her Power Pilates Comprehensive Training in January 2009.  Lissette is inspired to challenge clients to transform their bodies and minds through a consistent Pilates practice.

Scott Wilson

With a B.S. in Performance Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University, Scott completed his Power Pilates Comprehensive Training at the Telos Performance Center in 2007. An I.S.S.A. Certified Fitness Trainer and Muscle Activation Techniques Jumpstart Specialist, he has also completed the Hardstyle Kettlebell Challenge.

 Scott began his performance career at the age of sixteen attending the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts and training at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. He has performed with numerous theatrical and entertainment companies, including the Atlanta Ballet, City Dance Ensemble, Seaside Musical Theatre, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Cruise Lines. Injuries resulting from the rigors of professional dance led Scott to the world of Pilates, and his appreciation for the healing power of movement motivates him in his continuing quest for education. Scott teaches Russian Kettlebell classes and Pilates at both Studio Lotus and Studio Lotus at Atlanta Ballet.  He is HKC and PMA certified.