Meet Your Instructors

erin haag (Studio Owner)

Erin Haag is a Power Pilates certified instructor and a member of the Pilates Method Alliance. With a background in dance, Erin studied with Ballet Florida, Alexander W Dreyfoos Jr, School of the Arts, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Webster University’s Conservatory for Theatre & Dance. Erin is also an alumnus of The Broadway Theatre Project where she had the privilege to study dance under Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon, Gregory Hines, and Debra McWaters. Erin’s love for dance led her to Pilates in 2000, and soon after, she created the Yoga & Pilates Organization at Webster University. Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Erin began working as a certified weight loss counselor and helped hundreds of clients lose thousands of pounds. It was Erin’s experience as a weight loss counselor that inspired her to open Pilates of Palm Beach. “I believe that EVERYONE can be fit. This is why I am so passionate about Pilates. Pilates allows people of all ages and sizes to transform their bodies & improve their health.” A lifelong dancer turned avid runner, Erin now uses Pilates as a way to keep herself flexible during marathon training. "If it weren't for Pilates, my joints and spine would not make it through 26.2 miles of pounding pavement."

Training and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat and Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certifications, Power Pilates
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Minor in Musical Theatre, Webster University, St. Louis
• Weight Loss Counseling Certification, LA Weight Loss

If you would like to speak with her directly, please contact us.

 

Florencia Rodriguez (Studio Assistant Manager)

Florencia Rodriguez is a Power Pilates certified instructor and a member of the Pilates Method Alliance. Florencia initially came to Pilates of Palm Beach in January 2009 as a client. Training 4 times a week, she quickly realized what an impact Pilates had on her self esteem & confidence. She felt stronger and more flexible, and her body completely transformed (see Florencia’s Before & After pictures). Inspired to make others feel the same way, Florencia completed the Power Pilates Mat & Comprehensive Certification programs. "My ultimate goal is to make others feel as good about themselves as Pilates of Palm Beach has made me feel about myself.” Along with conducting in-studio sessions & group classes, Florencia also leads the studio's In-Home Training Program.

Trainings and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat and Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certifications, Power Pilates

 

 

Cathy Backensto

Cathy is a Power Pilates and All American certified instructor. With a passion for exercise, Cathy specializes in helping her clients shift into a method of mind-body connection. Cathy has over 18 years of functional and practical training experience. She is a National Certified Personal Trainer with AFAA. Over the past 10  years, Cathy has been designing exercise programs based on an individual's needs as well as instructing group Aerobic classes. She is dedicated to helping others achieve a happier, healthier lifestyle regardless of age.

Training and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat and Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certifications, Power Pilates
• Pilates Mat & Apparatus Certifications, All American Pilates
• National Personal Training Certification, AFAA
• Aerobic Certification, National Dance Exercise Instructor Training Association

 

Derrick Quinn

Derrick Quinn is a certified Yoga Instructor through Miami Yoga Shala of South Beach. Derrick has been practicing Yoga and meditation since the age of 8 and accredits his successes in all areas of his life to the clarity of mind he gains through the practice of regular Yoga and meditation. At the age of 17, Derrick became involved in the sport of competitive bodybuilding and personal training. In 2008, Derrick lived and worked at The Omega Institute of Rhinebeck, NY where he worked and trained with some of the world’s leading authorities in Holistic Health, Nutrition, and Yoga such as David Life, Sharon Gannon, Rodney Yee and Steve Ross. Derrick continues his education and is constantly investing time in improving his knowledge and self practices. Derrick practices veganism and many forms holistic nutrition including herbalism, super food education, detoxification and cleansing, in addition to the practices of Yoga, meditation, weight training, Pilates and Martial Arts. “Yoga means to create Union, or Oneness. My philosophy is to bring that subjective state of oneness into everything that one does, so whether your brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, or combing your hair, it is all Yoga. It is all done with awareness, breath, and Joy.”

 

Training and Certifications:

• Power Yoga and Advanced Meditation techniques
• Pilates Mat Certifications, Power Pilates
• Certified Fitness Trainer, International Sports Sciences Association,
• Reiki Energy Healing Level 2

 

Jamie Lyon

Jamie Lyon is a certified Power Pilates Mat instructor and is currently in the process of attaining her Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certification. She danced with the Georgia Ballet for 13 years prior to being diagnosed with scoliosis. This diagnosis, which caused severe back pain, forced her off the dance floor and into a back brace for 2 years. It wasn't until Jamie found Pilates that she was able to live her active lifestyle again. Pilates gave Jamie her life back! After personally experiencing the difference Pilates made in her own life, Jamie left her job as an investment consultant to pursue her passion. Jamie truly believes that "Pilates is what you do in order to do everything else!"

Training and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat Certifications (Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced), Power Pilates

 

Todd Collura, B.A., M.A.T., C.S.C.S.

Todd has been a certified Muscle Activation Techniques Specialist since January 2006, and he holds a bachelors degree in Exercise Science from Florida Atlantic University. Having played professional baseball with the Minnesota Twins, and serving as a strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Tigers baseball organization, Todd has worked with some top professional athletes over his career. Currently he practices Muscle Activation Techniques (M.A.T.) at Chris Evert's Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fl working with young tennis players. He is also involved with local area golfers, fitness enthusiasts, and people looking to rid their bodies of pain. As a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Todd understands the role the muscular system plays in preventing injuries that occur due to muscle imbalances. Through M.A.T., Todd is able to alleviate and relieve the pain and tightness your body feels while performing daily activities.

Trainings and Certifications:

• Certified Muscle Activation Techniques (M.A.T.) Specialist
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Florida Atlantic University