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 Music, Webster University, St. Louis
• Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA)
• Weight Loss Counseling Certification, LA Weight Loss

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

Cathy Backensto (Pilates)

Cathy Backensto 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

Dawn ferguson (Yoga)

Dawn Ferguson first began studying Yoga is 2003. She completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at North Carolina School of Yoga in 2008. In 2010, she completed the 500 hour Advanced Teacher Training, and in early 2012, she completed a 9 month Advanced Yoga Studies Immersion. She continues to study with her teacher, Chandra Om, at North Carolina School of Yoga. Dawn is a registered yoga instructor with the Yoga Alliance and is also a licensed and working RN. She believes that the practice of Yoga will not only provide the physical benefits of strength, balance, self control, and flexibility, but more importantly, can bring the practitioner to a state of clarity, harmony, and inner peace. Dawn is grateful to be able to share with others the teachings and the benefits she has received through the study of Yoga.

Training and Certifications:

• 200 hour level Yoga Teacher Training 2008
• 500 hour level Yoga Teacher Training 2010
• Advance Yoga Studies Immersion 2012
• Yoga Alliance Certified
• RN license 2006

 

Elisabeth David (Pilates)

Elisabeth David (Liz) is a Power Pilates certified instructor. Since the age of 3, Liz competitively showed horses which contributed to immense physical strength and control. While attending college at Florida State University, and in the absence of her horses, Liz needed to find a way to maintain the strength she had worked so hard to develop. This is when she discovered Pilates. After much research, she realized that Pilates was commonly used by equestrians to improve their sport, so Liz jumped right into Pilates. After only a few sessions, she found that it not only kept her strong, but it also gave her the physique she always wanted. Pilates truly is a full mind-body workout, and it quickly became her passion. Liz’s goal is to provide each of her clients with the attention and precision needed to reap all the benefits Pilates has to offer. 

Trainings and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat and Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certifications, Power Pilates
• Bachelor of Science in Mass Media & Communication Studies, Florida State University

 

Florencia Rodriguez (Pilates)

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 (Apparatus) 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
• Xtend Barre, Xtend

Jennifer Alexander (Pilates)

Jennifer Alexander began her journey as a Pilates instructor in 2005 after years of personally reaping the benefits and pleasures of practicing Pilates as a client. Jennifer is fully certified through Power Pilates and continues to build upon her knowledge of the method by taking continuing education courses. Originally from Long Island, NY, where she spent years training clients in the Classical Pilates Method, Jennifer is new to the South Florida area and is excited to join the Pilates of Palm Beach team. She values her time with her clients and gives each client an individualized session based on their specific needs. Her goal is to challenge and excite her clients in their workouts helping them to meet their personal fitness goals.

Trainings and Certifications:

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

 

Jessica Underwood (Pilates)

Jessica Underwood, a Power Pilates certified instructor, began dancing at the age of three training in the disciplines of ballet, jazz, and tap.  After graduating with a business degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Jessica returned home to South Florida. Looking for a physically challenging outlet, Jessica came to Pilates of Palm Beach as a client where she quickly developed a passion for Pilates.  Embracing the similarities between Dance and Pilates, Jessica decided to turn her new found passion for Pilates into a career by becoming a Power Pilates certified instructor. She is eager to share and help develop the mind-body benefits of Pilates with her clients.

Trainings and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat and Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certifications, Power Pilates
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, The George Washington University

 

Shelley Sweat (Pilates)

Shelley Sweat began dancing in her early childhood and fell in love with the art of ballet. A Georgia native, she danced with LaGrange Ballet Theater, Brenau Dance Ensemble, and the Gainesville Ballet. After injuries prompted her to change her career path, she attended Florida State University, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Shelley continued to dance and exercise as a hobby while working in marketing and direct sales. The experience she gained in motivating others while working in the corporate world easily transfers to an enthusiasm for teaching and training in the Pilates world. Shelley believes that Pilates and ballet are perfect companions for transforming the body. Shelley received her Mat & Comprehensive (Apparatus) certifications through Power Pilates.

Training and Certifications:

• Pilates Mat and Comprehensive (Apparatus) Certifications, Power Pilates
• Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, Florida State University

Stefany allongo (Pilates)

Stefany Allongo is a certified Power Pilates Mat instructor. Stefany began her Pilates journey as a Pilates of Palm Beach private client in 2009 post reconstructive knee surgery. Training 3-4 days a week for more than 3 years, Stefany regained her strength and then some. The transformation in her body is remarkable (see Stefany’s Before & After pictures). Wanting to introduce others to the benefits of Pilates, Stefany obtained her Pilates Mat Certification. “Your starting point doesn't matter as long as you try! Pilates of Palm Beach helped me to realize this.” Stefany is also a certified Zumba® instructor and is excited to bring the energy of Zumba® to the Pilates of Palm Beach family.  

Training and Certifications:

• Pilates Beginner & Intermediate Mat Certifications, Power Pilates
• Zumba Basic 1® Certification, ZUMBA®
• Master of Business Administration, Clemson University, South Carolina
• Master of Science in Marketing, Clemson University, South Carolina
• Bachelor of Art in Music & Theatre, University of Miami