our teachers
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Riki Richter
In 1992 Riki began studying with Scott Vannan at the Pilates Centre of Toronto, using pilates as a way to rehabilitate an old knee injury. In 1995 she took the first structured pilates teacher training course offered in Toronto at Pilates Downtown.
Riki has been studying Ashtanga Yoga with Ron Reid at Downward Dog since 1997 and completed their first training course in 2000. She has been on the faculty of Downward Dog’s Teacher Training Program for 10 years where she has passed on her love of anatomy to countless yoga teachers. She will be presenting on the topic of “The Sacroiliac Joint and Yoga” at the Yoga Festival of Toronto in August 2010.
Her fascination with anatomy has led her to study Craniosacral Therapy, Anatomy in Clay with Jon Zahourek and Gross Anatomy. She is currently studying Osteopathy at the Canadian College of Osteopathy and is in the process of writing a thesis proposal titled “The Effects of Global Osteopathic Treatment on Postpartum Low Back Pain”.
She finds her students provide her with constant inspiration and an endless ability to learn. At Mind the Body her focus is rehabilitative work incorporating pilates, yoga and osteopathy.
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Debbie Brodsky
Debbie tried her first Pilates class 18 years ago. She loved it from the start. But Pilates became more than a pastime for Debbie. When she was laid up with a ruptured Achilles tendon a few years ago, she continued to do Pilates with her cast on. Pilates helped get her back on her feet – literally. That’s when she decided she wanted to teach and bring well-being to injured and uninjured alike.
Debbie is trained in all levels of mat and machine work. She is always upgrading her training with further Pilates workshops and other related programs every year. Debbie strongly believes that “you can always learn more.” |
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Lolli Ursomarzo
Lolli was first blown away by Pilates in 1996, practicing under the guidance of Riki Richter, Dara Jaukovic and Vivian Nikols, at Vivian's then studio Pilates Downtown. Within a couple of years she corrected the external rotation of her hips, the internal rotation of her shoulders, and found the body inside her body. In 2007 she certified with Mind the Body's Mat Teacher Training, and continues her Advanced Mat practice under Riki's instruction.
Lolli couples her work at Mind the Body with the honour of being part of Dr.
Raza Awan's rehabilitation team. Her approach to teaching includes empowering clients to find and feel their own personal mind-body experience.
Lolli is thrilled to share her love for the rich experience of Pilates, and help people learn to move through life better.
Workshops ~ Mat with Diane Miller, 2006; Eccentric Muscle Work with Irene Dowd, 2009; Restorative Yoga with Andrea Peloso, 2009; with Karen Carlson:
Cadillac 2008, Chairs 2008, Barrels 2009, Foundations+Fundamentals 2009, Small Apparatus 2010; with Riki Richter: Foot, Foot/Ankle/Knee, Shoulder Girdle, Sacroiliac Joint, Lumbar Spine+Disc Issues, The Hip, all 2008.
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Julie Jenkinson
Julie has been practicing the Pilates method in Toronto and NYC since 1999. She is certified through the Mind The Body Mat Teacher Training Program and the Body Arts and Science International Comprehensive Teacher Training Course (CTTC BASI), NYC. She has trained extensively with Riki Richter and Dara Jakouvic and completed workshops with Diane Miller, Rael Isakowitz, Karen Klippenger and Constance Holder. Julie is also an artist and a designer.
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Virginia Smart
Virginia first began pilates practice in 2000. Her hamstrings were tight; she could hardly touch her toes! She needed to find bodywork that would help her focus on her physical health, and, at the same time, unwind from her job as a television producer.
Pilates did that, and more. Virginia enjoyed the benefits of pilates so much, she took the opportunity to train at Mind the Body with Riki Richter and Dara Jakouvic in 2007. Since completing her mat certification, Virginia
has continued her education in movement and anatomy with renowned instructors including Riki Richter, Karen Carlson, Alan Herdman and Dianne Miller.
In addition to teaching at Mind the Body, Virginia remains a dedicated student with an ongoing routine of mat and machine work. |
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