Introducing Our New Pilates Mat Instructor: Meet Kellee!

We are thrilled to announce that Kellee has joined the Rivercity Pilates team as our newest Pilates Mat instructor! After completing her 200-hour Pilates Mat teacher training with @size_diverse_pilates, she’s ready to bring her passion and energy to our studio. Starting October 7th, Kellee will lead a weekly small group session every Monday at 6:30 am.

If you’ve been searching for a reason to start a morning movement routine, this is it! Kellee’s focus on creating a mindful, enjoyable movement practice will help set the tone for your entire week. We know you’re going to love her enthusiasm as she helps you start your day with strength and focus.

How to Sign Up

Booking a session with Kellee is easy! You can schedule directly through the Mindbody app under “Appointments” or simply message or email us, and we’ll take care of the rest. Your first session is free—so why not give it a try?

Get to Know Kellee

We sat down with Kellee to ask her a few questions, and we think her answers will inspire you just as much as they did us!

What do you love about Pilates?
I love how strong the practice makes me feel, both on and off the mat.

What benefits have you received from your Pilates practice?
Pilates has bolstered my patience. It’s taught me how to show my body grace, especially when I face a challenging exercise.

What’s your favorite Pilates exercise to practice?
I love a heart opener, so Swan is a must for my personal practice.

What’s your favorite Pilates exercise to teach?
The Side Kick Series gives me a chance to flex my creativity and have fun with my clients.

Favorite Pilates prop?
I am a girl who craves convenience, so I adore the resistance band. It’s portable and provides strength and support simultaneously. 

Your favorite teaching moment so far?
 My favorite teaching moment is any time a client starts a session in a less than stellar mood, but leaves that session with a smile and feeling even a pinch better than before they started. Goosebumps for me!

Favorite “aha” moment in your own practice?
I’ve discovered that my personal practice no longer belongs only to me. It’s a time to refuel both my movement and my creativity. I love walking away from my personal practice with a gem I can share with my clients. 

What do beginner students love about your teaching style?
 I begin every session with a client with two questions: How is your mind feeling today? How is your body feeling today? Answering is optional, of course, but my clients who are new to the practice seem to welcome the opportunity to give voice to their current state before launching into movement.

How do you want your clients to feel after their Pilates session?
I want them to feel strong in body and grounded in mind.

Fun Facts About Kellee

Favorite book?
Sula by Toni Morrison.
I own it in many formats (including hardcover and paperback first editions) and reread it once a year. I even have a quote from the novel inked on my arm. Beautiful story of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness. 

Favorite movement-related book?
Rethink Your Position by Katy Bowman.
Rethink Your Position by Katy Bowman. It’s the one guide I come back to when I think about the everyday functional movement that mirrors what we do and teach in Pilates. 

Favorite food?
I have the palate of a frat boy, so cheese fries would be the answer everyday.

Favorite season?
Autumn—it’s a beautiful time of transformation.

Advice for new Pilates students?
Listen to your body, play with props, and – above all – have fun. This is your time to get to know your body in movement., play with props, and most importantly, have fun! Pilates is a journey of getting to know your body.

How would you describe Pilates in one sentence?
Pilates is a lifelong study of how your body moves in everyday life.

We can’t wait for you to experience Kellee’s unique approach to Pilates. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to Pilates, her Monday morning classes will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on the week.

Come meet Kellee and see for yourself how Pilates can change your life!

Staff Highlight: Jenny Fitzpatrick

(written by Jenny)

An Iowa native, I grew up riding my bike, playing on the jungle gym and running around my family acreage.  Movement is a part of my DNA!  In high school, I became a 4 year letter winner in softball and participated in a wide variety of other activities.  I headed to Iowa State intending to become a health teacher; but after sustaining a knee injury and receiving physical therapy, I decided to become a physical therapist. I graduated with a BS in Psychology and was accepted into graduate school at the University of Iowa obtaining an MPT in Physical Therapy.

After more surgeries, I found pilates in 2006 as a way to move with less difficulty and completed the Stott Pilates Rehab training. I bought a reformer for home and also started attending classes at Rivercity Pilates. With an interest in holistic health, I pursued certifications in Integrative health through the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. With a focus in chronic pain, I became certified in Pain Neuroscience Education and joined a team in developing the Pediatric Chronic Pain program at UIHC. In continuing my journey in integrative health, I became certified through Duke University as a Health and Well Being Coach and completed a 200 hour yoga certification. 

Now as an integrative health specialist with over 30 years of experience in the health and wellness field, I utilize my background in pilates and yoga-incorporated rehabilitation, pain science, mindfulness, and holistic health & well being, combining all of these in a unique way for each individual.

I enjoy helping people feel better in their bodies by addressing the whole person. I partner with clients along their journeys in making sustainable changes to live the lives they desire. It is a natural fit to blend my curiosity with my background to assist clients who seek greater confidence and peace in leading healthier lifestyles.

For fun, I enjoy laughing with my husband and two grown sons, playing with movement, getting sunshine vitamin D at Lake MacBride and gulf beaches, reading, (at least a book a week!) and finding new recipes while listening to a great playlist. I have traveled our big world experiencing 49 states and 13 countries.

To me, wellness is not a quick fix, but a lifelong journey. I look forward to hearing your story, joining you on your journey and helping you find your way to feel amazing.