Pilates Instructors Archives - Performance Optimal Health

Jennifer Bohn

Pilates Instructor

BS in Political Science, University of Central Florida
MS in Textiles & Merchandising, Florida State University

Comprehensive Pilates Certification for: Mat, Reformer, Springboard, Trapeze Table/Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel Spine Corrector & Magic Circle
Bodybar Pilates Certified
Completed Club Pilates Teacher Training Program
Completed Balanced Body Anatomy in 3D & Movement: The Core Like Never Before
Completed The Movement Tour (Balanced Body & Bosu) ACE, AFAA, NASM, PTA Global (CEU’s)

"I love working with clients and watching them attain their goals and grow. I am their biggest fan! I believe in exercise and moving your body; nothing makes you feel better than movement."

Jennifer Bohn, CPT, is a Pilates Instructor based in North Naples who is certified in a variety of Pilates disciplines, including mat, Reformer, Cadillac, and more. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, especially young athletes, and has been teaching Pilates since 2018.

After spending the beginning of her career in the fashion industry, Jennifer decided to make a career change for her physical and mental health. Formerly an avid runner, Jennifer traded in her running shoes for a Pilates Trapeze Reformer & took a year off to focus on obtaining her Pilates certification & healing her body. Now, Jen enjoys working with people of all ages & teaching them about body awareness, flexibility, core strength, balance & coordination.

Jennifer particularly enjoys working with clients coming off an injury or transitioning from physical therapy. And as an avid pickleball player herself, Jennifer always takes the opportunity to chat about the sport with her clients, many of whom are fans of the sport as well.

Rebecca Deeley

“Every single human body is unique, so I treat each one as an individual: no matter how many bodies I’ve seen in the last 20+ years, I take into account the similarities between us all but realize we each experience ourselves and the world differently, so I try to steer clear of preconceptions.”

Rebecca Deeley is a Pilates instructor who specializes in exercises for low back pain, pre- and post- natal fitness, Scoliosis athletic conditioning, Pilates for golfers, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, post-rehab recovery, and more.

In 2001, Rebecca had the desire for a complete 180° career change. With a background in classical ballet and modern dance, prior exposure to Pilates as a young dancer, and a passion for educating others, Rebecca decided to pursue becoming a Pilates Instructor. After successfully completing her certification, she spent time in Hawaii and Doha, Qatar teaching Pilates.

Each year, Rebecca completes continuing education to maintain her Stott Pilates Certifications, and she has completed 60 workshops to date. She has also recently completed Module 2 of Scolio Pilates, and aims to complete the Scolio Pilates Certification soon, which would allow her to prescribe Scoliosis-specific exercises for her clients.

Rebecca loves to spend her spare time focusing on her own optimal health by hiking, mountain biking, chanting mantra, cooking, gardening, singing, and traveling.

Michele Elliman

“Creativity and curiosity define me: I learn from each body I have the honor to work with. I embrace being in a dynamic community of colleagues in which we can learn from each other and appreciate this opportunity to offer clients a true physical education.”

Michele Elliman has been practicing and teaching contemporary Pilates for over 30 years. Michele’s teaching is informed by her professional career as a principal dancer on the concert stage and as a noted choreographer and rehearsal coach for both national and international contemporary dance companies.

Michele continues to expand her knowledge and appreciation of the body in motion through everyday practice and continued study of anatomy and biomechanics with the renowned teacher, Irene Dowd. Michele has focused her practice on guiding each individual toward deepening their own understanding of their unique alignment and physical choices, leading clients towards a strong, informed and balanced body that moves efficiently and with ease. She has a particular affinity for people with lower back issues, postural concerns (such as kyphosis, lordosis) or undertaking pre/post natal care.

Michele’s love for the arts extends far past dance: she enjoys visiting museums, cultural events and art shows. And above all, she enjoys the arc of parenting.

Christina Merrill

"I am always rooting for people. When they feel cared for, they achieve more."

Christina Merrill is a lifelong dancer who channels her passion for movement into Pilates. She is particularly skilled in the contemporary technique, which emphasizes a whole body, anatomical approach to Pilates. Christina has always been interested in quality of movement, and she focuses on flexibility, strength, coordination and body/spatial awareness.

Christina believes that Pilates creates a strong foundation to do other things in life, especially through reconnecting you when you are pulled in many different directions.

When she is not practicing Pilates, Christina taps into her dance background, having concentrated in jazz in college. She currently teaches and performs in Fairfield County.

Rebecca Deeley

“Every single human body is unique, so I treat each one as an individual: no matter how many bodies I’ve seen in the last 20+ years, I take into account the similarities between us all but realize we each experience ourselves and the world differently, so I try to steer clear of preconceptions.”

Rebecca loves to spend her spare time focusing on her own optimal health by hiking, mountain biking, chanting mantra, cooking, gardening, singing, and traveling.

Michele Elliman

“Creativity and curiosity define me: I learn from each body I have the honor to work with. I embrace being in a dynamic community of colleagues in which we can learn from each other and appreciate this opportunity to offer clients a true physical education.”

Michele’s love for the arts extends far past dance: she enjoys visiting museums, cultural events and art shows. And above all, she enjoys the arc of parenting.

Christina Merrill

"I am always rooting for people. When they feel cared for, they achieve more."

Christina believes that Pilates creates a strong foundation to do other things in life, especially through reconnecting you when you are pulled in many different directions.

When she is not practicing Pilates, Christina taps into her dance background, having concentrated in jazz in college. She currently teaches and performs in Fairfield County.

Michele Tenney

“I love being creative as a team and seeing things from different vantage points to best support the person we are working with.”

Michele Tenney, CPT, is a personal trainer based in Hamden who enjoys working with all populations. As a trainer, Michele takes care to talk about the importance of nutrition in achieving goals. She also believes that proper nutrition is medicine for the body, and that one’s food intake needs to adapt to support the person’s current goals, age and limitations.

Though she started off in the financial industry, she decided to try a new path when she saw the foreclosure boom coming in 2006. Seeking something that didn’t feel like “work,” Michele discovered a passion for health and wellness, and proceeded to receive certifications as a personal trainer and nutritionist.

She has coached youth squash at the New Haven Lawn Club for over 15 years, and has served as the Chair of the Healthy Lifestyle Committee for the elementary schools in the town of Orange for the past six years. Michele is also a columnist for The Milford-Orange Times, and is the author of her own book, “The Passion of My Heart.”

Jennifer Bohn

Pilates Instructor

Jennifer Bohn