our staff

Amy de Sá, owner of Pilates Denver,  BASI Pilates Principal Faculty and NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher)  has been a dedicated teacher of Pilates since 1995. She is a proud graduate of the internationally renowned BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Pilates® Comprehensive Teacher Training program and Master Legacy Program founded by Master Teacher, Rael Isacowitz and is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher through the PMA (Pilates Method Alliance). Amy hosts and teaches the BASI Pilates® Teacher Training Courses at her studio as well as internationally. She has taught the BASI Pilates® courses in Japan, China, Australia, South Korea, Argentina, Canada and in numerous cities across the United States as well as teaching Pilates as a guest teacher in the Dance department at Unicamp University in Brazil. She has also been the subject for a featured article in Pilates Style Magazine as well as for two front-page articles in the Rocky Mountain News Newspaper in Denver, Colorado. Amy has been a Presenter at the South American Pilates Conference in Brasilia, Brazil, the annual PMA conference in Denver, CO, the Learn From the Leaders Conferences in CA, and at the AASFP conference in Beijing, China. Currently she also resides as a Faculty member with the Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy teaching Pilates.

As a professional dancer, performing and teaching with numerous dance companies in Chicago and Denver and with an additional gymnastics background, Amy connected instantly with Pilates. She began her Pilates endeavors in Chicago in 1995 where she received a previous Pilates Teacher Training Certificate from the Pilates Studio, Inc. under the personal training of Master Teacher and Elder, Romana Kryzanowska. She continues her Pilates studies and related movement therapies yearly in continuing education workshops and certificate courses in addition to advanced studies with Rael Isacowitz. Amy has years of experience working with athletes and dancers as well as with clients with general functional imbalances, injuries and pathologies and pre and post natal.  She enjoys helping clients work towards full functional movement as well as enhancing athletic performance.  She has also instructed various celebrities including actors, musicians and Denver Broncos players. Amy is a member of the professional organization, the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). She  holds a B.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Psychology from Hope College in Michigan. Pilates became the perfect match and career for Amy, harmoniously combining the body with the mind.

Amy is very passionate about teaching Pilates and educating people about their bodies. She teaches with compassion and with intellect. She brings a smile and positive energy to every session and class and strives to offer each client and her staff a beneficial and enjoyable experience at her studio which she opened on May 1, 2001.

Jean Barker received her Teacher Training and certificate from BASI Pilates (Body Arts & Sciences International) in 2011 at Pilates Denver Studio under the guidance of Amy de Sa. She began her pilates journey nearly twenty years ago when she was living in Michigan. Her then college daughter told her about Pilates which was incorporated in her theater program at Northwestern University in Chicago. At that time there was only one pilates studio in Saginaw, Michigan. Jean soon found it and began taking pilates lessons there. She was hooked! Jean has two daughters both of whom are also BASI certified pilates instructors.

Jean received her BS in Medical Technology from Ohio State University and recently retired from a career in laboratory medicine that spanned over thirty years, She has a deep appreciation for the health and strength benefits afforded by Pilates. She considers herself neither a dancer nor a jock, and wants the average person to know that it is never too late to start on the road to health and well being. "If I can do this, with dedication so can you!" is her motto. Jean finds it exciting to help both men and women, new to exercise or just new to Pilates, discover the joy of learning to use, control, and appreciate their bodies. In 2016 Jean received her certification in Pilates for Neurological Diseases from Mariska Breland. She looks forward to working with this special group of clients to help them maintain and regain strength and the use of their bodies. Jean also received a certificate for Pre and Postnatal Pilates from Carolyne Anthony of The Center for Women's Fitness. She has received special training in working with mature clients and is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance.

Sutton Anker, Pilates Instructor at Pilates Denver and BASI Pilates Graduate and BASI Pilates Assistant Faculty. Sutton has a strong passion for teaching. She is comprehensively trained and holds a BASI Pilates Teacher Training Certificate. Her interest began in dance medicine and science began at the University of Wyoming where she earned her B.F.A. in 2013 in Dance concentration of Science.

Throughout her time at Wyoming, Sutton participated in and co-coordinated various dance science research projects, while also spending time on the stage both during her four years and post-graduation. Her performance resume includes various other ballet, contemporary, modern, and vertical dance pieces. In 2015, Sutton graduated with her Masters of Science in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, U.K. Sutton has presented two of her mirror research studies including her Master’s thesis, An Investigation of Pedagogical Rationales for Current Mirror Use in a Ballet Technique Class at the 2016 International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) conference in Hong Kong.

Alongside teaching dance technique classes and Pilates, Sutton works for IADMS as the Programing and Marketing Specialist. She produces the IADMS annual conference and supports other programming for the organization. Her current training with BASI Pilates will help her to continue educating individuals from all backgrounds and experiences in addition to working with dancers towards personal wellness.

Katarina Wright first discovered Pilates in the mid-1990s, during a dance program in Stockholm, Sweden. She loved it instantly, captivated by how the precise Pilates movements helped her flexibility, overall muscle control, and core strength.  

Katarina received a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications at Uppsala University, Sweden, after which she moved to the U.S. and pursued a career in marketing within the television entertainment industry. Katarina also holds a Master of Science: International Business degree from the University of Colorado at Denver. Katarina rediscovered Pilates in 2014 when she left the corporate world to work as a marketing consultant for small businesses and once again had time to add structured movement into her life. In 2022, she started the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training at Pilates Denver and received her certificate in 2023, sparking a change in her career.  

As an instructor at Pilates Denver, Katarina takes pride in creating a supportive and uplifting environment where clients of all ages can experience the benefits of Pilates: enhanced strength and mobility, while cultivating their mind-body connection. Katarina’s warm personality and keen attention to detail ensure that each client feels seen, heard, and encouraged to challenge themselves. After a session with Katarina, she wants clients to leave feeling brighter and a “little taller”, both physically and mentally. 

When she is not teaching, Katarina enjoys traveling around the world, hiking the beautiful Rocky Mountains, or hanging out with her dogs, two teenage children, and husband. 

Kirsten received her Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate from BASI Pilates. She chose the BASI Pilates methodology for its precise and anatomical approach to movement.

In 2009, Kirsten Kelm discovered the positive effects that regular Pilates Mat classes have on the body. When she experienced her first private training session on the equipment in 2013, she was hooked for life! 

In addition to her love of Pilates, Kirsten’s fitness background includes ballet, interpretative dance, barre, yoga, and powerlifting. 

Kirsten is originally from the Northeast having lived in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Boston, and most recently New York City before finding home in Colorado. She lives in Westminster with her husband, two pups, and the occasional third and fourth (and fifth) foster pup.

Janice Armada received her Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate from BASI Pilates, educated at Pilates Denver under Amy de Sa and is an Instructor at Pilates Denver.

Janice is a registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Tech, who is boarded in OB/GYN, ABD/PELVIS and specialized in Neuro Surgery and Infertility. Janice worked at University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor, MI. She has raised 3 boys and has now chosen a new career path integrating her medical knowledge.

Janice first started practicing Pilates to improve the strength of her pelvic floor after the birth of her last son. She is a living testimony that Pilates strengthens and tones. Janice is very passionate about teaching clients how to integrate Pilates into a daily routine to improve the quality of everyday life.

Emma Cumpston was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Emma received a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Since Emma was 5 years old she trained in dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and modern. Training competitively towards a professional career in dance.

Since graduating college, Emma found a love and passion for Pilates through connections from dance and injury rehabilitation. Emma received her Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate from BASI Pilates and is excited to share her knowledge and experience through her teaching. She also works as part of the front desk personnel and is growing as a part of the Pilates Denver team.

Jacqueline Campos is a Certified Pilates Instructor, professional dancer, and dance educator.  She received her Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate from BASI Pilates at Pilates Denver. Jacqueline was first introduced to Pilates through her early dance training where she used it as a form of cross training and injury rehabilitation. She soon discovered how important and beneficial Pilates was to her overall wellness in her everyday life.

Jacqueline graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BA in Business Economics with a minor in Management. She is a faculty member at Colorado Conservatory of Dance and is a guest artist with Industrial Dance Alliance. Jacqueline strives to help her clients gain a greater understanding of their bodies through movement.

Sarah is a certified Pilates instructor who completed her comprehensive teacher training through BASI Pilates under the guidance of Amy de Sa. Sarah was introduced to Pilates from her profession as a Physical Therapist. 

Sarah  received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Regis University in 2016. She specializes in treating individuals with cancer diagnoses. This includes impairments that may occur during or after cancer treatment and includes all kinds of cancer diagnoses. Her passion lies in working with individuals with breast cancer and she enjoys teaching and mentoring other clinicians in working with this patient population. She is also a certified lymphedema therapist.

She pursued her Pilates certification as a means of expanding her skill set to further help her patients. She was amazed by how the Pilates method resulted in powerful changes in one’s body and enjoys guiding individuals toward these changes.

Sarah is a Colorado native who spends her free time recreating in the outdoors, including skiing,

biking, hiking, and running with her husband and dog.

Jonathan graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Rutgers University. He then began working in NYC in the construction and modification of elevators in some of Manhattans tallest buildings. After several years of hard physical labor, Jonathan needed a team of people to keep his body from hurting just to be able to do his job. One of the most healing things for Jonathan to do was to get massages and to add movement to his daily routine. He eventually would be changing career paths to help people just like others had helped him. He went on to complete two different programs offered at The Institute for Therapeutic Massage in New Jersey - the Massage Therapy and Personal Training Program and the Eastern Bodywork/Shiatsu Program. He then graduated from The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado. After working as a massage therapist since 2010 and as a Rolfer since 2014, Jonathan recently started a Masters program in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Jonathan and his wife moved to Colorado in 2020 from New Jersey. They have been enjoying the weather, nature, and the wildlife of this breathtaking state.

Camryn came to Colorado in 2016 to attend college where she earned a degree in graphic design. After losing her dad in 2020, she found how beneficial Pilates can be for both the mind and the body. She wanted to further her Pilates education and become a qualified instructor with BASI to share the beautiful art of Pilates with others. 

She received her BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teaching Certificate at Pilates Denver.

She is excited to share her knowledge and experience with people of all ages, backgrounds and levels.

Lindsey was first exposed to Pilates in 2021 when she was trying to find a new workout regimen. Not only did she fall in love with the physical practice, but she found it to be extremely beneficial for her mind as well. Her passion for the practice inspired her to expand her knowledge and enroll in the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training. 

Lindsey received her Bachelor’s of Science in Operations Management from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder. Lindsey’s career experience has spanned from hospitality and guest experience, to recruiting, and most recently Human Resources. Lindsey is accredited by the Society of Human Resources Management with her SHRM-CP as a Certified Human Resources Professional. She is eager to add the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate to her credentials and is currently working at the front desk as a Pilates Denver Staff team member.

Lindsey is a Colorado Native. When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her husband and two Bernese Mountain Dogs. She loves to read, hike, travel, and explore new restaurants. 

Pam discovered Pilates after her marathon training was sidelined by injury.  When her physical therapy ended, her PT recommended that she try Pilates to build strength and stability before she resumed running. Pam began lessons with Amy de Sa and was immediately impressed with how Pilates both challenged the body and focused the mind. With no background in dance or movement anatomy, the choreography did not come easily, but she fell in love with the precision of the BASI method, and as a busy mom and lawyer, she cherished those hours in the studio absorbed in learning something completely new.

Pam grew up in New York and moved to Colorado as a young adult. She studied psychology and political science and received her Bachelor of Arts degree and then her law degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Though law was her chosen career path, Pam has always been interested in health and fitness and was a runner for most of her adult life, completing eight marathons, a few half marathons and a triathlon.  When she retired from practicing law, Pam decided to pursue her passion for Pilates seriously. She has received her Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate from BASI Pilates as well as an additional certificate from BASI for training in Pilates for Injuries and Rehabilitation. Pam has experienced firsthand the strength, flexibility and balance benefits of Pilates and is excited to teach others so they too can experience the benefits of this beautiful practice.

When she is not at the studio, you can usually find Pam gardening, reading, cooking for friends and family, or traveling to anyplace near the ocean. 

As a professional ballet dancer, Danielle was first exposed to Pilates and the methodology when she was a student at the Miami City Ballet. In 2016, Danielle suffered from a chronic knee injury and used Pilates to rehabilitate her knee and get her back to dancing. Since then, Pilates has become an integral part of her cross-training program and has helped her with injury prevention. With a dance background, Danielle was drawn to the similarities Pilates and dance share. 

Danielle received her BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Certificate at Pilates Denver. She is excited to bring her knowlede and experience to teaching classes at Pilates Denver.

When Danielle is not at the studio, she continues to perform as a freelance dancer across the US. In addition, she enjoys mountaineering, running, crocheting, and relaxing in her hammock.

Pilates is the road map to movement success!  Since discovering Pilates, Araceli has had amazing breakthroughs where she has been able to gain strength and stamina and has also led her  to start training in water fitness as well. 

She has become a lifetime learner of Pilates and has acquired her BASI Pilates Comprehensive  Certificate!  She thrives on learning and exploring pilates and strives for success.    

She practices living a holistic health style by following nutritionist Dr. Michael Gregor, health scientist Dr. Colin Cambell and utilizing recipes by Rip Esselstyn, the author of Plant Strong.   

This holistic approach to life has led her to self healing through Pilates exercise and nutritional wellness.  She is excited to share her Pilates experience with everyone and the benefits it offers, how it helps one to move and challenge the body. 

She attended Grand Rapids Community College and was awarded a Bachelors in Interior Design from Central Michigan University.  She has also studied Human physiology, anatomy and related courses at Grand Valley State University. Additional studies have included learning about athletes with disabilities, Dance Movement Therapy and Tai Chi.  She believes in life time learning and continues to challenge herself with exploring other subjects at Arapahoe Community College.  

Outside of Pilates, She has a love of the arts, music and Latin culture, cooking and salsa dancing.