Meet our Team
Kelly
Studio Owner, NCPT, Principal Educator, Balanced Body Education
Kelly, owner of Blue Moon Pilates since 2002, is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor and has been an instructor for 36 years. Her initial training was with First and Second-generation Pilates mentors Diane Diefenderfer, Romana Kryzanowska, and Ron Fletcher. Since 2013, She has been a Principal educator for the internationally renowned Balanced Body Education Inc., teaching comprehensive Pilates certification courses and BB-Barre to the next generation of instructors. She has developed a Mentoring program, "Office Hours with Kelly," guiding instructors from start to finish. She also holds certifications with The National Certification for Pilates Teachers- NCPT/PMA, ACE, AFAA, NASM, The Pink Ribbon program, The Ki-Hara Technique, The Konnector, The CoreAlign, MOTR, and BODHI, and The American Ballet Theatre's national training curriculum.
Kelly began her career as a professional classical ballet dancer for 15 years, dancing as a principal dancer in companies on stages in the US and abroad. She has been a teacher, mentor, educator, private coach, and adjudicator for dance for over 25 years and is currently on faculty with American Ballet Theatre West Coast Conservatory William J. Gillespie at the Segerstrom for the Performing Arts since 2015.
“My favorite part about teaching is making a difference in my client’s overall well-being and learning about their bodies. “
Alexis
Trainer, Manager
Alexis played field hockey and soccer competitively; after a total tear of her ACL in the fall of 1999, her focus turned to the reconstructive surgery of her ACL and intensive rehabilitation. Her extensive athletic rehabilitation program brought a renewed interest in anatomy and how the body worked, which showed her there are ways to strengthen the body safely and challenge it simultaneously. In 2004, Alexis took over a Latin Fusion class at a large health club, which she taught for the next nine years. She then received her initial certification with Peak Pilates and was mentored by a Balanced Body educator. Alexis also has her 200-hour Yoga certification through the inaugural LifePowerYoga certification in 2010, led by visiting instructors John Salisbury and Jen Chiarelli from Arizona's former At One Yoga studio.
In March 2014, Alexis joined the Blue Moon Pilates team as an instructor and is currently the Trainer Manager of Blue Moon Pilates. Through Blue Moon Pilates and Kelly Leonardi Uygan, she is certified in Balanced Body's Bodhi and Barre systems. She continues to further her education by learning from all methodologies to incorporate that knowledge into her teaching to her teaching.
Heidi
Trainer, Balanced Body Educ
Heidi has performed as a dancer, aerialist, and acrobat and began her study of Pilates under Karen Clippinger in 2004. She later completed her comprehensive teacher training certification with dance specialization through BASI and has worked with Balanced Body as a demonstrator and blogger. She has also received her Pre and Postnatal Pilates Doula Certification after studying with Leah Stewart of LiveLife Pilates.
“I love the team at Blue Moon Pilates and the way they are constantly learning from each other and keeping the client’s needs at the forefront. The best part of being a trainer is being able to take someone out of their comfort zone to achieve the movement they deemed impossible. My favorite hobby is working out, but I also love trail walks with my husband. AND I am absolutely crushing my goal to read one book a month!”
Kari
Trainer
After a career as a professional dancer with Ballet Pacifica and attending Southern Methodist University in Texas and Cal State Fullerton, Kari was certified through DK Body Balancing, accredited by the University of Nevada and Arizona State Boards of Physical Therapists. She has been training clients for over 20 years
“Teaching at Blue Moon Pilates is a special experience. The atmosphere is positive, supportive and welcoming. Working with the wonderful Blue Moon clients is the best part! I love watching individuals grow stronger, and improve their practice with each new session. When I am not teaching my favorite hobby is being a student of Pilates! (Almost as much as I like teaching!) I also love ballet, hiking with my son and husband and knitting.”
Taryn
Trainer, Nutritional Therapist
Taryn was a figure skater for 15 years, competing and completing her senior gold medal tests, eventually dancing full time. Pilates came into the mix early on as a form of physical therapy for a sustained back injury. After skating, she spent a few years traveling with LA Dance Magic and dancing professionally before deciding it was time to further invest in her Pilates education. She received her training from Balanced Body right here at Blue Moon Pilates. She has experience working with clients of all levels, backgrounds, and capabilities.
“I love the Blue Moon team’s encouraging and collaborative way of working! While we all support the same philosophy, everyone can embody their own style, which makes for a truly inspiring workplace. The greatest gift is being able to help someone feel more at home in their body, and it is an honor to be a part of that process. When I am not teaching, I love anything that gets me outside! Bike rides, taking my pug for long walks, beach picnics, and trying to keep my veggie garden alive.”
Suzie
Trainer
Suzie was a professional dancer with Ballet Pacifica, LA Ballet, and with David Taylor. She was introduced to Pilates through Diane Diefenderfer and became certified through the Physical Mind Institute in 2001 training clients for over 20 years.
“I love working at Blue Moon Pilates because I truly feel I am amongst friends. Always a welcoming smile, the never-ending learning experience of different clientele, and the opportunity to grow as a teacher from the wonderful training environment. Surfing is my happy place! Even in the water, I use Pilates fundamentals to ease pain, prevent injury, and stay strong! I'm still teaching ballet as that is my other true love.”
Tiffany
Trainer
Tiffany joined us at Blue Moon three years ago after a job transfer from Michigan. She has moved all over the world with her husband and 5 children. She has traveled extensively and lived in 5 countries, including the U.S., Belgium, Japan, Mexico, and China. She speaks a smattering of languages and is fluent Spanish. Her passions include faith, family, travel, cooking, walking/hiking, board games, puzzles, music, chocolate, and connecting with friends.
Tiffany loves Pilates because it teaches us about our bodies and supports us as we live active lives. She sees physical health as a vital element of emotional health and happiness. She loves the concept of muscular symmetry and applies that to training her clients. Tiffany has always been a regular exerciser but joined the fitness teaching world 13 years ago. She loves to dance and first taught Zumba in Shanghai, China. She also taught TRX, Bootcamp, and, of course, Pilates.
Angie
Trainer
Angie danced professionally with the Delia Stewart Jazz Dance Company in Houston, TX. She taught dance and choreographed pieces for 20 years in Houston, Cleveland and Charlotte. Fifteen years ago, Angie began Pilates to heal from back injuries, keep her body strong while teaching dance, and ease arthritic pain. Angie fell in love with Pilates, and earned her Balanced Body Pilates certification at Blue Moon Pilates.
“Teaching at Blue Moon Pilates is a dream come true for me. At Blue Moon Pilates, I am part of a team of professionals that mentor and encourage each other. When I am not teaching, you’ll see me hiking with my friends and golden doodle along the beaches and canyon trails, spending time with my college kids and reading.”
Shelley
Trainer
Living with Lupus is what brought Shelley to Pilates over 20 years ago. Instead of relying on medication for pain management, she focused on a major lifestyle change and re-learned how to manage stress. It was during this time she was introduced to Mat Pilates and it quickly became Shelley's main form of physical and mental exercise. After suffering a deep oblique injury, and patiently taking the full year needed to recover, she decided to transition away from the corporate world and to commit to Pilates full time. Shelley became an Instructor through the Balanced Body Program, taking all courses at Blue Moon Pilates and started not only a new chapter, but a whole new book in her life.
"Pilates increases circulation immediately, which then aids in decreasing inflammation from flare ups. It's the perfect balance for me and I'm excited to share that with others. I get to spend my work day with clients that want to get better, be better, stay better. I now have the the wonderful opportunity to work at Blue Moon Pilates where the whole staff operates as a family unit and I'm very grateful for that"
Angela
Trainer
Angela was previously a Ballerina for almost all of her adolescent/young adult life and professionally for 5 years after being hired at a young 17 years old. She has toured across the country performing many classical and contemporary ballets. During her professional years, she taught students of all ages and choreographed many works with State Street Ballet and Nevada Ballet Theatre. She began Pilates as a cross training tool while dancing and became Balance Body Pilates Certified under Kelly at Blue Moon Pilates.
“Blue Moon Pilates is such an amazing team to be a part of. The encouraging all inclusive energy is magnetic and I love watching my clients grow in their practice.”
Laura
Trainer
Laura is a former elementary school teacher and holds a B.A. in Biology from CSULB and a Master in Education from Concordia University, Irvine.
Pilates has been a part of her life for over 18 years. Finding the connection to mind, body, and breath was a life changer. She began practicing pilates and teaching elementary school in the same year. Pilates allowed her to stand, squat, and keep up with littles all day long!
Her pilates education is through Balanced Body under the guidance of Kelly Leonardi and Blue Moon Pilates. Laura is also a certified yoga teacher.
In her spare time, she loves to practice pilates and yoga, read, and spend time with family and friends.
Graycen
Trainer
Graycen was first introduced to pilates over the course of her ballet training. She trained right here in Orange County and also attended Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy. Her appreciation for pilates led her to start as a client at Blue Moon Pilates before joining the team. She has a background in customer service and administration in the beauty industry and enjoys being able to work alongside clients and trainers in a business she feels passionate about.
“What I love most about working at Blue Moon Pilates is being able to provide a space to offer meaningful connections between clients and trainers. It’s not just a Pilates studio where you get your exercise in and then leave; it’s a place that has cultivated a supportive community that continues to stay strong.”
Acacia
Customer Service Specialist
“I am grateful to be a part of the Blue Moon Pilates team! After my first day, I knew right away that this wasn’t any ordinary Pilates studio. The staff and clients were so welcoming that if felt more like joining a family than starting a new job. What I love most about the studio is the positive and supportive atmosphere, where everyone is welcome and everyone fits in.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my son and husband in our hometown of San Clemente. I am obsessed with Musical Theatre and see as many shows as I can every year!”
Kennedy
Social Media and Events Manager
“I love working at Blue Moon Pilates because it is a space that provides an opportunity to grow in physical wellness through community. The wonderful trainers, clients and ownership have created an environment of acceptance and offer support from all directions. Blue Moon Pilates is a place for every body and everybody. I love working at the front desk because it allows me to interact with our magnificent clients. Outside of the studio, I am a theatre and business student who loves to sing, dance, act, and direct. I am also a long time Pilates fan and am currently working on getting my Balanced Body teacher certification right here at Blue Moon Pilates with Kelly!”