KÔR is a True Pilates Experience

Their Bio

Maristela comes to KÔR Pilates with a diverse background in Dance, Performance, and Pilates. She has a BA in Dance from the University of New Mexico and has enjoyed a vibrant career as a performer, teacher, and freelance choreographer. This foundation in dance and movement naturally led her to the art of Pilates, where she has found a wealth of knowledge to serve and enhance the needs of the various worlds of movement and performing arts, athletics, physical therapy, and overall general health. Maristela first obtained a Mat Pilates Teaching Certificate through Body Arts and Science International (BASI) in 2009, and later returned in 2014 to pursue and earn the Comprehensive Teaching Certificate with Dance Specialization, under the instruction and guidance of distinguished expert, Karen Clippinger. A devoted to instructor since 1999, Maristela has taught students of all ages and backgrounds and is enthusiastic about sharing the joy and benefits of Pilates for clients in all walks of life. She is a wife and mother of two children; is inspired to pass on her love of movement, natural wellness and the performing arts to the next generation!

Tamara was born and raised in Southern California and is the mother of two daughters. She has been a student of Pilates and yoga for over 15 years.

She possesses a unique understanding and appreciation of the purposeful body movements demanded by these modalities. After years of personally experiencing the benefits and joy of the mind-body connection, she wanted to share her passion and experience with others. In her free time she enjoys, paddle boarding, hiking and waterskiing. She credits Pilates with giving her the strength, stamina and proper body mechanics to enjoy them all. Tamara believes it is a continual life long journey, getting to know and understand our bodies.

Tamara has completed the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training as most instructors at KÔR have and is under the mentorship of Rebecca Nelson, KÔR founder/ owner/instructor. 

Taryn Nowels was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California. 

Taryn grew up dancing at Orange County Dance Center at the age of 2. She went on to dance ballet professionally for 10 years with Ballet West, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and Alberta Ballet in Canada. She has also performed internationally in Germany and Korea. She is currently a guest artist with Akomi Dance Company. 

Taryn has received her Pilates Certification through Body Arts and Science International (BASI). She is also a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM, as well as a certified teacher of Progressing Ballet Technique. 

Taryn fell in love with Pilates at a very early age. She found that Pilates not only helped her become a stronger dancer but also prevented her from developing a serious injury. 

Taryn finds her joy in helping others feel better through movement!

Movement has always been Tania’s life. Her first introduction to formal training was ballet, at the age of 5. Tania danced for over 20 years, mainly in ballet but also in Modern, Jazz, Tap, Character and Russian dance. She trained at The Contra Costa Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and attained her Dance degree at UC Irvine where she was introduced to Pilates with Diane Diefenderfer. After University she founded the now defunct Hartfel Ballet, a contemporary ballet company based out of Tustin, CA. In 2001 she became an avid yoga practitioner, took spin classes and continued Pilates. She then got her Personal Training certificate through NASM in May of 2021. Soon after, she got Pilates Mat certified through Balanced Body University with Kelly Leonardi. Tania is continuing to expand her Pilates knowledge as she trains on other apparatuses that Joseph Pilates invented such as the reformer and chair. Tania lives in Long Beach with her husband, two children, two cats, and dog. She loves to bake and enjoys camping in her travel trailer with friends. Tania is thrilled to be at KÔR Pilates and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with our community and we are beyond thrilled to have her join our family!

Izze grew up in Huntington Beach. She attended Huntington Beach High School and danced on their dance team and at studio fusion. Movement has always a huge part of her life and later went on to attend OCCs dance program where she found a passion for fitness and Pilates. She is a recent grad of BASI Pilates. 

Bela recently graduated from UCI studying Dance and Psychology and has been doing Pilates for about 5 years.

Bela received her certification in 2021 under Diane Diefenderfer. She has a passion for Pilates, especially since it has allowed her to grow and heal her body as a dancer, often being met with injuries. Pilates has been the best way to keep her body strong and safe. She truly believes Pilates can change a persons life with persistence and commitment.

Emilie has completed The BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program – Body Arts & Science International. She has a passion for learning, movement and people.  

Emilie graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University Of South Florida – Bachelor of Arts, Major in History, Minor in Art History. Her loves are hiking, the beach, gardening, philosophy, Yoga, and of course Pilates.

Bay Area native Rachel is as a former dancer who has been doing Pilates for years completed a 500 hour comprehensive Pilates certification. Rachel loves combining classical exercises with a modern, contemporary twist. After completing her mentorship with NFL Pilates trainer Nicky Lal she has been incorporating her athletic teaching style in her group classes as well.

Madison is a classically-trained Pilates instructor who completed her 500-Hour certification through Pilates Collective SLO in 2023. Along with Pilates, Madison is also a certified yoga instructor, trained birth & postpartum doula, and is working towards becoming a certified personal trainer through ACE. She is currently continuing her Pilates education through the Center for Women’s Fitness, specializing in Pilates for prenatal, postnatal, and menopause. Having been through ups and downs in her own health journey, she is passionate about supporting the community through movement that feels good for the body, mind, and soul. When she is not in the studio, you can find her at a local coffee shop or curled up on the couch with her cat, Ozzy.