“This has proven to be an invaluable program to deepen my work and further my teaching skills. I have more confidence in my ability to convey the Pilates Method to my clients which has helped them to progress with their practice.”
– Barbara Taylor, Pilates Teacher Mentor Program participant
“Being a student of the Excel Pilates Mentor program with Kerry De Vivo was exactly what I needed. I had been certified from another program and had been teaching for a while, but felt that I needed some gaps filled. Going through Kerry’s mentor program was a time I could address areas I felt I needed more insight and deeper understanding. She is so knowledgeable and such an amazing resource in the Pilates world and her goal was for me to be a better teacher as well. She is truly an amazing mentor and continues to be today. I can always call her and process questions and challenges with teaching and unique client issues.”
-Renee Farnie, Pilates Teacher Mentor Program participant
The Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel Pilates is dedicated to providing high-quality continuing education and mentoring to graduates of comprehensive classical Pilates teacher training programs. As a Pilates teacher, it is important to enhance the knowledge obtained as an apprentice through continuing education. Through the Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel Pilates, participants will go beyond standard continuing education and experience the one-on-one attention only offered by a mentor. It is after graduation from a teacher training program that a Pilates teacher’s education and experience are tested through a variety of clients and situations. Whether teaching individually or along with other Pilates teachers, a mentor can be a valuable resource for any level Pilates teacher, a recent graduate, or a more experienced teacher.
The Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel Pilates offers access to the experience of second-generation teacher Kerry De Vivo on a one-on-one basis. This program is tailored to your needs (see sample program outline below) and is designed to deepen your level of teaching and understanding of the Pilates Method. We believe the Pilates exercises should be studied authentically and in person as well as receiving individual feedback on teaching skills.
The Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel Pilates program directors*, Lesa McLaughlin and Kerry De Vivo, offer over 50 years of combined Pilates teaching experience. Both became certified teachers in 1995. Both directors trained with and were certified by, master teacher Romana Krysanowska, protégé of Joseph Pilates. Kerry and Lesa have co-directed the Excel Pilates Pilates Teacher Training Program since 2001 and have been Pilates studio owners since 1998. Both Kerry and Lesa have additional extensive experience in teaching movement through their degrees and careers as dancers.
* Teachers who register for The Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel Pilates Annapolis will work with Kerry De Vivo. Teachers who register for the program at Excel Pilates DC will work with Lesa McLaughlin. Teachers who are interested in working with both program directors may inquire about that opportunity. The Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel Pilates may also be completed online.
Sample program outline
One ten-session course is customized to meet each participant’s goals:
Enrolled participants design their mentor program around ten 60-minute sessions. Participants choose between taking one on one sessions to deepen their own Pilates workout which enriches one’s teaching, reviewing/clarifying exercises, assistance with session design or problem-solving for specific exercises or clients, observation, and feedback of participant’s teaching. Participants can be a mentee of Kerry De Vivo at Excel Pilates Annapolis in Annapolis, MD, Lesa McLaughlin at Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC, or both program directors.
To apply
Download the application form and email the completed form to mail@excelpilatesannapolis.com. Once the application is approved, an interview will be scheduled. Acceptance into the Pilates Teacher Mentor Program at Excel is based on, but not limited to, the completion of a classical comprehensive Pilates teacher training program, level of skill and physical integration of the Pilates method, overall knowledge of the Pilates method, and professionalism. Upon acceptance to the program, a 60-minute consultation session will be scheduled to establish program goals. There is a separate $85 fee for this session.
Program fee: $1,000.00 (via check, credit card not accepted for this program)
Program fee includes:
10 sessions to be utilized as needed by the participant. Options may include:
- one on one sessions at Excel Pilates DC or Excel Pilates Annapolis (location of registration)
- observation of the program director teaching
- assistance with session design or problem-solving for specific exercises or clients
- exercise review/clarification sessions
- observation of participant teaching followed by post-observation feedback sessions
- addressing specific client/health issue
Participants will receive a certificate of completion after the 10 sessions.
