about me...
I’m Jen, founder of The Ascension Studio.
I teach Pilates as a practice of strength, clarity, and longevity.
At the center of my work is a simple belief:
When movement is structured and intentional, it changes more than the body. It changes how we show up—in our lives and in the world.
Pilates is the foundation of everything I do. The first time I stepped onto a Reformer, I felt the precision of it—the control, the intelligence, the way it demanded presence. I knew I had found something powerful.
Today, I teach Pilates as a tool for building resilient bodies and confident professionals. Whether you’re stepping into your first class or refining your skills as a teacher, my goal is to help you build strength that supports your life—not complicates it.
Through private sessions, community classes, workshops, and professional resources, I guide both students and teachers toward a grounded, sustainable approach to movement.
Why I Do This Work
Before becoming a full-time movement educator, I worked in a high-pressure corporate environment where burnout was normalized and rest was rare.
Over time, that pace took a toll on my nervous system, disconnecting me from my body and my own capacity. Pilates became the turning point.
Not because it was gentle—but because it was clear.
It gave me structure. It required focus. It rebuilt strength gradually and intelligently.
That experience shapes how I teach today. I believe sustainable wellness isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about learning how to listen, adapt, and move with intention. It’s about doing what works—consistently, with purpose.
Ascension Studio was built for people who want strength without burnout, and structure without rigidity.
My Approach
My teaching is grounded in classical Pilates principles, thoughtful progression, and practical application.
Sessions focus on:
- Alignment and control
- Strength that transfers to daily life
- Mobility that supports longevity
- Clear, progressive programming
While I value nervous system awareness and intentional pacing, my work is rooted in building capable, resilient bodies through intelligent movement.
Your body holds wisdom. My role is to help you access it.
Work With Me
Whether you’re rebuilding after injury, navigating the changes of aging, returning to movement after time away, or simply ready to feel stronger and more capable in your body, the focus is to help you move better so you can live better.
Sessions are designed to meet you where you are, and move you forward with intention.
Learn With Me
If you’re a Pilates teacher seeking clearer programming, stronger class design, and a more sustainable professional path, The Pro Studio offers structured resources to support your growth.
Teaching isn’t about collecting exercises.
It’s about understanding how to build them into something meaningful.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you’re here to strengthen your body or refine your teaching, you’re in the right place.
Explore the studio, join the newsletter, or connect on Instagram @theascensionstudio.
NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT STUFF
SUPER FUN FACTS
I was born in Hawaii and lived in LA for several years before moving to Minnesota.
My favorite place in the world is Maui, but I suspect my future travels will lead me to fall in love with Australia and Ireland.
I love rearranging my furniture at least a few times a year, and I’ll rearrange yours too!
I started dance lessons at the age of 7 and continued to study dance and Kinesiology into my college years, eventually leading me into the realm of Pilates + Yoga.
Your at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all the truly important things
THE QUIZ
FAVORITE INDULGENCE
Friday Night Mediterranean Pizza
BEACH VS MOUNTAINS
I was born in Hawaii. Beach.
USUALLY CRAVING
A Day at the Spa
CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
My Music Playlists
FAVORITE SHOW TO BINGE
Scandal or The Gilmore Girls
DRINK OF CHOICE
Blueberry Lavender Lemonade
GUILTY PLEASURE
Romantic Comedies
FAVORITE PLACE I’VE BEEN
Lahaina, Maui
ALTERNATE UNIVERSE JOB
Interior Designer
CELEB I’D LOVE TO MEET
Michael Fassbender
As someone living and working on Wahpekute Dakota land, I strive to walk in reverence and reciprocity with the land and its history. I honor the Indigenous people who have long held sacred relationship with this place.
The more official version….
Jenifer began practicing yoga at age 20, following a lifelong journey in dance that was eventually interrupted by injury. The transition from the sparkly dance stage to the humble yoga mat ignited her passion for movement as medicine. After completing her first yoga teacher training, she was introduced to Pilates—a practice that brought new depth to both her healing and her teaching.
Today, Jenifer offers a unique fusion of Pilates and Yoga, blending strength, stability, mindful movement, and nervous system care. Her teaching draws from classical Pilates techniques, Yin Yoga, somatic and embodiment practices, and the creative flow of dance. Combined with many other tools and magic gathered over a lifetime of movement, she offers an approach that nourishes both body and mind.
She has deepened her expertise with certifications in Yin Yoga, Somatic Yoga, Reformer Yin, Senior Yoga, Meditation, and comprehensive teacher training with Club Pilates. As a third-generation classically trained Pilates instructor, the foundation and principles of Pilates continue to guide and inspire her work.
Jenifer teaches in local studios and through Community Education programs. Her work is centered on teaching Pilates with clarity, intention, and respect for the body. She remains focused on helping teachers build confidence in their programming, cueing, and decision-making, while creating movement experiences that support strength, longevity, and nervous system balance.
