Meet the Team. mouse-over to view profiles
Vicki Sullivan, Owner & Master Instructor
Vicki Sullivan has been involved in teaching fitness for the past 28 years and was originally certified in Pilates through Physical Mind Institute. She proudly joined the Balanced Body staff in 2009 as a Master Pilates Trainer. She is also certified in the Gyrotonic Expansion System® (Levels 1 and 2) and Gyrokinesis®. Additionally, Vicki is certified in golf fitness through Titlist Performance Institute, Mike Wright's Golf and Pilates, Body Swing Pilates, and Gyrotonic Application for Golf. Vicki has obtained specialized trainings in Pilates for Osteoporosis, Scoliosis and non-specific back pain. Dr. Sullivan has a PhD in Nutrition Science and Molecular Biology from the University of Florida and is a registered dietitian in private practice since 1990. Vicki also has her Masters degree from UF in Exercise Physiology. She has conducted over 500 CEU workshops on various health, fitness, and nutrition topics for health professionals (OTs, PTs, RDs, RNs and Pharmacists) across the country. Vicki has written and published numerous papers and educational materials in nutrition and fitness. She teaches and has been an adjunct professor through the University of North Florida since 1997.
More from Vicki:
My sport growing up was riding horses. I started at age 5 on a hunter jumper farm in Virginia where my mother worked and my passion for horses continues to this day. My appreciation for movement and wellness - as more than just a means to an end - really began when I was 13 and trying to find an outlet for some of the darkest days of my life.
At that time I met John Wareing, of Wareing's Gym, who ran a professional boxing gym that was completely no frills, lots of sweat and no excuses! From John I learned the importance of turning negatives into positives and weaknesses into strengths by taking care of the most important resource you will ever own - yourself. I also learned how one person can completely change your life.
I went on to study nutrition and exercise physiology at the University of Florida with the intention of researching and understanding wellness at every level, and with the hope of helping others to understand how to live the blessing that good health brings. There I studied with Dr. Scott Powers, director of Health and Human Performance – one of the most balanced human beings I have ever met in mind, body, and spirit – who taught me the importance of searching for truth in research, and modeled who I would like to be like when I grow up. I also studied with eminent scholar Dr. Robert Cousins who spent many hours in the lab working side by side with his students teaching us to become creative thinkers and to understand that the sky is the limit when it comes to possibilities and undiscovered worlds.
Today, I find the same brilliance and unlimited creativity in the work of Joseph Pilates and Juliu Horvath (creator of Gyrotonic®) among others. All of my previous teachers and mentors have given my life a direction that has become my destiny and my joy. My mission is to pass this knowledge and inspiration on to others with the hope that it is as helpful to them as it has been for me.
Julie Baskin, Instructor
Julie has been teaching fitness classes since 1980. She's brings precision and focus to her students with keen attention to the fundamentals of the Pilates Method. Julie has taught Pilates at Florida State University and has also conducted several Pilates-based workshops for golfers and tennis players. She has additional training to work with seniors. Julie achieved her comprehensive Pilates Instructor certification with Balanced Body™.
More from Julie:
I started teaching fitness classes when I was 17 years old. My mother had a membership at Spa Lady, and I remember going with her after school. I had to wait in the lobby while she worked out because the age limit was 15. After a year of wondering what went on beyond the door of that gym, I finally was old enough to become a member. Then I started going almost daily and it became my hangout after school. I got to know all the instructors and members alike. One day an instructor didn't show up to teach class and I suggested I could fill in since I knew all the moves. It was completely exhilarating and I have been teaching ever since!
Fifteen years into my fitness career, a fellow instructor invited me to attend a Pilates training with her. I didn't even know what Pilates was, but I needed continuing education credits to maintain my teaching certificate, and as someone who likes to try new things, I agreed to go along. By the end of the first day I knew my direction in fitness would drastically change. I felt so good after doing Pilates that I just had to continue to learn more. Since then I have obtained certifications from 3 different Pilates organizations and continue to study under some of the best teachers in the Pilates world. I love helping people realize their full potential – whether it be to relieve pain or be able to perform the most difficult moves with ease and grace.
I love being an instructor and as I continue to learn more and grow as a teacher – I am able to share this with my students to help them reach their goals. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than for student to come up to me and say, I feel so much better, or I can see a difference in my body.
My goal as an instructor is to continue to deepen my understanding of the human body. As I learn new forms of movement and explore the power of the mind-body connection, I try to find creative ways to share that with my students. In turn, they continue to grow and reach their full potential.
My wellness philosophy begins with focus on the body. Realize you have a choice when it comes to movement and then make the choice that's right for you. When you allow this awareness to roll over into your daily life, you begin to notice a more positive lifestyle emerging, one with more balance in mind, body and spirit. A more balanced life makes the journey of life so much more enjoyable.
Krissy Klingler, Massage Therapist
Krissy Klingler, LMT is a graduate of the world renowned Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy located in Virginia Beach, VA. She balances her clinical training with a unique spiritual and intuitive approach to bodywork that allows the body to change structurally and the mind to be at ease. Krissy works with professional athletes and dancers as well as relaxation enthusiasts and people seeking injury prevention and maintenance. Krissy offers Deep Tissue, Swedish and Thai Massage. Krissy is also a Yoga Teacher for Body Balance, receiving her training from Two Suns Rising in Jacksonville, FL. Krissy's clinical approach to yoga nourishes your deep being and allows you to become more aware of your body.
Jennifer Landells, Master Instructor
Jenny became interested in movement at an early age as a dancer. She attended Western Michigan University where she was introduced to Pilates through the dance department. After discovering kinesiology and movement science, Jennifer changed paths and earned her degree in Exercise Science from WMU. In 2000 she found the perfect way to combine the two passions by completing her full advanced Level 2 certification in Stott Pilates.
Jennifer is also certified in Cardiolates and has specialized breast cancer rehabilitation training through Stott Pilates and The LeBed Method. Jennifer has further training including lumbar and pelvis stabilization, shoulder girdle stability, pre-natal Pilates, stability ball, foam roller, and flex band workout, toning ball workout, Pilates on the BOSU, Jumpboard Interval Training, Pilates for Golf, and Ultimate Back Care.
Jenny has worked with all levels of clients from beginners and post-rehabilitation to Olympic hopeful figure skaters, professional dancers and NFL football players. Jennifer loves the opportunity Pilates provides her to develop motivating workout sessions that suit the individual needs of her clients.
Naorah Lockhart, Instructor & Massage Therapist
Naorah studied massage therapy and bodywork at the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 1998. She has additional training in Sports, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy, traditional Thai massage and Reflexology. Naorah is also a registered yoga instructor and is a Comprehensive Pilates Instructor through Balanced Body™. She has worked extensively with athletes and individuals in all stages of cancer, as well as those seeking stress relief and general wellness. Naorah is currently working towards full certification as a Gyrotonic® instructor and is also pursuing her Master's degree in Counseling from the University of North Florida. She is available for therapeutic massage appointments as well as private Pilates, Gyrotonic® or Yoga sessions and group classes.
Credentials:
Gyrotonic® Certified Apprentice
Pilates Comprehensive Certification, Balanced Body™
Thai Yoga Massage, Florida School of Massage
Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor
BA, Humanities, New College
Sports Massage, Florida School of Massage
Massage & Hydrotherapy, Florida School of Massage
More from Naorah
The integration of mindfulness, bodywork, movement and breath continue to teach and inspire me. As a lifelong learner I'm committed to understanding everything I can about how the body and mind work together. Movement is a natural companion to massage therapy and combining the two is seamless. I wish for everyone to feel 'at home' in their bodies and I believe that the brilliant work of Pilates, Gyrotonic, Yoga and therapeutic massage offer a skillful, never-boring and always fascinating way to explore, heal and reconnect.
Kristen Sullivan
Kristen Sullivan, originally from Gainesville, GA, recently moved to the Jacksonville area after traveling and working in Australia for the past year. She is comprehensively certified in classical Pilates through Power Pilates and also holds her MFA in Dance from Florida State University and her BFA in Dance from University of Nevada Las Vegas. She has been studying Pilates for the past 10 years and believes Pilates is not only a form of exercise but a way of life. She has trained under Bob Liekens, Dana Eisenstein-Smythe, Stefanie Ellis, Jayne McAllister, Liv Berger, Davidson Reid, Tom Welsh, Dolly Kelepecz, and Gail Farrugia. She taught Pilates in Vero and Melbourne Beach as well in Sydney, Australia. She is also a professional dancer for Surfscape Contemporary Dance Theatre in Daytona Beach where she teaches Pilates for their summer and winter intensives.
Lisa Long has been teaching movement enthusiasts for 20 years. As an RYT 500 (Registered Yoga Teacher 500 hours) and a Nationally Certified AFAA® Instructor, she brings a unique appreciation for the individual person to her teaching style. Lisa is a Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor through Balanced Body™. In addition to group classes, Lisa also works privately with clients – helping them to understand their bodies better, creating new neuromuscular pathways leading to positive change. Lisa is known for her insatiable study of the body & mind, safe movements, and modifications. Lisa is a founding teacher for YogaISC™ - Yoga for Injuries & Special Conditions™. Amanda Gavigan, originally from Nashville Tennessee y'all, just recently moved to Jacksonville Florida after getting married. She grew up dancing, graduating from Florida State University with a BFA in dance. She currently teaches dance to kids age 5 to 70 at a studio in Jacksonville. Amanda discovered her love for pilates through dance and believes it is a tremendous form of exercise, as well as a ton of fun! You can see her "smiling" through class on a regular basis. Amanda can be found at the front desk scheduling clients as well as answering the phone- or not, because she is at home playing with her new golden retriever "Moo" and husband, Kevin.
Our instructors take their work very seriously. They are exceptional in their credentials and are inspired to learn the latest and most advanced techniques in the field. They are compassionate and highly motivated to help their clients achieve their goals.
You will receive individualized attention by highly trained and certified instructors from a wide variety of certifications including Physical Mind Institute, Stott Pilates, Core Dynamics, Polestar, and Balanced Body. All of our instructors at Body Balance institute are trained under the PMA guidelines.
Our Mission
 To create individualized fitness and wellness programs that enhance and empower the lives of our clients.
At Body Balance Institute we offer an extensive selection of specialized equipment and programming coupled with personal attention for each and every one of our clients. Our nationally certified team is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals and integrate what they learn here into daily living – work, play and everyday movement – to empower them with knowledge that will help them live better lives.
Body Balance Institute is also a center for higher learning and education for both instructors and individuals. As the only North Florida host site for Balanced Body™ – the largest Pilates equipment and continuing education company in the world – Body Balance Institute educates and certifies those interested in expanding their knowledge on the full spectrum of the Pilates methodology. Our team is constantly seeks continuing education opportunities and stand out as knowledge leaders in the industry. We are affiliated with University of North Florida’s Health Science department and have served as an internship site for the graduate Nutrition department since 1997.
Our Goal
At Body Balance Institute our goal is to give people the tools they need to change their lives. We don’t simply give people a workout and send them home, instead we aim to inspire and teach you to incorporate healthy, intelligent movement into every waking moment and to care about and understand the importance of what you eat and how you fuel your most important asset…your body. We help you to enhance your life so you can be your best at everything you do.
Our sessions are personalized and tailored to your specific needs including improved fitness, strength, posture, healthy eating, weight loss, pain management, injury prevention, pre-natal and post-partum fitness and sports specific training.
As instructors we constantly ask: what are our clients looking for and how can we provide it? As educators and perpetual students we ask: what more can we personally do to enhance our skills to better accomplish our goals and to serve our clients? As a company we ask: how can we continue to create a service that exceeds all expectation?
At Body Balance Institute, we provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where there is literally no limit to your personal growth and wellbeing. We are committed to taking care of our valuable clients because we understand that the benefits of helping people reach their dreams and goals far exceed what we invest. We feel that it is a gift to have the opportunity to partner with you in your pursuit to live a stronger, healthier and more balanced life!
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