"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play, than in a year of conversation"
-Plato......come play with us and discover your self!

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About The Team

Cathleen Murakami

Movement is her life. Cathleen majored in dance at the University of Washington and practiced the Wu style of Tai-Chi at the Seattle Kung-Fu Club for nearly a decade.

A former fitness junkie who taught aerobics, funk and strength training in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, Cathleen has specialized in the Pilates technique since 1991. After an apprenticeship at the prestigious Alan Herdman Pilates Studio of London, Cathleen returned to the US to develop and coordinate Pilates programs at both the Rancho la Puerta and The Golden Door Spas as well as pioneering programs for Santa Barbara Athletic Club and the Honolulu Athletic Club. Her company, SynergySystems®, has produced five DVD's in Pilates mat work and her workshops have been filmed for distribution by the Healthy Learning corporation and IDEA. Cathleen has authored Morning Pilates Workouts, a book devoted to the home exerciser. Additionally, Cathleen has filmed two mat workouts in her unique Yo'lates (yoga -pilates blend) which can be found at www.pilatesanytime.com.

Cathleen continues to be a popular presenter on the fitness convention circuit where she is invited back annually to instruct. She was the first person ever to introduce Pilates to the fitness audience in 1994 at the World IDEA Convention in Las Vegas. 

Cathleen has been facilitating instructor certification courses since 1993.  Offering courses for Physicalmind and Long Beach Dance prior to the SynergySystems® Pilates Instructor Certification. Her courses are often attended by already certified instructors who are excited to discover the depth of information she has to offer. 

Cathleen holds certifications from ACE, ACSM, Alan Herdman, Physicalmind and Long Beach Dance and has completed yoga training with the Tim Miller Ashtanga Yoga Center in Encinitas and Erich Schiffman of Sacred Movement in Los Angeles (Hatha). Additionally she is certified in GYROKINESIS®, GYROTONIC® and has completed the GYROTONIC® Level 2 training exclusively taught by Juliu Horvath, founder of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. Cathleen has completed the GYROTONIC FOR GOLF®, GYROTONIC FOR SHOULDER, GYROTONIC FOR HIP & PELVIS - all rehabilitation courses taught by physical therapist, Paul Horvath (Juliu's brother) utilizing the GYROTONIC® methodology.

Catharine Grow Goldman

A former professional ballet dancer for 15 years, Catharine is originally from Encinitas, California,

Catharine is certified in both GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS®, as well as the GYROTONIC® Specialized Equipment including The Ladder, Leg Extension Unit, and The GYROTONER®.

She discovered and fell in love with the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® while she was dancing. Not only did she use this system to improve her own technique and strength, but she also found that she had a passion for teaching and enjoys sharing the benefits with others. Catharine has experience with a wide variety of clientele. From people with physical and medical disabilities, to those wanting to reshape their bodies, to the elite athlete looking to get to the next level.

"As a competitive athlete, I've been instructed in various training methods. Catharine's ability to paint with words while she was teaching me was exceptional. In her balanced way with articulate verbal imagery, yet not over complicating it, was a combination I hadn't previously experienced. Everyone will enjoy working with Catharine!"

-Brook Hartzell, hard core athlete

"Catharine is a fantastic coach and instructor in GYROTONIC®. Her professional ballet training makes her an excellent instructor and has also been critical in teaching me ways to correctly strengthen and overcome my loss of physical ability due to MS. Catharine not only provided instruction and coaching, but was key in my physical therapy."

-Lisa Wilson, computer engineer

Audrey Sarquilla

Audrey is a yoga and Pilates enthusiast with more than 15 years experience teaching and training others in movement. After working in both the acute and rehab physical therapy gyms at Northridge Hospital, Audrey sought out the best Pilates training in Los Angeles.  She met and was mentored by Maria Leone, master Pilates trainer and owner of Bodyline LA, where she worked full time at her Beverly Hills studio.

Audrey’s desire to learn more about the mind-body connection led her on a journey to live and breathe the study of yoga in the jungles of Costa Rica.  Upon graduation from yoga school she stayed for a few months to teach yoga/pilates classes then came back to San Diego where she started the yoga and pilates program at SD Danceworks in Clairemont.  Her teaching playfully integrates the techniques of human movement coupled with yogic philosophy. 

Audrey received certifications through ACE, Physicalmind Institute, Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica, and has completed yoga training courses through the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Encinitas with Tim Miller.   She is also an Ambassador for Off The Mat Into The World, a grass roots organization that inspires yogis to take their yoga to the next level.

“After having a mastectomy, Audrey compassionately led me through Pilates routines that brought back movement in my arm and shoulder that I thought I had lost.  I am so grateful for her!”

-Grace, cancer survivor

"Audrey Sarquilla gives a really great Pilates workout and she manages to do it without feeling like you are actually working out.  My favorite part is the relaxing yoga aspect at the end.  I leave feeling stronger, leaner and better. She’s the best!”

-Rhoni Patchis, mortgage loan processor

Nancy Parker

Over the last 12 years Nancy's holistic approach has inspired many to embrace her all-encompassing philosophy of movement, health, life and energy. Her work leads them to restore core integrity and rediscover bliss, creating a playful, joyous connection to power, flexibility, and clarity like never before. Her attention to detail and clear, precise, teaching style, along with her knowledge of anatomy, energetics and the synergistic functioning of all the bodily systems, makes her a wonderful addition to our studio.

With a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, she also is a Corrective Exercise Specialist after completing the program, with the C.H.E.K Institute. Discovering how challenging it was to find help for her own subclinical health issues – particularly sleep, digestive, and hormonal imbalances- she forged a path to helping others restore balance in their bodies, naturally. Nancy is certified as a Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Metabolic Typing Advisor, and has completed trainings through Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and Wellcoaches, Inc.

"Nancy has worked with many of my patients and is is extremely professional and dedicated. Her knowledge of varied modalities along with a strong rehab background provides her clientele with a powerful and successful training.  Excellence of her caliber is not easy to find."

- Dr. Karen Mutter, D.O., P.A., founder of the Integrative Medicine Healing Center

"After three surgeries in three years including 2 total hip replacements, I began working with Nancy. Her observant sensitivity to a person's limitations and abilities... is innovative in her approach. I have increased my stamina, strength... balance and coordination.  It has been a wonderful experience to work with Nancy"

- Janet, 89, editor

Fiona Urquhart

Fiona has been teaching Pilates since 2005, after changing careers in midlife.

Having come to Pilates at a relatively advanced age herself, Fiona has patience and empathy with people who are new to the discipline. She has a particular affinity for those who discover fitness later in life and who have not yet made it a lifelong habit.

Fiona holds a certificate in fitness training and exercise science from UCSD and is an ACE-certified personal trainer. Her Pilates mat certification is from SynergySystems®, and she has apparatus certifications through Retrofit Pilates® in Santa Monica and The Pilates Coach®.

"Since I have been working with Fiona the improvement in my strength, posture, and body is amazing. Fiona keeps me challenged, patiently encouraging me and correcting my form.  I look and feel years younger!"

- Susan Lesan, school teacher

"Fiona is a fabulous Pilates instructor! Not only does she facilitate my progress by inspiring me to reach for excellence, she supports my efforts with her clear direction and stimulating encouragement."

Sarah McNary, high school teacher.

Kirsten Swanson

Practicing massage since 1997, Kirsten is certified by the National Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. She is a licensed Holistic Health Practitioner.

She is originally from Minnesota, and she studied psychology and nutrition at Western State College of Colorado. Serendipitously she then found herself in San Diego to attend The International Professional School of Bodywork (ISPB) studying massage therapy and holistic healing.

Kirsten works with a variety of professional athletes in the area of football, baseball, surfing, and golf, as well as amateur athletes in the areas of polo, tri-athletes, marathon runners, surfing, and kids in junior Olympics.  She has also worked as a Teacher's Assistant educating students about her true passion - HiCraniosacral Therapy (which is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the central nervous system, which in turn releases restrictions in the body).

With over 1500 hours of massage studies, including Deep Tissue, Craniosacral, Thai Massage and Rolfing, Kirsten is very passionate about her ability to help her clients breathe, relax and heal.

"As a seven year faithful client of Kirsten, my body endures a lot of wear and tear from my career. It is very important for my livelihood that my body is healthy and working properly. I have had massages from a lot of therapists in my life, however, Kirsten out does them all. She is knowledgeable, result oriented, and truly cares about her work."

- Alicia, professional show horse jumper

"As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I have experienced massage from many different practitioners. I am so grateful to have been referred to Kirsten Swanson three years ago by a PT colleague. Kirsten has an amazing skill and natural ability to sense what my body needs at every session. I believe Kirsten has been blessed with healing hands. I strongly recommend that others seek out her work and I am certain all will agree."

- Kim, physical therapist

Janie Surico

Janie's specialty is Japanese Acupuncture, a gentle but powerful style of acupuncture. It is gentle enough for the needle phobe but powerful enough to treat deep pain and long-term problems. Being a firm believer that regular acupuncture will help prevent and reduce incidence of health issues. she treats a wide range of health concerns with a special passion for helping with headaches, pain, women's health, digestion, insomnia and stress management. 

Janie's studies include a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. She also has a M.S. in Environmental Health Science, studied French in southern France, Horticulture in southern California, and Biology in Colorado.

"I have tried so many different things for migraines and back pain. After my first acupuncture treatment with Janie i found relief. I don't know what I would do without her. I know she can't get rid of all the stress in my life but I can deal with it better after a treatment from her!" 

- June, bookkeeper

"I have been getting acupuncture treatments most of my adult life and Janie's treatments stand far and apart from the rest. She is meticulous, intuitive and incredibly efficacious in her practice. Her intellect and passion shine through, resulting in me feeling amazing afterward! She has really taken my health to another level..gives great nutrition and supplement advice as well. I sincerely recommend Janie to everyone!"
 

-Beth, executive with infrared skincare technology

374 N. Coast Highway 101, Suite A
Encinitas, CA 92024    
info@synergypilates.com
(760) 632-5677

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