Jennifer Christophel
Founder, Owner and Certified Instructor
Jennifer is a Comprehensively and Nationally PMA Certified Pilates Instructor. Jennifer is the founder of the Balanced Body Studio and Wellness Center, LLC and has taught Pilates, Fitness and Dance for over 10 years. She is qualified to teach at all levels on both Mat & Apparatus.
Striving to achieve the highest standards in teaching the Pilates method, Jennifer passed over 500 hours of apprenticeship under top qualified professionals and passed the PMA National Certification Exams in order to earn her Professional Instructor status. This equipped Jennifer to not only learn the Pilates exercises but to understand the body’s anatomy, physiology and all to be able to work with all ages and types of clientele including the injured and special populations. This apprenticeship provided valuable experiencing in teaching how the exercises work the body – and not just demonstrating the moves as many so-called instructors do.
Jennifer carries Pilates Teaching Certificates from the very reputable programs of Core Dynamics Pilates, STOTT Pilates, PHI and Pilates for Golf. She is a member and strong advocate of the Pilates Method Alliance whose mission is to protect the public by establishing the very highest in certification regulations and continuing education standards.
Jennifer strives for continues improvement and education to deliver the best possible Pilates experience to her students. She maintains her National Certification title by attending regular, mandatory Continuing Education Credit workshops and programs. This allows her to keeping current with latest developments in the Pilates Method and the Fitness Field. Jennifer has finished both a secondary degree through the International Sports Science Association to be a Certified Fitness Therapist which allows her to work professionally in a post- rehabilitative, Special Populations and Sports Medicine capacity and accreditation through the American Fitness Professionals Association as a Certified Sports Conditioning Specialist. This past year, Jennifer was invited to be a professional presenter member and faculty member with Balanced Body Education and is now a Master Teacher Trainer and her studio is a National Training Site for Balanced Body.
In addition to Pilates, Fitness Therapy and Sports Conditioning, Jennifer is trained to teach the Vaganova Method of Classical Ballet, is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through Balletone and ZUMBA, competes throughout the year in International Latin and Ballroom Dancing, is the Executive Director of Maryland for Dancing Classrooms and is a member of the National Dance Council of America.
A business woman with her own studio, a wife and a mother of 2 young children, Jennifer attributes her health and fitness abilities to the power of the Pilates Method and her joy and zest for life because of her love for learning new things and helping people.
Founder, Owner and Certified Instructor
Jennifer is a Comprehensively and Nationally PMA Certified Pilates Instructor. Jennifer is the founder of the Balanced Body Studio and Wellness Center, LLC and has taught Pilates, Fitness and Dance for over 10 years. She is qualified to teach at all levels on both Mat & Apparatus.
Striving to achieve the highest standards in teaching the Pilates method, Jennifer passed over 500 hours of apprenticeship under top qualified professionals and passed the PMA National Certification Exams in order to earn her Professional Instructor status. This equipped Jennifer to not only learn the Pilates exercises but to understand the body’s anatomy, physiology and all to be able to work with all ages and types of clientele including the injured and special populations. This apprenticeship provided valuable experiencing in teaching how the exercises work the body – and not just demonstrating the moves as many so-called instructors do.
Jennifer carries Pilates Teaching Certificates from the very reputable programs of Core Dynamics Pilates, STOTT Pilates, PHI and Pilates for Golf. She is a member and strong advocate of the Pilates Method Alliance whose mission is to protect the public by establishing the very highest in certification regulations and continuing education standards.
Jennifer strives for continues improvement and education to deliver the best possible Pilates experience to her students. She maintains her National Certification title by attending regular, mandatory Continuing Education Credit workshops and programs. This allows her to keeping current with latest developments in the Pilates Method and the Fitness Field. Jennifer has finished both a secondary degree through the International Sports Science Association to be a Certified Fitness Therapist which allows her to work professionally in a post- rehabilitative, Special Populations and Sports Medicine capacity and accreditation through the American Fitness Professionals Association as a Certified Sports Conditioning Specialist. This past year, Jennifer was invited to be a professional presenter member and faculty member with Balanced Body Education and is now a Master Teacher Trainer and her studio is a National Training Site for Balanced Body.
In addition to Pilates, Fitness Therapy and Sports Conditioning, Jennifer is trained to teach the Vaganova Method of Classical Ballet, is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through Balletone and ZUMBA, competes throughout the year in International Latin and Ballroom Dancing, is the Executive Director of Maryland for Dancing Classrooms and is a member of the National Dance Council of America.
A business woman with her own studio, a wife and a mother of 2 young children, Jennifer attributes her health and fitness abilities to the power of the Pilates Method and her joy and zest for life because of her love for learning new things and helping people.
Tamya Dugan
Certified Instructor
Tamya Dugan recently obtained her pilates certification through Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training with Dilla Mastrangelo, at Harmony Pilates Studio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her pilates journey began after an injury to her left arm in 2006. Tamya was determined to find a way to continue to improve the function of her arm while maintaining her general health, strength and flexibility and decided to try Pilates. After taking both private and group Pilates sessions from PMA Certified Teacher, Jennifer Christophel, Tamya experienced the many benefits of Pilates, and knew that she would like to combine Pilates with her nursing background to help others achieve overall wellness. Her teacher training and apprenticeship began in 2009 at The Balanced Body Studio, located at Deep Creek Lake, under her mentor and pilates teacher, Jennifer Christophel, in conjunction with Harmony Pilates in Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to taking a series of written and practical exams, Tamya completed the program requirements of over 500 hours of observation, personal practice, and student teaching. As a part of her Pilates education, Tamya also traveled to Santa Fe, NM to study with Michele Larsson of Core Dynamics. She has also obtained her Pink Ribbon Program certification through Balanced Body in California, a Pilates-based post-op recovery program to help breast cancer survivors to regain mobiilty. Tamya attended Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injuries (FAMI), a workshop held in New York City in conjunction with Kinected and Mt. Siani Hospital.
Tamya, a Maryland native and resident of Deep Creek Lake, is the wife of Matt Dugan, and mother to three grown children, Kate, Brad and Brett. She is also a Registered Nurse. In addition to Pilates, Tamya enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, biking, hiking, cooking and traveling.
Karen has worked as the Wellness Director at the
Cumberland YMCA since 2005 and is certified through
the YMCA as a personal trainer and fitness program
director. She maintains Group Fitness
certifications through Mad Dogg Athletics, the
Arthritis Foundation and Silver Sneakers. She is
certified through the Road Runners Club of America
as a running coach and has competed several times
at both the marathon and half marathon distance.
Karen developed a love of movement and the body at a young age. A dancer since the age of 4, Karen continued to pursue a greater understanding of dance and body awareness at the University of Arizona where she completed her major in dance and received her Bachelors of Fine Arts. The study of Pilates is a gratifying return to this study of the body and movement. Her Pilates teacher training and apprenticeship began in 2011 at The Balanced Body Studio, located at Deep Creek Lake, under her mentor and Pilates teacher, Jennifer Christophel, in conjunction with Balanced Body Education.
Though born and raised in Colorado, Karen has been a resident of Cumberland for the past 23 years and is a wife and mother of one. She is pleased to serve as Board Treasurer for the Community Wellness Coalition and is also on the Allegany College Therapeutic Massage Program Advisor Committee.
Karen developed a love of movement and the body at a young age. A dancer since the age of 4, Karen continued to pursue a greater understanding of dance and body awareness at the University of Arizona where she completed her major in dance and received her Bachelors of Fine Arts. The study of Pilates is a gratifying return to this study of the body and movement. Her Pilates teacher training and apprenticeship began in 2011 at The Balanced Body Studio, located at Deep Creek Lake, under her mentor and Pilates teacher, Jennifer Christophel, in conjunction with Balanced Body Education.
Though born and raised in Colorado, Karen has been a resident of Cumberland for the past 23 years and is a wife and mother of one. She is pleased to serve as Board Treasurer for the Community Wellness Coalition and is also on the Allegany College Therapeutic Massage Program Advisor Committee.
Jen Sober
Group Exercise Instructor, ACE & SPINNING certified
Personal Trainer, ACSM certified
Jen has been in the fitness industry for 20 years. She has a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Before moving to Deep creek, she directed and created wellness departments in major corporations such as American Express and AOL. Jen works with a broad range of class types as well as fitness levels from beginner to advanced athlete.
Outside of work, Jen practices what she preaches. Her ability and passion for running as well as her inspiration to others earned her a spot with Saucony Inc., who she is sponsored by.
Jen’s determination continues to bring her to major accomplishments with her most recent qualifying and competing in the Age Group World Championship triathlon in Beijing China, representing the USA.
In her past accomplishments, Jen was an All American Track-N-Field Collegiate Athlete. Jen hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in 2004: 2200 miles, 5 months, Georgia to Maine. This determination and drive not only helps her achieve her own goals but also helps motivate and inspire many clients with theirs.
She feels one of the most rewarding things in life is to be able to help others improve their health and quality of life. She helps them do this in her group exercise classes as well as her personal training sessions. The energy they get from her, is energy she gains as well.
Some say “she has a sweet and innocent style that will somehow kick your butt!!!”
CERTIFICATIONS:
American College of Sports Medicine – Health & Fitness Trainer
American Council on Exercise – Group Exercise Instructor
Thomas Enterprises – Kickboxing
Schwinn & Madd Dog Athletics– Spinning
Group Exercise Instructor, ACE & SPINNING certified
Personal Trainer, ACSM certified
Jen has been in the fitness industry for 20 years. She has a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey). Before moving to Deep creek, she directed and created wellness departments in major corporations such as American Express and AOL. Jen works with a broad range of class types as well as fitness levels from beginner to advanced athlete.
Outside of work, Jen practices what she preaches. Her ability and passion for running as well as her inspiration to others earned her a spot with Saucony Inc., who she is sponsored by.
Jen’s determination continues to bring her to major accomplishments with her most recent qualifying and competing in the Age Group World Championship triathlon in Beijing China, representing the USA.
In her past accomplishments, Jen was an All American Track-N-Field Collegiate Athlete. Jen hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in 2004: 2200 miles, 5 months, Georgia to Maine. This determination and drive not only helps her achieve her own goals but also helps motivate and inspire many clients with theirs.
She feels one of the most rewarding things in life is to be able to help others improve their health and quality of life. She helps them do this in her group exercise classes as well as her personal training sessions. The energy they get from her, is energy she gains as well.
Some say “she has a sweet and innocent style that will somehow kick your butt!!!”
CERTIFICATIONS:
American College of Sports Medicine – Health & Fitness Trainer
American Council on Exercise – Group Exercise Instructor
Thomas Enterprises – Kickboxing
Schwinn & Madd Dog Athletics– Spinning
