In 1999, I was teaching in Muay Thai at a health club in San Diego where I met Michael Johnson and his brother. He was a Pilates teacher from NYC and trained by Romana. He offered to do a tradeoff: I teach him Muay Thai, and he'd teach me Pilates. When he gave me my first lesson, I didn't know what was going on! He showed me what equipment I would be using and it looked crazy- a full advanced Reformer! The exercises were unreal. Like nothing that I have done before. After the workout, the level of exhaustion was through the roof, but I could punch and kick with much more speed, power and control. My body felt light! Michael told me if I wanted to learn more about it to go to NYC and train with his teacher. This lady's name is Romana! A few weeks later I called Romana to be a part of her teacher training program.

It was my first time visiting NYC. I grew up in Texas and went to college in California so it was a culture shock to see so much snow for the first time. I didn't even know how to wear a scarf. When I got to Drago’s, I fell in love with the environment! It was simply a group of people who were passionate about health and fitness. Romana was an amazing leader/guide, and we were always motivated by her to work hard. And I mean really work hard while also having fun. My first lesson with her was about an hour and forty minutes because someone late cancelled. Afterwards I had to walk in a circle for 20 minutes before showering because my legs would tremble if I stood still and I couldn’t sit because my glutes were already super sore. I miss her.

Several years after my certification, I continued my education with about 8 1/2 years of privates with Jay Grimes. I calculated about 400 lessons. I credit Jay with really helping me find my path to understanding. I’m super grateful!