Instructors
Claire Kinchen
PT, DPT, NCPT (Owner / Instructor)
Claire started her path to learning about the human body while earning her B.S. in Exercise Science at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). She knew early on she wanted to pursue a career where she could help others recover from injury and learn more about their anatomy in the process. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Texas Southwestern. She was first exposed to Pilates while in graduate school, but revisited it on a deeper level in 2017 when she began participating in classes to better her own body awareness. In 2018, she started taking Pilates coursework to learn more about how she could use Pilates as a tool to help her patients. She then went on to complete a comprehensive teacher certification program, as well as passing examination to be considered a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT). She has continued to deepen her understanding of movement principles while helping others to move more healthily. When she isn’t doing Pilates, she enjoys running, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Lise Carter
Lise has always known she wanted to teach, but didn’t feel that traditional education was the right path for her. Lise was first introduced to Pilates in 2011 when she became a stay-at-home mom and started struggling with depression. On her doctor’s recommendation, she gave Pilates a try. Almost immediately, Lise experienced a profound improvement in both her mental and physical well-being. From that moment, she knew Pilates would always be a part of her life, and her passion for it inspired her to pursue certification through the Peak Pilates education program. In her classes, you can expect a welcoming and engaging environment focused on building strength, improving balance, and fostering the mind-body connection. Outside of teaching, Lise works as an executive assistant for a software company in Austin. She also enjoys cooking, reading, walking her two dogs, and spending time with her two teens.
Mariann Jurista
Mariann has been teaching fitness classes since 2006. With a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science, she followed her passion for motivating others. Through her desire to continue learning and leading, she became a National Board Certified Wellness Coach. She loves to help others find their healthiest selves through movement, connection with others, and nutrition. Pilates is a natural progression along her path as it connects the mind and body. She looks forward to sharing the joy of Pilates with others.
Nikki Sciore
Nikki is an Austin native, mother of two, and passionate Pilates instructor. With a background in education and a lifelong love of movement, she brings a unique approach to teaching—blending mindful movement, injury prevention, and strength training to help clients feel their best. She completed her comprehensive training with Polestar in January of 2024 and has been dedicated to guiding others on their wellness journeys ever since. As an athlete in Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and soccer, Pilates has been a game-changer in her own training since 2021, improving both performance and resilience. She’s committed to helping others connect with their bodies and achieve their fitness goals.
Jenna Freidheim
Jenna has been a dance teacher for over 20 years and earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of North Texas. Jenna fell in love with Pilates over the years as a dance performer in order to prevent injuries, increase muscle strength, and flexibility. Jenna is also a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant which brings a unique lens in the “why” you should perform the various Pilates exercises. Jenna is excited to share her love of Pilates and laughing in every class.
Taylor Corie
Taylor was born and raised in Austin, Texas, where she grew up playing sports and developed a lifelong appreciation for movement and anatomy. After working in several fitness studios and exploring different training modalities, she discovered Pilates and quickly fell in love with the intentionality of the practice and the deeper level of body awareness it creates. She completed a year-long apprenticeship before earning her comprehensive Pilates certification. Having navigated several injuries throughout her life, Taylor has developed a strong respect for caring for the body in a sustainable way. Her teaching style focuses on challenging the body in the most accessible and intentional way possible—helping clients build strength, improve mobility, and develop greater awareness of how their bodies move. Her classes emphasize mindful movement, proper alignment, and creating a supportive environment where clients of all levels can feel stronger, more balanced, and more connected to their bodies.
Change happens through movement and movement heals.
Joseph Pilates