Instructor Bios

Meet Our Instructors

KRISTIN PAINTER moved to Jackson, WY in 1996. She began practicing Pilates in 2003, and felt that Pilates balanced her body and challenged her to initiate her movement from a deeper place. Kristin attended at workshop about Techniques on teaching Pilates mat, and decided to change her career and become a Pilates instructor. She earned her full Pilates teacher training certification through Streamline Body Pilates in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2010. Kristen has attended workshops on Feldenkrais Method and Teaching Teaser as part of her continuing education. She has also attended Pilates Method Alliance workshops on special needs, such as Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Scoliosis, and Hip Connection: advanced concepts, stability, and support. Kristen feels that the Pilates method encourages one to find a balance, strength, and health in movement, which transfers to all aspects in life.

KARI COPELAND is the owner of Balance Studios, which opened in 2006. She holds a B.F.A. in Dance Education from Arizona State University, where she attended on a dance scholarship. She also holds a B.S. in TV Broadcast Production form the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In addition to dancing with Contemporary Dance Wyoming, and other various dance companies, she taught at Dancers Workshop in Jackson, WY for 6 years, and also owned a dance studio as part of Balance Studios for 7 years. She has also lived and danced in New York City, where she studied and was certified in the Simonson Modern Dance Technique. Kari began practicing Pilates in 1997 when she began having severe back pain as a dancer with scoliosis. She soon after began her classical Pilates certification. She studied at the Pilates Center of New York, as well as Peak Pilates. She holds certifications from both Peak Pilates and the Pilates Academy International (both Pilates Method Alliance endorsed). She has worked extensively with scoliosis, knee injuries, spinal injuries, joint problems, neurological diseases, and neuromuscular issues. She spends her time at both Teton Valley, Idaho and Jackson, WY studios, and also loves spending time teaching in Kauai, HI. Kari has taught dance and Pilates in Teton Valley, ID and Jackson, WY since 2001.