Our Instructors
AMANDA FLETCHER RICE
Amanda was introduced to Pilates exercises through physical therapy, post multiple knee surgeries, due to one fateful knee twisting skiing accident during college. The silver lining is that she found her career calling in the process. She is still going strong in this career that began with her STOTT PILATES® certification in 2005.
With nearly two decades of experience under her belt, Amanda has a unique and seemingly effortless way of blending the fitness and healing sides of Pilates in her teaching. She masterfully blends the exercises her clients like with the movements she knows they need to recover from and/or prevent injuries. Amanda believes Pilates is “cross-training for life.”
The majority of her clients have been working with her for over a decade in Denver, CO. Amanda has extensive experience working with joint replacements, spinal injuries and everyday minor injuries too. Don’t let this fine tuned expertise fool you though; she also teaches booty kicking group Pilates classes for overall fitness!
As a STOTT PILATES* Lead Instructor Trainer Amanda has appreciated her travel teaching opportunities. Internationally she has enjoyed teaching instructors in Istanbul, Turkey and in Seoul, South Korea. She has also enjoyed teaching instructors in Pilates studios and physical therapy clinics around the United States.
Amanda founded Conscious Education in 2016 to continue her work with students and clients. Conscious Education will continue to offer the STOTT PILATES* Instructor courses, exams and continuing education workshops in Denver. Conscious Pilates was co-founded in early 2024 by Amanda and Jacqui Pilkington. Conscious Pilates is a fully equipped STOTT PILATES® studio offering a variety of private, semi-private and group Pilates classes in Denver.
JACQUI PILKINGTON
Jacqui’s love for Pilates started over a decade ago, while taking her first class. With over 12 years of competitive dance and volleyball experience, she quickly recognized the transformative power of Pilates-its ability to challenge, invigorate, and ground both body and mind. This love soon became an integral part of her life.
Following her graduation from Regis University with a degree in PR and Marketing, Jacqui embarked on a successful career as a Marketing Director. However, after seven fulfilling years, her heartstrings were tugging her in a different direction – A direction that led her straight to the renowned STOTT PILATES® method. Jacqui fully immersed herself and eagerly embraced the opportunity for growth and learning.
She became a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor in 2019, paving the way for her to establish her studio, REFORM Pilates & Barre, only a few months later. Her dedication and perseverance led her to obtain a STOTT PILATES® Full Certification, followed by her Matwork and Reformer Instructor Trainer certification- solidifying herself as a true Pilates powerhouse.
With an unwavering commitment to form and precision, Jacqui brings a unique perspective to her practice, tailoring each session to meet the individual needs and goals of each client. She challenges clients to reach new levels of endurance and strength- “Trust us, your abs will thank you later!” Jacqui is passionate about enhancing the well-being of everyone who walks through the door, promising they leave feeling empowered, revitalized and oh-so good!
In early 2024 Jacqui and Amanda Fletcher Rice co-founded Conscious Pilates in Denver. This fully equipped STOTT PILATES* studio offers Instructor Training and a variety of private, semi-private and group classes.
SAM HOOPS BYRON
Since 2002, Sam has been practicing Pilates, and he has been teaching STOTT PILATES since 2011. He specializes in Athletic Conditioning, Post-Rehabilitation Conditioning, Active for Life, Group Matwork, and Instructor Training. He is also a certified TRX instructor and a former massage therapist who specialized in neuromuscular therapy.
In May 2017, Sam earned his Masters of Science in Kinesiology, with special focus in Corrective Exercise and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, from A.T. Still University. He received a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2011.
Sam’s focus is an intelligent exercise that is enjoyable and effective, innovative and functional, educational and entertaining. His clients, who range from novice to athletes, young to mature, benefit from finding a greater awareness of movement, core strength and stabilization, and injury Sam Hoops prevention. Because Sam had to overcome devastating effects from autoimmune diseases, he has empathy for those in chronic pain. He utilized the Pilates method to decrease the severity of his pain.
Whether Sam is teaching Pilates instructors or Pilates enthusiasts, he has a passion for sharing his wealth of knowledge. The times that he cherishes the most are those “lightbulb moments,” when the instructor or client, after due diligence and hard work, finally understands the lesson being instructed.
Outside of instructing movement, Sam enjoys being physical in the mountain air, lifting heavy weights and swimming.
TARA ALTMAN
After falling in love with STOTT Pilates over a decade ago, Tara Altman received her STOTT certification in reformer Pilates in 2022. She is the owner of Ryan Pilates LLC and teaches mixed equipment classes at Conscious Pilates, where she brings her expertise and passion to her clients.
Originally from New Jersey, Tara has a diverse background, having worked in media relations and new media for the NFL before transitioning to a career in Pilates. She has lived in Colorado for the past six years with her husband and three children and loves working out and spending time with friends and family.
ERIN COYNE
I share a birthday with Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who modeled and placed the Sun rather than the Earth as the center of the universe. I am transformative, and have been teaching Pilates for 24 years. Dedicating 41 years of my life to help others as well as practice Pilates, run and move through the yoga sutras, I have transformed.
If you choose to strengthen your body, heart, soul and spirit, then Pilates is one vehicle to obtain that strength if practiced by an instructor who follows and teaches the Pilates method. Quite simply, if followed, it will provide you with a new outlook on life, and a new body. I am a movement veteran, having spent my early years as a competitive swimmer, then as an instructor.
After living in different areas of the globe and after receiving my BA in International Studies from CU Boulder, I call Denver home. Married for 29 years with a son who is a Sophomore in College, I have managed health and fitness programs for Cherry Creek Athletic Club, 24 Hour Fitness, Colorado Athletic Club, and the JCC. I am certified in Stott Pilates, Polestar Pilates, Yoga, and having spent some time as a Personal Trainer, ACE and AFAA. With an open heart and mind, I am grateful and thankful to be able to teach Pilat
BONNIE KING
I am a retired RN with 20 years’ experience working in medical and surgical ICUs and Emergency Departments in San Francisco and in London, England. I hold a MS in Public Health from University of Westminster in London.
I came to Pilates after having sustained a knee injury, and regular Pilates exercises had me back skiing in 2 months. My positive Pilates experience led me to enroll in the Stott teacher training course with Amanda at Conscious Education- and Jacqui was a fellow student! I am a devoted Pilates enthusiast and believe the benefits of a regular Pilates practice will result in an increase of joint flexibility and stronger leaner muscles. So come give it a try!
MALISSA TABBEY
Malissa is a Certified Stott Pilates Instructor, ISP certified, former college athlete- competitive swimmer and skier, and rugby athlete. Movement is the cornerstone of Malissa’s life and has brought her joy beyond measure. She has been playing sports at a high level since she could walk and as the years came and went, so did an injury-free life.
Malissa realized she needed to do something sustainable that brought balance and care to her body, prevented injury, and supported mobility and strength. Her teaching focus, while always sticking to Stott Pilates key principles, focuses on restoration, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and athletic strength.
