About the Instructors

Susie Kidd
Studio Owner, Certified Instructor, Certified Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist
Studio owner and instructor Susie Kidd has been active in her body her whole life. Dancing since she can remember and always wanting to help others find the joy of movement, Susie began teaching dance to all ages on the north coast in 1998. Susie realized her effectiveness as an instructor and the quality of her students’ movement would improve if she became a Pilates instructor. In 2003 she became a certified instructor after working with her mentor Natalie Huberman, who had her first studio in the late 70’s. Since then Susie has spent countless hours training with internationally recognized programs such as STOTT Pilates, Pilates Academy International, and The Pink Ribbon Program and has become a Certified Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist. Her clients range from your next door neighbor, to dancers, athletes, those recovering from accidents or surgeries and even those living with terminal illnesses. Susie accepts each client as an individual and will do all she can to accommodate your needs. When Susie is not at her studio she can be found teaching at College of the Redwoods where she pioneered the Pilates classes. In addition to being a Pilates instructor Susie earned a Bachelors of Science from Humboldt State University in Natural Resources Interpretation. On those days she is not challenging someone’s body she tries to get out and reconnect with nature. She enjoys hiking, rowing on the bay, paddling on the river and dancing every chance she can get.

Jeanette Henry
Certified Instructor
Jeanette Henry has been practicing Pilates for four years. Inspired by the positive changes in her body and spirit and new found physical self-awareness and strength, she felt impassioned to share the benefits of the Pilates Method with others. She obtained certification from Long Beach Dance Conditioning with Pilates Master Teacher and anatomy/kinesiology and physiology Professor Marie-Jose Blom-Lawrence, who continually updates the course with current research in movement science. Jeanette completed Core Intelligence, which lays the foundation for Pilates through activation of the core muscles including the respiratory system and integration of the core with alignment for healthy movement. She went on to complete Advances in Pilates Technique, attaining full certification from Marie-Jose Blom-Lawrence in mat, reformer, trapeze table, chair and small barrels. 

Jeanette is motivated to deepen her understanding of the body, mind, and spirit. She looks forward to evolving into bodywork that compliments her Pilates training. She feels rewarded and inspired by her job when working with new clients. Her training in deep core work motivates her to share it with those preparing for Pilates work, but also those who want to enjoy better posture, mind-body coordination, and prevention of common back pain and strain from a lack of support in the core.

New to the North Coast, Jeanette enjoys being outdoors and exploring the area.  She really feels at home here and enjoys the community of people who live in the area (no coincidence that Eureka means "I've found it"). When not teaching or practicing Pilates she likes to hike, kayak and prospect for gold. She encourages you to take one of the mat classes she will be offering this fall and is available for private and semi-private lessons. Jeanette looks forward to meeting and working with you!

Jo Braden
Pilates Instructor
Jo Braden is a full-time mama and wife, and loves taking care of her two boys, Wiley (son) and Andy (hubby).  Jo’s passion for Pilates started in 2001 when she was getting in shape for her wedding.  Jo’s background in dance and yoga made Pilates a natural fit and she quickly became addicted to this fun and efficient method of exercise, training both on mat and full apparatus.

In 2006, Jo was pleased to find out that she was pregnant.  With the help of her trainer and friend, Susie Kidd, Jo stayed active in her Pilates training all through her pregnancy, and resumed training sessions just a few weeks after giving birth.  Jo firmly believes that her regimen of Pilates, yoga and walking made her pregnancy, labor, delivery and recovery as easy as possible.

This profound experience with Pilates made Jo realize that she wanted to make a career change from being a wildlife biologist to become a Pilates instructor.  In early 2008, Jo attended an instructor training program with Pilates Academy International (PAI) in San Francisco, completing her Mat and Reformer trainings. Jo intends to continue her education with PAI and attend Cadillac, Chair, and Barrel trainings in 2009.  Jo looks forward to being a Pilates instructor for many years to come and wants to help others find the inner strength and grace that Pilates has brought to her life.

 Student Testimonials

"Susie's dedication to the mind/body connection of Pilates sets her apart from other instructors. I feel that I'm engaging not just every part of my body but my mind and soul as well." J.H.

"Susie Kidd's classes are informative, challenging, easy to follow, fun and positive." P.D.

"Susie is an amazing instructor with the ability to adapt Pilates to any body. I have discovered muscle groups and strength I never knew I had." J.L.

A Word From the Creator of Pilates

"You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions." Joseph H. Pilates (1881-1967)