Healer first, educator at heart.
Hi, I’m Jess, and I never planned to open a Pilates studio.
My hobby became a passion, and that passion became my career. But to understand why Soteria exists, you have to go back to the moments that almost took movement away from me.
The moments that changed everything
Years ago in Miami I was a triathlete. I was training, racing, pushing my body every day, and I loved it. Then I was hit by a car while riding my bike. Then it happened again. Then I was in a serious boating accident.
If you’ve ever been hurt badly, you know the feeling. Your body doesn’t feel like yours anymore. Everything hurts, you don’t trust yourself to move, and people start telling you what you’ll never be able to do again.
I didn’t believe them.
Finding Pilates
I found Pilates at a small classical studio on South Beach. I felt the difference right away, but honestly, I couldn’t afford to go very often.
When I moved to San Diego, Pilates finally became accessible to me. So I went every single day. My spine felt amazing. My back felt amazing. I got strong again. I felt like myself again.
That’s when I understood that Pilates isn’t just exercise. It’s how you get your body back.
Over 25 years of touch and healing
Before Pilates was my career, my world was the spa industry. I opened hotel spas, worked in aesthetics, and I’ve spent over 25 years as a licensed massage therapist.
Here’s what I learned from all those years of hands-on work: touch and healing helped me as much as they helped my clients. Every body tells a story. When you really listen, with your hands, your eyes and your heart, you can help someone feel better than they thought was possible.
That’s the lens I bring to every single session.
Why I opened Soteria
Orlando needed something different than a big box franchise.
I wanted a wellness space for movement and education. I wanted a place where men, women and children learn how to heal their own bodies, not just get through a workout. So Soteria is personalized. There are no mirrors. There’s no judgment. You come as you are.
We listen to your goals, your body, your history and all the things. Then we build your training around you.
My calling
If you ask me what I love most, it’s private one-on-one training. Working with someone who’s in pain or scared to move, and watching them get strong and confident again, never gets old. Giving back gives me so much in return.
That same heart is why I started Soteria Education. I train instructors to understand the why behind every movement, so they can help even more people in their own communities.
Your turn
My biggest hope for you is simple. Take ownership of your own health and wellness journey. Find the support and the tools you need to live longer, feel better and feel stronger.
You don’t have to do it alone. That’s what we’re here for.
Feel strong. Feel empowered. Feel like yourself again.