Introducing: Niche’s New Apprentice Program

Introducing: Niche’s New Apprentice Program

This just in—take more Pilates at a lower cost! Beginning in February, Niche is proud to introduce our new Apprentice Program. Read on to learn more about this new offering and get to know our two new apprentices: Allexys Donohue and Chloe McKinney.

About Apprenticeships

Niche Apprenticeships are designed for instructors who have completed their initial training and have been teaching for under a year. Throughout the program, apprentices receive hands-on mentoring, consistent guidance, and opportunities to build confidence in their teaching. Apprentices lead a combination of group classes and private sessions while receiving regular feedback from our training team. Upon completion of the program, apprentices will have the opportunity to join our team as fully certified instructors.

Reduced-Cost Apprentice Sessions

Apprentice sessions will be added to the schedule beginning in February and offered at a reduced rate of 1 credit per reformer class and 4 credits per private session. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Niche community to access high-caliber instruction at a lower cost, while also supporting our apprentices as they complete their required teaching practicum hours. Keep reading to learn more about our two new apprentices and why they are such a valuable addition to our teaching team!

Meet the Apprentice Instructors

Allexsys Donohue hails from Fredericksburg and has called Richmond home for the past 13 years. She discovered Pilates during her postpartum journey, turning to the practice as a way to gently rebuild strength and care for her mental health during a demanding season of life. What began as a personal outlet quickly grew into a passion and ultimately a career she felt deeply connected to.

Allexys brings encouragement and heart to every class, finding the greatest joy in helping clients feel confident, capable, and supported in their bodies. Outside the studio, she’s a devoted mom of five, a wife, and a creative spirit who loves baking, crafting, and making time for the things that bring joy.

Chloe McKinney grew up in western Ohio and is a graduate of the University of Richmond. A longtime runner, she discovered Pilates during marathon training as a way to build strength without the wear and tear of high-impact exercise. What began as cross-training quickly became both a physical complement to her running and a meaningful stress reliever in her fast-paced, client-facing career.

With a background teaching Barre and HIIT, Chloe was drawn to Niche Instructor Training for its deep anatomy focus and strong sense of community. Outside the studio, she enjoys time outdoors along the James River with her fiancé Brendan and their Labradors, Honey and Judge, plus quiet time with a good book or Taylor Swift.

Q&A

What excites you most about teaching Pilates? 

Allexys: Helping people feel confident in their bodies and watching their progress. I love reassuring clients of what their bodies are capable of.

Chloe: I’ve gained so much from Pilates, both physically and mentally, and I’m excited to be part of that growth for clients. Nothing brings me more joy than hearing a client say they’re sore the next day, or that they feel stronger than they did a month ago.

Favorite move on the reformer? 

Allexys: Ab work on the box with thighs in straps

Chloe: I LOVE a flying lunge—especially with no springs!

What do you hope clients will experience in a session with you? 

Allexys: I hope clients experience a fun class that makes them feel strong. My favorite classes are the ones where we laugh a little and remember we’re all here to feel good.

Chloe: More than anything, I hope clients can step out of the stress of their routines and enjoy an hour on the reformer. Pilates is great for the body, but I also want it to be a place to have fun.

Favorite prop?

Allexys: The box. You can take so many familiar movements to the box and really spice them up.

Chloe: Bala bangles! I love how they make a workout more challenging, yet you almost forget they’re there.