Meet the Team
Jaclyn Forrester
Founder & Director of Strategy and Leadership, Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
B.S in Exercise Science, Health & Education
STOTT Pilates trained
Balanced Body Master Instructor
RYT 200
TRX certified
With over 18 years of teaching experience and a deep passion for movement, Jaclyn brings a dynamic and intentional energy to every class. Currently, you can find Jaclyn leading any of our equipment classes such as: Reformer Power Flow and Strength, CCB, and Tower. Her classes are known for being focused, fun, and challenging, with a “sneaky hard” edge that leaves clients feeling strong and accomplished. Her Pilates journey began during college with old-school Mary Winsor DVDs, but it was walking into a real studio, Balance Pilates, that truly lit the spark, which would eventually lead Jaclyn to open up Niche!
As Director of Strategy and Leadership, Jaclyn plays a pivotal role in guiding the long-term vision of Niche. She works collaboratively across all teams to set strategic goals, support sustainable growth, and ensure that every initiative is grounded in Niche’s core values and community-centered mission. Jaclyn’s deep commitment to community and alignment-based movement is not only reflected in the studio’s offerings, but also embedded in every decision—whether it’s developing new programs, mentoring staff, or expanding Niche’s impact beyond the studio walls.
When she’s not in the studio, you’ll find her spinning, strength training, hiking, or walking her dogs. She’s a fan of “micro unwind” moments, taking any chance she can get to enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors or go for a walk. She finds deep inspiration in both her team and the online movement community. For her, Pilates and movement in general is a lifelong learning journey, and that curiosity fuels her every day.
CAROLINE BELMONT
LEAD INSTRUCTOR, EDUCATION MANAGER
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
NIT Certified: Reformer, Mat
NIT Trained: Tower, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel
YTT 200 hour
Caroline joined the Niche team full-time in 2021 after moving to Richmond shortly after college, just a few blocks away from the studio. After her first visit, she immediately connected with Niche’s contemporary style, inclusive community, and thoughtful approach to movement. That initial spark led her to enroll in the Niche Instructor Training Program, and she's been an integral part of the team ever since. Caroline teaches every style of class at Niche and enjoys working with clients in private or semi-private settings to help them meet their individual goals. Her teaching style blends functional strength training with intentional Pilates-based movement, creating a class experience that is challenging, encouraging, and deeply focused.
In her role as Education Manager and Instructor Trainer, Caroline is passionate about mentoring both new and experienced instructors—helping them develop confidence, clarity, and their own unique teaching voice. She thrives on collaboration and loves brainstorming with the team to create engaging, supportive learning environments. Caroline has trained and mentored most of the instructor staff that is currently at Niche!
Outside of the studio, Caroline enjoys walking her dog, exploring Richmond’s many trails, and trying out new local restaurants. A self-proclaimed home chef, she also finds joy in unwinding in the kitchen. For her, Niche feels like home—a place to grow, move, and connect with others.
SABRINO SABINO
Lead Instructor, Instructor Trainer, Education Coordinator
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
NIT Certified: Reformer, Mat
NIT Trained: Tower
Pregnancy and Postpartum exercise specialist (CES)
Buff Bones Certified
A former professional ballet dancer with four years of experience teaching Pilates, Sabrina brings a deep understanding of movement to every class.At Niche, she leads a wide variety of sessions but primarily works with individual clients, blending contemporary Pilates with classical technique, emphasizing functional movement, and including at least one new element in each class to keep things fresh. Her goal is to help clients build on familiar techniques while also stepping outside their comfort zones. She hopes everyone leaves class feeling refreshed, strong, clear-minded—and maybe even with a smile or laugh.
In addition to teaching, Sabrina plays a key role in the Niche Instructor Training program, where she mentors both current and aspiring instructors. She is also leading the development of the perinatal Pilates curriculum. Her thoughtful approach and deep expertise ensure that future instructors are not only well-trained, but also aligned with Niche’s values and teaching philosophy.
Outside the studio, she stays active with yoga, walking, running (still hoping it gets easier!), and spontaneous dance parties at home with her husband and toddler. Niche feels like home to her because it allows her to feel like she can continue to learn and grow in all of the ways she would like to, while also encouraging her to push her own boundaries and creating the space to learn new things. To Sabrina, Niche is peaceful, motivating and filled with incredible people!
SAVANNAH SLACK
Full-Time Instructor, Strategic Marketing Coordinator
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
NIT Certified: Reformer, Mat
NIT Trained: Tower
After completing Niche Instructor Training, Savannah has been teaching pilates for nearly one year. After playing lacrosse at VCU, Savannah was drawn to Niche by her desire for a different type of workout. She started working at the front desk and quickly realized that her background in coaching and college athletics would be a great fit for teaching Pilates! She was mentored by Caroline and Sabrina, and is currently expanding her pilates education to apparatus training (cadillac, chair, barrel). She currently teaches mat, reformer, and tower classes in the studio. Savannah’s teaching style is rooted in strength and athleticism, offering clients a unique fusion of movement that leaves them feeling strong, confident, and energized. She loves using the block to challenge balance and form and has a soft spot for a well executed lunge.
As part of the marketing team, Savannah brings the same creativity and energy from her classes to Niche’s social media, where she leads content strategy and helps engage the community. With a background in movement and media, she enjoys blending storytelling with Pilates to showcase the heart of Niche.
Off the mat, Savannah stays inspired by taking classes from other instructors, exploring YouTube tutorials, and trying new ways to move, whether it’s weightlifting, walking, or simply soaking in the moment. She believes movement should be joyful and empowering, a philosophy she brings to both her teaching and her marketing work.
EMILY UDELHOFEN
full-time Instructor, instructor education lead
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
Comprehensive Classical Pilates through Core Dynamics
Emily is a seasoned Pilates instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for movement. She brings a wealth of knowledge, warmth, and precision to every class she leads. At Niche, Emily teaches all reformer and apparatus-based classes, blending detailed instruction with an approachable, lighthearted energy. Her teaching style is both intentional and inclusive, keeping a keen eye for alignment and form but always meeting clients where they are. You’ll often find props in the mix (you just might meet a Pilates ball!), adding variety and challenge to each session while deepening the connection to core movement principles.
Beyond the studio, Emily plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of instructors. She is currently contributing her expertise to the refinement of the Niche Instructor Training curriculum. With prior experience co-developing a Pilates instructor training program in Wisconsin, and years of mentoring under her belt, Emily is deeply committed to supporting teachers in finding their voice, sharpening their skills, and staying inspired.
Outside the studio, Emily draws inspiration from a variety of movement types, including dance, HIIT, and strength training. She also loves exploring new studios while traveling—it's actually how she discovered Niche! Next time you're in class, don’t hesitate to ask her about her latest adventure or share your favorite Richmond recommendation!
KATIE RANGER
full-time Instructor, content creator
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
Balanced Body Trained: Mat, Reformer
Teaching both reformer and mat classes, Katie first received her Pilates reformer certification through Balanced Body (at Niche) in 2018. After taking time away to welcome her first child, she returned to Niche and reignited her love—and deep need—for Pilates, further training under Sabrina to refine her teaching. She now leads both reformer and mat classes, aiming to strike a balance between energizing and grounding. Katie aims to create a space where clients can show up fully, move with intention, and leave feeling more centered and better equipped to navigate whatever life brings their way.
In addition to her teaching role, Katie plays a key role in content development for our website and blog. She also works in close collaboration with our education coordinators to ensure that all website copy and materials related to the Niche Instructor Training (NIT) program reflect Niche’s mission and values. Additionally, she liaises with community partners to support event planning and to help share news and raise awareness about Niche Pilates.
Outside the studio, Katie finds joy in swimming (sometimes for the workout, sometimes just for the peace of the water) and in appreciating the small, everyday moments. She’s endlessly inspired by her clients and loves learning what brings them joy, both in and out of class. Be sure to catch her before or after class to chat about which recipe you just tried from the NYT cooking app, or where you’re traveling to next.
Hannah Redfearn-loss
FULL-TIME Instructor, studio support lead
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
NIT Certified: Mat, Reformer
NIT Trained: Tower
Hannah’s journey into Pilates began during her ballet training, where she became deeply fascinated by form and alignment. Pilates was an obvious next step for Hannah, who loves to rework classical pilates into exercises that are more functional and accessible. She is always finding a creative movement that serves a purpose and is something that can be incorporated into a client’s everyday life: such as picking up a heavy box, sitting at a desk, or walking up the stairs. Coordination, muscle isolation (think about the burn that comes from staying still!) and balance are major themes in her classes. Hannah wants each client to leave her classes with a deeper understanding of their body and movement.
Beyond teaching, she plays an essential role in studio care and maintenance, and supports both instructors and the Client Experience Team by assisting with physical projects and organizational tasks. She's our behind-the-scenes powerhouse who keeps everything in sync. Her attention to detail and reliability make her an indispensable part of the day-to-day operations.
Her favorite form of self care? Removing herself from screen time and even setting aside “no-tech” days and immersing herself in the moment either with her husband, her friends, or her sweet pup, Pippin. To her, Niche feels like home because of the peaceful, welcoming energy in the space and the community’s shared commitment to functional fitness over aesthetics. It’s a place that motivates her to grow while embracing her full, human self and dispensing grace for your humanity.
KAREN ROODMAN
Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
Polestar Comprehensive Mat/Equipment Certified
Stott Pilates Mat and Reformer Certified
Pilates Method Alliance Certified
Balanced Body Anatomy in 3- Dimensions Certified
Karen joined the Niche team in 2022 and has an extensive background in Kinesiology and movement. At Niche, Karen works one-on-one with clients and loves to incorporate multiple apparatus types and props to craft a unique experience for each client, seeking to achieve their individual goals. Multiple injuries lead her to the Pilates method and ultimately pursuing numerous certifications and continuing education coursework. Her fascination with human movement inspired her to return to graduate school where she earned a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus in rehabilitation.
Karen is no stranger to the local Pilates community as she formerly owned and operated Core Pilates of Richmond and served as adjunct faculty at the VCU Department of Dance and Choreography. Her expertise working with clients of all ages, musculoskeletal issues, and fitness goals is extensive. Karen is also a local RVA artist who displays her work in restaurants, medical offices, community centers, and public libraries.
AMBER HENDRIX
Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
NIT Trained: Reformer
Amber has been teaching Pilates for over three years and leads both Reformer Flow and Power Flow classes. She first discovered Pilates through a friend and was instantly hooked by Niche’s approach to movement and community. With a background in dance and a love for both structure and creativity, she brings thoughtful class planning and a strong sense of flow to every session.
Teaching primarily in the evenings, she’s mindful that for many clients, class is the first real moment they’ve taken for themselves all day. Her goal is to create a space where people feel present, supported, and accomplished—physically and emotionally. Her style is conversational, fun, and (as many clients say) “sneaky hard.” Favorite props like the Pilates Ring or the Jumpboard often make an appearance, adding both challenge and joy. Outside the studio, she draws inspiration from her regular clients, enjoys dance and weightlifting, and unwinds with coffee chats, long walks—and the occasional horror movie.
SARAH KIM
Certified Instructor
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS:
NIT Trained: Reformer
Sarah Kim joined the Niche team in 2023. Her interest in Pilates began in 2020 while living in New York City, where she was drawn to its focus on strength, balance, and consistency—and its ability to create community around movement. Now teaching creative, upbeat morning Reformer Flow classes, Sarah blends functional movement with an energetic and approachable style. Her classes are designed to feel relevant, motivating, and accessible to all bodies, often incorporating squats, planks, balance work, and lots of arm-focused sequences—her favorite. She emphasizes repetition to support growth, encouraging clients to build strength and confidence with each class.
Outside the studio, Sarah is an avid traveler and loves exploring Pilates studios in new cities, especially during summers in Peaks Island, Maine. Living just a block from Niche, she stays connected to the community by taking both mat and reformer classes alongside clients. A passionate hiker, she also enjoys strength training and finds the outdoors (and her Niche team) to be constant sources of inspiration.
JULIE DAVIS
certified Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
NIT Certified: Mat, Reformer
NIT Trained: Tower, Cadillac, Chair Barrel
Barre
Julie joined the Niche team in 2022 after completing Niche Instructor Training. She brings over a decade of teaching experience to each type of class she teaches: mat, reformer, and apparatus classes. A former company dancer with Richmond Ballet and current company member with Conflux Dance Theater, Julie first discovered Pilates at age twelve as cross-training for ballet. She credits the strength, body awareness, and muscle articulation she gained through Pilates as foundational to her professional dance career.
Julie’s teaching style strikes a balance between precision and play, focusing heavily on alignment and body mechanics, but keeps things light with corny jokes and a relaxed, inclusive energy. She’s passionate about creating space for every body and every stage of life, with a special heart for pregnant and postpartum clients. Originally from Cincinnati, Julie has called Richmond home for her entire adult life. When she’s not at Niche or on stage, she’s caring for her four kids, freelance writing, and enjoying moderately priced bourbon with her husband, George.
LAURA EUGLEY
Instructor
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS:
NIT Trained: Mat
YTT 200 Hour Certified
ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Laura has been teaching yoga for eight years and recently added mat Pilates to her repertoire! It was the natural next step for her and her classes incorporate a blend of both to create a well rounded, and mindful movement. Laura loves to mix up her class routines and incorporate the same props in new ways! If you’ve taken one of her classes, you’ve likely used the block to challenge your balance or amplify your arm work.
Laura’s goal is for clients to have fun, but to also recognize that they are doing something good for their body at the same time! When she’s not spicing up your 7am mat routine, she can be found taking long walks with her dog or spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking. Niche feels like home to her in the mat studio, surrounded by all of the beautiful pothos plants! I’m a plant lover and have a grand total of 38 houseplants and a wild backyard garden full of tomatoes every summer.
MELISSA PARTINGTON
certified Instructor
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS:
NIT Certified: Reformer
Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)
Melissa joined the Niche team in 2024 and brings a strong foundation in fitness, movement, and women’s health. A Certified Personal Trainer and graduate of Niche Instructor Training in Foundations and Reformer, she teaches both Reformer Flow and Power Flow classes. Her personal Pilates journey began after rediscovering mat Pilates in 2019, where she experienced firsthand its transformative benefits—improved flexibility, mobility, and core strength. That spark led her to deepen her expertise and focus her work on pelvic health and corrective exercise for women at all stages of life.
Melissa’s teaching style blends functional movement with classical Pilates, emphasizing strength, confidence, and real-world application. She often explores one movement in multiple ways, helping clients feel capable and empowered in their bodies. She draws inspiration from her fellow Niche instructors, continuing education, and her clients’ dedication. Outside the studio, Melissa and her husband love all things food and nutrition, cycling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She’s passionate about building community and helping others create a sustainable, joyful relationship with movement.
HEIDI POLSON
certified Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
Certified through Pilates Institute
Heidi brings 5 years of teaching experience to the Niche team, as well as a deep appreciation for the power of Pilates to transform your way of being! Heidi was initially drawn to Pilates after experiencing back pain after her first pregnancy and found that Pilates was the best way to subdue the pain and return to functional movement.
Heidi strives to make each class both fun and challenging. Her goal is for every client to leave feeling proud for showing up, knowing that even if you didn’t nail every move, you can always keep trying. Heidi loves to use props in class. In her own words, “it can kill two birds with one stone” so, be ready to be challenged and try something new! When she’s not teaching or on the reformer herself, Heidi loves to unwind with a good book or spend time digging in the dirt in her garden. She’s always on the lookout for her next great read, so if you’re a fellow book lover, be sure to catch her around the studio.
MACKENZIE CHERRY
Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
STOTT Intensive and Advanced Mat
200HR Yoga Certification
NIT Trained: Mat, Reformer
Barre certification through Lotke and Burke
Mackenzie has over 20 years of teaching experience in both yoga and Pilates. Her mat pilates classes at Niche have a yoga flair and she has expanded her repertoire to include reformer classes. Mackenzie has been practicing Pilates on and off for years, and under the encouragement of Kimber McQueen of Balance Pilates, she decided to take the Instructor training for Mat and Reformer. She finished her Mat training at the beginning of 2020 under LeeAnn Silvey and she finished private Reformer training with Kimber in the spring of 2020. She completed Niche Instructor Training in 2023.
Three words that describe her classes? Focused, calm, and lengthening. Her goal is for every client to leave class with a stronger sense of mind-body awareness. A few of her favorite things: teaching extension work (and the hundreds!), using the box as a prop, listening to peaceful guitar during class, and enjoying yoga in the morning followed by pool time in the afternoon for self-care.
Rachael holp
certified Instructor
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:
Balanced Body Certified
500 HR Yoga certification
Rachael received her Balanced Body certification in 2024 and has been teaching Pilates ever since! She joined the Niche team in the Summer of 2025 and graces our reformer classes with her encouraging attitude and an athletic flair. With a background in Kinesiology and experience as a student-athlete throughout college, you can always expect a good challenge, often with the Pilates ring making an appearance in a few sequences, but you’ll also be supported and cheered on every step of the way.
As an avid mover herself, Rachael is excited to watch clients challenge themselves and be pleasantly surprised by their own ability to do hard things and grow through discomfort. More than anything else, Rachael wants you to leave her classes knowing that you are loved and welcomed here. Rachael enjoys many ways of staying active: running, walking with a weighted vest, yoga, and even the stairmaster. She is a lifelong learner (and currently in med school!) and loves diving deep into the science and anatomy of movement.
SIERRA LASSITER
Lead Client Experience Team & NIT COORDINATOR
Sierra joined the Niche team in 2024 and is the Lead Client Experience Team Member and NIT Coordinator. Sierra ensures that the studio runs smoothly and that every client feels supported from the moment they arrive, while servicing instructor training students throughout their training journey. Whether it’s assisting with scheduling, troubleshooting, or day-to-day studio needs, Sierra's role is all about creating a positive, welcoming experience. Sierra first came to Niche after learning that reformer Pilates could support those with POTS—and quickly fell in love with how inclusive and genuinely caring the space is for all bodies and backgrounds.
Pilates is now Sierra’s favorite form of movement—not just for the physical benefits, but for the way it soothes the nervous system while still offering a powerful, effective workout. Sierra is an instructor-in-training through Niche’s Instructor Training program. A typical day for Sierra involves collaborating with the amazing team, solving problems on the fly, and sharing a few laughs along the way (coffee in hand, of course). Sierra’s favorite part of the job is watching clients grow in their practice. Niche truly feels like home—full of genuine people who show up for each other, every day.
ANFISA FILATOVA
Business & Data Analyst
Since joining Niche in February 2023, Anfisa has played a key role behind the scenes, helping the studio run smoothly through data-driven insights and operational support. She oversees the onboarding process for new team members and manages essential studio analytics including attendance, revenue, and instructor performance. From weekly to annual reporting, Anfisa’s work ensures that Niche remains efficient, aligned, and continually growing in service of the community.
Drawn in by the studio’s calming aesthetic and her love for Pilates, Anfisa quickly found a home at Niche. She’s since become dedicated to her Pilates routine with balances that with bouldering for a bit of adventure. A typical day for Anfisa includes data, collaboration, and of course—a matcha latte. She’s passionate about solving business challenges and making Niche the best it can be for clients and staff alike. For Anfisa, what makes Niche feel like home is the incredible team and a community filled with kind, inspiring people who bring harmony to every part of the space.
ERICA DEPOMPEO
Client Experience Team
Erica joined Niche’s Client Experience Team in April 2025, bringing her long-time love for the studio full circle. As a former client, she knows firsthand how impactful a welcoming environment can be—and now she helps create that experience for others. From greeting clients with a smile to ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, Erica plays an essential role in making sure every visit to Niche feels seamless, supportive, and enjoyable. Her favorite part of the job is connecting with clients and sharing her passion for Pilates and wellness with the community.
A lifelong mover, Erica studied ballet throughout her childhood and teens before establishing a consistent yoga practice in her twenties. A yoga injury led her to discover reformer Pilates, guided by Niche’s own instructor, Karen Roodman. She immediately fell in love with the supportive nature of the reformer and the mindful, intentional movement it fosters. Outside the studio, you’ll find her reading a good book, sipping sparkling water or black coffee, and strolling through the Museum District—her favorite way to unwind after a full day at Niche.
ANNA KIERNAN
Client Experience Team
As a member of the Client Experience Team (CET) since Fall 2023, Anna is one of the first faces to welcome you to Niche! Anna helps with scheduling, answering questions, and making sure everything runs smoothly so that every client feels at ease and at home from the moment they walk through the door. What she loves most about being a part of CET is making genuine connections with clients that have been transformed by the power of Pilates!
Anna was initially drawn to Niche because of its inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and the way it encourages sustainable movement rooted in inner health and well-being. Pilates has since become a meaningful part of her life—so much so that she is now enrolled in Niche’s Instructor Training program. Alongside her work here, Anna is a graduate student studying Speech Pathology. She finds that Pilates and her studies complement each other, offering deeper insight into how body awareness and movement contribute to overall health, both physically and mentally.
KATE FILLENWARTH
CLIENT EXPERIENCE TEAM
From welcoming clients and checking them in, to ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, Kate plays a key role in making each visit to Niche a positive and seamless experience. Their warm presence and attention to detail help create the supportive atmosphere that Niche is known for. With a background in theatre and dance, Kate has always been drawn to movement that combines creativity with intention. Pilates quickly became a natural fit, offering a blend of mindful movement, body awareness, and strength-building that deeply resonated with them.
After discovering Niche, Kate immediately felt a connection to the studio’s inclusive, community-centered mission and knew they wanted to be part of it. As a lifelong movement lover, Kate enjoys practicing Pilates and yoga, and takes daily two-mile walks to stay grounded and energized. Outside the studio, you can often find them curled up with a good book or enjoying outdoor adventures with their husband and daughter around their neighborhood.
JEMMA DILAG
marketing strategy & analyst
Jemma oversees all things marketing-related at Niche, from running analytics reports to developing content strategies. Driven by their passion for visual storytelling, Jemma strives to share Niche’s brand story and the power of Pilates through their work at Niche. Jemma originally joined Niche as a client in 2024, seeking a “much needed” lifestyle change and a community which fostered that. Their love for Pilates has since then grown exponentially, inspired by the transformative benefits of Pilates in challenging their mental and physical endurance and resilience—a mindset that they have taken into all aspects of their life to build the confidence they felt was missing prior to joining Niche. Now, they are currently training for their Reformer Pilates certification through Niche Instructor Training to inspire others!
Outside of the studio, Jemma finds other creative forms of expression and movement through rollerblading, dancing (you may find them at every salsa social around Richmond), and writing poetry. For Jemma, whether it’s through Pilates or other creative endeavors, they strive to share with the world the power of feeling: “You are enough today”.