Welcome to Ascendance Pilates Yoga & Barre! I’m so glad you are here! My name is
Donna, and I am the founder of this special place. I have been a passionate fitness professional since 2010. I managed several high-end studios since 2015. I also owned
my own boutique fitness studio, “IFoundFitness” in Deep River, CT from 2011-2014. I brought my expertise to Amelia Island in 2019. I have managed and worked for several studios here but knew this beautiful place needed a special fitness community to gather. I founded Ascendance Pilates Yoga & Barre the summer of 2023 and we first opened
our doors in October of 2023. I am committed to uniting movement and community. Ascendance aims to cater to diverse age groups and fitness levels. Beyond the studio, I
cherish moments with my life partner Roger, three daughters, granddaughter, three
dogs, and three cats. In my spare time, the creative side of me loves to paint abstract
paintings. With a multitude of certifications, including Barre, Yoga, Pilates Mat, Balanced
Body Reformer 1&2, Cadillac/Tower and Pilates Chair, I am a certified personal trainer(NASM) and I’m dedicated to making Ascendance the premier fitness destination on Amelia Island!  Welcome to your new fitness home!

We are so happy that you found our beautiful oasis of fitness! My name is Diane. I have been practicing and teaching Pilates Mat, Reformer and mixed equipment for over 20 years. My comprehensive certification is through” Core
Dynamics” taught by Michelle Larson. In addition to my comprehensive certification, I
have completed several continuing education trainings. I was taught by Madeline Black
and completed a training teaching Pilates to individuals with Scoliosis. Other trainings
include working with Kevin Bowan and Rebecca Leone. My formal education includes
an Associates in Applied Science studying and graduating with a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. I have worked in an orthopedic, pain management and nursing home settings. I enjoy putting my Pilates training to good work use working with clients that may have physical issues or injuries, as well as clients that are in perfect shape. In my spare time, I love to walk on the beach, bike on our beautiful island and practice Pilates!

Hello, my name is Carol Rossmeissl and I have been in the fitness world for over 20 years. I’ve lived on Amelia Island for over 35 years and find that it is a great place to live, work, play and stay fit. I believe that each persons individual needs and capabilities are to be considered when designing a fitness program. So, whether you are a beginner who wants to increase flexibility and lose some weight or an athlete looking to obtain peak performance, I can work with you to achieve your fitness goals. I am certified in Barre, Mat Pilates and TRX which are the programs that I teach at Ascendance. I have worked at several gyms on the Island and have a lot of experience to draw upon when working with any level from beginner to competitive athlete. I have a passion to see others live up to the potential that they were intended to reach. Our goal here at Ascendance is to keep you heart-healthy, injury-free and to create an enjoyable
atmosphere that will leave you with a feeling of accomplishment and slightly out of
breath. See you at Ascendance!

Hi! I’m Heather. I am driven and inspired to learn and coach all things health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and, of course, YOGA! I’m a 4th generation South Florida girl who married alocal. Together, we own Tall Tines Wildlife Consulting and Refined Wellness — Fitness, Nutrition & Yoga. I am also a homeschool momma of 3. Clay, Dalton and Jena Lee, who are the pride of my life. Since 2006, I have been certified to teach seven Les Mills programs (BodyPump, BodyAttack, Core, BodyBalance, GRIT, Sprint, Tone). I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Stretch & Flexibility Coach, and Weight Loss Specialist. In addition, I am a Precision Nutrition Coach, YogaFaith and YogaFaith YIN 200+R-YFT, and a Rebel Barre instructor. My newest certification, and one of my favorites is Suspension Training. I am currently working to be a Girls Gone Strong Menopause Coaching Specialist. I love how each of these disciplines has challenged my body, as well as my mind, and seeing how they have changed those whom I coach. In my strength and cardio-based training, I use music in motion to sculpt and challenge the body. In my yoga practice, I am drawn to how mind, music and spirituality connect. At Ascendance PYB, I teach Yin Yoga, Suspension Training, Barre, and Personal Training. Come see me to work hard and feel great!

Hi I’m Bonnie a Native Atlantan. I moved to Amelia Island 3 years ago when my husband retired. I have 2 sons, one lives in New York and the other in Atlanta. I attended Emory University in ATL with a BA degree. While on vacation in Arizona 24 years ago, I took a Pilates class and was hooked. I decided to get certified so I could teach. My certifications include Mat, Reformer 1 and Reformer 2, Jump board, Chair, Ladder Barrel and Cadillac/Tower all through Peak Pilates. I have been teaching for 23 years. While in Atlanta, I taught Mat for multiple corporations as well as recreation
centers and local studios. My Reformer journey started 22 years-- first 15 years I was at
traditional studios and then worked for Club Pilates when they came into Atlanta. I helped open the first 2 Club Pilates studios in Atlanta - Alpharetta and Avalon. I love the variety of Pilates and I teach a mix of Classical to more athletic. Come take a class with me!

Hello! My name is CeeDee. I am a YA 200HR Certified YOGA Instructor with emphasis on
moving the body/mind/spirit . My goal is for my students to have a wonderful experience in the studio and be able to take it off your mat. I believe yoga is as much of a work out for the body as it is for quieting the mind. At Ascendance I teach Power, Find Your Flow and Yin. When not on my mat you can find me on the beach with my family! Come join me on the mat!

After being a successful commercial Diver for over 7 years, and being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019, Christian discovered yoga was a great way to heal, find peace and balance in his life. After attending classes for a local Yoga studio for four years, Christian began team teaching classes. In December 2023, Christian completed his 200 hr teacher training and is a certified yoga instructor. He has studied under and been influenced by Baptiste yoga. You will find Christian's passion for music, rhythm and flow creates a peaceful and strong practice. His power Flow class is a Yoga ballet. His Power Vinyasa combines music, fun, a challenge, and inspiration. He will challenge you, but not break you.

Angela, with over 30 years in the health and wellness industry, is a paragon of nurturing and knowledge. With a background in nursing, she has excelled in healthcare, bringing profound empathy and a unique perspective to her practice. Her dedication to healing extends beyond the clinical, enriching lives through yoga and Reiki, always attuned to individual needs. Angela offers a harmonious blend of mind, body, and spirit in her teachings. Angela's life is a testament to her belief that true care for others begins with self-care, a wisdom she imparts with a humble heart in every healing session and class. Join Angela to experience a unique journey of wellness and recovery, where every interaction is an opportunity for growth and healing.

Hi, my name is Linda and I am a 200 hour Yoga instructor. I have been certified since 2021. I teach at my local community center and I am thrilled to be here at Ascendance. I teach a slow Yoga, gentle Yoga and also Chair. I’ve done yoga for almost 20 years and decided I wanted to teach as well as practice. The most difficult part of any new exercise program is walking in the door! In Yoga, we practice at our own pace, our own flow. I believe the most important thing we can do as we age is work on balance and flexibility. Yoga helps the mind clear and the body feel relaxed and revived.  You will be amazed what you can do! I have lived in Fernandina in for almost 4 years.  My daughters live in Jax. My husband is a semi retired dentist.  I love the beach, the small town vibe and all of the history in Fernandina Beach. It is a Beautiful place to live that I’m grateful for daily! Come get Zen with me and join my classes!

I'm Amanda and I first fell in love with Barre classes more than 10 years ago. After moving all around the country and finding a barre community in nearly every place I've lived I decided to take the plunge and teach. I became a certified Barre Instructor when I moved to Florida in September 2021. Barre classes were always my favorite way to meet new people and get involved in my new community. As a mom of two littles, I know how difficult it can be to find time to workout in the midst of motherhood. No matter what your fitness level is, you can expect my classes to be encouraging, upbeat, challenging and fun! My husband, two kids and two dogs lived in Fernandina Beach for 2.5 years and absolutely love Amelia Island. As of January 2023, my family was relocated up to Athens, GA. But don't worry! I will be back to guest teach any time I am back on Amelia Island. Ascendance will always be my home away from home and I look forward to meeting you in my Barre class soon!

I have 18 years in group fitness, with foundation in Pilates; Pilates training in Montana, Washington and Canada. I was introduced to Pilates while living in a small ski town in Montana and quickly grew a passion for teaching. Pilates was a wonderful way to stay injury free while enjoying all the outdoor activities; skiing, hiking, biking, and running and maintaining active with 2 pregnancies. I have taught group and private Pilates classes at boutique style Pilates Studios, in Montana, and Virginia and now Florida. In addition, I have taught group fitness classes: TRX, Bosu, Mat Pilates and cycle. My teaching foundation is centered around Pilates incorporating Pilates principles for whole body and mind. My continued education has allowed me to explore Pilates training for specific populations, injury prevention, pre and postpartum, Pilates exercise for Breast Cancer, jump board, and Pilates props (magic circle, form roller and bands). I have a passion for interacting and creating relationships with clients and sharing the passion for Pilates.  I pay close attention to clients form and techniques to ensure safety while challenging individuals and building confidence. I have experience training all levels and age groups and like to incorporate exercises into my classes that enhance flexibility, strength, and mobility. I am currently teaching Pilates Tower, and Reformer.

Namaste, my name is Linda. I am a RYT-200-hour Yoga instructor with over 15 years of
experience and 500 hours of instruction in a variety of Yoga disciplines. As a long-time
practitioner of Yoga, Pilates meditation, breathe work and meditation, I bring a variety of practices to the mat. I hope to assist clients in transforming their practice with a focus on
post injury recovery and extension beyond physical and mental limitations. Props are an essential tool to promote proper alignment and to provide extension and support Yoga poses for a longer period of time making yoga available to everyone. Look for me on the schedule teaching Restorative Yoga and Gentle Flow Yoga. I also teach private/duet yoga lessons and conduct workshops. I enjoy all the nature of our beautiful island home including biking, walks on the beach and kayaking. I’m the proud Mom to 2 beautiful daughters and a multitude of grand-dogs! Supporting and lifting me for over 40 years my Elton John look alike partner, Ron, who brings endless humor and heart wherever he walks. In addition to a career in commercial real estate, my sister and I run, Sista Flow Adventures and conduct local
and domestic Pilates and Yoga retreats with an emphasis on daily Yoga/Pilates practices,

mindfulness connections, creativity and adventure.

I discovered my love for Pilates a decade ago while living in Nashville. I was looking for a workout that incorporated strengthening, stretching and core work and realized Pilates also helped me connect my mind with my body. After moving to Jax Beach I received my Reformer 1 certification from Body Balance Institute and began instructing at my local studio. I love that I now have the opportunity to lead others, in the practice of Pilates, in my hometown of Fernandina Beach. I currently teach Reformer 1 Align classes on weekday evenings. I really enjoy working with clients from all levels on the fundamentals of the practice and continuing to strengthen the mind body connection. 

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