OUR INSTRUCTORS
Sue Walther, PT, MTC, PMA®-CPT
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As a physical therapist specializing in Orthopedics and Women’s Health for over 40 years, Sue believes patient outcomes are improved with integrating the movement of Pilates with the science of Physical Therapy. This approach keeps the Pilates work safe and maximizes the benefit. This program emphasizes core control and optimum postural alignment through six basic principles. She received her Polestar Rehabilitation Pilates Practitioner certification in March 2013 and completed the PMA, Pilates Method Alliance, standardized test for Certified Pilates Teacher designation in 2015. Sue received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Montana and her Manual Therapy Certification from the University of St. Augustine, Florida in 2001. She received her Pilates Certification in 2006 by master teacher Elizabeth Boswell Jones. Sue has two daughters and is married to Steve Walther, a principal at ALSC Architects.
Liz Gilbert PT, MTC, MHSc, PMA®-CPT
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Liz has worked as a physical therapist for over 40 years with most of those years specializing in outpatient orthopedics. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Montana and her Certificate in Physical Therapy from the DT Watson School of Physiatrics which was then affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. Through the University of St. Augustine in Florida she became board certified in Manual Therapy a specialization within orthopedic Physical Therapy. Also from the University of St. Augustine she earned a Masters of Health Science with a focus on clinical orthopedics in Physical Therapy. She received her Polestar Rehabilitation Pilates Practitioner certification in March 2013 and completed the PMA, Pilates Method Alliance, standardized test for Certified Pilates Teacher designation in 2015. All of these avenues of formal training have augmented and complimented each other in Liz's determination to achieve clinical competency and excellence in Physical therapy. Her work at Studio Pilates and Physical Therapy reflects a culmination of that effort.
Kate Coomes PMA®-CPT
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Kate Coomes has been a Pilates student since 2009. After a lifetime of running, skiing, and biking, she began to feel stronger and seemed to get “more” out of every activity when pilates was added to the mix. Pleased and intrigued, Kate decided to deepen her understanding of pilates. She received her Polestar Studio Pilates Practitioner certification in March of 2013. After a career as a product manager in the analytics and information management industry, Kate discovered her love of sharing pilates with others and helping them feel stronger, healthier and balanced. Kate holds a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Gonzaga University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN
Julie Swenson - PMA®-CPT
Julie was introduced to Pilates by Kathy LaMarche when Kathy asked her to invite several friends to an introductory class at Studio Pilates and Physical Therapy. After the class Julie knew she had found the yin to her yang and Julie asked Kathy if she would mentor her to become a Pilates instructor. She knew focusing on deepening core strength and improving body alignment, would be the key to her kayaking, horse back riding, rock climbing, biking, dancing and picking up grandbabies. In her active lifestyle Julie began experiencing severe nerve pain and lost the ability to lift her big toe. Kathy recommended physical therapy with Sue Walther. After a spinal fusion surgery of L4-L5, Sue and Kathy helped Julie recover. Julie learned the concept of “less is more”. In 2013, she became a certified Pilates instructor through Polestar. Now she finds great joy helping others learn how to apply the six principles of movement and proper body alignment to their daily lives. Most of all she enjoys hearing and seeing the joy clients feel when they discover the power of healing through movement. In 1983, Julie graduated from WSU with a BA in Education and began teaching elementary school. She has been a fitness instructor since 2007. She has been involved with Spokane Mountaineers since 1997.
Sandy Nolting - PT, C-IAYT, S.A.I.L.
Sandy has been a practicing physical therapist in Spokane for the last 30 years. She has worked across the continuum of care from inpatient and rehabilitation services to home care and outpatient therapy. Sandy graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1991 with a BS in Physical Therapy. Her continuing education has focused on motor dysfunction related to breath/postural mechanics with Dr. Mary Massery, manual therapy skills and balance. To raise fall prevention awareness, Sandy is trained as an instructor for S.A.I.L. (Stay Active and Independent for Life) and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance. Sandy has been offering yoga classes and private yoga therapy instructions since 2006. Sandy understands that each person benefits differently from yoga. To make the exploration of poses and philosophy more comfortable, Sandy's humble intent is to provide space for people to learn yoga's subtle nature in a methodical, accessible and safe manner. She is able to adapt the practice to a variety of health needs. Sandy is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 200. In 2017, Sandy completed requirements as a Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). She is also a Yoga for Scoliosis Teacher Trainer through a practicum with Elise Browning-Miller.
Shawn Brow, CRNA, C-IAYT
Shawn received a Bachelor or Science in Nursing (1980) , and Masters of Clinical & Anesthesia Education (1988). She practiced as a CRNA for 34 years at SHMC and Shriner's Hospital, retiring in April 2021 from a private anesthesia practice specializing in Podiatrics.
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With an inquisitive mind rooted equally in science and movement, Shawn discovered yoga to be a perfect amalgam of these two worlds. She has completed years of training and is registered as an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance, and as a Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT, with the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She is currently completing training as an i-Rest Level 1 provider with Richard Miller, Ph.D.
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Balanced within the worlds of art and science, her teachings reflect the paradox between the body's structural biomechanics and the subtleties of intuitive grace and creativity. Shawn offers private Yoga Therapy and Thai Yoga Therapy, workshops, and weekly all-level small-group classes. Her teaching style supports a mindful alignment-focused practice that cultivates balance, awareness, and equanimity. Join her for Morning Flow on Tuesdays at 9:00-10:00 am.
Gianna M. Bardelli, E-RYT, YACEP, TCYM
Gianna has been a full-time Yoga Practitioner since 2013 and additionally works as an Inpatient Psychiatric Yoga Therapist and is a Perinatal Mental Health Trained Provider.
In addition to being a Certified Practitioner of the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute (TCYM), Gianna remains an active member in good standing with the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Yoga Alliance, Postpartum Support International, and is a recognized Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP).
She specializes in Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga for Back Wellness, and Yin Yoga, for which she holds additional certifications.
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For more information about Gianna, her teaching and offerings, her work in Trauma-Conscious Yoga, or to register for a Group Class or schedule a Private Yoga Appointment, please visit her website at www.giannabardelliyoga.com. You may also contact her directly by calling her office at 509-242-5650.