Nia Intensive Training Faculty

Growing up near St. Louis, Missouri, Debbie experienced dyslexia, which led her to discover the power of kinesthetic learning. Her appreciation for the kinesthetic approach was enhanced in college, when she developed her expertise and passion for human anatomy while studying to be a medical illustrator. Later she worked as an illustrator for the Missouri Institute of Psychiatry, specializing in neurophysiology. Her interest in physiology, anatomy, and health care propelled her into a career in the fitness industry; and in the early 1980s, she became the founder and director of one of California's largest aerobics companies, The Bod Squad. Her company had over fifty teachers, who together taught more than a hundred classes per week. In 1981, she met Carlos Rosas, and thus began a journey that changed fitness forever.

Carlos Rosas grew up in Mexico City where his father was a sales representative for an international pharmaceuticals firm. A natural athlete, he played baseball and soccer; he also studied music. In the 1970s, he moved to San Francisco, where he was a college Spanish instructor and a tennis teaching professional. In 1981, Carlos began taking classes at Debbie's aerobics studio, The Bod Squad. Soon after, his background in teaching, music, and sports, along with an insatiable desire to seek truth and mastery, led him to question traditional approaches to fitness. With this, a childhood dream was born.

Casey worked as a Registered Nurse for 13 years. She believes in the power of movement/dance to heal the body, mind and spirit. She thrives on the aesthetics and outreach of Nia and created her Nia studio in downtown Albany. Casey also works in specialized women's programs (women in drug rehab, AIDS, and breast cancer) and facilitates women's retreats and workshops.

Ann is a former Olympic swimmer and 3-time Gold medalist at the World Championships. She has extensive training in Healing Body Therapies such as massage, kinesiology, chakra balancing, and stress management. Ann is a Nia Trainer throughout Europe, presenting in three languages: Swedish, German, and English.

Holly began teaching Nia in 1993, after a career as an aerobics instructor and personal trainer. She holds a BS in Kinesiology and a MEd in Health Education. Holly's unique blend of talents offers outstanding support and guidance to the new and developing Nia teacher or student.

Liz is a teacher of authentic embodiment who specializes in dance and theater arts. She is also a facilitator of Soul Motion™. Liz is the creative director of the Being Lived performance company, which uses a somatic rekindling process to recall and release actual life events from the perspective of the body.

Ken is a Nia Trainer and Senior Facilitator in The Ron Fletcher Work (Pilates). Ken received his MA in Dramatic Arts at U.C. Davis in 1983 and is co-artistic director of DramaDogs, a Theater Company. Through his theater work Ken brings the integration of intelligent and creative expression to the presentation of Nia.

France-Laude was born and raised in Paris, France. She teaches in Marin County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. France-Laude's study includes dance, Yoga, Authentic Movement, Pilates and the work of Conscious Embodiment developed by Wendy Palmer, Aikido master and teacher.

Caroline believes to move well is to be free. Caroline co-founded Nia New York in 1996. She is a Nia Trainer and also works with performers and private clients.

Denise brings 35 years of acting, singing and dancing experience to make every Nia class fun and unique. She offers movement classes, playshops and retreats. Denise is currently in a Masters program in Gerontology and specializes in movement for those with physical challenges, injuries, and those over 65 years of age.

Roberta has worked as a modern dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She graduated from the Wellness and Lifestyle Management Program at Centennial College, where she subsequently joined the faculty. Roberta is also a Halprin Practitioner of movement-based expressive art therapy.

Martha brings 30 years of experience as a movement artist and teacher. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from York University and subsequent study includes an eclectic range of dance forms, including modern, ballet, contact improvisation, Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms™, tai chi, karate, clowning, and yoga.

Stephaney Robinson is the founder of Mother Merrys, a movement based business that offers classes, workshops and retreats in Nia and other healing modalities. She has trained internationally in Trinidad and Australia and offered classes at the Open Center, New York’s leading center for holistic learning and culture. A participant in Dakshina (offering to spirit) she has also participated in a variety of performance art groups in both New York and Charleston. She now resides on Sullivans Island, outside of Charleston.

Helen holds a B.Ed in Physical Education and M.Ed in Exercise Physiology. She has presented internationally at over 28 Fitness/Wellness conventions and is the founder of NiaMoves Houston, a body-mind studio. Helen's business, iLove2Move, now integrates her speaking, coaching, traveling and training business.

Britta has a degree in Education. She teaches Nia and Water Nia for adults, along with a variety of children's classes, including Music, Movement and Magic (Nia and Creative Dance) and a Pre-Literacy Movement Enrichment Program based on Nia White Belt Principles.

Winalee holds a BA and her teaching certifications include 24 years of fitness in and out of the water. Winalee shares her passion for life through her business, Heartdance. Her writing has been published in the book, Wise Women Speak. She has produced a yoga video and personally inspired CD.