passion pilates purpose wellness

passion pilates purpose wellness

Jessica shares the most exciting thing she gets to teach students 👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽

Barzell Pilates Certification as explained by the founder

We build community

The Founding Team

  • Jess has taught Pilates, Dance Cardio and Barre in New York City, Boston and now Portland, Maine for 15 years.

    Jess held a Lecture Professor of Dance position at University of Virginia position and was the Head Pilates teacher at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC.

    She has certifications from STOTT Pilates, Kane School of Core Integration (Comprehensive Pilates), Teri Steele’s Pilates Mat for Dancers, NASM (certified Personal Trainer) and BarreWorks.

    Jess’ quest for knowledge has led her to complete other certifications such as FAMI, a cadaver workshop at Mount Sinai Hospital and Anatomy in Motion (gait and foot mechanics).

    Jess was a leading teacher trainer for the internationally recognized Erika Bloom Pilates in NYC for 4 years before starting her own Pilates Certification.

    She is passionate about teaching teachers and has a wide range of teaching experience including working with young and older athletes, celebrities, ceo’s, aging populations and students recovering from injury.

Jessica Barzell, Founder of Barzell Pilates Certification

Jessica and Dorienne’s Partnership

  • Jessica met Dori in the spring of 2021 when a good friend recommended Salud Portland’s classes to her. Dori was looking for teachers to join her growing community since acquiring a new studio with plans to expand.

    In late 2021, Jess and Dori came together to create this opportunity. Dori needed new teachers for her brand-new studio in East Bayside, Portland. Jess had a dream of developing a certification program ten years prior when she found her passion was teaching teachers for the renowned Erika Bloom Pilates Certification in NYC.

    Jess knew when Salud’s need aligned with her passion, that it was time to create.

    They are so excited to offer these certifications to students who are eager to learn and be a part of a supportive wellness community.

Dorienne Lewin, Owner and Founder of Salud Portland

  • Dorienne Lewin graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh with a BA in Modern Dance. Having a strong understanding of movement and body awareness, she continued her education becoming a nationally certified Personal Trainer, Pilates, Yoga, Barre, and Bounce instructor.

    She received her certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Temple of Kriya Yoga, Physical Mind Institute, Pilates Method Alliance and BarSculpt.

    Through the system of self-improvement and realization Dorienne’s students will uncover strength and flexibility in the mind and body.

from our students…

  • “This certification has changed the way I look at moving my body. Not only did we learn about the biomechanics, I now understand the anatomy behind all Pilates exercises. The most interesting part for me was learning about the pre and post-natal Pilates exercises and precautions. Overall, this certification was well worth my time and money, I cannot wait to put what I’ve learned into motion!”

    Jacqueline McLaughlin

  • "Jess's teaching style was exactly what I was looking for because this was my first remote experience. She was patient and knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. Jess was also available anytime I needed extra help and always emailed me the recorded lectures. Thank you Jess, for a positive experience for my first online certification. I feel prepared and ready to teach mat Pilates."

    Colleen Tomko

  • "Jess is an incredible instructor. She creates a supportive learning environment and imparts her knowledge in a really approachable way. Jess uses movement, lecture and open discussion with a workshop feel to instill the Pilates principles in the class work. Jess also incorporates strategies that have helped her find success in the health and fitness industry as well as everyday life. She’s a gift! "

    Sarah Foshay Carpenter

  • "I would highly recommend this Pilates Certification. Jess is highly knowledgeable and passionate about Pilates. I have learned so much about my body. Each section of the certification was thorough and detailed. I can’t wait to start teaching and sharing my love for Pilates with others!"

    Lia Tonnleson

  • “Jess was an exceptional teacher, with deep knowledge and experience teaching Pilates. I really appreciated the insight she provided us on the whole body anatomy, this really helped strengthen my understanding of Pilates movement and the significant impact and benefits it can have on our body and mind.”

    Rachel Hall

FAQs

How long does it take to complete the certifications?

The Pilates Certification has lectures and workshops that are scheduled over three months. To finish all your hours, it depends how many hours a week you can devote to practice, apprentice teaching, and observation hours. Some students have finished in a total of seven months.

The Barre Certification is held over two weekends and you will be certified if you do all the requirements in 2 weeks.

Is there a time limit to finish the certifications?

No, you can take the time you need. It is better to try and practice or study in a consistent manner so the information stays fresh in your memory. Some students take this certification for personal education and then come back a year or two later to become certified. This is totally acceptable.

Can I use the studios to finish my hours?

Yes, you have access to both Salud Portland and H2O Fitness studios to finish your observation, self practice and self teaching hours. Most of your supervised teaching hours will be part of your lecture hours.

Do I get paid for apprentice hours?

Yes. While Salud Portland can’t guarantee you will be hired to teach your apprentice hours due to scheduling, if you are hired, you will be paid. You can finish your apprentice hours at other studios and most will agree to pay you an apprentice rate or normal rate.   Salud Portland has hired all previous certification candidates that wanted to complete their hours, thus far, but we can’t guarantee it.

Do I have to have extensive Pilates training before entering this certification?

No. We do ask that you’ve taken at least 5 group Reformer Classes and 2 mat classes before considering the certification. Having a strong Pilates practice can help you get through the material with more ease.

Which Pilates equipment pieces will I be certified in once I complete the program?

We certify students in Mat Pilates, Pilates Reformer and Pilates Chair. You can find local Balanced Bodies certifications for the Barrel and Cadillac/Tower certifications. If we purchase new equipment which we hope to, we will offer those certifications in years to come. Most Pilates studios teach Mat, Reformer, Chair which is why we offer these.  

Is this certification recognized by a national Pilates organization?

No. We are not partnered with a national association as most Pilates Certifications are not. However, you may finish a comprehensive Pilates certification on the Barrel and Cadillac and then apply to one of the national Pilates organizations. See next question for more information.

What are the national organizations and associations of Pilates Teachers?

The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) and the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). Find out more at NPCP and how you can take a test and become a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher. Pilates Method Alliance PMA is then where you can register as a student in training or a Teacher. It provides a database for teachers that is searchable by anyone.

Do I have to pay the cost up front?

No, we can offer payment plans that work for you.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we offer scholarships for BIPOC and you can inquire about this via email

Barre Certification

well rounded exercises in a short amount of time

small pulsing movements

emphasis on form, alignment, and core engagement

isolated exercises while trunk is stable

repetition is high and range of motion is small

fatigueing each area of the body

Barzell Barre adds to the classic principles of Barre class including:

Barzell Barre includes…

compound exercises to increase metabolism

biomechanics of all exercises