OUR INSTRUCTORS

Practice With The Best Instructors In
The Vail Valley

All Synergy instructors are professional certified and have a combined 50+ years experience teaching. Synergy’s instructors continue their education throughout their teaching careers and specialize in areas such as prenatal and postnatal Pilates; pre and post surgery rehabilitation; orthopedic needs like joint replacements and spinal fusions; general anatomy; athletic performance; weight loss; dance, and more.

We are athletes and Pilates practitioners ourselves, focused on movement and health. We tailor our Pilates sessions and classes toward our clients’ goals and needs. Pilates instruction is not meant as a substitute for medical attention. Please obtain clearance from your medical professional following a major medical concern.

Meet Our Team

JENNIFER LUCAS

JENNIFER LUCAS

OWNER + INSTRUCTOR

A lifelong athlete Jennifer received a comprehensive Pilates certification through Body Arts and Sciences International (BASI) Pilates; owns and operates our two Synergy locations; and is Co-founder/ Co-owner of the Vail Institute of Pilates, the in-house teacher training program at Synergy Center for Wellness.  Originally from the east coast where she received her BA at Roanoke College she first experienced the power of Pilates and discovered that the core strengthening of Pilates had the power to change / tone her body, manage back pain, and cope with stress through breathing and focus.

Her clients are women and men of all ages, athletes, post-rehab individuals, and Pilates apprentices and teachers. Jennifer loves helping clients achieve their personal goals whether it involves aches and pain management, strength, improved ski season readiness, flexibility, weight goals or overall better health.

Jennifer’s ability to see misalignments in the body and her continuing education specializing in anatomy & pathology, pre-and post-natal Pilates; and functional movement, allows her to address specific needs of her clients.  Meticulous on form, Jennifer keeps her sessions fun and energetic. You can expect her to push and inspire you to make real changes in your own body.  She lives in Gypsum, CO with her husband, Patrick, and dog, Odin.

DEB PLATH

DEB PLATH

INSTRUCTOR

With a self-professed passion for people and exercise, Deb Plath fell in love with being a personal trainer 25 years ago, which is just about the same amount of time she has been living in the Vail Valley. A southern California girl who describes herself as a ‘city girl’, Deb moved here to start a new relationship – who knew it would lead to being a successful, multi-talented fitness teacher?

From aerobics to spin to becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, Deb teaches because she calls it a “gift you can give someone else”. She admits that it takes motivation, but that is one thing she does not lack. After years of teaching a variety of fitness disciplines, Deb gravitated towards Pilates because she recognized the importance of ‘core strength’ in any fitness regimen. She also likes the need for mental strength, precision and focus that Pilates demands. Deb’s Pilates certification was earned in 2003 from Barbara Huttner, who is not only well-known in the Vail Valley Pilates and GYROTONIC® circles, but also a driving force in the establishment of Synergy. In fact, Deb credits Barbara for being the reason that she came to Synergy as a teacher. She adds that she continues to teach at Synergy because of the “energy in the studio” saying, “I feel motivated when I’m there!”

Her favorite class to teach? Group Pilates Equipment! Best said in her own words: “It’s invigorating for me to see my clients get it.” She loves seeing her clients transform their bodies and attitudes about being fit. She calls it a “motivating story” to guide students who “think they are in shape” to really being in shape.

WHITNEY BELLER

WHITNEY BELLER

INSTRUCTOR

Whitney is Classically Trained and is a Certified Third Generation Pilates teacher since 2017, and a student of Classical Pilates since 2010. This means her formal training is directly linked to Joseph Pilates. Her training was led by renowned Pilates teacher, Eva Font.

She cares about the experience of individual and group Pilates, focusing on how each corrective movement aids and assists client’s specific needs and goals.  Whitney loves spending time with friends and family, and living here in the Vail Valley is a lifelong dream of hers. She is inspired by individuals’ overall athletic abilities and the knowledge they bring into every session.

Whitney’s Why: “Through Classical Pilates, I aim to lead and support those wanting to discover and further develop overall fitness, while feeling safe and motivated. Teaching Pilates is my passion! I am constantly inspired by clients’ willingness to share, trust and connect, because growth on every level is a gift.”

KIM STRAUCH

KIM STRAUCH

INSTRUCTOR

Kim has been an avid practitioner of Pilates for over fifteen years and holds a Comprehensive Certification in Pilates from BASI (Body Arts and Sciences International), encompassing repertoire for students of all levels on the reformer, cadillac, chair, barrels, and mat. Kim brings an enthusiastic, supportive, and connected approach to each of her classes. She enjoys working with clients of all ages seeking general conditioning, athletic training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Outside the pilates studio, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and their three teenage boys. Together they take full advantage of Vail Valley’s offerings; from biking and SUP-ing in the summer, to skiing in the winter, and hiking with their Bernese Mountain dog, Mazie, year-round. She is a graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Emily Dornan

Emily Dornan

INSTRUCTOR

Emily Dornan has been teaching mindful movement for over 20 years, bringing depth, precision, and warmth to every class she leads. With a foundation in ballet—as both a dancer and instructor—she offers a refined understanding of alignment, control, flow, and grace that naturally translates into her Pilates instruction.

Emily is comprehensively certified through BASI Pilates and has been leading private and group Pilates sessions for over a decade. Her teaching reflects a deep respect for the Pilates method, blending technical accuracy with an intuitive, client-centered approach. She is known for her clear, thoughtful cueing and her ability to help students build strength, stability, and body awareness in a way that feels both empowering and sustainable.

In addition to her BASI Comprehensive Pilates certification, Emily holds a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification through CorePower Yoga (2005) and is certified in Definitive Barre Fitness, Indoor Cycling, Body Training Systems, and Personal Training. Her diverse training allows her to meet students where they are, thoughtfully layering challenge and support to help each individual progress with confidence.

Emily views movement as a full-body, full-life practice—one that enhances not only physical strength and alignment but also resilience and presence beyond the studio. Her classes are intentional, motivating, and welcoming, creating an environment where clients feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.

DR. KATIE ZEPPETELLI, PT, DPT, OCS

DR. KATIE ZEPPETELLI, PT, DPT, OCS

INSTRUCTOR

Katie is both a Physical Therapist at Altius PT and a Vail Institute of Pilates certified Pilates instructor.  Originally from Upstate New York and grew up skiing, hiking and running in the Adirondack Mountains. She completed her bachelor’s degrees in Health and Exercise Science at Syracuse University where she was a member of the Division 1 women’s rowing team until an ACL injury inhibited her from sport. This experience led her to pursue physical therapy and she went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Vermont in 2019 where she earned two awards for professional development and leadership. Katie completed a year-long orthopedic residency program at the VA hospital in Denver, Colorado where she was trained extensively in manual therapy techniques and the latest evidence based practice. She is certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling and earned her Orthopedic Specialist board certification in 2021. She enjoys helping and motivating others to achieve their health and fitness goals and is experienced in working with chronic pain conditions such as low back pain and fibromyalgia. Katie enjoys teaching patients the neurological and physiological reasons behind how and why we feel pain and promoting independence in managing chronic conditions. She specializes in spine rehabilitation, sports injury management and post-operative care. She calls Vail, CO her full-time home.
TRISH WEBER

TRISH WEBER

INSTRUCTOR

Trish made the Vail Valley her home in 2020. An East Coast girl, Trish is an avid athlete, lacrosse coach and all around outdoor enthusiast as well as a non-profit arts marketing professional. A 2022 graduate of Vail Institute of Pilates, Trish’s love of Pilates began 8 years ago when she discovered that Pilates was the perfect training to support her many passions including, skiing, hiking, biking and living her best life. Trish has two grown children who live in Denver, CO and Brooklyn, NY. She is grateful to have found a new home and community at Synergy Center for Wellness. She is excited to share her passion and practice with new and long-term pilates students.

NINA ALEY

NINA ALEY

INSTRUCTOR

Nina joined our Synergy team in the Spring of 2025 from the Balsalt / Roaring Fork valley.  She is a classically trained Pilates instructor under Marissa Lins and holds certifications in Pilates, barre, and as a personal trainer.  Nina will be joining us at Synergy and at other Vail Valley fitness organizations.
NICOLE DARLEY

NICOLE DARLEY

INSTRUCTOR

Nicole has been a student of Pilates for more than 20 years. During this time, she was diagnosed with Patella-Femoral Pain Syndrome. Pilates was instrumental in returning her body to health and strength, and so began her journey toward teaching. Nicole believes Pilates truly is for EVERY body. She enjoys helping clients improve functional mobility and stability through enhancing their quality of movement, as well as helping them make deep mind-body connections. Nicole began teaching in Denver in 2017 and moved to Boulder in 2018 and Eagle in 2025. She is a fully certified STOTT PILATES® instructor. Nicole’s personal journey with Pilates, and her passion for learning and growth, make her an excellent and knowledgeable instructor. Before becoming a Pilates teacher, Nicole worked in Behavioral Health. She holds both an M.Ed in School Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology. Her love of education and helping people made for a perfect transition to the world of teaching Pilates. When Nicole isn’t teaching you can find her in the mountains hiking, skiing or running, and if she’s really lucky she’s on a stand up paddle board doing Pilates on the water!
JAYME SARE

JAYME SARE

SUBSTITUTE INSTRUCTOR

Currently attending nursing school, Jayme is a long time instructor at Synergy.  A Colorado native, Jayme received her BASI Pilates comprehensive teacher training certificate in 2009.  She has worked extensively with people with multiple injuries; expecting mothers; athletes; clients of all ages.  She is an expert instructor in both group and individual sessions and also offers virtual private Pilates training.  Check out our schedule to see Jayme when she is in town or give us a call to schedule a private session!

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