OUR INSTRUCTORS

JENNIFER LUCAS
OWNER + INSTRUCTOR

Jennifer is a Pilates educator, entrepreneur, and movement specialist who has been working in the fitness industry for two decades. She owns and operates the two Synergy Center for Wellness Pilates studio locations in Avon (2016 – present and Eagle (2026 – present); is the founder and leader of the in-house Synergy apprenticeship; and co-founded/ co-owned the Vail Institute of Pilates (f. 2021). Originally from the US southeast she received her undergrad at Roanoke College where she experienced the power of Pilates and discovered that the core strengthening changed her body and mental focus. In 2012 she completed her first Pilates education with BASI and began instructing clients in various Pilates studios and in their homes.

Her clients span women and men of all ages; athletes; post-rehab individuals; daily Pilates devotees; Pilates apprentices; and student teachers. Jennifer’s abilities to see and cue for 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. Meticulous on form, Jennifer keeps her sessions fun and energetic. A lifelong athlete and lover of food, travel, and music, she lives with her husband, Pat, in Gypsum, CO.

With a self-professed passion for people and exercise, Deb 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. 

From aerobics to spin to becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, Deb gravitated towards Pilates because she recognized the importance of ‘core strength’ in any fitness regimen. Her Pilates certification was earned in 2003 from Barbara Huttner, a driving force in the establishment of Synergy. 

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.

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 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.

Nina is a classically trained Pilates instructor under Marissa Lins and holds certifications in Pilates, barre, and as a personal trainer.  She resides in Gypsum, CO.  Nina instructs private sessions and group classes at our Eagle studio.  

Katie is a Vail Institute of Pilates certified Pilates instructor and physical therapist.  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 specializes in spine rehabilitation, sports injury management and post-operative care. She calls Vail, CO her full-time home.

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 home and community at Synergy Center for Wellness. She is excited to share her passion and practice with new and long-term pilates students.

Adryen has been a fitness instructor since 2000 and has taught Pilates since 2008. She is a fully certified STOTT Pilates Instructor with certifications in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels.

In 2019, Adryen was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that left her using a wheelchair and walker for mobility. Determined to regain her independence, she turned to Pilates as an essential part of her rehabilitation and gradually rebuilt her strength, mobility, and flexibility. That experience deepened her belief that movement is medicine and that Pilates has the power to transform lives.

Adryen believes Pilates is about more than exercise—it’s about improving our lifespan, strengthening the body from the inside out, and helping people live fuller lives. Whether your goal is better posture, injury recovery, staying active on the ski slopes, or simply feeling stronger and moving with more ease in everyday life, Adryen is passionate about helping you achieve it.

She looks forward to welcoming you into the studio and sharing her love of Pilates with you.

A recent nursing school grad, 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!