Carissa fell in love with Pilates 10 years ago and never looked back - because nothing has ever made her feel better than practicing it consistently. STOTT trained and three years into sharing her love of Pilates through teaching. She believes that happiness comes from challenging yourself, having fun, laughter, feeling sunshine on your face, good music, and of course, a solid core – which can all happen in a pilates studio!
As a busy mom of three wildly fun boys, she appreciates her own pilates time, because she knows pilates is always empowering.
Her mission is simple - to help you discover strength you didn’t know you had and have fun doing it!
Emery has been dancing since the age of two and danced competitively for eight years in Salt Lake City. She was also a member of the University of Utah Dance Team, performing at university sporting events while earning her degree in Strategic Communications.
Emery is trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, ballroom and is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. Emery has spent the past five years teaching and mentoring young dancers. She is a Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor and is passionate about helping others experience the benefits Pilates can bring to strength, body awareness, performance, and injury prevention. She is especially excited to teach Pilates for dancers and help students build strength, confidence, and longevity both in and out of the studio.
Jackie has been a lifelong athlete and student of the human body. She grew up Alpine ski racing across the Mountain West and US, went on to race at the collegiate level, and then spent 10 years coaching ski racers ages 8 to 18 throughout the Intermountain region.
Along the way, she experienced her own injuries and recoveries. Those experiences sparked a passion for understanding how the body works and helping others build strength, balance, and resilience. She earned her BS in Exercise Science from the University of Utah in 2010 and has continued her education ever since.
Jackie began practicing Pilates in 2020 under Kris Brown, and it has been life-changing. She continued her practice throughout her pregnancy and into postpartum recovery, which deepened her appreciation for mindful, intentional movement.
Her Ski and Snowboard Conditioning class blends a racer’s knowledge of what the mountain demands with the core control of Pilates. Using TRX, Bosu, weights, and balance work, she helps skiers and riders of all levels build the strength, stability, and confidence to enjoy a stronger, healthier season. Jackie is excited to join the Black Box family and to keep learning through practice and connection with her community.
Kat is a longtime fitness instructor who began her career in barre. During her own injury and recovery, she discovered Pilates—and fell in love with its power to heal, strengthen, and restore. Passionate about movement and community, Kat designs balanced classes that blend challenge and care, empowering clients to meet themselves where they are and honor what their bodies need each day.
Outside the studio, she loves musical theater, family time, hiking, reading, and baking.
Kris Brown is a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, movement educator, and specialist in post-rehabilitation Pilates based in Salt Lake City, Utah. With more than a decade of experience, she has built a reputation for delivering intelligent, precision-based movement that seamlessly blends the science of biomechanics with the art of Pilates.
Kris began her career in 2011 after completing the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program through Balanced Body. After discovering the STOTT PILATES® method, she was inspired by its contemporary, evidence-informed approach and went on to earn her full certification through Merrithew®.
Her extensive training allows her to work with a wide range of clients—from those recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions to athletes and active individuals seeking to improve performance, longevity, and overall movement quality. Every session is thoughtfully designed to meet clients where they are while providing the challenge and support needed to reach their goals.
As a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, Kris teaches professional certification courses and continuing education workshops throughout the United States, mentoring the next generation of instructors helping them develop the knowledge, technical skill, and confidence to teach with excellence.
As the founder of BlackBox Pilates Co., Kris has created a destination for elevated movement and education. BlackBox is built on the belief that exceptional instruction, thoughtful programming, and meaningful human connection create lasting transformation. Whether working one-on-one with clients or educating future instructors, Kris is dedicated to helping every individual move with greater strength, confidence, and intention.
Mackenzie is originally from California, but has been teaching group fitness in Utah since 2015. She started her fitness journey as a Yoga and Barre instructor and is certified in Scholé Yoga, mUvmethod Yoga, Total Barre, and Core 7 Fitness Barre. After years of teaching group fitness she found Pilates to be the missing piece.
Mackenzie began teaching STOTT PILATES® since 2018 and holds certifications in both STOTT PILATES® | Matwork and Reformer. She teaches group classes and private sessions, and enjoys bringing together different styles of fitness in her practice.
Michelle has been practicing Pilates for over 15 years and teaching since 2022. With a background in dance, she utilized mat and reformer Pilates while recovering from a hip injury and quickly developed an appreciation for its ability to build strength while supporting healthy, intentional movement.
Michelle also brings a unique perspective from her professional background working in healthcare as a speech-language pathologist, which influences her interest in anatomy, functional movement, and injury-conscious exercise. Michelle’s teaching style blends traditional Pilates principles with functional strength and an approachable, encouraging teaching style.
When she isn’t teaching or working in the hospital, she enjoys golfing, hiking, and baking.
Hi, I’m Sydney! My love for Pilates stems from my passion for health and wellness.
My fitness background began with weightlifting, and I’ve been practicing Pilates for years. After taking my first class, I instantly fell in love. That’s when I decided to complete my training through STOTT PILATES and become an instructor.
I’ve always loved taking a challenging class, so I love bringing that same energy to my teaching. Expect your heart rate to rise, your legs to shake, and to leave feeling strong and accomplished!
Most importantly, I strive to create genuine connections with everyone who walks through the studio doors. I want you to feel welcomed and encouraged—so come ready to work hard and, hopefully, make a new bestie along the way!
