Sharon Gallagher- Certified Pilates Teacher- Rehabilitation Specialist- Bodyworker

SHORT FORM BIO

With over 30 years of sports, dance and movement study and more than 11 years of bodywork and Pilates teaching experience, Sharon Gallagher has an experienced, holistic and innovative approach to the Pilates method. Through her extensive studies with Pilates elders, master instructors and healers, she has developed an encyclopedic knowledge of the classic repertoire, modern variations, rehabilitation techniques, and a gift for cueing subtleties of movement. Sharon’s approach as a Pilates instructor is greatly influenced by her movement training in Dance, Yoga, Gymnastics, Feldenkrais, the Franklin Method, Aerial Dance, and sports. Currently a professional dancer, and eternal student of movement, Sharon continues to evolve her understanding of biomechanics through her students, peers and continued studies. Sharon is currently enrolled in the Masters Program through the Pilates Center of Boulder, CO.

In her role as an instructor trainer and mentor she has served as the Head Trainer for Instructor Education at Ellie Herman Studios (now EHS Pilates), and continues to offer workshops through EHS Pilates Department of Continuing Education. In 2006, Sharon developed the Sanchez Street Pilates Teacher Training Program with Carol Le Maitre, which has prepared some of the most sought after teachers in San Francisco and beyond.

EXTENDED BIO

Sharon’s Pilates journey began in 1989 when her college dance teacher Cecilia Marie-Bowman introduced her to Jeff Smith (who owned a Pilates and White Cloud studio). This was the first time she was exposed to the Pilates method, and the equipment, in an effort to treat her chronic knee pain. When her knee pain resurfaced several years later, she returned to Pilates-based rehab under the guise of physical therapy.

Having experienced the great benefits of movement therapy in treating her own pain, Sharon’s professional healing work began under the mentorship of Edie Murphy, PT and Aston-Patterner. During this time, Sharon immersed herself in the dance world, earning a scholarship to study under Elvia Marta and Bayan Jamay. Also, this was the beginning of teaching for Sharon as she became and instructor of dance workout classes at Rhythm & Motion and dance classes for children within the San Francisco Public Schools.

In 1998, Sharon returned to Pilates, earning her initial certification through Ellie Herman Studios, and studying the rehabilitation protocols of Vladmir Janda, MD, and Karl Lewitt, MD, under Jayne Edwards.

In 2000, she began her study of the classical method through an intensive training at The Pilates Center of Boulder. Here she was turned on to a deeper understanding of the method and the importance of the subtleties of cueing. Upon her return to San Francisco that year, she continued to refine her knowledge and teaching of the method, studying with Jennifer Stacey of Peak Performance, where Sharon worked until 2005.

Sharon has always had a strong focus on the rehabilitative aspects of Pilates, and she has deepened her understanding of bodies, injury and pain through trainings with accupuncturist, bodyworker and healer Steve Coleman, L.Ac., and Hendrickson Method practitioners Pam Arata and Jenna Marshall.

In her role as an instructor trainer and mentor she has served as the Head Trainer for Instructor Education at Ellie Herman Studios (now EHS Pilates), and continues to offer workshops through EHS Pilates Department of Continuing Education.

In 2006, Sharon joined forces with Carol LeMaitre, owner of Sanchez Street Studios to develop a comprehensive teacher training program. Their program combines their extensive knowledge of the Pilates repertoire, from classical to rehabilitaiton based, with an emphasis on effective cueing and safe teaching. They are currently in their third year of the program and have certified several stellar instructors.

Sharon is a lifelong learner and mover, she continues to develop her personal practice and understanding of the body through Pilates, dance and movement workshops, yoga, healing, bodywork, and continues to dance professionally for Printz Dance Project which she joined in 2002.

VISIT THESE SITES:EHS Pilates, Sanchez Street Studios, Printz Dance Project