karen smith

My name is Karen Smith and I am 50 years old and currently live in Manteo NC. I have been married for 30 years and have 2 sons, 24 and 19. I work full time as a teaching assistant at the local high school.  In my free time (evenings and weekends) I teach Pilates.  I started taking classes about 7 years ago.  My instructor at the time was planning on moving out of the area and asked me to if I would like to get certified as an instructor so I could take over her classes.  I jumped on the opportunity and got my certification through AFPA in mat Level I. I took over her classes and started teaching 2 days/week during the school year and then an additional day in the summer.  I taught at a gym in Manteo and at Outer Banks Yoga and Pilates in Kitty Hawk. I continued with my training and got certified on Mat Level II and props with AFPA.  I really enjoyed teaching and when a new gym opened, I went there and asked to teach 2 days at the facility.  At this point I went and got my Personal trainer certification through ACE and to maintain my CEC's I also got certified through ACE for group weight training.  I am always looking for ways to expand my education so I can add to my classes and keep my students engaged.  I try to attend at least one conference per year and seek out online videos/training.  I currently teach 4-5 days/week at a studio in Manteo and at the gym in Nags Head.  I truly enjoy teaching and the positive feedback I get from my students and seeing them progree in their Pilates practice.