Jennifer Morley is a Teaching Professor in the Drexel University Dance program and the Creator/Director of both the Drexel Pilates Studio and the 450-hour Drexel Pilates training program. Her foundational background in somatic practices also includes hot yoga certification and Pilates certifications from Romana Kryzanowska (Romana’s Pilates) and Karen Carlson (Pineland Pilates). Jennifer has an BA in dance from Hofstra University, an MFA in dance from Temple University, and a diploma in dance from Laban Center London. Her work in the Pilates method teaches instructors to view the repertoire through multiple lenses—including biomechanics, somatic awareness, and responsive pedagogy—scaffolding learning to meet each client through both the choreography and lived experience. This approach is reflected in the four training manuals she authored as the backbone of Drexel’s comprehensive training program. Her leadership has brought Drexel Pilates national attention in Dance Magazine, Pilates Style, and Drexel Quarterly. Jennifer’s book, The Pilates Teacher’s Toolkit, came out this year. She is also a member of an international research team through the Pilates Method Alliance, contributing to global research on best practices in the Pilates method. 

Jessica has been part of the Philadelphia Pilates community since 2015, teaching private sessions, group classes, and mentoring apprentices after completing Drexel University's 450-hour certification program. She is now a senior instructor and studio manager at Drexel Pilates, where she also leads the studio's Continuing Education initiatives. Jessica holds certification through the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) and completed her Pre and Postnatal Pilates Certification in 2024. Her teaching blends the precision of Pilates with her dance background, guiding clients toward greater strength, endurance, and functional alignment.

Sera Arefaine is a Philadelphia-based Pilates instructor and Program Coordinator for the Drexel Pilates Training Program. Originally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, she earned a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech before finding her way to movement. Sera completed the 450-hour Drexel Pilates Training Program under the direction of Jennifer Morley in 2024 and also teaches at EveryBody Movement & Wellness. Prior to teaching Pilates, Sera worked as a birth doula and lactation consultant, experiences that deepened her commitment to meeting people in their bodies with patience and respect. Outside the Pilates studio, she is also a ceramic artist and teacher. She approaches teaching from a place of inclusivity and individual connection, and is passionate about making Pilates accessible to practitioners of all levels and backgrounds. As a Senior Instructor, she works one-on-one with apprentices in the training program, and in her role as Program Coordinator she supports the next generation of Pilates teachers through every stage of their training journey at Drexel.

Kalila Kingsford Smith is a choreographer, performer, dance educator, and Pilates instructor based in Philadelphia. She started Pilates in 2014 to address chronic lower back pain and to support her local dance career as an independent choreographer. She completed the Drexel Pilates Training Program under the direction of Jennifer Morley in 2018 and currently teaches group and private sessions at Drexel Pilates and Everybody Movement and Wellness. Her goal as an instructor is to honor each person’s unique life experience while providing avenues towards growth and play within any movement practice. She fundamentally believes that movement is healing and transformative. Kalila builds sessions around clients’ specific goals and offers anatomically informed feedback to help clients access an integrated and supported core. She utilizes her dance background by moving clients with rhythm and flow. Kalila is a certified Essential Level Spiral Body Techniques® teacher, and she has an MA in Dance from Temple University, and a BFA in Dance and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Michigan. 

Ali Lodise, PT, DPT, is a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor, Doctor of Physical Therapy, educator, and movement specialist dedicated to helping people move with strength, confidence, and ease. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Drexel University, where she also completed minors in Dance and Somatics. During her undergraduate studies, Ali completed the rigorous 450-hour Drexel Pilates Training Program, establishing the foundation for her Pilates career. Drawing from her backgrounds in physical therapy, Pilates, dance, and movement education, Ali helps clients improve strength, mobility, body awareness, and overall function. She has presented educational workshops on topics including Balance and Pilates, Pilates and the Pelvic Floor and Pilates and Joint Replacements, sharing practical strategies for movement and wellness. Her approach integrates the precision of Pilates with physical therapy principles, creating individualized sessions that empower clients of all backgrounds to move more efficiently and confidently in their daily lives.

Indigo was first introduced to Pilates in 2023 as a way to support her dance students in building core strength and mobility. She completed the 450-hour Drexel Pilates Teacher Training in June 2025 under the direction of Jennifer Morely. Throughout her training, she found joy in empowering clients through movement and came to understand that the Pilates method supports not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. Indigo strives to foster meaningful connections with her clients, honor individual needs, and teach classes that push students toward their growing edge. She believes movement should be accessible and fun for all levels, and enjoys working with clients at every stage of their practice.

Karen Sams is a graduate of Drexel University, receiving her certification from the Drexel Pilates Program in 2021. She enjoys a collective aspect of mind, body and soul and its connection to fitness, wellbeing and how we move and feel in our body though movement. Her motivation is to help people feel so present, empowered, and resilient in their physical bodies that they can embrace life with that same strength, flexibility, and authenticity.

Jennie first started practicing Pilates at Clasique Acupuncture and Pilates Studio in the mountains of Western North Carolina. After her first lesson she was hooked and knew that she wanted to bring this grounding and empowering practice to others. After years of taking private lessons, group lessons, and attending weekend seminars she relocated to Philadelphia. One of her first moves when she arrived was to enroll in the Drexel Pilates training program. At Drexel Pilates Jennie was able to dive deeper into the work. The program’s emphasis on knowledge of anatomy, the importance of breath, and other supportive instructional methods helped her to develop her skills as a thoughtful and positive teacher. Upon graduating in the summer of 2021 she began teaching in Philadelphia. She loves teaching and finds great joy in seeing her clients gain strength and confidence through movement.

Brooke Tripp received her BS from the University of Delaware; majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance, as well as Strength and Conditioning. She completed the 450-hour Drexel Pilates Teacher Training Program in June 2022 and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Drexel University. In addition to her schooling, Brooke’s movement background consists of 16 years of experience in figure skating including 7 years of coaching of all ages and levels. Brooke loves to help clients feel more present in their bodies through sessions structured around anatomical awareness and functional progressions. She believes the best Pilates for you is the Pilates that feels best in your body. Brooke prioritizes supporting clients throughout their movements to access work that is meaningful to them.