Naomi Leiserson
Founder & Master Instructor
Naomi was first introduced to Pilates at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine where she worked with 1000s of patients during her seven years as an instructor. She continued to study Pilates and broaden her understanding of movement by training with many master Pilates teachers across the U.S. In addition, Naomi received her certification in Gyrotonic, the Franklin Methode and the Hendrickson Method of Massage and Manual Therapy. In 2000, she joined forces with Susan Gray and Nora St. John to open Turning Point Studios in Walnut Creek.
Naomi credits her love of dance as her initial inspiration for discovering Pilates and movement education. “I have personally experienced the many advantages of using Pilates for athletic performance enhancement, rehabilitation and post surgical recovery,” says Naomi. “Pilates continues to prove it’s worthiness every time I Salsa dance, hike, backpack, scuba dive, or go jogging. There’s an experiential advantage in everything I do.”
Danica Radulovich
Instructor
Danica found Pilates after a high school injury and fell in love with the results she saw inside and out from the mind-body connection. After graduating from UCLA and working in the pharmaceutical industry, she decided to pursue a fulfilling full time career helping others find similar ease and comfort in their own bodies. She completed her Balanced Body Comprehensive Instructor Training with Tom McCook at Center of Balance in Mountain View and is enjoying teaching with and learning from the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate instructors (and students) at Turning Point.
Danica is also a student of Ayurveda, a lover of Yoga, dogs, dance and a former marathon runner. She hopes to spend a lifetime helping others enjoy life’s every move.
Jennie LaSalle
Instructor
Jennie’s Pilates journey started in 2011 following a back injury. After completing physical therapy she looked for a way to continue strengthening her back and core to fully resolve her back issues. She began working with instructors at Turning Point in a combination of classes and private instruction and found that she was not only getting relief from back pain, she was also becoming stronger and more flexible than she had ever been. This inspired her to become a Pilates instructor as a second career in order to help others move towards being stronger and healthier. Jennie’s training has been from Tom McCook at Center of Balance and Naomi Leiserson and Julie Lushington at Turning Point and she continues to benefit from the tremendous guidance and teaching of these Turning Point Master Instructors.
When not teaching or participating in Pilates, Jennie enjoys hiking with friends and her dog Zoey, traveling with her husband and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Gabriella Herrera
Instructor
Gabriella is a dedicated Certified Pilates Instructor who left the fast-paced world of tech to pursue a true passion for health and fitness. She found purpose in helping transform lives for the better through the power of Pilates. In each session, she strives to challenge clients, building on solid foundational work while exploring new moves.
Her ultimate goal is to empower everyone to feel like a master of their body and their Pilates journey. Witnessing the positive impact Pilates has on people’s lives reaffirms the belief that it is a workout for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Gabriella is especially passionate about working with clients in various life stages, whether aiding recovery from injuries, supporting postpartum wellness, guiding young and strong individuals, or helping combat the wear of age. Clients will experience a personalized approach to Pilates that aligns with their unique needs and goals. Whether a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or just starting the journey, Gabriella is thrilled to meet clients and accompany them on their path to a healthier, more balanced life.
Stacey Roper
Instructor
Stacey’s introduction to Pilates came after a back injury during high school volleyball. Despite trying massage, chiropractic care, and physical therapy, her relief was always temporary. It wasn’t until her doctor recommended focusing on core strength and flexibility that Stacey discovered Pilates, and everything changed.
After six months of consistent practice, Stacey experienced a profound reduction in her back pain. Pilates not only strengthened her core but also deepened her body awareness and control. Encouraged by her remarkable progress and inspired by one of her favorite instructors, Stacey decided to take the leap into teaching. She immediately enrolled in the Balanced Body Education program and earned her comprehensive Pilates certification.
Now a dedicated instructor, Stacey is passionate about helping others connect with their bodies and move with greater efficiency and ease. She specializes in building strength, reducing back pain, and supporting clients in managing various physical challenges. Stacey continues to deepen her expertise and is committed to enhancing her clients’ quality of life through the power of mindful movement.