Welcome to
Blue Sky Pilates + Wellness

Our mission is to provide a safe and cost-effective transition from rehabilitation to wellness by offering one-on-one instruction, group Pilates, Yoga, and private exercise sessions taught by physical therapists in a fun and professional environment.

“Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play and in the way you work.”
– Joseph H. Pilates

Classes & Packages

At Blue Sky Pilates + Wellness we have a state-of-the-art Pilates studio, which includes 6 Reformer/Tower combination units, a Cadillac, 6 MVE Chairs, and a ladder barrel. In addition, many props such as rings, small hand weights, bosu balls, and bands will be utilized.

“Developing minor muscles naturally helps to strengthen major muscles.”
– Joseph H. Pilates

Meet Your Instructors

Hillary L Joseph PT, MPT, COMT
Pilates Instructor

Hillary was first introduced to the world of Physical Therapy after receiving treatment for a back injury she sustained in high school. She pursued her newfound passion and completed a Masters of Science from Northeastern University in 2005. Originally from Wisconsin, she fell in love with Colorado while completing a clinical rotation in Vail. Hillary brings conscientiousness, kindness and great skill to her Physical Therapy practice and Pilates & Wellness instruction. When not working, she enjoys her love of all things outdoors with her husband, Bryon, and 2 children, Sierra and Declan.

Professional Experience and Education

Hillary earned her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She gained clinical experience while working at Vail Sports Medicine Physical Therapy (Vail, CO), Methodist Children’s Hospital (San Antonio, TX), and Lakeview Neuro-Rehabilitation Center (Waterford, WI). She started her career at Cherry Creek Physical Therapy (Denver) in 2005, where she treated a wide spectrum of patients. Now with over 10 years of clinical experience, Hillary continues to use her ever-growing skill set to help her patients recover from injury and transition into a wellness program.

Certifications

Hillary has dedicated a great deal of time and energy to completing the following certifications:

  • Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) through the Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars
  • Certificate of Completion for Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pro Health and Fitness Pilates Mat Certification
  • Pro Health and Fitness Pilates Reformer Equipment Certification
  • Certification in Chair through Peak Pilates

Continuing Education

Hillary has been consistent in her pursuit of continuing education and professional certifications. She dedicates time each year to finding courses that will enhance and expand her current knowledge base, and she utilizes these newly acquired skills in the daily treatment for her patients and clients. Hillary has completed the following courses:

  • Maitland-Australian MT-1 Essential Peripheral
  • Maitland-Australian MT-2 Essential Spinal
  • Maitland-Australian MT-3 Intermediate Spinal
  • Maitland-Australian MT-ST Stabilization Training & Functional Rehabilitation
  • Maitland-Australian MT-O Evidence-Based Orthopedic Diagnostic Evaluation
  • Maitland-Australian MT-4 Differential Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
  • Maitland-Australian MT-R Review
  • Maitland-Australian MT-G: Geriatric Manual Therapy Seminar
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling Level 1
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling Level 2
  • MET of the Lumbar-Pelvis-Sacrum
  • MET of the Cervical Spine and TOS
  • MET of the Thoracic Spine and Ribs
  • Align Conference: Nerve Pain
  • Web PT – Ascend Conference 2016, 2017, 2018
  • The Integrated ‘Inner Core’ Cylinder for Lumbo-Pelvic Stability
  • Recent Advances in the Treatment of the Shoulder
  • Geriatric Strengthening and Movement Re-education for Mobility
  • Classical Pilates Mat, Chair, Tower and Reformer Review
  • WEB-MMT: The Mechanisms of Manual Therapy – The Truths Revealed
  • Herman & Wallace | Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute – Osteoporosis Management

Karen L Lewis PT, MPT
Pilates Instructor

Karen combines over 30 years of fitness and healthcare experience to offer her patients a complete, well-balanced therapy program. She began teaching exercise in 1987 and always followed the latest fitness trends. Her current passion is teaching Pilates. She started practicing physical therapy in New Orleans in 2003, and then continued in her home town of Denver in 2005. Karen emphasizes a holistic approach to her physical therapy and wellness programs, and ensures patient understanding through her educational and supportive style. In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, hiking, biking and gardening.

Professional Experience and Education

Karen earned her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center with academic honors. She earned the Physical Therapy Award for Academic Excellence and the Physical Therapy Department Dean’s Award Nomination. Her clinical experience includes Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital (Denver), Cherry Creek Physical Therapy (Denver), University Hospital (New Orleans), and Veteran’s Administration Hospital (New Orleans). Karen’s work experience includes Children’s Hospital (New Orleans), Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (New Orleans), Ochsner Foundation Hospital (New Orleans), and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy (Denver). Karen has also taught a variety of fitness classes at a state-of-the-art facility in New Orleans and worked as a personal trainer since 2004 for clients on all types of Pilates equipment.

Certifications

Karen has dedicated a great deal of time and effort to completing the following certifications:

  • ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Certified Health Fitness Specialist
  • Powerhouse Pilates Certified Pilates Instructor (Mat & Equipment)
  • AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) Personal
    Trainer/Fitness Counselor Certification
  • AFAA Professional Group Exercise Instructor Certification
  • Certified Johnny G Spinning Instructor

Continuing Education

Karen recognizes the importance of continuing education in order to ensure her patients receive the best available treatment. Her dedication to her patients and delivery of the best available therapy drives Karen to not only meet continuing education standards, but exceed them. Karen has completed the following courses:

Hermann & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute:

  • Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction and Treatment Level 1
  • Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction and Treatment Level 2B
  • Differential Diagnostics of Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Osteoporosis Management: A Comprehensive Approach for Healthcare Professionals

Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy Seminars:

  • Maitland-Australian MT-1 Essential Peripheral
  • Maitland-Australian MT-2 Essential Spinal
  • Maitland-Australian MT-3 Intermediate Spinal
  • Maitland-Australian MT-ST Stabilization Training and Functional Rehabilitation
  • Maitland-Australian MT-4 Differential Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
  • Maitland-Australian MT-O Evidence-Based Orthopedic Diagnostic Evaluation
  • Maitland-Australian MT-G: Geriatric Manual Therapy Seminar
  • Maitland-Australian MT-SIJ: Sacroiliac Joint and Pelvis an Evident Based Approach

Exercise Etc, Inc:

  • Strength & conditioning for Seniors
  • Functional Mobility Drills
  • Core Training for Seniors
  • A Dozen Practical Exercises for Seniors

PowerHouse Pilates:

  • Group Foundations I – Pilates Reformer
  • Group Foundations II – Cadillac
  • Mat Certification
  • Pilates Personal Training

Web PT – Ascend Conference 2015, 2017, 2018,2019

Pilates Method Alliance 10th International Educational Conference:

  • The Role of the Body in Working with the Tower
  • Hip Connection Advanced Concepts: Stability, Support, Power Scoliosis
  • Joe’s “Extra Muscles”: Accessing the Internal Shower Through the Equipment

Peak Pilates:

  • MVe Instructor Preparation Workshop

American College of Sports Medicine:

  • ACSM Behavior Change Strategies for Optimal Client Outcomes
  • ACSM Health Fitness Specialist Workshop
  • Minimizing Legal Liability in Health/Fitness Programs

Cross Country Education:

  • Running Kinematics and Gait Analysis: An Evidence Based Approach

Kinetic Control:

  • Diagnosis, Classification and Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Managementof Shoulder Impingements and Instabilities
  • Diagnosis and Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Management of Hip Pain and Dysfunction
  • Recent Advances in the Treatment of the Shoulder
  • Diagnosis of Mechanical Neck Pain & Functional Stability Retraining
  • Diagnosis of Mechanical Dysfunction & Stability Retraining of the Shoulder Girdle
  • The Integrated “Inner Core” Cylinder for Lumbo-Pelvic Stability

Health One:

  • Current Concepts in Orthopaedics

Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado:

  • MET of the Lumbar Pelvis Sacrum
  • MET of the Thoracic spine Ribs
  • MET of the Cervical Spine TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)
  • Advanced Evaluation and Treatment of the Lumbar Pelvis Sacrum

Sports and Orthopaedic Seminars:

  • Contemporary Approaches to Common Sports and Orthopaedic Conditions

Body Works WELL:

  • Classical Pilates Mat, Chair, Tower and Reformer Review

Louisiana Physical Therapy Association:

  • Clinical and Scientific Rationale for Modern Manual Therapy – TheShoulder/Upper Quarter

Johnny G Spinning:

  • Spinning Certification
  • Spinning and the application of Interval Training
  • Phase Three: Strength Energy Zone

Deep South Fitness Convention:

  • Yoga 2K
  • Total Ballet Workout
  • Balance and Stability

Deep South Alliance for Fitness Professionals:

  • Mind-Body Yoga Certification

Reebok International Ltd:

  • Power Step Reebok
  • Flexible Strength

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America:

  • Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor Certification
  • Mat Science
  • Fitness Triage Seminar
  • Master M.O.V.E.S.
  • Nutrition Fundamentals
  • Primary Certification Review
  • Boot Camp Maneuvers

Barre Elevate – Level I Teacher Training Workshop

Natalie Ormond PT, DPT
Pilates Instructor Rowing Specialist

Natalie received her combination degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Health Science at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY in May 2010. She has been privileged to work in several areas of the field including inpatient, inpatient rehab for total hip and knee replacements, home health and PRN for SNF, neuro-inpatient and outpatient facilities in New York and Colorado. This wide variety has given Natalie a greater appreciation of the depth and breadth that physical therapists provide for society as a whole. She is level 1 certified to do Functional Dry Needling through Kinetacore since 2018. Natalie is interested in being a consultant to assist patients in recognizing their own body mechanics and becoming more body aware while they heal through exercise and some manual techniques. She is interested in assisting patients with healing so they can return to their preferred activities that bring them joy! When Natalie is not working, she loves to spend time with her husband and children or pursuing rowing in Master’s regattas around the country.

Natalie is a level 2 certified US Rowing coach. With her passion for rowing, she is starting Peak Rowing Club at Standley Lake that will eventually accommodate master, veteran, adaptive and teen rowers. Natalie can also help you break down the stroke to optimize the power that you are looking for. Click here to learn more about what to expect during a rowing analysis and how to set up or initial appointment with Blue Sky.

Certifications

  • Kinetacore Certificate of Achievement for Functional Dry Needling Level 1 • Total Motion Release for Adults Certificate Level 1
  • Evidence in Motion: Functional Dry Needling Level 2

Continuing Education

  • The New Wave in IASTM Tools
  • Cognitive Behavioral Strategies and Motivational Interviewing Techniques to Improve Patient Outcomes in PT
  • Orthopedic Track: Are You Up to Date? Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Lumbar Spine
  • FIM Instrument certification
  • Manual Therapy and Corrective Therapeutics of the Extremities: A “Practical” Application of the Evidence for all Clinicians
  • Introduction to Pediatric Hospital-Based Care
  • Variability in Childhood Development
  • Physical Therapy Management of Children with Cancer
  • Inter-professional Education: All Aboard
  • Women’s Health: The Female Athlete Triad: New Perspectives in the Diagnosis, Treatment and Preven
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Shawna Olsen MSPT, Cert. DN
Pilates Instructor

Shawna became interested in physical therapy after receiving treatment as an adolescent while recovering from an injury as a competitive figure skater.  A native of Colorado, she obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology/Environmental Science from Colorado College in 1996 and then went on to receive her graduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2002.  With over 18 years of experience, Shawna enjoys working with all patient populations/diagnoses and empowering patients to reach their goals, prevent re-injury, and continue a healthy lifestyle.  Having grown up in Evergreen, Colorado, she enjoys running, skiing, hiking and backpacking in the mountains with her husband, two daughters, and dog.  She also likes to spend her time volunteering in the community, gardening, and cooking.

Professional Experience and Education:

After receiving her graduate degree in Physical Therapy from CU in 2002, she began her career in a small outpatient orthopedic spinal clinic in Lakewood for four years.  Shawna then worked for Physiotherapy Associates and Panorama Physical Therapy in Golden for 14 years, treating a wide variety of diagnoses including total joints, post-op, acute/chronic spinal injuries, athletic injuries, and work injuries.  While she has a diverse skill set, she is always striving to learn more through yearly continuing education in order to help her patients succeed.

Certifications:

  • American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Dry Needling Certification – Part 1 and 2 for upper extremity, lower extremity and spinal conditions.

Continuing Education:

  • Certification in Functional Dry Needling, Part 1 and 2
  • CU Sports Medicine Fall Symposium – 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020
  • Treating the Shoulder Complex – Advances in conservative and post-op management
  • Fascial Movement Taping – Rock Tape Level 1 and 2
  • Patellofemoral Pain: a critical review of evaluation and treatment techniques
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cerv Spine (IAOM)
  • Comprehensive Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Sacral Restabilization (IAOM)
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Knee (IAOM)
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Ankle (IAOM)
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Hip (IAOM)
  • The Thorax:  Restoring Function and Relieving Pain
  • Muscle Energy Techniques of the Lumbar-Pelvis-Sacrum
  • The Acute Motor Vehicle Accident
  • Level 1:  Segmental Spinal Stabilization
  • Maitland Australian Physiotherapy Seminars Essential Spinal
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Jackie Schloemp PT, DPT
Pilates Instructor

Jackie grew up in Santa Rosa, California. She became interested in physical therapy while attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she studied both Kinesiology and Dance. With a combined love of science and passion for the art of movement, a career in physical therapy was the perfect choice! Through her work with Select Physical Therapy before attending physical therapy school, as well as her DPT education at Regis University, she has developed a passion for the world of orthopedics as is excited to begin her post-graduate career here at Blue Sky Physical Therapy. Jackie loves modern dance, backpacking, camping, climbing, hiking, and playing boardgames. She is excited to stay in Colorado after graduation to continue exploring the magic of the Rocky Mountains.

Profession Education and Experience
Jackie received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Regis University graduating in April 2022. During her education, she completed four clinical rotations including pediatric physical therapy at Aurora Public Schools, inpatient acute physical therapy in Santa Barbara, California, outpatient orthopedic physical therapy in Gillette, Wyoming, and specialized physical therapy at the Lutheran Spine Center/Colorado Ballet Company here in Denver, CO. Her wide range of experience allows her to connect with an extensive variety of patients and gives her a greater appreciation for the breadth of this professional field.

Certifications
Evidence in Motion: Functional Dry Needling Level 1

Continuing Education
Jackie looks forward to continued learning opportunities post-graduation in areas such as manual therapy, dry needling, chronic pain, and dance rehabilitation. She believes in the importance of lifelong learning to provide the best possible care for each of her patients.

  • Maitland-Australian Physiotherapy Seminars: MT-2: Essential Spinal
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Annie Przybyl PT, DPT
Pilates Instructor

Annie is from Highlands Ranch, Colorado and grew up running cross country and track. After receiving Physical Therapy treatment in High School for chronic knee injuries, Annie quickly became interested in becoming a Physical Therapist and aiding other athletes back into their sport. She received her Bachelors of Science with a Major in Exercise and Health Science from Colorado State University in 2002, and then went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2004.

Professional Experience and Education
After earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2004, Annie worked in the outpatient orthopedic physical therapy field for 11-years (6-years being at Blue Sky Physical Therapy). She specialized in sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and all that is orthopedic, as well as instructing/teaching Pilates.

In 2015, after the birth of her 3rd child, Annie decided to stay home with her children full time. But after a 7-year hiatus, she is thrilled to be back in the clinic teaching Pilates. She loves seeing the long term benefits of strength, body mechanics and confidence that Pilates brings to patients/clients.

As an experienced runner, and with the use of her Physical Therapy background, Annie also enjoys helping other runners/athletes build their running confidence and abilities. Through running and strength analysis she can develop a running plan for any individual that is interested in simply beginning their running journey, helping current runners increase performance, or aiding an athlete back into a thorough running program status-post injury.

When Annie is not in the clinic she enjoys spending time with her family, running, paddle boarding, hiking and traveling.

Continuing Education:

  • Therapy Concepts Inc- Trigger Point Dry Needling Level 1
  • Therapy Concepts Inc- Trigger Point Dry Needling Level 2
  • Maitland-Australian MT-1 Essential Peripheral
  • Maitland-Australian MT-2 Essential Spinal
  • Maitland-Australian MT-3 Intermediate Spinal
  • Maitland-Australian MT-ST Stabilization Training and Rehab
  • Maitland-Australian MT-4 Differential Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
  • Maitland-Australian MT-0 Evidence Based Orthopedic Diagnostic Evaluation
  • North American Seminars: Utilizing Pilates Principles to Enhance rehab Outcomes
  • Balanced Body Pilates Mat I & II: for Rehabilitation Professionals
  • Balanced Body Pilates Reformer I: for Rehabilitation Professionals
  • Manual Therapy Seminars of Colorado: MET of the Lumbar Pelvis/Sacrum, MET of the Thoracic Spine/Ribs, MET of the Cervical Spine/Thoracic outlet
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Maya Shipway PT, DPT
Tai Chi Instructor

Maya is originally from the Seattle area, where she grew up playing soccer and softball and discovered her passion for being active. She followed that passion into her undergraduate career where she played Division III softball and worked in the athletic training room. It was there she had her first run-in with physical therapy as she rehabilitated a back injury her Freshman year, she quickly realized this was the path for her. She earned her degree in Exercise and Health Science from Willamette University in Oregon and discovered she could balance her love of being active with her love of the human body and began to pursue a new dream of being a physical therapist. Since then she has fallen in love with the profession and all of the ways it allows people to get back to doing the things they love most. In her free time, Maya enjoys hiking, reading a good book, rock climbing, and traveling.

Professional Experience and Education:

Maya earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There she actively engaged with increasing diversity and equity in PT for students, patients, and providers as well as took on a leadership role in the Pro Bono Neurologic Rehabilitative clinic. She also participated in coursework where she learned the Tai Chi Fundamentals Adapted Program and solidified her belief that PT should treat the whole patient, rather than a single injury at a time. While finishing her education, Maya traveled all over the country and completed rotations in specialty inpatient and outpatient settings.

Continuing Education:

Maya is a lifelong learner and is very eager to complete continuing education in order to provide a more holistic treatment plan for her patients. Her specific interests include the Fascial Distortion Model, Neural Mobilization, manual therapy, and neurologic-specific rehabilitation.

Special Interests: Chronic Pain and Neurologic Conditions:

Maya’s biggest passion is working with patients who experience either chronic pain, or who have a neurologic diagnosis (or both!). She finds PT invaluable in helping patients be able to get back to their daily lives and what is most important to them. Maya uses her skills and unique perspective to help patients improve balance, confidence, strength, stability, and take back control in their lives.

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Rachael Van Gordon PT, DPT
Pilates Instructor

Rachael Van Gordon, a dedicated physical therapist from Portland, Oregon, is a highly educated professional with a diverse academic background. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University, where she majored in Pre-Medicine with an option and minored in Spanish.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Rachael pursued her passion for healthcare by obtaining her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University. Her rigorous academic journey equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her field.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Rachael’s personal interests and hobbies reflect her well-rounded nature. When she’s not providing top-notch care to her patients, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking with her dog and husband, cooking, and running. These activities showcase her zest for adventure, love for nature, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Rachael’s academic achievements, combined with her genuine care for her patients, make her an excellent clinician. She has previous experience in working with sports-specific patients, pelvic floor physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation and general training with patients coming in with a wide variety of musculoskeletal injuries.

With her extensive knowledge and genuine compassion, Rachael is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their physical goals and improve their overall well-being. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her diverse skill set make her a valuable asset in the field of physical therapy.

Certifications:

  • Dry Needling: Evidence in Motion level 1
  • Pelvic Floor: Piper level 1
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Ann Mora Ramos LMT
Massage Therapist

Ann was born and raised in the Flint, Michigan area, the youngest of 11 children. During her senior year of high school, she started teaching group exercise classes which inspired her to pursue education in health and fitness. She attended Alma College where she achieved a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Exercise and Health Science and was an EHS Honor Society member.

After graduation, she moved to Houston, Texas for a job in the fitness center at the Enron Corporation where she worked for 10 years. As assistant manager of that facility, she did fitness testing, exercise prescription, personal training, wellness promotion and educational programming. She was also a very active member of the Enron Running Club, often placing in local 5k and 10k races and completing in 2 full marathons and 37 half marathons. Fitness continues to be an important part of Ann’s life every day with strength training, cardio, Pilates classes, hiking and tandem cycling with her husband.

Ann attended massage school at Healthmasters in Houston, Texas and has been a licensed Massage Therapist since February 2002. She enjoys doing bodywork on a wide variety of individuals, from fellow fitness enthusiasts to those dealing with chronic pain or acute injuries. Her work also focuses on injury prevention, stress management and overall wellness.

Ann has been sight-impaired since age 3 due to congenital macular degeneration. Her disability, although frustrating at times, does not define her and is more often the source of self motivation, drive and desire to succeed and exceed all expectations. One of her favorite quotes comes from Helen Keller: “Keep your face to the sun and you will not see the shadows.”

All of our instructors are extremely qualified and knowledgeable of how to adapt exercise for each client to maximize effectiveness and prevent injury. Additionally, all of our Pilates and Yoga instructors are also physical therapists, holding a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. All Pilates and Yoga instructors have completed nationally certified programs so that each client will feel safe and confident to exercise under the watchful instruction of our physical therapists.

“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”
– Joseph H. Pilates