About Us

WHO WE ARE

The DualStar™ Pilates Institute was founded in 2000 to increase awareness of, and access to, the physical and mental benefits of the Pilates method of exercise.

The DualStar Pilates Institute partners solely with colleges and universities to deliver a new standard to Pilates instructor training. Our Program is run through our partner colleges to align with their existing curriculum. Additionally, all workshops for continuing education are run through the colleges that have DualStar programs, so our DualStar Pilates Certified Instructors can further their education with selected classes/degree programs that are in line with their Pilates career.

	Connie Fazekas—Founder and Master Trainer Connie has been teaching Pilates for over 15 years. A master trainer and founder of DualStar Pilates Institute, she is also a Pink Ribbon Certified Pilates Instructor and developed the Exero™ System. Connie’s background in track and field, gymnastics, and ski racing provides her with a specific understanding of the needs of the athlete. Connie incorporates all of these disciplines to help the professional athlete or the D1 athlete to reach their goals. Connie is a graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University, class of 1987.
	Roseann Knabe—Founder and Master Trainer Roseann has been a fitness instructor for over 20 years. A master trainer and founder of the DualStar Pilates Institute, she has also developed the Exero™ System. Roseann has taught various Step and Aerobic classes, Yoga, Aqua, and Pilates. Roseann incorporates all of these disciplines to maximize her clients’ results so that they may achieve their optimum fitness goals. Roseann is a graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology, class of 1987.
	Jane Puckett—Vice President, Educational Services Jane holds a Bachelor degree in Biology from Moravian College and a Masters degree in Zoology from Rutgers University. With more than 25 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Jane’s roles have spanned both Medical and Marketing organizations. Jane has demonstrated success in leadership and people management, medical education and consultancy, product development and product marketing. In her role as the Vice President, Educational Services for the DualStar Pilates Institute, Jane will utilize her excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong work ethic and solid scientific foundation, to ensure success of the Pilates Instructor Certification program. Jane is also a certified Yoga Instructor, trained in classic Hatha Yoga.
	Sara Brunswick—Vice President, Operations A marketing executive with more than 20 years experience in marketing and communications, Sara excels in message development, campaign design and execution, and project management. A Pilates enthusiast who has been studying Pilates for more than a decade, Sara brings her business acumen to her role as Vice President of Operations for the DualStar Pilates Institute where she’ll look after all matters marketing and back office operations. Sara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in both Marketing and Finance from the University of Dayton.
	Helena Chamberlin—Professor, Anatomy Helena is an Anatomy teacher and fitness enthusiast. She earned a Bachelors degree in Zoology from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University. After many years of working in Cancer Research, she decided to explore a career in teaching at the collegiate level, and has recently joined the DualStar Pilates Institute as an Anatomy Instructor, also certified in Pilates. She enjoys spending time with her family and being active, including running, skiing and sailing.
	Nadine Kern—Master Trainer All the steps along the path of Nadine’s life have led her to Pilates. Her first stepping stones, as a Respiratory Therapist and Cardiac Ultrasound technician, gave her the knowledge and understanding of the body that she now applies to her Pilates clients. Her years as a student of ballet and jazz gave her an appreciation of the endless possibilities of the human body. Years as a public high school teacher awoke in her a love of teaching. Nadine received her Pilates certification at the prestigious New York Pilates school, started by Joseph Pilates himself, and to Romana Kryzanowska, one of his proteges. For Nadine, watching Romana teach was a spiritual journey of knowledge, intuition and connection to the client. This what she strives for in her teaching. In addition to Pilates, Nadine’s other passion is her Border Collies and nationally competing in dog agility.
	Mary Lynne McAnally—Master Trainer Mary Lynne is trained in Stott Pilates and has been teaching Pilates and dance at Somerset County Vo-Tech in Bridgewater since 1994. Mary Lynne has a Master of Arts & Choreography from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Arts from Mason Gross School of the Arts/Rutgers University. She was the resident choreographer for the Edmonton Festival Ballet where she choreographed Duke Ellington’s Jazz Nutcracker, which has been part of the company’s repertory ever since. Mary Lynne has danced professionally in over 15 musicals throughout Europe and the United States. She worked as the resident choreographer for Ballet Classique and Entertainment, a production company based in Hannover, Germany, choreographing European tours from 1986-2001. Mary Lynne’s choreography has been presented at the NY Jazz Choreography Project, as well as numerous National High School Dance Festivals.