Your Instructors
Clare Dillon-Palma
The founder of Pilates of Greenville, Clare Dillon-Palma began her lifelong career in health and fitness with a BA in Health and Physical Education, Lehman College, CUNY and a MA in Applied Physiology from Columbia University, NYC. Clare’s many and varied fitness hats throughout the years include PE and Health High school teacher, corporate and community fitness, Personal Trainer, Coach for Cross Country, Track and Field and volleyball, and manger in a large hospital-based wellness facility.
Clare began her Pilates journey with a mat certification in 1998, followed closely by a full certification in the Classical Pilates Method. Pilates of Greenville opened full-time in 2000 as a fully equipped Classical Pilates studio. In 2003, Clare became a Teacher of Teachers with Peak Pilates. Clare has continued to improve her own Pilates practice and teaching and knowledge taking workshops with Pilates Elders and 1st Generation Teachers. In addition, Clare has strived to complement her Pilates training with other like-minded movement methods, all to better assist each student with their specific needs and goals.
Regular and dedicated Pilates practice allows Clare to continue in all her favorite outdoor activities, play with all her grandchildren and stay out of the chiropractor’s office!
Completion of additional Pilates Teacher Training:
MeJo Wiggin Classical Syllabus 2006
KRN Advanced Professional Teacher Training 2014-2015, 2021-2022
Karen Frischmann Classical Pilates Progression Series 2021-2022 Certified Egoscue® Postural Alignment Specialist
Certified Whole Woman® Practitioner
Completion of Level I Spiraldynamik®
Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation BoneFit™ Basic Training: Certified 2023
Catherine McElhany
"During her 30 years of working in corporate America, Catherine McElhany learned the value of exercise for maintaining health and managing stress. Complications from a bunionectomy led to years of knee and hip pain and severely restricted movement. Catherine was introduced to Pilates in 2006 and through improvement in movement patterns, found a path forward to pain free movement. A dedicated practitioner, her move to Greenville in 2015 provided her with the opportunity to deepen her practice and share her love of Pilates through teaching. Receiving her Peak Comprehensive Certification in 2018, Catherine continues to grow her Pilates knowledge through continuing education and personal practice. Outside of Pilates, Catherine and her husband enjoy travel and participating in the many activities Greenville has to offer. "
Karen Mawhinney
As a student of Pilates, Karen had always valued the strength, flexibility and mindfulness she gained from her practice. She loved the mental and physical challenge of the work. So when she was looking for a new personal challenge in her life, becoming a certified Pilates instructor with Clare was the perfect fit. She pushed herself out of the comfort zone of her daily corporate life, and she has never looked back.
She loves the opportunity to work with all types of bodies and minds, helping her clients find what makes them strong, healthy and confident. There is no greater joy than helping others achieve goals!
Emma Alonso
Emma was born and raised skiing in the mountains of West Virginia. Her passion for competitive alpine ski racing led her to pursue her degree in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University. After graduating, Emma completed her 200-hour yoga certification and her first comprehensive Pilates certification through Balanced Body Pilates. After moving to Greenville, SC she completed her second comprehensive certification with Peak Pilates. Additionally, she expanded her Pilates repertoire to pre and postnatal through Fusion Pilates in Asheville
Jerri Templer
Jerri was introduced to Pilates 15 years ago after her sister started taking classes to
aid in her recovery from spinal surgery. She was impressed by her sister’s progress
and immediately saw the benefits of Pilates in her own life. In 2021 she decided to
begin her teacher training. She currently holds Level I and II instructor certification
from Peak Pilates. Jerri feels that Pilates has made her stronger and more flexible
which helps her do everything better. She also appreciates the fact that Pilates is for
everyone, no matter age or fitness level.
Jerri grew up in Las Vegas, NV and received her BA from Colorado State University.
She and her husband, Tom moved their family to Greenville in 1995. She enjoys
spending time with friends and family and especially enjoys her two
granddaughters that arrived in 2021.
Alecia Brewster
An avid runner in high school and college, the joy of running waned after a knee injury in college. It wasn’t until Alecia discovered a Pilates class at the YMCA that she started feeling comfortable running mid distances again. Alecia decided to train and become a Certified Peak Pilates Instructor so that she could help others improve their quality of life with the help of Pilates.
Alecia began her career as an elementary teacher in South Carolina Public schools. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from College of Charleston and a Master of Public Administration from Clemson University. In addition to Pilates, Alecia provides nonprofit consulting and serves on the boards of several organizations across the country. When Alecia is not out working to advance equity and justice or introducing others to the joys of Pilates, she’s spending time with her amazing children and friends.
Jasmyn S. Agneaux
California native who always had a passion for movement, health and fitness. After almost 2 decades of yoga my mind and body started craving something different. I was called to Pilates years before I endeavored to practice or study. Once I began the journey there was no going back. I trained in Venice CA in a studio and then privately before I moved to South Carolina and found Clare. Undertaking a fitness certification had been a bucket list item for me and I am so happy and grateful I waited for Pilates. The structure, discipline, movement and challenge have transformed my life and body. It's a gift and honor to offer Pilates to anyone willing to accept the challenge and personal investment into redefining their body and age more gracefully.