

Meet the Instructors


Jane Jones
Mary Kay Genzlinger
She thoroughly
enjoys teaching Pilates classes and private sessions as well as
sharing its positive benefits for overall wellness. She first
became interested in Pilates after experiencing firsthand the
personal benefits of increased back and core strength when
participating in mat exercises 5 years ago. Encouraged by Beth
at Simply Pilates, she went through 500 hours of specialized
Pilates teacher certification training through the highly
regarded Body Arts and Science International.
Mary Kay has been a physical therapist for over 28 years and
works at North Valley Physical and Occupational Therapy in Chico
as well as Feather River Outpatient Rehabilitation in Paradise .
She frequently incorporates Pilates into personalized programs
for her clients with orthopedic issues. as well as for cross
training for athletes.


Karen Lavern
I'm happy to be a part of the amazing team
here at Simply Pilates and would like to tell you a bit about myself and my
feelings about the wonders of Pilates.
I am a former competitive Figure Skater who turned to Pilates as a result of
many injuries. Before Pilates, I believed I was a "strong" athlete and it
was only after an injury that I was introduced to Pilates for rehab. After
my first experience with Pilates, I was so happy and surprised by the
results, that I decided to make Pilates part of my life. I have my Pilates
Instructor certificate though Turning Pointe Studios and St. Francis
Memorial Hospital Dance medicine. I believe everyone, regardless of age,
skill or ability can and will benefit from Pilates. I'm excited to be able
to share my passion with you and am honored to be a part of the Simply
Pilates family.
Beth Koch is Nationally Certified through the Pilates Method of Alliance and a graduate from Polestar Comprehensive Studio Series. She not only has 10 years of Pilates experience, but is a Registered Respiratory Therapist of 28 years and Certified Massage Therapist of two years. Beth has the privilege of being a group and private Pilate’s instructor for the past 9 years. Completing Polestar Reformer I and II series in Sacramento , CA. by the renowned Elizabeth Larkham, she later graduated from Polestar Pilates 400 hour Comprehensive Studio Series in Santa Cruz , CA , under the instruction of Master educator and Physical Therapist Sheri Betz. The curriculum focused on an in depth working knowledge of Pilates movement principles on the reformer, trapeze, barrel, spine corrector, and mat. Further curriculum included, experimental application of Pilates in self, and critical reasoning skills for application of Pilates for clients. Beth has taken additional courses on the latest modifications for special populations to include: Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. As owner and an instructor of Simply Pilates, in Chico , Ca., Beth’s passion for Pilates shines through her professional, knowledgeable instruction honoring the teachings of founder, J oseph Pilates. Her extensive background in Polestar Physical Therapy based education provides clients with safe modifications of exercises when deemed necessary. Beth states, “My passion for Pilates continues to thrive as I see and hear of its healing works!" She enjoys attending Pilates conferences yearly for continuing education and personal growth.


Megan Gulbrandsen
I am honored to be Beth Koch's daughter, so Pilates has been a part of my life for several years. I have an extensive background in gymnastics and enjoyed the strength training I gained from that. I have always set high personal goals for myself, which led me to begin training for marathon running and century bike rides. However, I desired the strength and flexibility I once had from doing gymnastics. Pilates has brought that back into my life. My overall tonality has increased and I am seeing muscle development that I haven't seen in years. It has given me a long and lean body structure that I could never achieve from weight training. These dramatic results increased my passion for Pilates and spurred me to participate in Simply Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program. I am a graduate from this program and have plans to further my education and training so to increase my eligibility to take the Pilates Method Alliance Certification Exam. The more I teach and learn about this intelligent exercise, the more I understand why Pilates is affecting so many lives. It truly is genius.
