Raye’s Bio & Method
I believe that everyone, no matter their abilities, has the right to an active and healthy lifestyle. I use a combination of Pilates, functional and floor-based movement, strength training, visual and vestibular work, and breathing techniques to help my clients re-establish their mind-body connection, re-train their nervous system, and reach their movement goals.
My Story
I have been teaching people how to move since 2008. I developed my fascination with the human body while growing up playing soccer from an early age. That fascination stayed with me through college when I graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Exercise Biology while serving as captain of the UC Davis Women’s Division I soccer team. After working with children who have Cerebral Palsy, I pivoted into working with people who have physical disabilities and other neurological conditions. I continued with my education to become a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a certified massage therapist (CMT).
Previously, I co-founded a nonprofit called No Limits Collaborative in 2015 that provided outdoor recreational activities and educational workshops for people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. In addition, I developed and implemented UC Berkeley’s personal training for students with disabilities (formerly known as the No Limits Program), and also co-developed the Absolute Endeavor program at Absolute Center in Lafayette (closed in 2020 due to COVID-19), which used Pilates for people with physical disabilities. Since 2015, I have been teaching my method on working with this population nationally and internationally at gyms, studios, and for teams of healthcare practitioners.
Education:
B.S. Exercise Biology from University of California Davis
NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT)
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT): California Massage Therapy Council Cert # 88133
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My movement method uses a combination of the following:
Strength training
Visual and vestibular work (Z-Health)
Polyvagal theory
Neuroplasticity
Primal pilates and standard Pilates
The motor development stages of a baby
New knowledge feeds me! When I’m not with a client, you can usually find me reading, researching, listening, or watching continuing education resources of all types. My methods are individually tailored and based on science, research, and of course…intuition.
I work with people who have the following injuries, conditions, and diagnoses:
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Myotonic Dystrophy (DM)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Transverse Myelitis (TM)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Amputee
Stroke (CVA)
Autism
Chronic back pain
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Scoliosis
Bunions
Tendonitis/Bursitis
Neck and shoulder pain
Hip, knee, shoulder, wrist injuries and pain
Diastasis Recti
Hernias
Bulging discs
How can I help you?
Why Rooted Movement?
Just as a tree needs a solid root system to grow strong and tall, the human body requires a solid root system to become strong and resilient. The process of establishing a foundation will look different for everyone, but might entail working with your pelvis and breath to strengthen your core, or it may look like building stronger feet and hips! Rooted movement also means that I will address the root cause of a problem that may be causing you pain or dysfunction. For example, when my client came to me with neck pain, we worked on mobilizing and strengthening her wrists and spinal rotation which eliminated her pain. Let’s build some stronger roots together.
Why Radical Movement?
Movement is radical when we address the root cause of a problem, set an intention, and find our edge.
Radical is my client with a cervical spinal cord injury who can finally sit up tall and hold her own cup of coffee.
Radical is my client healing her diastasis recti (split abdominals) after giving birth to 3 children.
Radical is my group of clients that consistently shows up to my Monday 8am virtual group class.
Why Resilient Movement?
As you strengthen your root system and radicalize your movement, you become stronger, more resilient and less prone to injuries, pain, and stress. “Life is a game of inches” says Al Pacino and as we move through our day-to-day lives a few inches at a time, our body’s mobility and strength can make all the difference in preventing a miscalculated slip or fall. I will help you become stronger, more flexible, and more aware of your body in relation to the environment around you. We desire to be the best and strongest version of ourselves. I will help you get there!
“Creative, motivational, and knowledgable! Raye is very natural whether in front of a camera or in person. They explain how the movements are beneficial, and offers accommodations as needed. I always feel less tense, more relaxed, and more connected to my body after taking their class.”
“Raye is always well-prepared with challenging classes. I have improved my balance and stamina by participating in their classes. They are caring and attentive to all participants!”