Riverside City College Pilates Certification Program Creates Transforming Careers

Transforming Careers & Community Wellness

Riverside City College’s Comprehensive Pilates Certification Program has prepared students for meaningful careers in health, fitness, and movement education for more than a decade — building both professional pathways and stronger, healthier communities across the Inland Empire and beyond.

Led by faculty Kelly Lamoureux and Anna Chavez, the program continues a legacy originally established by Jo Dierdorff, who brought Pilates to RCC after earning her certification with internationally recognized educator Rael Isacowitz in 1992. The curriculum she developed became the foundation for RCC’s Pilates coursework and helped establish one of the earliest collegiate Pilates training pathways in Southern California.

That legacy of excellence continues today.

RCC’s program is widely recognized throughout the region. Local studio owners regularly contact the College seeking instructors, and graduates now teach in private studios, fitness centers, universities, and public schools. Alumni hold leadership roles as studio owners, program directors, master instructors, and lead reformer instructors.

In testimonials compiled from program graduates, alumni consistently emphasize both the rigor and accessibility of the training.

Daniel Rojas, who previously taught yoga and group fitness in San Francisco, shared that RCC offered “a level of expertise and dedication that made it an easy decision when deciding where I would complete my own training.” He credits the program’s strong foundation in kinesiology, anatomy, business administration, and hands-on methodology training for preparing him to work alongside top instructors in the country.

Michael Chavez, now teaching approximately 32 classes per week and recently promoted to Lead Reformer Instructor at 24 Hour Fitness, said the program prepared him to safely teach diverse populations while building confidence, discipline, and industry readiness.

Graduates report teaching between 20–32 classes per week, earning competitive wages ranging from $40–$60 per class, and securing positions at major fitness brands including Club Pilates, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and university recreation centers.

Lana Toukhli, who relocated to the Inland Empire and transitioned careers, now teaches approximately 20 classes per week with projected annual earnings of $47,000. Studio owners have invited her to develop workshops focused on teaching fundamentals.

Jasmine Vaneman shared that she is earning $48 per hour before even completing her certification and emphasized that RCC’s program allowed her to enter the field debt free — noting that comparable certifications can cost $6,000 or more.

Christian Maqueda, who teaches at multiple fitness centers and university recreation programs, reports earning $28+ per hour at most locations and $50 per hour at Club Pilates.

Aikaeli Kitilya, class of 2015, is now a Master Instructor at Mighty Pilates in San Francisco and credits RCC as an “invaluable and formative experience” that shaped her professional trajectory.

Graduates consistently highlight that the program goes beyond technical instruction.

Ruben Hernandez, now teaching at LA Fitness and Club Pilates, shared that the program “does more than prepare students for employment; it creates confident, compassionate, and highly skilled instructors who represent Riverside City College with excellence in the community.”

Students describe a culture of mentorship, professionalism, and purpose-driven teaching that emphasizes anatomy, biomechanics, safety, inclusivity, and communication. Faculty prepare instructors not only to lead classes, but to understand why movements work, how to modify for injuries and diverse bodies, and how to cultivate welcoming, accessible spaces.

As demand for health and wellness professionals continues to grow, RCC’s Pilates Certification Program remains a regional leader in accessible, affordable, and high-quality training. By providing industry-recognized credentials at a community college, the program enables students to launch sustainable careers without incurring significant debt; while strengthening wellness access throughout Southern California.

Through its continued commitment to excellence, Riverside City College is transforming careers and advancing community wellness; one instructor at a time.