Meet Our Instructors
Danae Nelson - Co-Owner
Danae began her journey with Pilates twelve years ago studying classical Pilates at a studio in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl where she obtained her 400 Hour classical Pilates certification. She taught four years of Pilates in Ft Lauderdale, where she was introduced to heated yoga and started learning and taking weekly classes. In 2009, Danae decided to move back to her hometown Franklin, PA to start Impel Pilates with her sister Anna Klapec. Seeing the benefits of yoga and how yoga and Pilates fit so well together, Danae decided to get certified in yoga. In 2013, she completed her 200 hour classical yoga certification at Bend Yoga in Pittsburgh, with focuses on Jivamukti and Ashtanga. Teaching and helping people feel better in their bodies are Danae’s passion. When Danae is not teaching you will see find with her family. She loves outdoor activities, running, tennis, swimming, biking... Danae is looking forward to helping her community stay positive and healthy for many years to come. She loves and appreciates all her clients and community.
Anna Klapec - Co-Owner
Anna Was first introduced to Pilates while she was attending dance classes in 2000. After graduating high school she took time to travel abroad and do mission work for a year. When that came to an end Anna moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL with her older sister, Danae, who was pursuing a Pilates certification. Watching Danae grow through Pilates intrigued Anna to follow in Her footsteps and dive in to the Pilates world herself. Anna became a classically trained certified Pilates instructor through the Classical Pilates Studio of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. in 2007. Completing her 400 hour All Levels Comprehensive Certification. During Her certification Anna became an intern teaching at Classical Pilates Studio. She then started teaching at Edge Pilates of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. side by side with her sister Danae. After Anna moved back to her home town of Franklin, PA. to raise her twin boys in 2009, Danae shortly followed so her and Anna could go against the odds and open their very own Pilates Studio in their home town. They were able to do this in their old dance studio which always felt like a second home growing up. It was truly a dream come true. After growing like crazy and expanding into hot yoga over the course of eleven years, Anna lost her business partner, sister, and best friend to Cancer in 2021. It's been a blessing to be able to keep the studio alive with the support of the other instructors and clients. Next to Danaes family and Jesus, Impel Pilates and Yoga Studio was most important to her. It was her pride and joy. Anna shares those feelings and is honored to be able to continue offering Pilates and Yoga at the high standard her and her sister always committed to.
Crystal Riley - Yoga Instructor
My yoga journey began almost 15 years ago when I was longing to find anything that would calm my crazy brain down for a few minutes. I began my yoga journey with Libby Jenkins, who offered a 60-minute Hatha yoga class at the local YWCA. There I found a few moments of calm. So, I kept going back and every week I found a few more moments of peace and clarity. I started practicing yoga at home every day on my own - then found a studio nearby and it became my safe place. Impel Pilates and Yoga Studio offered a welcoming community and warm atmosphere that instantly felt like home. The heat provided a unique blend of intensity and calm on my mat while the flow offered a new physical challenge to my practice. The co-owner, Danae, became my mentor and cherished friend who encouraged me to become a certified yoga instructor. With her guidance, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification with Yoga Renew (recognized with Yoga Alliance) in February 2020. I am currently enrolled in the 300-hour Teacher Certification, Yin Yoga Certification Program, Children’s Yoga Certification Program and Mindfulness Certification. I love to blend music, movement, breath, and gratitude into each of my classes. My hope is that each student walks off their mat feeling a little lighter and that they pause to be grateful for each breath.
I am honored that I am able to carry on Danae’s passion and dedication to the practice and share it with students at the studio that she loved so much.
Jane Barnett - Pilates Instructor
Jane joined the staff of certified instructors at the Impel Pilates and Yoga Studio in January 2022. As a Classical trained Pilates certified instructor, her focus is on building a strong foundation in Pilates, to help you develop proficiency with mat, reformer, tower, chairs, barrels, and other auxiliary equipment. Jane received her Level I training and certification from Jolie Becker at the Pines Studio for Pilates located in Wexford and logged in the 120 hours as required. Jane is a Pennsylvania licensed Professional Counselor. Her private practice is located at 1243 Liberty Street in Franklin. You can find her in Psychology Today. She has over 30 years experience in the field. She works with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Her training in Gestalt Therapy gives her the unique ability to meet her clients where they are as individuals as well as their unique contribution within an intimate system. Her years of experience working with youth from preschool through high school has taught me about human development and the extreme value of healthy parenting. Jane is an avid hiker and biker. She's hiked The Lake District in the United Kingdom. Longs Peak in Colorado. At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak towers above all other summits in Rocky Mountain National Park. Ridge Runner Trail in Presque Isle State Park, Minister Creek Hiking Trail, Cooks Forest hiking trails, Cucumber Falls in Kentucky, The Tel Aviv to Jaffa Promenade in Jerusalem, and her daily walks with her two Shepherds and rough collie. On weekends in the summer and fall she can be found at the Western Pennsylvania Riding and Driving Club at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. She and her American Paint Horse Cisco Kid recently won 1st and 4th Place ribbons in English Equitation and English Pleasure. Jane received her undergraduate degree in music performance at Bowling Green State University and her masters degree in education at Youngstown State University.