Meet Vanessa, the owner of Tabula Rasa Pilates and sole instructor the first two years in operation:

“As a former classical dancer, Pilates was a natural fit as my body matured. In addition to Psychology and Education, I studied Anatomy and Dance at the University of California, Berkeley, and obtained my Masters in Counseling Psychology and Dance Movement Therapy from Antioch University, New England.

I obtained my initial Pilates Mat Certification in 2002 from Infinite Dynamics Pilates & Gyrotonic and pursued continued certifications from FRA/AFAA in 2005, 2007, 2009, and a comprehensive 450 hour Teacher Training Program with Pilates Collective San Luis Obispo in 2021 to become proficient on the Universal Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Stability Chair and Spine Corrector/Barrel apparatus. I was also a Registered Dance Therapist and a member of the American Dance Therapy Association from 2005-2008. I provided private Pilates personal training and taught group Pilates classes for fifteen years on the East and West Coasts, then took a brief hiatus to further my professional career as a counselor, educator, and University Administrator, pursue my PhD and have a baby. 

My partner and I are both local to the California Central Coast, moved away for our professional careers, and were able to return home in 2020 after the birth of our daughter to be closer to family. We created a yurt in our backyard in 2021 - a dream we’ve always had and are taking the first steps back toward health and fitness by sharing our Yurt Pilates studio with our community.

My purpose when working with each new student is to meet their individual goals. No two people are the same…and the range of goals our students have vary from weight loss to flexibility, from balance to endurance, from completely alleviating back pain to de-stressing and finding a sense of peace. Whatever YOUR goal might be, we welcome the opportunity to listen to your unique story and help you take one step closer to a more fulfilled sense of fitness and well-being.

I look forward to the chance to meet you soon!”

~ Vanessa

Let’s meet Kay. She was born and  raised in Northern Japan.

She studied Japanese literature at Tsurumi University in Tokyo. Upon graduation, Kay became certified through AFAA as a group exercise instructor and through NFPA as a personal trainer. She managed one of 60 facilities for NAS (Japan/Nippon Athletic Service), a national fitness chain.

 When NAS sent Kay to Los Angeles for professional development, she fell in love instantly with the blue skies, nice weather, and seemingly endless opportunities! Los Angeles is where her journey in the USA began. Kay obtained her Pilates Certification from Retrofit School of Pilates in Santa Monica. She worked as an on-demand personal trainer and instructor at various gyms and studios in Los Angeles including Gold’s Gym Venice, Sports Club LA, Bay Club, Equinox, and even aired in infomercials. Then in 2022 she moved to Nipomo, Ca and began the second leg of her fitness journey.

 “Ever since I was little I struggled with my weight. I have always had to discipline myself, work hard and stay active to maintain my good health. I take each day one at a time and stay positive. I know we all have different goals, but this was mine and this is what led me to the fitness industry and now as a Pilates instructor. I welcome the opportunity to learn what your goals are…can we achieve them together?”

I discovered Pilates in 1992 and became a certified instructor in 2006.   I moved to the Central Coast from the Silicon Valley in late 2023, however my ongoing love for this area started years ago when I was a student at Cal Poly. 

 I’ve been teaching Pilates since 2006 while also managing a fulltime career in high tech marketing.  My 30+ year career literally took me all over the world including opportunities to live/work in Hong Kong and Singapore.  It was harder then to find studios and it’s exciting now to see Pilates has a global following. 

When working with clients I love to discover their goals along with what challenges they want to overcome.  Every person and every challenge can be different, yet what I appreciate with Pilates, is that nearly all challenges can be met with this form of exercise.   I also am a sucker for 80’s/90’s playlists during sessions. 

My journey with Pilates has taught me the profound impact it can have on both mental and physical well-being, and I’m dedicated to helping others experience these benefits.

I became Certified as a Pilates Instructor through Pilates Collective in San Luis Obispo (Level 1 Mat Pilates & Reformer Pilates) in March of 2025, enabling me to teach Fundamental and Intermediate classes. In addition to Classical Pilates, I enjoy teaching contemporary, upbeat Sculpt and Burn classes that focus on a challenging full body workout.

I’m particularly focused on the importance of form in Pilates. I take pride in offering personalized guidance, ensuring that each client, whether new to Pilates or more experienced, can refine their practice and reach their full potential.

My goal is to create a supportive, fun and encouraging environment where the client can feel empowered to achieve their goals. Pilates isn’t about powering through the movement…For me it’s about slowing the practice down and really focusing on the intent of each exercise - using that mind/body connection. Once you can master that, that’s where the growth can happen.

I am also working full time as a professional fine artist- winning many accolades and awards for my work-both nationally and internationally. I am definitely inspired by the personal connection of my clients and their stories.

Best,

~ Elizabeth

Maricel is a Pilates instructor with a background in dance, weight training, and running. She quickly fell in love with Pilates’ ability to build strength and improve posture. She is a comprehensive 500-hour certified instructor by Pilates Collective International, as well as certified by the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP).

As a part-time Pilates instructor and forever learner, Maricel brings curiosity and intention to every session. Her classes are designed to challenge and uplift—focusing on strength, alignment, and deep body awareness.

Hi, I’m Hailey!

I moved to Lompoc, CA from Colorado in July of 2024 with my husband, our two dogs, and our two rabbits. I found Tabula Rasa shortly after we moved here, and decided I wanted to try Pilates for the first time. I was searching for a form of movement that was low-impact but also challenging as I have struggled for years to move my body in ways that felt good. After attending a handful of classes as Tabula Rasa, I realized that I had found what I had been looking for. Not only did it feel amazing to move my body regularly, I loved the way Pilates calmed my mind.

Through encouragement from family and friends I decided I wanted to become a Pilates Instructor, and help others find a sense of peace in both mind and body through Pilates. I began my Pilates Teacher Training through PCI in June of 2025. Through training and experience, I have learned that I want to empower people to trust in what their body can do.

My hope is that through Pilates people will feel balanced and thankful for their bodies and all they can do both in and outside of class!

Lindsey moved to California’s Central Coast from North Carolina four years ago with her husband and four kids, trading East Coast roots for coastal living and wide-open adventure. When she’s not chasing sunsets with her family, you can find her hiking local trails, trying out random gym tricks, or sparking an impromptu dance party wherever she goes.

Her greatest passion, though, is helping people reconnect with the power and beauty of their own bodies through Pilates. After years immersed in gymnastics, competitive cheerleading, CrossFit, and cycling, Lindsey found her way back to herself through Pilates—and it changed everything. She became a certified Pilates instructor thru both Balance Body and Pilates Collective International. Now, she’s dedicated to helping others rediscover their strength, confidence, and capability from the inside out.

Lindsey can’t wait to reintroduce you to YOU.

Sandip is a Software Engineering Manager for fintech/mobile apps company (OnePay) and our early morning Pilates instructor! Sandip pursued his Reformer and Mat certification in 2025 from Pilates Collective International. His classes are primarily Reformer-based. Sandip specializes in guiding clients of all levels in dynamic, all-purpose sessions targeting strength, flexibility, posture, and core wellness.

Introducing Gale, a passionate Pilates instructor dedicated to helping others move, feel, and live better. She is currently completing her comprehensive Certification through Pilates Collective International and looks forward to advancing her training with Level 2 studies this June.

Gale began her Pilates journey in 2017, building on a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. A Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, she started her career in San Diego after completing her Dietetic Internship at the VA Hospital in La Jolla. She later transitioned into Pharmaceutical Sales, where Pfizer relocated her and her husband to the Central Coast in 1995.

After retiring from Pfizer in 2014, Gale continued her commitment to community health by volunteering with Five Cities Meals on Wheels. She became President in 2015 and served in that role for a decade, while continuing to deliver meals, stepping down at the end of 2025.

With her background in nutrition, Gale understands that what we put into our bodies is only part of the equation-how we move our bodies is just as essential. She believes strongly in the principle of “use it or lose it,” especially as strength and flexibility naturally decline with age.

Her mission is to help others stay active, strong, and independent for as long as possible. Gale invites you to join her in Pilates as a way to challenge and inspire each other on the journey towards a long, healthy, and happy life.

I’m Alexis, a Pilates instructor from San Luis Obispo with a deep passion for movement and wellness. After three years of personal Pilates practice, in 2024 I decided to engage in a comprehensive teacher training program, and am currently working to finish up my practice hours and begin Apprentice Teaching. My journey with Pilates has taught me the profound impact it can have on both mental and physical well-being, and I’m dedicated to helping others experience these benefits.

 I’m particularly focused on the importance of form in Pilates. I believe that proper alignment and controlled movements are essential for maximizing the benefits of each exercise, preventing injuries, and building a stronger, more resilient body. I take pride in offering personalized guidance, ensuring that each client, whether new to Pilates or more experienced, can refine their practice and reach their full potential.

 My goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment where you can feel empowered to achieve your wellness goals. I aim to help you improve not only your physical fitness but also find greater mental clarity and peace in your everyday life.

Lauren has been practicing Pilates for nearly a decade, starting with mat work over eight years ago before falling in love with Reformer Pilates a couple of years ago. She is currently completing her comprehensive certification through PCI and brings a high-energy, encouraging presence to every class, especially in the early mornings, her favorite time to teach. She believes the best way to start your day is with movement, and her classes often reflect her preference for fast-paced, high-rep workouts, while still being accessible and adaptable to all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Originally from Florida, Lauren moved to California to pursue a career in the aerospace industry and quickly found a second home in the Tabula Rasa community. She loves the strong sense of connection among both instructors and clients, and especially enjoys how the yurt studio creates a peaceful escape into nature.

Outside the studio, you’ll find Lauren hiking, traveling, painting, or reading, usually somewhere outdoors. She’s passionate about movement, exploration, and creating an uplifting experience for every client who steps into the studio. 

Peggy Bojduj has been teaching Pilates since 1999. She is comprehensively trained through physical therapy based, Polestar Pilates, as well as Balanced Body. She is also an ACE certified personal trainer and group Fitness instructor, certified in TRX and Barre.

Peggy began her fitness career while teaching ballet and in the process, fell in love with Pilates. It’s been a fulfilling career helping others live healthier lives through movement!

Peggy and her husband have lived on the central coast for 30 years. She enjoys hiking, dancing, Pilates and fitness. Her new endeavors involve neuro-training - helping others perform activities that sharpen memory and improve reaction response, as well as teaching skills to help prevent falls.

Abigail moved from the Central Valley to the Central Coast in 2012 to attend Cal Poly, but stayed after falling in love with all the area has to offer (including her husband). She started working for a local tech company in 2016 and then had her son, Jack, in 2019. Her family lives in Grover Beach, where they enjoy the community atmosphere, sunsets, and morning walks with their golden retriever.

In 2020 Abigail went for a 10 minute jog that grew into a much larger love of running, and eventually several marathons. She became familiar with Pilates as part of her marathon training and injury prevention. What she learned was that the principles of Pilates translated directly into more balanced, and more efficient running.

Inspired by the strength and knowledge of her Pilates teachers, Abigail joined the comprehensive teacher training program at Pilates Collective SLO in late 2024. She completed the first part of her Pilates teacher training certification program in March 2025, and is currently enrolled in the second piece of the comprehensive Pilates training - including mastering proficiency on the Cadillac/Tower, Wunda Chair and Advanced Universal Reformer, the art of teaching and injury prevention.

Abigail is passionate in Joseph Pilates’ idea that a sound body and mind are imperative to enjoy the activities of everyday life to the fullest. Her goal is for you to leave class feeling strong in your body and with peace of mind. Try out a class with Abigail today…you won’t regret it!