Our Instructors

Kalie Virden

Kalie is an RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and Orange Blossom Apprentice Pilates Instructor. 

Kalie adopted mindful movement practices to address symptoms related to a chronic illness. While daily sessions were completed with eye rolls and sighs at first, Kalie began to see the nourishing benefits of her movement practice. She now believes movement can be a form of medicine and hopes to help others find joy in their own practice. 

As a former classroom teacher and school psychologist, Kalie’s greatest joy in life is teaching. She utilizes trauma-informed practices from her yoga and psychology background to build a safe environment for exploration and growth. She believes that learning cannot be achieved without community, and she is so thrilled to be a part of the community created at Orange Blossom! 

In her free time, Kalie enjoys reading and writing. She welcomes any and all book and newsletter recommendations!

Kaitlin Shumaker

Kaitlin grew up in a small town in Northern Illinois, sought change, and decided to move spontaneously to Arizona! Searching for more diversity and opportunity, she quickly found that within the valley. She began exploring more interests and creating new hobbies; artistic outlets and physical activity proved to be intriguing and exciting. Always looking to try something new, some of her favorite things are making earrings, going on hikes and r

After taking various group fitness classes like yoga, cycling, aerial, and Pilates, she found her passions. Kaitlin began to take Pilates classes regularly. She loved the environment that is created amongst members and teachers, a sense of community. Kaitlin hopes to challenge clients while ultimately building confidence in body movement. She notes the importance of finding any form of activity an individual enjoys. Doing so leads to feel-good body expression aiding our physical and mental health.

Thriving in environments with creativity and experimentation aid in Kaitlin's ability to create unique and exciting classes for all levels. Welcoming anyone and everyone!

Pilates Education

Club Pilates

• Comprehensive Teacher Training (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair)

Workshops Completed

• Size Inclusive Pilates by Fat Body Pilates

Other Education

• Bachelor of Social Sciences

Sabrina Barwick

Sabrina grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and moved to metro Phoenix in 2015. She loves the year-round Arizona sunshine and enjoying the outdoors whenever possible (especially when it doesn't feel like an oven). 

In her early 20s, Sabrina was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (put simply, the immune system attacks the digestive system, loads of fun). While it was a relief to finally have an explanation for her symptoms, she spent years ebbing and flowing between resentment and gratitude. Exercise, especially Pilates and hiking, has been one of the key practices that improved her trust in and kindness to her body. 

Her hope and intention is to cultivate a space to relax, encourage joyful movement, and build strength communally. She is delighted and grateful to teach Pilates with the Orange Blossom Pilates community!

Pilates Education

Function Pilates

• Comprehensive Teacher Training (Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel)

Orange Blossom Pilates

• Apprentice Pilates Instructor

Other Education

Thunderbird School of Global Management

• Global Affairs & Management

Arizona State University

• Spanish Linguistics & Translation

Karen Shepherd

Karen has been dedicated to making a difference for others for most of her life. Her undergraduate degree is in Education and she was a middle school teacher for four years. She then started her journey as a Pilates professional in 2015 and eventually opened Orange Blossom Pilates.  

She trained under renowned Pilates master teacher Melissa Flynn and received her initial training through the Pilates Sports Center. Karen completed her master teacher training through the Southwest Institute of Pilates (which sadly no longer exists).   

Kindness and professionalism are paramount for Karen. She understands that we are all in progress. With her, you will meet your goals, then create new ones, and smash those out of the park, too. Throughout the process you'll feel strong and accomplished with her motivation and encouragement.

Her extensive list of clients includes those whose goals and abilities have been varied. She has taught pregnant women and new moms, powerlifters and dancers, men and children, engineers and teachers. Her belief is that Pilates is for all bodies, all people. Karen has also successfully worked with a wide range of clients with special conditions, including those with Marfan’s Syndrome, Piriformis Syndrome, Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Plantar Fasciitis, Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Osteoporosis, Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, Total Hip & Knee Replacement and more.

Karen's focus and drive help her to be an excellent Pilates professional. She has a keen eye for detail that allows her clients and students to get the most out of their time with her.