Meet the Instructors

OUR TEAM

Meet our team of experienced and dedicated professionals. All our trainers have many years of experience as fitness instructors, specializing not only in Pilates, but also in other sports. Each of them has undergone thorough training and knows how to create a comfortable environment for training.

We understand that each person is unique, and therefore our approach to each client is individual. Our goal is to help you achieve results, whether it is improving your physical fitness, strengthening your health or relaxing your mind. You will feel cared for and calm in the professional hands of our trainers.

Nadya Rafferty

Hi, my name is Nadya Rafferty. I have been working in the fitness and Pilates Industry for over 10 years, helping my clients who experience pain, muscle tightness, or lack of core strength get stronger and healthier. I believe we are in control of our health, and with the correct exercise program you not only can ease the pain, but also learn how to prevent it.

I am a Nationally Certified Pilates Trainer, Certified Group Fitness instructor, professional dancer, and I have advanced degrees in Construction Engineering and Marketing from Perm State Technical University in Russia.

When I don’t work helping my clients to get stronger, leaner, and more flexible, I am a wife and a busy mother of three beautiful kids.

Ready to meet?

Stacy Kuehn

Hello, my name is Stacy Kuehn and I have been a fitness instructor in the Waco area for five years. My journey into the health industry started a few years ago (or more) when I turned 40 and found I had the time to start exercising again. I enjoy classes that utilize movement of our own body weight as well as those focusing on balance, posture, strength, body awareness and flexibility. I think these are key components to a healthy and long-lasting lifestyle and I hope to share them as an instructor.

I am a certified instructor in Barre, mat Pilates, and TRX Suspension training, while also working to complete my comprehensive Pilates training to include the reformers. Outside of the fitness world, I am a full time Math Instructor for McLennan Community College and enjoy traveling and activities with my husband and three kids.

April Cooper

Hi, I am April Cooper, a mother of 2 and a fitness instructor. I have always been interested in health and fitness but was not athletic growing up. I have a dance background and have enjoyed teaching dance classes to kids in the past. I have gone down many different career paths (dental assistant, corporate trainer for Chili’s, waitress and bartender) but found my passion in 2008 when I chose fitness. I am certified through AAFA in group fitness, personal training, Silver Sneakers, Advanced Cycling, Zumba, Step Aerobics, Water Aerobics and TelExercise Resistance Training.

I am now adding Pilates to that list. No matter where you are in your health journey, the best place to start is right where you are. From someone who is not a natural athlete, I put one foot in front of the other and have completed many marathons and Ironman triathlons. My goal and message to myself has always been “don’t’ strive for perfection, only for progress.

Julia Salmans

My name is Julia Salmans, and I’m from Waco, TX. I initially pursued
a degree in General Health Education at Dallas Baptist University before transferring to McLennan Community College. I began my career as a Licensed Behavioral Therapist, where I developed a deep understanding of client care. Eventually, I transitioned into a new path and earned my License as a Massage Therapist. Several years ago,
I discovered my passion for Pilates, which has since become an integral part of my life, transforming me both mentally and physically.

I’m thrilled to be a part of the Power Pilates Team, where I have the opportunity to help others experience the transformative power
of movement and achieve their best selves. When I’m not working,
I enjoy spending time outdoors, staying active, traveling, and creating cherished memories with my friends and family.

«After over 40 years of on and off workouts, I have found Pilates (via Power Pilates of Waco) to be the best workout I have ever experienced. I have finally found the best work-out; building my core muscles, improving my posture, balance, and stability. My lifelong lower back, shoulder, and neck problems have all but vanished, which I attribute to Power Pilates. ….After two years of workouts, twice a week, I feel stable and balanced, and in the best shape I have ever been.»