Kim Brinkmann, owner & instructor

Brinkmann has been offering St. Louis the best in the Authentic Method of Pilates since founding Pure Pilates Plus™ in 2000.  An avid runner and cyclist, Brinkmann discovered Pilates in 1994, 13 years after being severely injured in a car accident. After taking Pilates for three months, she was pain-free for the first time since the accident.

Her love of Pilates sent her to New York City where she studied under Joseph H. Pilates' protégé, Romana Kryzanowska, and master teacher Sari Mejia-Santo.  After more than 600 hours of training, she was certified by the Pilates Studio®.  Prior to returning to St. Louis, she worked at the Dragos Studio in New York.

Jennifer Brokaw, instructor

Brokaw joined Pure Pilates Plus™, the St. Louis area's first authentically certified Pilates studio, in June 2006.  She served in the U.S. Navy from 1997 to 2005, where she was awarded a commission as a Surface Warfare Officer. During her tour of duty she served on two warships based out of Norfolk, VA, as Gunnery Officer and Auxiliary Officer, respectively.  Later she became the Protocol Officer and Aide to the Commander Naval Suface Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet, a two-star Admiral.

Training: A lifelong proponent of physical fitness, Brokaw discovered her passion for Pilates while training at a studio in Virginia Beach, VA, where she decided to change directions with her life and pursue pilates as a profession.  She trained in the Authentic Method of Pilates under master teachers Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Mejia-Santo, completing her certification in June 2006.

Education:  Brokaw earned a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 2001.

Personal:  A native of St. Louis, Jennifer and her husband, Cullen , moved back to the area in January 2006.  They are proud parents of Boden James, born on May 29th, 2007.

Cassie Becker, instructor 

An avid athlete, Becker is the newest member of Kim Brinkmann’s team at Pure Pilates Plus™.  After suffering low back pain and neck problems for years, the former gymnast began learning pilates while attending Washington University. Pilates was the first workout that did not aggravate those conditions.  Becker says pilates has given her a stronger back, better posture and enhanced physical vitality.

Training:  Becker completed Romana Kryzanowska’s certification program at True Pilates New York® in February.  She has more than 1,000 studio and apprentice hours.

Education:  Becker earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. in 2005.

Personal:  A native of Glen Ellyn, IL, Becker lives in Rock Hill.