Instructors
Kelly Griffith
founder of Fuel Body Lab
BASI Trained Pilates Instructor
Kelly discovered pilates almost 20 years ago and was instantly passionate about it. Within the year she began her journey to become a mat, barre and then a fully certified pilates instructor with BASI (Body Arts & Science International). She has continued her studies with a Pre/Post Natal Certification with the industry's expert Carolyne Anthony from The Center of Women's Fitness. Kelly continues her studies as she travels; she has spent time at The Pilates Center of Boulder and trained with amazing instructors in Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam, New York, Barcelona, London, Lake Tahoe, Vail, France, Brazil and Bermuda.
In 2010, Kelly founded Fuel Pilates in Georgetown and was one of the first to bring barre fitness to DC. In her former life as a Creative Director and Graphic Designer, she was versed in branding, so in 2017 she reinvented Fuel Body Lab and was the first to bring trampoline - or "tramp" as she likes to refer to it - to the DC fitness scene! Her recent passion is helping women in mid-life and beyond add strength training to their routines. Look for Strength on the schedule Fall 2026!
Chris
group reformer/private pilates sessions
Chris is a University of Virginia graduate, track and field athlete turned fitness professional to make a difference in America’s health today. He first received an ACE certification in 2004, and worked at several private and public facilities in the DC area. After trying Pilates and loving the feeling of strength and flexibility it offered, he completed his Pilates certification with Body Arts & Science International in 2008. Additionally, in 2010, he completed a Pre/Post-Natal Pilates Certification with the Center for Women’s Fitness. Chris & the owner of Fuel (Kelly) have known each other since 2009 and she’s sooooooo excited to FINALLY have him as an instructor at Fuel!
Valentina
group reformer
Valentina went to her first pilates class in an effort to make friends while living abroad after university. Despite not understanding a word of that first session, she stuck with it and fell in love. For years, pilates helped her through many injuries and life changes. In 2015, Valentina completed her Peak Pilates training and has been teaching reformer in DC for several years. Her classes combine strength moves with deep stretches, leaving you feeling both challenged and energized. Never a stranger to modifications, Valentina loves helping find an adjustment that makes the move feel right in your body.
Helen
group reformer/private pilates sessions
A Washington, DC native, Helen brings positive energy, clear cueing, and an encouraging teaching style to every class. She believes Pilates should be both challenging and enjoyable, creating an environment where clients feel supported, successful, and empowered to move with confidence. Whether you're new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, Helen's goal is for every client to leave feeling stronger than when they walked in. When she's not in the studio, she's usually spending time with her dog, exploring the DC area, or enjoying time with family and friends.
Stephanie
group reformer/private pilates sessions
Having lived globally for the past 20 years, Stephanie has settled in Washington, DC. She trained with Polestar Pilates in the UK and worked with private clients in London until repatriating last year. She loves the way a mindful approach paired with creativity while practicing Pilates can provide transformative results for all levels of fitness and ability. She utilizes all the equipment to challenge and support a client. Stephanie is also a certified practitioner of Integral Movement Method (IMM), a treatment modality recognized by the Ehlers-Danoff Society and appropriate for various conditions with hypermobility and chronic pain. When she’s not in the studio, she loves being with family and friends, walking, kayaking and exploring local music, theater and art exhibits.