Chasing The Glimmers
As we close out the 2025 year, I keep coming back to how wildly grateful I am. I know it can sound a little cheesy, but there is something about these colder months that nudges us to slow down, look back, and notice the moments that brought joy, the lessons that landed, and the people who made our days brighter.
I still catch myself wondering if this will ever start to feel real or if every day will keep feeling a little surreal in the best way. Honestly, I hope it never becomes normal. There is something magical about unlocking the studio each morning, setting everything up for you, and feeling that same rush of joy. Every detail in this space is intentional and filled with so much care. When you notice it and admire it with me, I could melt. I wish I had the perfect words for that feeling.
One of my favorite things this month was watching you all fill the Gratitude Wall. Big thank you to Kinyatta for the wonderful idea! I checked it every single day and every single day it made me smile. Thank you for taking a moment to share what is on your heart. Those little notes lifted me and I know they did the same for others who paused to read them. Looking into December, I am so looking forward to Emily and Brittany joining us to add some specialty classes to the schedule in what I am calling: The Reform Ritual. Read below for more details, but holy cow! It’s going to be amazing!
Gratitude is not something I tap into only in November. It has been a practice, a mindset, and honestly a lifeline for the last fifteen years. It keeps me present. It keeps me paying attention. It helps me catch the glimmers. If you are new to that word, a glimmer is a small, fleeting moment that brings calm, joy, or a sense of safety. It feels like a tiny wink from the universe. And they are everywhere. They do not have to be big or dramatic. They are usually soft, quick, and easy to miss. When I catch one, I soak it in. It makes life feel richer. I hope you start noticing yours too.
To end the year, I also wanted to turn the spotlight onto the incredible women who help make The Reform Room what it is. Their heart, their passion, and their energy are the soul of this place. I feel so lucky that they choose to spend their time here. They are such rad humans. You can read more about them below.
Thank you for being part of this community. I will never stop saying it.
With love, Jess
Studio Spotlight: Meet The Reform Room Crew!
This month, we’re flipping the spotlight to shine on the incredible humans who make The Reform Room what it is.
The holiday season is all about gratitude and there’s no one we’re more thankful for than our team of instructors who pour their hearts into every class, every client, and every connection.
Each of them brings something unique: passion, creativity, and care that transforms every class into more than just a workout. Because of them, The Reform Room isn’t just a studio; it’s a place where people feel seen, supported, and strong.
What originally drew you to The Reform Room, and what do you love most about being part of this team?
Kristen: “I was first drawn to The Reform Room as a client, and I instantly got such a good vibe after meeting Jess, her warmth and overall energy made it feel like a place I wanted to be. The studio itself is visually stunning, with thoughtful details that makes it feel so special and unique. When I was looking for a new studio to teach at, this was the first place that came to mind. As the newest member of the team, I felt welcomed and right at home from the start. What I love most is being part of a team that truly cares about each other, our clients, and creating a space where everyone feels empowered, seen, and uplifted.”
Rebecca: “I love being a part of The Reform Room. because Jess is inclusive, transparent and authentic. This team feels like it is a circle of women who will support each other and the fitness community needs more of this to go around.”
Batie: “Not only does my best friend own it (yay Jess!), but the studio is so warm and inviting. I love every personal touch and all the thoughtfulness that went into the design. It truly inspires creativity, community, and connection. I have always felt as though I belong on the team, and feel as though we are creating something magical together here in downtown Petaluma. It's been amazing to share the space with these powerhouse women and all our incredible clients! I'm so excited to continue to collaborate, learn and grow with all of you!”
Julia: “I was drawn to The Reform Room because it is visually stunning, so welcoming and like no other studio in town. Jess thought of literally everything for her clients and team and I feel so lucky to be a part of it. I love that our team has the same values for our passion and that we inspire each other rather than compete with each other. The Reform Room is just special!”
Lauryn: “My mom owns the studio and I have watched her grow an amazing community within Petaluma and I wanted to be apart of it! I love being apart of this team because everyone is so kind and we communicate well with each other, but also the people who come into the studio are so so nice and I just enjoy seeing and having conversations with everyone.”
Jess: “What drew me to build this space is because I felt like something was missing in the community that I love. I wanted to create an elevated space where people of all body types, physical fitness levels, and ages felt represented and included. I wanted to build community and give everyone a bit of luxury and style while we did it! I love being a part of this team because I am surrounded by powerful women who care deeply about our clients and their craft. They inspire me, motivate me, and make me better. It’s pretty amazing how we all can offer something different, but what is the same is our heart. We really care!”
What’s one thing you’re most grateful for—personally or professionally—this season?
Kristen: “This season professionally, I’m forever grateful for Elevate, a nine-month classical Pilates mentorship program I completed this year with the incredible Lesley Logan. It was such a meaningful experience that reconnected me to my own practice and helped me teach with more clarity, intention, and confidence. The Elevate community, Lesley’s wisdom, and learning more about Joseph Pilates brought so much value to the experience.”
Rebecca: “I am most grateful for my family, my hubs and my two kiddos have made me grow so much in so many ways. Because of them I think I am a better pilates teacher; they have taught me how to be more empathetic, patient, emotional aware and less rigid.”
Batie: “I'm so grateful to my husband for supporting me on my career journeys -both in my day job and as a Pilates instructor. His willingness to adjust our schedules to allow me to take on extra is amazing and I know I'm lucky to have that partnership and cheerleader in my corner. I'm also feeling grateful for the time I've been able to spend with family and friends lately. Each get-together has been fueled by intention making each interaction that much more special. I recently spent a week with three of my best friends from childhood celebrating our 40th birthdays - it was magical to have that time sharing stories, laughing and relaxing with people I love.”
Julia: “This year has presented some struggles for me mentally, so I’m feeling extra grateful for my health this season. The consistency of movement in my life has become so much more for my heart and mind than ever before. The Reform Room community has been a huge inspiration for me and I am so grateful to be here!”
Lauryn: “One thing that I am grateful for this season is my family and friends. I have amazing friends who are supportive and have nothing but the best intentions. And of course my family because they are so kind and supportive towards me and my goals. Especially going into my club volleyball season…things are getting a lot more serious and my family has been SO supportive of me throughout all the shenanigans that go behind all of that.”
Jess: “Wow. What is there not to be grateful for?!? I am so grateful for moments that life gives us where it feels like a setback, but ends up being the best thing that could have ever happened to you. I am grateful for my team who trusts me to keep them and our community safe and top of mind. I am grateful for my husband who allows me to chase my dreams and keeps me grounded but let’s me fly. My children who are my whole life. My friends and family who cheer me on so loudly and believe in me so hard. And lastly, all of the clients who show up in this space and making this dream real even though it never feels real. i wonder if it ever will?! I am always in shock and awe that this is happening at all and I thank every single person who walks through these doors.”
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Kristen: “Most people don’t know that I’m a huge live-music enthusiast, it’s one of my favorite things to do and travel for. I just saw Wet Leg in LA recently and I’m obsessed!”
Rebecca: “I have a weird rainman ability for numbers. Give me your phone number once and I'll remember for a lifetime, have a mathematical equation? I can solve it very quickly without a piece of paper.”
Batie: “I am the oldest of four kids and my youngest sister and I have a 14.5 year age gap. We were just talking about how we didn't even really know each other until adulthood, but we are so close now that it also feels like there was never any missed time in between.”
Julia: “I love flowers so much. I love cutting them, arranging them and having them all over my house.”
Lauryn: “Something that most people don’t know about me is that i am almost 6ft tall!”
Jess: “Most people don’t know that as a teenager, I was a part of an anti-tobacco non-profit. I would dress up as Dandy the Smokeless Dragon and go to schools to teach kids the dangers of smoking. It was hilarious and a really heavy, sweaty costume. Also, in the 6th grade, I was cast in the play Annie for a major role. Not as Annie...my best friend got that part. I was her dog. A singing dog. I dressed in a dog costume and looked like the shaggin’ wagon in Dumb & Dumber.”
When you’re not in the studio, where can we find you?
Kristen: “When I’m not in the studio, you’ll find me recharging at home, on a long walk, at the beach or in nature, spending time with loved ones, traveling, or soaking up the energy of live music, it brings me so much joy.”
Rebecca: “When I am not in the studio I am most likely at the beach, living by the coast is mandatory for this gal.”
Batie: “I absolutely love to travel - if I'm not on a trip, I'm likely planning the next one! I also love trying new coffee shops and restaurants, wine tasting, concerts, musicals and painting.”
Julia: “You can find me chauffeuring my boys all over town, spending time in my garden or with family and friends.”
Lauryn: “When I’m not at the studio you can find me usually at volleyball practice or driving around with my friends!”
Jess: “I love to travel! I have been to over 16 different countries and will never stop prioritizing adventure and seeing as much of the world as I can. You can also find me watching Lauryn play volleyball or going to the movies with my son and husband.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone starting their Pilates journey?
Kristen: “Allow yourself to be a beginner and be kind to yourself. Listen to your body, be present in your movement, and trust the process. The more present and consistent you are, the more your strength and confidence will grow. Everyone starts somewhere, and you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep showing up for yourself.”
Rebecca: “Be patient, it will come. Pilates is about precision and consistency and definitely not about judgement. The more you show up for yourself the more it will pay you back in time.”
Batie: “Just try it. My pilates journey started with Jess saying "please just come try a class...you'll love it." And I did. A little about me - I was always that person who fell down everywhere. I'd find the most minuscule crack in the sidewalk and eat it. Practicing pilates has changed my world when it comes to balance. I have even gotten complimented on my balance which is the WILDEST thing I could ever imagine (like you should see the scars on my knees). Beyond that, pilates makes you feel so connected to your body and allows you a few moments to pour into yourself. You'll become stronger, not only physically, but you'll grow in your confidence and become stronger mentally too.”
Julia: “Pilates rewards patience more than power. Take it slow, be consistent and be present for yourself.”
Lauryn: “One piece of advice I can give to someone starting pilates is to be patient! Pilates is a whole different experience and workout and most people don’t expect it to be so hard. So be patient with yourself because like everything, it comes with time and practice, so keep showing up for yourself no matter how hard it may seem at the start!”
Jess: “Come as you are! You don’t need to be any other version of yourself or anyone else. Just be who you are right in this moment! I promise, it’s enough. When you are here, be here. Give yourself this time and attention to devote to your practice and honoring the body that you have right now. It’s the only one you’ve got. Oh! And SLOW DOWN!”
What’s a song, movie, or TV show you can always rewatch or replay and never get tired of?
Kristen: “I can always rewatch I Feel Pretty with Amy Schumer, it’s my go-to on days when I need a little confidence boost. It’s so funny and relatable, and it always brings me so much joy.”
Rebecca: “Not a song but Putumayo African Groove compilations. If you have been to my class you have definitely been listening to it too.”
Batie: “I can always watch The Office or The Big Bang Theory. Also, I'm a sucker for pretty much any reality show.”
Julia: “Definitely the show Friends. It always brings me joy if we don’t know what to watch or want to good laugh.”
Lauryn: “One song I can play over and over again and not get tired of is Moonlight On The River by Mac Demarco.”
Jess: “I’ll never get tired of listening to Interbloom by Rufus Du Sol. It reminds me of my daughter and a really fun moment we shared. Plus, it’s just a great song! Also, I will never get tired of watching Dumb and Dumber because it was a movie my brother and I watched a lot and it makes me feel close to him.”
