About the Owner
How did The Pilates Nook come about? Get to know a little more about me, my credentials, my passions, my hobbies and more...
Denielle Insler
Hi, I'm Denielle :) I was born and raised in Manhattan Beach and could not love this town more! Living here has turned me into quite a beach girl. I love the ocean, sunsets, volleyball, surfing, paddle boarding, strolling on the strand with my family and riding my beach cruiser. I love to cook and I'll take any opportunity I can to travel! Usually to other beaches, but also the occasional snowy mountain for a skiing/snowboarding trip.
As far back as I can remember, I've been involved in some type of fitness activity or sport—including gymnastics and soccer—and have progressively become more intrigued by and educated on health and nutrition. I remember taking my first Pilates class at The University of California, Irvine (UCI), and immediately falling in love! While attending UCI, I became a student athletic trainer for the Sports Medicine Internship Program. I worked with Physical Therapists to heal injured athletes. I graduated with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and a Minor in Education. Right after college, I began working as a Preschool Teacher because of my passion for building a strong foundation of education for young children. I continued with that profession for 13 years. I also became a Certified Comprehensive Pilates Instructor through Balanced Body University and have been teaching and continuing my education for over 15 years. Meanwhile, I became a Nutrition Specialist through International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and have been practicing for over 10 years. More recently I've become passionate about healing disease by finding the root cause so am now a Functional Nutrition Alliance Certified Nutrition Counselor and am Board Certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners as well as through the American Association of Wellness Coaches Board.
Come full circle, I am able to pull all of my passions together at my own exclusively private studio, The Pilates Nook! It is located steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier and the ocean. I'm able to use my extensive knowledge and experience with Pilates to work one-on-one with my clients in order to get them optimal results. My background in Physical Therapy is utilized through Restorative Injury Recovery and Prevention Pilates. I use my Nutrition Specialization to help my clients achieve their health and fitness goals. Plus, I get to have my kid fix by teaching Mommy & Me Pilates. Being able to tie this all together at The Pilates Nook is a dream come true. I'm happy to be able to improve the lives of all of my clients and I feel so lucky that I get to work with them!
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated instructors are here to guide you on your Pilates journey with expertise and passion.
Kristen Wright
Kristen is a classically trained Pilates instructor dedicated to helping clients build strong, resilient bodies through precise, intentional movement. She received her foundational training under Jill Cassady through the Pilates Technique Certification Program and has completed extensive safe-spine education under the guidance of Rebecca Leone. With a deep focus on proper form, alignment, and safe progression, Kristen’s sessions are designed to help clients move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in their bodies. She has been teaching for over 15 years (2026).
Kristen holds a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and an M.A. from Loyola Marymount University, which informs her thoughtful, client-centered approach to teaching. She works with clients of all levels, meeting each person where they are while motivating them to move with purpose, control, and strength. She is super passionate about the method and loves to share it with others!
Outside of the studio, Kristen loves all things outdoors from hiking to snowboarding to paddle boarding, traveling the world any chance she gets and, most importantly, spending quality time with her husband and children.
Mehgee Skillern
Certified Pilates Instructor, Pilates Educator
Mehgee is a South Bay Native and completed her 450+ hour Certification through the Equinox Pilates Training Institute. She is now one of the Pilates Educators in the program and loves sharing her passion and knowledge with her students and clients. Her goal is to empower others through movement and enhance their well-being with Pilates.