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welcome to sisters in pilates
This Is Us
Jill Harper, RPT - Co-Founder & Chief Administrative Officer
As a registered physical therapist with over 30 years of experience treating individuals in both hospital and home care settings. Jill is acutely aware of the importance that physical fitness plays in one’s mental and physical health and overall well-being. She understands the importance of working together, with doctors, nurses, and other therapists to help patients succeed. Jill’s ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds enhances her ability to motivate patients to push beyond what the mind believed possible to attain individually developed goals. No goal is too small when it leads to improved health, strength, and quality of life. Jill’s experience and compassion set her apart from the rest. She is highly regarded in the physical therapy community and sought after for her expertise.
Jill’s background has equipped her well to advocate for and work with her patients. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Over the course of her career, she has held various positions in the physical therapy field. She is certified in neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) for stroke patients and to conduct arthritis self-help treatment courses. She currently serves on the Professional Advisory Committee for Adventist HealthCare Home Health based in Silver Spring, Maryland and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Jill became interested in Pilates after suffering a knee injury. After a few months of attending classes, her knee was stronger, and overall flexibility was improved. She recognized the benefit Pilates could be to others seeking to take charge of their health. Her mission is to advocate for a Pilates program alone or as a complement to other fitness programs to help others develop a more healthful lifestyle and to facilitate a sound body and mind.
“Take care of your health now, so your body will take care of you later.”
- Jill Harper, RPT
Shavon Gibson, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer | Certified Barre Above (R) with Pilates Focus Instructor | certified reformer & mat pilates instructor
Shavon is most described as a force of nature: an organizational wizard with an incomparable work ethic; a devoted mother, daughter, niece, and friend; and a multifaceted fashionista who loves experiencing the world through travel, food, dance, and fitness.
Vibrating higher in life through movement and meditation, she’s all about living in one’s purpose and devoting energy into to the things that truly matter. Her smile is infectious and brightens up any room she enters. She’s a nurturer. A protector. A leader. And the glue that holds it all together.
Shavon is committed to the organization’s community work with girls and women of color; and looks forward to exposing them to new avenues of exercise and movement to promote healthy, fulfilling lives.
"If opportunity doesn't knock...build a door!"
Executive board Member/Charter Member
Tia Harper-Velazquez, Pharm.D., J.D., MPh. Captain, United States Public Health Servicer
Dr. Tia Harper-Velazquez is currently the Director of the Division of Supply Chain Integrity, Office of Drug Security, Integrity, and Response, Office of Compliance, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, she is a Captain in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) and has dedicated her career to promoting public health.
She received her undergraduate degree from Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, her Masters in Public Health degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, MD. Prior to joining the FDA, Dr. Harper-Velazquez worked in both hospital and retail pharmacy settings, serving as a Pharmacy Manager for the latter. At the FDA she has held positions as a project manager, safety evaluator, compliance officer, team leader, and branch chief prior to serving in her current position as a Division Director.
As a Captain, Dr. Harper-Velazquez uses her time and talents to support the mission of the USPHS, to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation. The USPHS achieves its mission through rapid and effective response to public health needs. Dr. Harper- Velazquez has advanced the USPHS mission by responding and deploying to several national emergencies including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Maria, and the Covid Pandemic. Additionally, she has participated in Remote Area Medical missions providing much needed on site healthcare for underserved areas of the United States, in addition to healthcare missions with Medical Wings, International, an organization which provides medical services to countries in the Caribbean as well as Central and South America.
Dr. Harper-Velazquez is also known for mentoring students. She believes that by encouraging the next generation of healthcare providers to take an interest in not only the clinical and regulatory aspect of healthcare, but also its legal implications, students are better prepared to serve their community overall.
Being attentive to her own health, Dr. Harper-Velazquez took the advice of her physician to join a yoga or Pilates class to promote overall health and well-being. Her focus was on improving balance, flexibility, posture, and core strength. After being invited to a Pilates class by the two of the original Sisters in Pilates (SIP) members, and surviving that class, Pilates was her choice. Dr. Harper-Velazquez continues her journey to a healthier self because she recognizes that she cannot continue her life work of promoting public health unless she takes care of her own health.
Welcome! Learn who we are. Ask how you can become a SIPster. Come put feet in straps with US. SHOP!