Meet Jessica Hoard or “Jess” as the CAM team calls her. Jess has a couple roles here at CAM. Jess first came on the scene by teaching Linda and Charlie Pilates (back in the day). Linda and Charlie suggested Brian should give Pilates a try and the rest is history. Jess has been coming into the office to provide one-on-one weekly Pilates instruction to the CAM team since 2020. We even have a small Pilates room in the office equipped with an intimidating (at least some of us think so) Pilates tower and other Pilates equipment. She also teaches Christen and Sarah virtually. Jess’s joyous, bubbly, kind, and helpful personality makes her very easy to connect with (a key to being a good fitness instructor). We all became fast friends with Jess and decided we wanted even more time with her. In 2022, she came on board as our official office manager. She still teaches us (and her other clients) Pilates as that is her true joy and passion, but she also helps in the office a couple days a week. Let’s learn some more about her and what she does for CAM.
Tell us where you are from and how you ended up in Ann Arbor:
I grew up on a dairy farm in Hillsdale, MI. I first left my small town to do my undergrad at Eastern Michigan University. I majored in public law and government as I originally wanted to be a lawyer. My husband, Nate, and I got married in 2005 and have lived in the Ann Arbor area ever since. We settled down at our current Old West Side home in 2014.
How did you get involved with Pilates?
I started teaching Pilates because I love doing Pilates myself. In 2015 there was a certification program available with the United States Pilates Association at a studio in Ann Arbor and I gladly dedicated the next year to learning the classical system. I love the way it makes my body feel and it makes me happy to be able to share this feeling with clients.
What is your favorite part about teaching Pilates?
Pilates is different each day, so it keeps my job exciting and interesting. The instruction all depends on what the body or mind might need during a particular session and that constant change/variety is one of my favorite parts about teaching. While I follow the classical Pilates system set up by Joseph Pilates, I also love to add in variations. I never get bored of finding new ideas/ways to move the body and find it very rewarding to help someone improve their overall health.
Tell us a little bit about your role as CAM office manager:
I do a little bit of everything, especially things that go on behind the scenes. I pay bills, send emails, order office supplies, help with tax season, help with quarter reports, help with donations, etc. All the helping! I also do some more exciting things such as pick up lunch, water the plants, stock our snack and bar area, and run errands. According to Brian, I “anticipate the needs of the office before anyone in the office has a chance to know there is a need.” 😊
What is your favorite part about being in the office?
My coworkers! During the pandemic, the studio I worked for at the time closed, and I really missed having coworkers. My clients (including CAM) filled a bit of that void but truly working and being a part of the team makes work enjoyable.
What things do you like to do outside of work?
My husband and I like to take walks through the Arboretum, sometimes daily. We also love all the different restaurants Ann Arbor offers, especially those with patios. I enjoy visiting and being “aunt” to my many nieces and nephews in Michigan and Colorado. During the summer, my husband and I enjoy taking trips around the beautiful state of Michigan. In the winter, we both like to get out of the cold and into the sun for our trips.
All Isn’t What It Appears to Be!