About the Instructors

Connor Dawson, Polestar Pilates Practitioner and Certified Pilates Method Alliance Instructor

Having grown up with Pilates since I was five years old, I recalled early memories of playing on the equipment while mom was doing her own Pilates workout.  Throughout the years, I have heard  and witnessed testimonies of people’s lives changed because of Pilates.  How pain was eliminated and range of motion was restored.  I knew it was a matter of time before I was old enough to follow my mom’s footstep.  Helping people reach their optimum level of physical wellness has become my goal at a very young age.
Since the age of 5, I was trained in Shotokan karate, a Japanese form of martial art.  I was grateful for the opportunity to teach Shotokan both to youth and adults students at both Lincoln Budo-Kan and   the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
My Pilates training through Polestar Education, my college background in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Science and my years of teaching Shotokan will allow me to design a well balanced workout program, but also incorporating nutrition to give clients a complete picture of wellness. 


I am a believer that practicing Pilates under a trained Pilates instructor can help you gain long, lean and balanced muscles.  A body that is balanced will be less likely to become injured.  My goal is to guide the Pilates enthusiasts to learn to incorporate breathing, alignment of the body and execute the movement safely and properly.  My training and education will enable me to tailor the program to his/her specific need and towards a life of wellness through a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Melanie Wake, Pilates of Kansas City Practitioner 

Melanie first took a Pilates class in college and developed a love for it instantly. After years of practicing Pilates, in 2022 she pursued her passion and completed her instructor certification. She is especially interested helping postpartum women and people of all abilities find strength through mindful movement.

Melanie grew up in Seward and lives in her hometown with her husband, Max, and their three boys. She received her undergraduate degree from Scripps College in Claremont, California, and her law degree from the University of Nebraska. Melanie received her comprehensive Pilates instructor certification from Pilates of Kansas City (600 Hour Program: Classical Pilates Education).

Tyler Rediger, Pilates Practitioner

Tyler Rediger joins Pilates Method with a sports medicine background. A Lincoln native, he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and completed his Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training with a minor in education. During his time at UNL, Tyler worked with the Nebraska football, women’s soccer, and softball teams as well as various teams at Concordia University and Lincoln High School.

After undergrad, he and his wife moved to Tyler, Texas to work at the University of Texas at Tyler as a graduate assistant while he pursued his Masters degree in Psychology. There he was the primary athletic trainer for the men’s basketball team and the men’s and women’s track and field teams. Upon completion of his Masters degree, Tyler and his wife remained in Texas for two more years as head athletic trainer for a local private high school.

Tyler has now returned to his alma mater, Lincoln Southeast High School, as an athletic trainer and works with athletes in all NSAA sports to evaluate, rehabilitate, and prevent athletic injuries. Teaching Pilates is an exciting new adventure for him because he is passionate about helping other people maintain their physical health so they can keep pursuing the activities and lifestyle that they enjoy.

Tyler and his wife Debi have been married for five years and have a one year old son. They like to attend Husker games or be at the lake swimming and fishing.


Monica Dawson, Polestar Pilates Practitioner

Pilates Method in Lincoln is the first Pilates Studio in Nebraska. Monica Dawson brought Pilates to Lincoln, Nebraska in October of 2000. Monica is a Certified Polestar Pilates Practitioner, an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, and an active member of the Pilates Method Alliance.

Monica has trained a number of Pilates practitioners who currently own and operate Pilates studios in the Lincoln/Omaha, Nebraska areas.  She has also worked with athletes in the areas of professional football, gymnastics, swimming and equine sports. Monica brings recognition of the benefits of Pilates not only to dancers, athletes, rehabilitative patients, but also to any individual in pursuit of a healthy balanced lifestyle.

Her detailed instruction increases awareness and emphasizes safety in Pilates. Instruction is adapted to each student’s skill level from beginner to advance. Her personal practice inspires the application of simple techniques to improve daily life and overall well-being. Students leave her class feeling energized and relaxed, ready to take on anything that comes their way.

As an avid triathlete, Monica brings to the Studio a unique knowledge of how Pilates can benefit the endurance athlete. Monica continues to expand her abilities and interest in the discipline.

Monica is married to her husband, Alan of 28 years.  They have a twenty four year old son, Connor, and daughter-in-law, Catherine Dawson.  Connor is also a Certified  Polestar Pilates Practitioner and a Certified Pilates Method Instructor.   They are very active and enjoy many outdoor activities.