Certified Pilates Instructor Karen McDonald

Karen McDonald is a Core Dynamics Certified Instructor who has been practicing Pilates intensively for 3+ years. She is a graduate of Kenyon College, where she was a two-time All-American in Swimming. A life-long competitive swimmer, she eventually retired from the sport due to a shoulder injury. After being introduced to Pilates, Karen was surprised to find it as engaging as swimming, yet physically restorative. Karen believes that Pilates simultaneously requires both physical and mental attention and an acute awareness of how one’s body moves through space. Karen feels that, done well, Pilates can improve physical health and general well-being. She enjoys helping clients gradually develop an increased awareness of their body, movement patterns, and physical capabilities while providing a mental respite from the business of daily life.

Prior to pursuing her Pilates certification, Karen was a Montessori Elementary teacher. She recently gave birth to her first child and lives in South Euclid. She has completed all four levels of Core Dynamics training and plans to complete her certification in early 2007. She teaches private lessons and is trained to work with pre- and post-natal women.

Karen is currently on maternity leave celebrating the birth of her second child.

Certified Pilates Instructor Emily Hudson

Emily Noland was born and raised on the North Carolina coast in Wilmington. She went to college in Boone, NC at Appalachian State University where she received her bachelors degree in Music Therapy and also fell in love with Pilates. By chance, she received an email recruiting clients for ASU’s first Pilates Teacher Training Program. After one week of lessons she was hooked and knew she wanted to become certified herself. Soon afterwards she began studying under 2nd Generation Classical Pilates Instructors Rebecca Quin and Marianne Adams. Nearly 3 years later, Emily completed the 600+ hour Pilates Teacher Training Program at Appalachian State in the summer of 2007 and will is registered as a 3rd generation instructor on www.classicalpilates.net.

Pilates for Emily started as an escape from the hectic schedule of college life. The studio was an oasis where she could center herself mentally while gaining strength and flexibility physically. This is what ultimately inspires her to teach. Helping and watching clients grow in their minds, bodies, and spirits is something that never ceases to move her. And although teaching clients and watching them progress is inspiring in and of itself, Emily says one of the most valuable things about teaching Pilates for her is discovering what each person has to teach her about how amazing the human body really is.

Emily teacher Reformer Level 3 on Monday nights and is available for private lessons on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Certified Pilates Instructor Lisa Foster

Lisa Foster practiced Pilates for four years under the instruction of Lisa Lansing and received her full certification through the Core Dynamics Teacher Training Program in 2008.

Lisa loves practicing Pilates and is driven to bring the power of Pilates to others through her teaching. She feels the Pilates Method helps level the playing field and is extremely accessible to everyone. She sees the difference Pilates has made in her lifestyle and appreciates the fact it can be applied to individuals across the board.

Her approach to teaching is to help students achieve as much from the Pilates work as possible, while enjoying the time they devote and making it a part of their lives. She brings not only a great workout to her students, but also hopes they share her enthusiasm.

Lisa has a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University and a master’s degree from CASE. She works for the Cleveland Zoological Society doing fundraising on behalf of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. She lives in Cleveland Heights.

Lisa Foster is available for Private Lessons on Saturday Mornings, and she teaches Level 1, Level 3 and Advanced Reformer on Tuesday nights; Reformer Level 1, Reformer/Tower Mixed, and Advanced Pilates Mat on Thursday nights; and Reformer 2-3 on Saturday mornings.

Pilates Apprentice Debbie Axelrod

bio coming