The following instructors have left Equilibrium but remain members of our extended family and continue to teach at various locations:
Aimee McDonald-Anderson
Aimee received a BFA in Dance at the University of Michigan and was in the first group to go through the full STOTT PILATES training at Equilibrium in 1997. She taught full time with us for a year and a half before opening The Movement Center in Ann Arbor. In 2007 The Movement Center became Equilibrium’s satelite training studio in Ann Arbor, offering STOTTPILATES training and certification courses four times a year.
In 2000 she fell in love with the Gyrotonic movement and traveled the country to pursue training and certification in both Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis. She is a certified Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic Master Trainer, as well as a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer. Aimee enjoys sharing her love of movement with future teachers and continually strives to deepen her understanding and approach through numerous workshops and courses.
Founder & Artistic Director of Terpsichore’s Kitchen Dance Theatre, Aimee continues to present her own choreography and produces showcases of independent choreographers’ work, including Dancing in Summer (produced annually).
Contact Aimee at:
The Movement Center
An Equilibrium Satellite Training Studio
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
Cherie Boschma
Cherie holds a BFA in modern dance from The North Carolina School of the Arts. A STOTT PILATES Instructor since 1993, Cherie trained under Moira Merrithew at the original STOTT PILATES studio in Toronto where she also taught for five years. In 1998, Cherie returned to her home state of Michigan as an Instructor Trainer and the Director of Training for the newly opened Equilibrium Studio. For eight years, she traveled regionally and internationally, conducting Instructor Training for Equilibrium and STOTT PILATES.
A certified Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Instructor as well, Cherie has studied Macrobiotics and Healing Arts, including Ayurveda, Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique and Waldorf Education. In May 2006 she moved to Seattle where she continues to teach STOTT PILATES at Bodycenter Studio. Cherie has trekked Mt. Everest and enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting, camping and living in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact Cherie at:
Bodycenter Studios
126 NW Canal St. #320
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98107
206-633-4800 ext. #5
www.bodycenterstudios.com
Laura Dixon
Laura began her movement background with ballet at the age of three and has since grown to encompass the exercise systems of Pilates, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis. A STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer and owner and studio director of Harmony Mind Body Fitness with a passion for dance and performing, Laura earned a BFA in dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Following college, she performed with professional companies in Chicago and Detroit. In 2000, Laura completed her Pilates certification through Body Balance and pursued further education at Equilibrium. In 2002, she completed her Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic Foundation Training with Master Trainer, Juergen Bamberger, and completed the certification process with Juliu Horvath, founder of the Gyrotonic Expansion System™.
Laura opened Harmony Mind Body Fitness in 2002. Over the years, she has been fortunate to work with a wonderful clientele. A strong advocate of continuing education, Laura annually attends the Body Mind Spirit Conference in California and continues to take part in varied workshops.
Contact Laura at:
Harmony Mind Body Fitness
1962 North Bissell
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60614
773-296-0263 info@harmonybody.com
www.harmonybody.com
Beth Friedlaender
Beth completed the STOTT PILATES comprehensive training program at Equilibrium just one year after experiencing miraculous benefits as a client. Since her certification in 1999, Beth has continued to expand her awareness of movement and healing with dedication and enthusiasm. Seeking innovation and reinvention, she infuses Pilates with elements of yoga, psychology and circuit training for a dynamic approach that is nurturing and extremely effective. This includes breath work and setting intentions to release tension and cultivate graceful, efficient neuromuscular activity.
Beth challenges and supports her clients beyond just physical exercise. Each workout is unique and tailored to the individual and their needs that day. Her extraordinary gift for communicating complex concepts in a simple, straightforward manner truly sets her apart. Beth shares her personal experiences and loving energy in every session.
Some of Beth’s continuing education includes: an MA in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica, the MCENTIRE WORKOUT METHOD, Gyrotonic Expansion System Level 1 and L.I.S.T. BALANCE SYSTEM Level 1.
In private practice for more than eight years now, Beth serves a loyal clientele at two studio locations in Los Angeles.
Contact Beth at:
Foundation Pilates
1131 Montana Ave.
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA 90405
pilates_girl@hotmail.com
Tara Gilespie
Tara was introduced to the STOTT PILATES method as an undergraduate student while studying dance. She completed her full STOTT PILATES certification at Equilibrium in 2003. With a background in dance, theater and sports, Tara brings strong physicality, a keen eye and creative spirit to her sessions. Her additional specialized training includes BOSU, Foam Roller and applications of Ballet to Pilates.
Tara enjoys helping her clients achieve a deep understanding of the theory behind Pilates and challenges even her most advanced clients to rediscover the benefits of the fundamentals. She earned her Bachelor of Theatre Arts degree with minors in dance and humanities from the University of Michigan. She loves the arts and devotes a large part of her time to her job as an event planner for the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s development department. She is also passionate about her volunteer work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tara joined the Harmony staff in October 2004.
Contact Tara at:
Harmony Mind Body Fitness
1962 North Bissell
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60614
773-296-0263
info@harmonybody.com
www.harmonybody.com
Martina Hauptman PT
Martina is a physical therapist with experience in both orthopedics and neurology. Martina discovered Pilates through a continuing education class for physical therapists. She immediately saw the benefits of this type of exercise for both the rehabilitation client and the fitness buff. Through Pilates, she has found her own flexibility, strength, posture and balance have improved, which in turn has increased her mountain biking and skiing abilities. Martina moved to Colorado to pursue her passion for outdoor sports and adventure.
Martina’s favorite snack is cheese and if she wasn’t a Pilates Instructor she muses she’d be an International Woman of Mystery.
Contact Martina at:
North Boulder Physical Therapy & Pilates
3000 Center Green Drive
BOULDER, COLORADO 803011
303-413-9903
Katie Manolatos
Katie discovered her love for Pilates as a client in 2001. She holds a Masters Degree in Accounting Information Systems, is a former tax consultant and an avid dance student. In 2004 she decided to make a career change and completed her full STOTT PILATES Certification at Equilibrium. Katie is also an Instructor Trainer in CARDIOLATES and a certified Pre & Post-Natal Instructor. She has a true passion for mind body fitness and loves to offer challenging workouts to beginners through advanced students. Katie loves to bring positive and encouraging energy to every session, whether it is a private or class setting. Katie joined the Harmony staff in February 2009.
Contact Katie at:
Harmony Mind Body Fitness
1962 North Bissell
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60614
773-296-0263
info@harmonybody.com
www.harmonybody.com
Jill Roberts- on extended maternity leave
Jill graduated from the University of Michigan in 2000 with a degree in exercise physiology. She achieved STOTT PILATES full Level 2 certification in 2002. She taught full time at Equilibrium from 2002 – 2009. As an avid runner, Jill credits Pilates with helping her to stay strong and injury-free. Jill is thrilled to have completed the 2006 Chicago marathon and several half-marathons. Jill also appreciates the importance of the rehab side of Pilates. Late in 2007, Jill was in a serious automobile accident and used Pilates as her main form of rehabilitation. Jill enjoys giving energetic, creative workouts, as well as helping people with everyday aches and pains stay strong and upright. Currently, Jill is on leave from teaching so she can stay home with her baby boy, Tyler, who was born in October 2009.
Favorite snack: Anything with peanut butter
If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor: I’d be a chef, with my own cooking show
Starr Yacoub- on extended maternity leave
Starr Yacoub is grateful and honored to be part of the Equilibrium family! Health and wellness in all facets of life are her passion. Currently she is working on a masters degree in vegan and live food nutrition. She has a bachelors degree in exercise physiology. This degree was going to lead her into a physical therapy degree. Instead she found STOTT PILATES in college and was hooked! She did personal training for a while and incorporated Pilates into it. Starr noticed Pilates was giving clients such amazing results that she decided to put her focus there. She has been teaching Pilates for 12 years now and gyro for five years. Before she moved to Michigan, she lived in Dayton, Ohio where she was the proud owner of Namaste Pilates, Yoga and Movement Studio for seven years. Michigan has brought her love. She married her teenage sweetheart, Feras. Michigan has also brought her amazing friendships and the luxury of working for an wonderful studio!
Favorite snack: Organic tortilla chips
If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor: I would be a farmer
