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Teaching Staff
Gayle Eubanks
Gayle is a fully certified STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer, a Breast Cancer Post-Rehab Exercise Specialist, certified through the Pink Ribbon Program, a MELT hand and foot instructor. She trained in the Gyrotonic Expansion System and TRX Suspension System. Gayle has been on staff at Equilibrium since 1999. She enjoys working with clients and STOTT PILATES trainees of all levels and skills, helping them work toward their own unique goals. Gayle is considered to be a mentor to many of the STOTT PILATES instructor trainees. She holds a B.A. in dance from Michigan State University and performed professionally as a leading dancer with Harbinger Dance Company for 12 years before joining the first Pilates training class offered at Equilibrium. Gayle feels Equilibrium has wonderful clients, trainees and staff and loves learning something new from each of them every day.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: all the major US National Parks, Badlands, Grand Canyon, Zion, Yellowstone, Yosemite. In addition, I'd like to visit Australia and New Zealand, Ireland, Galapagos Islands, and many more places.
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: I would be a gardener
Eva Powers M.A.
Eva Powers, Associate Professor, former Department Chair of Dance in the College of Fine Arts at Wayne State University has appeared as guest artist, choreographer / master teacher statewide, nationally and internationally. Eva’s primary research is in education, pedagogy, teaching methodology and dance science. Her courses in Dance Kinesiology and Movement Analysis at WSU reflect her interest in the integration of body and mind conditioning while integrating Pilates and Gyrokinesis. A fully certified STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer, Eva is also a Lead Instructor Trainer for Stott Pilates. Additionally she has completed Level 1 Certification in the GYROTONIC® method and and is certified on the Gyrotoner.
Eva has appeared as a guest artist teaching Pilates, conducting lectures and seminars in dance science and medicine and injury prevention for the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science and for Dance Master Class in Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, England, Sweden, Italy and Spain. Eva also conducts workshops throughout the state of Michigan as well as nationally for Stott Pilates and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO).
Top Dream Travel Destinations: the Arctic before it all melts, African safari and the Galapagos Islands.
If I weren’t a pilates instructor: I would do volunteer work in elementary schools in the inner city, work on behalf of education for all.
Amy Pronovost
Amy is certified as a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer and is on our IT Team preparing new Pilates teachers to join an elite group of instructors teaching around the globe. In addition, she is a level 1 Gyrotonic instructor and level 1 Gyrokineses Instructor, ACE certified, TRX certified, and a 200- hour registered yoga teacher. She received her BA in dance and English from Western Michigan University. Amy also teaches ballet at her studio in Keego Harbor, where her students have received many prestigious ballet scholarships and perform worldwide, including on Broadway. Amy loves teaching clients of all ages and backgrounds and enjoys teaching group classes.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Australia
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: I would be an interior decorator or a writer
Kelsey Lewinski
Kelsey is a teacher, dancer, and choreographer. Graduating from Wayne State in 2018 with her BFA in Dance, Kelsey went on to dance and tour 3 seasons with Eisenhower Dance Detroit. While performing with EDD, Kelsey worked with those such as Nicolo Fonte, Christian Denice, and Micaela Taylor. She now teaches full-time at Big City Dance Center as their pre-professional modern & ballet teacher. Kelsey loves to combine her passion for anatomy and specific training with the art of dance to create healthy and functional movement patterns!
Top Travel Destination: Croatia
If I wasn’t a Pilates Instructor: I would own a cafe somewhere in Europe
Amy Kubo-Slowik PT
Amy combines backgrounds in dance, sports medicine and Gyrotonic to design safe, yet challenging Pilates workouts for each individual regardless of their fitness level. She is a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer for Group SPX and Private Training, as well as a NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Speed, Agility & Quickness instructor and a Level 1 Gyrotonic Instructor. As a physical therapist, she has enjoyed treating orthopedic, dance and sports injuries and has enjoyed working with all levels of athletes.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Italy
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor: I would be an Interior Designer
Kim Dunleavy PT, PhD, OCS
Kim is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor Trainer for Injuries & Special Populations and Rehabilitation, with extensive experience in applying STOTT PILATES principles to clients with injuries and impairments. At Equilibrium, Kim strives to establish safe exercise programs tailored to unique requirements related to spinal or joint dysfunction, medical conditions or post-surgical requirements. She has a Ph.D in Instructional Technology as well as additional masters degrees in manual and orthopedic physical therapy and sports physical therapy.
Kim is a competitive ballroom dancer and golfer and started with STOTT PILATES exercise to improve flexibility and muscle synchronization. Kim is our non-resident Rehab Instructor Trainer and currently is Clinical Associate Professor, Assistant Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, University of Florida in Gainesville, FL
If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor: I’d be an instructional designer or a surgeon
Jason Roberts PT
This 40-year-old Yooper was raised in Iron Mountain, MI. A graduate of Wayne State University, Jason has been a licensed PT for the last 14 years in a hospital setting. His focus is in outpatient sports and orthopedic rehabilitation. Pilates has been a tremendous adjunct to Jason’s treatment plans in helping his clients reach a higher level of function. He holds a certification in STOTT PILATES Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Barrel and Chair. Jason is also certified in teaching TRX. He loves to learn and share his knowledge with every workout.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Great white shark diving - coast of Australia
If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor: I’d do something with ESPN, like a baseball analyst
Leanne Bourassa
Leanne is an Advanced MELT instructor and certified Stott Pilates instructor. Shortly after becoming certified in Pilates, she realized that she needed to focus as much on rehab as fitness. This is when she discovered MELT. Through Pilates, MELT Length and Neurostrength techniques, she has seen great progress in her clients. They have improved fitness levels, reduced chronic pain, found better alignment, and even avoided surgery. While MELT length works on hydrating the connective tissue system and re-balancing the nervous system to find better alignment, MELT Strength and Pilates work on maintaining that alignment and improving overall fitness.
Learning MELT has also given Leanne new insights into the workings of the body and she firmly believes that her MELT training has made her a better instructor overall. It is the perfect complement to Pilates. You cannot maximize the benefits of Pilates, or any fitness regimen without adding in MELT. It is the missing link to overall wellness. To find out more information click here, www.meltmethoddetroit.com
Top Dream Travel Destination: African Safari
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor: I would be a holistic doctor
Liz Smythe
Liz loves motivating others to exercise and has done so for the past 29 years teaching body conditioning, boot camp, spinning, barre, TRX and Pilates. A finance graduate from Michigan State University, Liz worked as a computer consultant before staying home to raise four kids. This break from the business world helped her to realize that fitness, health and helping others were more her true calling. As a fully certified Level 2 instructor, she loves helping clients of all backgrounds develop their full fitness potential.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Hiking thru the Alps and staying in a new town every night
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor: I would be a Librarian. I have always been passionate about reading and love to connect people with books that will broaden their world, educate or entertain them.
Heather Babbie
Heather Babbie is a fully certified level 2 STOTT PILATES instructor and certified TRX suspension trainer. She discovered pilates during her years as a dance instructor and credits pilates for getting her back into shape after having her three boys. Heather enjoys teaching all ages and fitness levels. With her detailed instruction, you will achieve strength, flexibility, and knowledge about your postural alignment that will carry into your everyday life. Heather is also a certified Xtend Barre instructor. Drawing from her strong background in dance and gymnastics, her classes are always energetic and challenging, leaving clients sweating and wanting more.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Greece
If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor: I would be a chef on the Food network or own a diner
Kelly Jeannotte
Kelly studied STOTT PILATES in order to transform her mind and body. She is a full-time mother of two from Plymouth. With her children now in school, she is devoting her free time to teaching Pilates at Equilibrium. Kelly enjoys the challenge of teaching and the opportunity it provides her to develop motivating workout sessions that suit the individual needs of her clients. Kelly is a friendly, compassionate and diligent trainer always seeking to help everyone she comes in contact with to reach his or her full potential. She completed her Level 2 certification in February 2009.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Figi & Bora Bora (by myself 🙂 )
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor: I would be a farmer, but with only dogs and pig.
Lauren Kaczander
After receiving her BA in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado, Lauren moved back home to West Bloomfield to pursue different careers within her field. She has worked for JARC in their School Inclusion Program, doing ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) Therapy with children with autism at Kaufman Children Center, and as a kindergarten assistant at Hillel Day School. Lauren is a lifelong fitness fanatic and was soon introduced to the classes at Equilibrium, where she was inspired to take her passion for fitness to the next level. As her love for Pilates and movement grew, she soon made a career transition and enrolled in the STOTT Pilates CMR Training Program. She is a fully certified Level 1 and 2 STOTT Pilates instructor, Pre and Postal Pilates Specialist and is certified in TRX Suspension Trainer. Lauren loves to teach her clients how to apply our Pilates basic principles not only to our workouts, but in everyday life. She loves seeing the improvement each individual client shows, from their body awareness to advancing her clients repertoire. When not teaching Lauren loves practicing Pilates herself, running, hiking (especially in Colorado!), traveling, dogs, and being with her family. Lauren is so happy to be part of the amazing Equilibrium team!
Top Dream Travel Destination: South Africa
If I wasn’t a Pilates instructor: I’d be a veterinarian
Elissha Bate
For Elissha, the joy of teaching comes in helping clients discover body awareness, eliminate pain, and fully realize their personal movement potential. Elissha found Pilates while attending Eastern Michigan University as a Dietetics student. After registering for a semester long class, it was then she became fascinated with the method and wanted to know more. Having a strong interest in health & wellness, she decided to pursue her teacher training certification at Equilibrium. Elissha is a certified Level 1 STOTT Pilates instructor, working on her Level 2 and has recently completed Xtend Barre training to become the newest addition to Equilibrium’s Xtend Barre team.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Stockholm, Sweden
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor:: I would be involved in the arts.
Samantha Blackburn
Samantha is a staff instructor at Equilibrium and joins us with a strong background in dance and a passion for fitness and health. Her professional dance credits include Charleston Ballet Theatre and Ballet Austin. Pilates was introduced to her as an excellent cross training for dancers. Samantha loves how Pilates helped balance her flexibility with strength and stability. As a STOTT Pilates certified instructor and a dance instructor, Samantha is eager to share her knowledge of exercise and to help you reach your fitness goals!
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Bora Bora & Santorini Greece
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor: I would continue dancing.
Rob Neda
Rob Neda earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wayne State University and is currently working on a Masters in Education in a Community Health. He works as a physical therapist in outpatient orthopedic clinics, where he has been implementing STOTT Pilates with his patients in the rehab setting. He also teaches as a lab instructor for Wayne State University's Physical Therapy program, and sits on the board of numerous non-profit/community organizations. His passion for health and education has driven him to implement numerous health programs and medical mission trips around the world, providing medical relief and education in countries such as Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Honduras. He was also a NCAA college athlete in Fencing and has studied various forms of martial arts and exercise.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Mount Athos, Greece
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: I would be a medical missionary in third world countries
Allison Barnhart
Allison has her certification in STOTT Pilates Level 1. She attended Alma College, and achieved her BA in Business Administration and Dance in 2009. Her Choreography was selected to be showcased in Alma College Honors Day. After college, Allison moved to Chicago and joined Think Dance Collective on an adjunct bases and worked full-time in Marketing. While living in Chicago she continued to train at Lou Conte Dance Studio where she was introduced to Romana’s Pilates and was hooked. In 2015, she relocated back to Michigan and settled in Plymouth, but had trouble finding a classical pilates studio. In the fall of 2016, Allison decided to start teacher training. Her favorite thing about Pilates is how it improves the body and mind by bringing awareness to muscles that we need in order to support our spines and allowing our body to work as it is intended to work. Allison is in studio every Saturday and excited to be a part of the Equilibrium family!
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Prague
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor: I would be a professional organizer
Sabrina Detter
Sabrina first discovered Pilates through Equilibrium at Wayne State University. She graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Science in Dance, and she has earned her Dance Education Certification for K-12 Schools. She has always had a passion for dance and teaching, but once she discovered Pilates, this soon became her newest passion. Sabrina is a Level 1 certified STOTT Pilates instructor. She has also received her certification in TRX Rip Training. Pilates and dance combined keep her happy, fit, and healthy. She also enjoys biking, reading, sketching, creative writing, yoga, and the outdoors (on those warm, sunny days). She has dedicated herself to staying fit and healthy, physically and mentally, and she wants others to feel the same way, which is why she is so excited she is apart of the Equilibrium team.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Japan and Italy
If I wasn't a Pilates Instructor:: I would be a professional dance choreographer.
Amy Shelata
Amy’s love for pilates began 14 years ago when a back injury sent her to physical therapy. “I was such an active person. I’d run several miles a week, and suddenly, I couldn’t do anything. It was pretty devastating.” After her last PT session, her therapist told her she needed to pursue pilates in order to heal and stay fit. She signed up for a pilates class and never looked back. After doing pilates for a few years, Amy decided she wanted to share her passion and signed up for teacher training at Equilibrium. Amy is level 1 Stott-certified on all equipment - mat, reformer, cadillac, chair, and barrels plus ISP - Injuries and Special Populations. Amy also teaches barre and TRX classes. A graduate of Michigan State University, she has taught at various studios in the area since 2009. “I love pilates, because anyone can do it at any age! As I get older, I realize how important it is to keep moving and challenging our bodies. Pilates does that safely.” Amy is married with two college age children and a high schooler.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Costa Rica
If I weren't a Pilates Instructor: I would be a landscape architect
Debra Sawicki
Debbie is a graduate of Oakland University and has been a licensed Physical Therapist for 25 years. Her background is in treating orthopedic conditions of the spine and extremities, with emphasis on spinal dysfunction, post-operative and sports rehabilitation. She is passionate about Pilates and has incorporated her STOTT Pilates principles to her rehabilitation clients for the past 14 years. She personally experienced the benefits of Pilates after successfully rehabilitating herself from a volleyball injury using STOTT Pilates exercise.
She is STOTT certified in Mat and Reformer and is a STOTT Pre and Post Natal Specialist. She previously taught Pilates classes at the community level. She is excited to come to Equilibrium and share her enthusiasm for Pilates and helping people of all fitness levels achieve their goals.
Top Dream Travel Destination: Greece/Italy
If I weren't a Pilates Instructor: I would be a chef or a librarian
Lisa Patrick
A few years ago Lisa was looking for a meaningful job and another type of exercise to add to her routine. Who knew those 2 things would be one in the same! She had taken a series of reformer classes years earlier through a Groupon and remembered really liking it. So she went to a few studios nearby and felt comfortable at Equilibrium right away! Instructors kept telling her she had good form, which she credits to her ballet background, so she inquired about the program and before long enrolled for STOTT PILATES ® instructor training.
Lisa is a STOTT PILATES® certified full Level 1 Instructor. When Lisa is not in studio you can find her on the tennis court where she applies some of the STOTT PILATES® basic principles to help improve her tennis game and makes sure her own workouts are geared toward keeping her injury free to play more tennis.
"I really listen to what my clients want to gain from pilates and try to help them achieve their goals. I love to see their happy expressions when they do something new they were not able to do before!" Lisa is thrilled to be a part of the Equilibrium family.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Rhodes, Africa
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: It took me so long to figure out this career, that I can't even imagine doing anything else! I guess it would be something creative where I'm moving, not sitting behind a desk and it would probably involve helping people.
Lynn Tofil
Lynn is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and Level 1 Certified STOTT PILATES ® instructor and Barre Above instructor. She received her training from Equilibrium after graduating from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dance. From there, she relocated to Seattle and received the rest of her training at Bodycenter Studios and worked for six years as an instructor and freelance dance artist. While in Seattle, she danced with various artists around the city, produced her own dance work, and wrote for a local dance publication.
She believes pilates and teaching pilates provides a fantastic foundation in her pursuit of a career in the arts. Her favorite part about teaching is guiding her clients into more strength, connection, awareness, and freedom of movement. She is excited to be back in Michigan and ready to continue her dance and Pilates passions closer to her family. In her free time she reads, writes, travels, spends time outside, and spends time with her loved ones.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Greece
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: I would be an artist full time, and travel!
Sean Bradley
Born in Dallas, Texas, Sean has always been a mover. Some of his favorite activities growing up included Taekwondo and running. Perhaps unlike most of the other kids, he equally enjoyed the intricate stretching routines necessary to condition one’s body for those sports.
In 2004, he moved to Bloomfield and went on to attend Michigan State University. There he studied food science, nutrition, and food sociology and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2013.Next, his family encouraged him to develop his interest in food further and he attended culinary school. Sean spent several years working in several amazing restaurants in and around Detroit, and while he learned a lot, his intuition was calling him in another direction. Passionate about health and wellness, he trained and dabbled in life and health coaching but still felt that he had meaningful talents that he wasn’t honoring.
In 2019, Sean finally discovered the physical component and outlet that he was searching for in Pilates. He was instantly captivated by the sophistication and the brilliance in the design of the exercises and repertoire. Fitness became less about strain and struggle and more about a lifestyle that supports and optimizes healthy function.He has found his exploration of Pilates to be endlessly rewarding, and in so many ways that he never expected. Sean loves being at equilibrium and is thrilled to share the life-enhancing magic of Pilates with all who seek it.In his spare time, Sean enjoys spending time outside (especially on Belle Isle), cooking/eating, and listening to dance music.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Italy
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: Entrepreneur
Carly Goidoski
Carly has a true passion for mindful movement! She's dedicated her professional life to the alignment of mind and body. She joins our team with 12 years of experience as a Master Barre Teacher. Carly is the former owner of The Dailey Method in Birmingham where she cultivated a warm community, mentored many employees, and led wellness retreats. She's excited to hone her teaching craft as a STOTT Pilates instructor next to the team of experts at Equilibrium. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. You'll likely see Carly taking class next to you because she loves to be a student and sees herself as a lifelong learner!
As a daily mover, Carly feels she has adult-onset athleticism. Growing up, she didn't enjoy sports. It was in a high school PE class that she discovered her love of movement. The teacher popped in a VHS Pilates tape and it was in that session that Carly realized it's possible to enjoy movement. Pilates helped her connect to her body in a way she had never experienced before. She hopes to inspire this same joy of movement in her clients!
Top Dream Travel Destinations: New Zealand
If I weren’t a Pilates instructor: I can't imagine a life without teaching mindful movement BUT if I couldn't, I'd lead wellness retreats full-time.
Jenny Jeshurun, PT, DPT (Maternity Leave 2022)
Jenny is a certified Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist with expertise in working with pregnant and postpartum women. After graduating from the University of Miami with her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, she trained through the American Physical Therapy Association to further specialize in pelvic floor training. Jenny trained with Polestar Pilates for Mat Pilates Certification and is currently enrolled in STOTT Pilates Reformer Training.
As a PT consultant at Equilibrium, she will be combining her knowledge of the pelvic floor and core to assess your body for injuries, compensation strategies and muscle imbalances and will apply such findings into creating modifications to your current pilates routine. Jenny’s pelvic floor background allows her to assess the specific needs of individuals with pelvic, abdominal, and back pain, urinary leakage, pregnancy-related pain, cesarean or abdominal scar tissue/restrictions, and many more! A healthy pelvic floor is an integral component of optimizing your Pilates workouts!
Top Travel Destination: Glacier National Park, Back to Austria to go hiking in the Alps, Hawaii
If I wasn’t a Pilates Instructor: I would be a PT! I can’t imagine doing anything other than empowering others to be active and live their lives without restriction or pain.
Client Services Staff
Jessica Prentice
Client Services Manager | Teacher Training Program Coordinator
After four years of teaching preschool and kindergarten, Jessica decided it was time for a career change and Equilibrium gained a genuine super-star. Jessica loves working with people, solving problems, and contributing her help and support to whatever team she joins. She is very family oriented and In her spare time she loves to hang out with her sister, her friends and of course Oliver Pilates. She is an animal lover and self proclaimed personal shopper. As your client-service manager she hopes to make everyone happy and feel comfortable coming to her with any questions, comments and/or concerns.
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Rainforests of South America to play with sloths
Alana Towns
Client Services
Alana is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Health Promotion. Alana has always had a passion for fitness and loves to challenge herself with new techniques. In her spare time, she likes to exercise, shop, watch sports, and travel. Alana is very personable, work-oriented, and a team player! She is so excited to join the team and be an aid to all your client-service needs!
Top Dream Travel Destinations: Bora Bora