Meet the Instructors at Equilibrium
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Heather Babbie
Having discovered pilates as a dance instructor, Heather credits it for getting her into shape after having two children. Her new passion led her to enter the STOTT PILATES training program. In addition to pilates, Heather continues to teach dance and gymnastics at a local school. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and fitness levels and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge so that she can continue to meet her clients' needs
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Laura Bovenberk
Laura is thrilled to have found a home at Equilibrium after relocating to Detroit this Spring. She spent the past seven years pursuing a dance career in New York City, most successfully as a Radio City Rockette. She began her pilates certification in 2004 after falling in love with the workout Pilates provides. She holds a degree in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University. She believes pilates can have an amazing affect on a client's daily outlook and self-esteem and hopes to share her joy for movement and exercise. In addition to her schedule of private clients, Laura will be teaching dance classes at the studio.
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Alicia Cartwright
has a degree as a Paralegal and has worked in accounting for over 10 years. With an extensive background in ballet and a passion for movement she was naturally drawn to pilates. She became a client at Equilibrium Studio and soon after, enrolled in the STOTT PILATES training and certification program. Alicia is known for challenging her clients while maintaining a positive and caring disposition.
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Kim Dunleavy
PT, MS, MOMT, OCS
Certified for Lumbar and Shoulder Stabilization on Mat and Reformer, Instructor for ISP course, Kim is an orthopedic physical therapist and an assistant professor at Wayne State University, Department of Physical Therapy and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Kim is widely published and lectures world-wide on orthopedic treatment and management of dance injuries. Kim is a competitive ballroom dancer and started with STOTT PILATES exercise to improve flexibility and muscle synchronization.
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Gayle Eubanks
Dancer with Harbinger Dance before training in pilates and GXS. She also coaches figure skaters in ballet and movement concepts and has certified as a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer. Breast Cancer Post-Rehab Exercise Specialist, certified through the Pink Ribbon Program.
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Carolyn Goryl
Carolyn first experienced Pilates through a fusion class called PiYo (pilates/yoga) and fell in love. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Exercise Science, she has worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She is the Michigan Professional Affiliate Coordinator for AFAA and believes that Pilates is appropriate and valuable to EVERY body! Carolyn is certified in Matwork, Reformer, & CCB.
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Martina Hauptman PT
Martina is a physical therapist with experience in both orthopedics and neurology. She discovered pilates through a continuing education class for physical therapists. She immediately saw the benefits of this exercise regime for the rehabilitation client and also for the fitness client. She has found that through pilates her own flexibility, strength, posture and balance have improved. These improvements have helped her ability to mountain bike and ski.
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Katie Manolatos
holds a Masters Degree in Information Systems, is a former tax consultant and an avid dance student who practiced pilates at our studio for years before entering the Training & Certification Program. Katie has chosen to make teaching STOTT PILATES her full-time career, and feels her need to help people attain goals, and feel better about themselves is best expressed through her new profession.
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Melissa Penn.
is a ballet dancer and teacher as well as a pilates instructor. Melissa has danced professional for Ballet Memphis, Nashville Ballet, and Charleston Ballet Theatre. As a pilates instructor, Ms. Penn likes to focus on correct posture to gain strength and flexibility. She strives to help her clients gain knowledge about the exercise and their bodies to increase their awareness and challenge their workout.
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Tracy Pighin
With a background in accounting and ten years coaching cheerleading, Tracy is dedicated to fitness and, added to her love for pilates and kickboxing, has a special interest in nutrition and owns a Health and Beauty Company called Pighin International. Upon entering the STOTT PILATES training program Tracy was immediately offered a job staffing our reception area part-time based on her incredible smile and positive attitude. Throughout the day she greets clients and always responds to a simple "how are you" with an enthusiastic "absolutely fabulous"!
Tracy has completed her level 2 exams to become fully certified.
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Eva Powers M.A.
is a full professor in the Wayne State University Department of Dance, and was responsible for creating a Dance Kinesiology course reflecting her interest in the integration of body and mind conditioning for dancers with specific focus on pilates. Fully certified as a STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer. Eva is a dancer, choreographer, gifted professor, and mentor to new STOTT PILATES instructors at Equilibrium. Eva has also achieved Level 1 Certification in Gyrotonic.
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Amy Pronovost
is a fully certified Level 2 STOTT PILATES Instructor and a certified Level 1 Gyrotonic instructor. She has been teaching at Equilibrium since 2000. Amy received her BA in Dance and English from Western Michigan University. She is also the ballet director of Dance Dynamics in Walled Lake. She brings her extensive dance background into her work with clients at Equilibrium. She enjoys working in detail with people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as with dancers. Amy also loves teaching mat and reformer classes and also her ballet barre class and is certified in Pilates for Golf
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Jason Roberts PT
Jason grew up in Iron Mountain, MI. Jason is 35 years old and graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in PT. Jason has been a PT for about 10 years primarily in a sports medicine/orthopedic setting. Jason has been certified in strengthening and conditioning the last 5 years.
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Jill Roberts
graduated from University of Michigan in 2000,with a degree in Exercise Physiology and has been teaching full-time at equilibrium since achieving full level 2 certification 3 years ago. Jill was an avid runner in training for a marathon when she injured her back and credits pilates with helping her to stay strong and injury free.The majority of Jill's clients are young active women who use pilates as the perfect cross-training adjunct to their various athletic pursuits, and several have recruited their husbands for weekly duet sessions. Jill has trained many women during their pregnancies and is known for helping them regain abdominal strength and shape post-natal. Breast Cancer Post-Rehab Exercise Specialist, certified through the Pink Ribbon Program.
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Christine Sage
has a full certification, a BS in Finance and Business Management and was one of our favorite equilibrium clients before her love for pilates led her to enroll in our STOTT PILATES training and certification program. She enjoys energetic workouts and clients who share her passion for pilates.
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Liz Smythe
Her passion for exercise led Liz to start her second career as a group fitness instructor 18 years ago while she was a computer consultant at a major consulting firm. A life long fitness junkie, Liz loves being active inside and out; biking, skiing, golfing and playing tennis with her kids. After graduating with a Finance degree from Michigan State, her love for learning led her to the Michigan MBA program. Four children (Caroline, Katherine, Brian and Jackie) and a dog (Charlotte the wiener dog) later, Liz discovered STOTT PILATES and was amazed at how it differed and yet complimented all other athletic endeavors. She's fond of saying that "no other exercise has changed my body like Pilates has." A regular spin, aqua and boot camp instructor, Liz holds certifications from Johnny G and AFAA, in addition to her STOTT PILATES certification. You can count on Liz to develop safe, challenging and interesting workouts for clients of all abilities.
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Amy Kubo-Slowik PT
combines backgrounds in dance, sports medicine and Gyrotonic to design safe, yet challenging pilates workouts. She is a certified STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainer and has completed their Rehab component, Lumbar & Shoulder Stabilization. Amy is also a NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Speed, Agility & Quickness instructor and a Level I Gyrotonic Instructor. As a licensed physical therapist, Amy specialized in treating orthopedic, dance and sports injuries and enjoyed working with all levels of athletes, but now devotes her career to teaching pilates.
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Sheara Talmi
grew up in Israel where she studied dance before she was called up for her two years of mandatory army service. She immigrated to the United States soon after, arriving in Michigan where she and her husband own a business. She became a client at equilibrium and her passion and interest in Pilates led her to enroll in our STOTT PILATES training program. Sheara caught the attention of her instructors and the entire studio staff with her talent, intelligence, and infectious laugh. After a very successfull apprenticeship she was offered a full time teaching position at the studio. Sheara's private clients love her detailed teaching, and her enthusiasm. Her commanding voice keeps her equibarre and cardiolates clients inspired!
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